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"The ICONIC Advisory Committee has researched future engine platforms with manufacturers, teams, drivers and fans, and they felt this strategy best highlights key attributes of the sport - speed, competition and diversity. We feel this open and all-inclusive platform will make our sport an attractive option to engine manufacturers, while allowing development of a relevant and innovative platform to the current and future automotive industry by highlighting efficiency, performance, durability, quality, environmental responsibility and safety."
"Everyone wants to see competition and high performance on the track. We are the fastest and most versatile racing in the world and this new engine strategy will continue to enhance that. Now that we have a platform in place, it is our job to put this package in front of the automotive industry to attract the type of participation that will elevate the sport. We truly want to challenge manufacturers to once again make our sport a proving ground and a platform to showcase technology that will benefit the future of their industry." - IRL CEO, Randy Bernard
"We will continue to evaluate rules that will keep a level playing field across the board with the various engines that could enter our sport. For example, we could see a V-6 competing against an Inline 4 at all IZOD IndyCar Series events in the future. We will require reference engines as a benchmark in performance while looking at sonic air restrictors, fuel flow restrictions and more as key criteria for competition." - President of Competion and Racing Operations, Brian Barnhart


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Every few months, an email pops up with the subject line: "Eat" or "Meat Meet" or "When?" This is a calling from UCLA library school friends Socrates and Jun about meeting up to eat. Last month, we met in Downtown LA for lunch at Lemonade.
The service was quick and staff friendly. We sat in the underground mall to eat and catch up. And to plan our next outing of course! Perhaps it'll be back to Lemonade - there are so many dishes I want to try!
515 South Flower Street
Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90071
Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 2:30 pm (other locations have extended hours)

subset: commoncrawl


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2012 Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix
The following transcript is why we love when MotoGP arrives at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Not only does IMS press relations offer smaller interviews with riders and detailed releases on the events at and around the speedway, they also offer the full transcript of the typical Thursday pre-race conference. And of course, much talk revolved around Ducati Team's Valentino Rossi returning to Yamaha next season…enjoy.
Following is the transcript of the pre-race conference that took place Thursday at IMS ahead of the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix:
MODERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, a very warm welcome. It's the pre-event press conference for the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix here in the United States of America. Of course, the second race in succession in the States.
At the press conference today in the center, Jorge Lorenzo, riding the factory Yamaha, the World Championship leader, five wins this season and the winner at Indianapolis in 2009, and three podium finishes also for Jorge Lorenzo in Indianapolis.
To his right, Casey Stoner, riding the Repsol Honda, third in the World Championship; Casey, four wins this season. He's won the last three races in America, Casey Stoner. Of course, the most important one for him probably the last one, that was at Laguna Seca three weeks ago.
To his right, Nicky Hayden joins, sixth in the World Championship, riding the Ducati. Two podiums for Nicky in Indianapolis, 2008 riding the Honda then and, of course, 2009, which was his first podium for Ducati.
To the left of Jorge, Stefan Bradl, Stefan the current Moto2 champion, doing sixth in the World Championship with Nicky Hayden; best result in the season coming just a couple of grand prixes ago in MotoGP, fourth in the Italian Grand Prix. Of course, this is his first season in the MotoGP World Championship.
Far end, no introduction needed. He's the nine times World Champion, Valentino Rossi, eighth in the championship. Best result, second place at Le Mans this season; and, of course, a winner here at Indianapolis 2008 just before the hurricane arrived.
We start with Jorge Lorenzo. Jorge, not much of a summer break, quite sure. Here you are Indianapolis, important race, and you've got a good record here, haven't you?
JORGE LORENZO: Yeah, world record? Sorry? Which record?
MODERATOR: Your record at Indianapolis.
LORENZO: For the last — yeah.
MODERATOR: Sorry, not the lap record. I meant a good record for what you've done here, the results you have here. Three podium finishes and the win here.
LORENZO: It's a record? (Laughter)
MODERATOR: No, it's not a record. But it could be a record, actually. That I'm not sure about. You've done well here.
LORENZO: Yes, 2009 I won. In the last two years it was one of my worst races. So for record, for the moment is not the new record here. (Laughter)
MODERATOR: Here we go. Eight races to go in the World Championship, 23-point lead over Dani, 32-point lead over Casey. A good position to be in, but I think Laguna Seca showed it's still going to be a tough fight.
LORENZO: Yes, of course, it's going to be tough. We all know that Casey and Dani are very strong this year. We are also strong; compared to last year, much stronger. We have been very consistent, always in the first two positions. This is our main strong point; that's why we are leading the championship.
But anyway, still eight more races to go, so we must keep more or less at the same if we want to be World Champion because I don't see Casey and Dani out of the podium in so many races from this point to the end.
MODERATOR: And I think you spent the last week or the last few days at Colin Edwards' Boot Camp. Will that help you in the race?
LORENZO: I hope. I hope, but I don't think so. I don't think so. Those bikes are just for fun, just for to keep the concentration to be very focused and to make some approximation of racing, but it's very far from the feeling you can get in the big bike.
Anyway, we have a lot of fun. I've been running a lot and getting fitter than before. So, for sure, these weeks have been positive for us because normally all the riders are making their vacations.
MODERATOR: During the summer break news, of course, that you have not a new teammate, a former teammate, Valentino Rossi joining you at Yamaha next year.
LORENZO: Yeah, I think it's interesting to see how we can handle again Valentino and me on the same team and the same bike. I'm very interested to see what is going on. And for me, it's a big pleasure to be teammate with him again.
MODERATOR: Jorge, thanks very much indeed. And get record and record right the next time. Thank you.
Come to Jorge's right, of course, Casey Stoner. Currently third in the World Championship. Fresh Casey from an excellent victory at Laguna Seca and won the last three races in America. As I said, 32 points between you and Jorge. You've got to keep that pressure up, haven't you?
CASEY STONER: I think Jorge knows how to handle the pressure. He's won a lot of World Championships, and he's been riding pretty much flawlessly this season. We thought his season in 2010 was impressive and, in my opinion, this season is even more so. Except for the incident with Bautista, which there's a very good chance he would have won that race, at least probably being in the top two, he would have kept that one or two result for the whole season.
So it's been very difficult to get on top of him. We've got our own issues and problems with the bike that we really need to resolve. Laguna was a good track for us because it went left, and we have a lot less issues when we go around a left-hand circuit. So we'll have to see how we can do here again; it's going the right direction for us. But, unfortunately, when the track does go to left, we sort of ignore a lot of problems that are created when we go back to the right. So we need to make sure we stay focused, keep trying to improve the bike so when things do get a little tricky later in the season, we can keep up the pressure. But we've got a long way to go. We lost a lot of points in a very short amount of time, from no fault other than my own. And we've got a long way to scrape back those points.
MODERATOR: Lots gone on during the summer break. No changes in mind for you about coming back next year?
STONER: No. You know, I think the summer break actually cemented it even more that I want to be away from racing. To be honest, this season has been very tough to find motivation to continue going, to continue pushing all the time. There's been a few races that I've been a little bit downbeat and I'm struggling to find that hunger that I want to really win. So I'm always having to try and chase it and find it somewhere. It's not always easy. So we'll continue doing what we've been doing and, you know, try and sort some of the issues out and see if we can keep fighting for the championship at the end of the year.
MODERATOR: But still the only World Championship winner on the Ducati. Still must be very proud about that.
STONER: To be honest, I'm not looking at statistics and things like that. I think what every rider should be looking for is a little bit of respect. Some of the riders always criticizing each other and things like this and if respect is returned, then there's not a problem. But I think what we did with Ducati was great, but it wasn't just me. It was my team, my teammates, everybody that's helped and actually put a lot of input in toward that bike. So it's disappointing to see the results they're getting at the moment, but I hope to see them bounce back soon.
MODERATOR: Casey, thanks very much indeed. Come to Casey's right, of course, ladies and gentlemen, Nicky Hayden. This is really a home race for you, isn't it, Nicky? We used to say Laguna, but this is the proper home race for you.
NICKY HAYDEN: Yes, for sure. Laguna is close but this one I consider my home race now, being just across the state line in Kentucky. It's great to come here. Indy is a great track, especially now that it's repaved. It's gotten a lot better. So looking forward to hopefully having a good weekend. I like this track. It won't be easy, especially with these front guys going so fast, but I certainly hope to have our best result of the season.
MODERATOR: Everything has been going on around you, but here you go, Laguna Seca, new contract, settled. You can really concentrate on everything now.
HAYDEN: Yeah, it's nice to know your future, and I'm definitely happy to be back with Ducati. I love my team, the guys I work there, and I believe in the potential. It's not like Ducati has never won before. We won before and, yeah, looking forward to the new partnership with Audi. I know it will be tough to make any real changes in the short term, but it's an exciting time, and hopefully that's going to play out for us both in terms of financial for Ducati, technical terms, a lot of resources there. So that should be something we can hopefully use to our advantage and build on.
MODERATOR: You say the short term. I think you've got four sixth places this year. Can you push on from there? Eight races left, and they come in a short space of time, don't they?
HAYDEN: Yeah, as far as I mean the bike, you know, big changes this time of the year is tough. We have a few things. After Brno, we're testing in Misano, where we can try some stuff. To do big steps during the season is tough, but I do think Mugello was clearly our best result — well, not the result but the race was the best race of the year. So, yeah, it's tough, but sure, I think we can do better than sixth place.
MODERATOR: Are you going to miss Valentino again? You've been teammates twice now, and you've seen him depart.
HAYDEN: Yeah. Truthfully, yeah. We've had a good relationship. I'm not like going to be in tears over it, you know, and just — but, yeah, I mean, you know, as great as it would have been to see Vale at the front on the Ducati, it just hasn't at the moment happened. So, you know, move on and see who my new teammate will be. But I enjoyed being teammates with him.
Sure, we had some — I don't know about a lot of good times, but I enjoyed being teammates with him and definitely somebody I respect a lot. It's good to see him back staying in MotoGP and with the new challenge. And, you know, as good as it would have been for the sport him winning on the Ducati, him at the front on anything I think we'll all benefit from.
MODERATOR: Nicky, thanks very much indeed. We come to the left of Jorge Lorenzo. Of course, Stefan Bradl, ladies and gentlemen, riding the LCR Honda. Joint sixth in the World Championship. Every time you come up here, we say it's been a fantastic start to the season for you, and we're just over halfway now.
STEFAN BRADL: It's not so bad. I mean, it's not fantastic. Fantastic would be to be on the podium every race. But we can be happy. I'm happy so far. We are doing good; we are improving every time. So far we have been not doing so much mistakes, which is important for the first season, I think, to learn as much as I can. And, yeah, we were very close to the podium in Mugello, which I could enjoy a lot. The last race in Laguna was not really easy for me because learning the track and so on. But, yeah, I think all the team and we can be happy. And hopefully we can do the next step, especially to the first three guys there. They're still a little bit too fast for us.
MODERATOR: You say Laguna was your first race, you've been on the podium here in the 125cc race and, of course, ridden here Moto2, also. So at least you come here knowing the track.
BRADL: Yes, I know the track, but I'm a little bit worried — I'm looking forward for tomorrow. I think they changed asphalt in last season, which was not a disaster but really bad. And this season I still don't know how is the situation, but hopefully it will be better compared to last year. It's an OK track for me. It's not really — I can enjoy riding here, but it's not one of my favorite ones, but it's OK.
MODERATOR: And you said about the last eight races pushing towards the podium, it is hard, isn't it? They call them the aliens, don't they, those three. To get in amongst them is going to be very, very difficult.
BRADL: Yes. I mean, they are doing especially in the race every single lap they are quite close to the limit and so precise. This is the biggest difference to what I know from Moto2. Sure the competition is high, but these guys pushing theirselves so fast and so hard. Yeah, this is what I still need to improve, but I think I'm on a good way to do that.
MODERATOR: I think we all agree. Thanks very much, Stefan.
We come to the Stefan's left, ladies and gentlemen, Valentino Rossi. Valentino, you kept your promise. You said at Laguna you would tell us what was going to happen. We've read all the announcements, and you will be joining a new team next season.
VALENTINO ROSSI: Yes. After Laguna and the summer break, I have enough time for to think more deeply to my future. You know, this is a great pity for me and Ducati and for all of our fans, but especially for all the guys that work with me at this project because I want to try to be competitive. Italian rider with Italian bike, but unfortunately, it doesn't happen. These two seasons are very difficult, and we struggling very much. Unfortunately, we were not able to improve our speed, our performance, and to fight for the good position, for the front position.
So I decide for this that it is enough and my choice is because I try to understand which is the best bike, the more competitive bike for the next two years that maybe at the end of my career or, you know, but anyway, the last part, and this is the choice. It's a great pity. I'm very sad, also, because I in Ducati find a lot of good people. We had great times together. We try the maximum, but unfortunately we were not able to achieve the result. So this is what makes the difference.
MODERATOR: Eight races to go with Ducati, and I'm sure, as always, you will be there with it.
ROSSI: Yes, are very important because unfortunately we have to speak about the next year very early in the season. But we still have eight races. And now is an important moment because first, this track for me, is always — I was able to win in 2008, but it is a difficult track for me. Last year was very bad. So we have to keep the concentration of me with my team and try to make the maximum.
And after is an important period because Brno is a good track, and after Brno we will have some important tests in Misano, and we have to try to improve the bike to improve our pace for the rest of the races because, anyway, eight races is a long way.
MODERATOR: And you rejoined Jorge next year, which will be interesting, I would imagine.
ROSSI: Yeah, will be interesting. Now the situation change a lot compared to the past, compared to 2008 when Jorge arrive to Yamaha. Now he's the No. 1 in the team, and our relationship are good. I have respect for him, and he have respect for me. So I think we can stay together. I am sure that together we can form a great team for Yamaha, for try to achieve good result in the next seasons.
MODERATOR: Valentino, thanks very much indeed. Thank you, all.
Questions from the floor, ladies and gentlemen. If you put your hands up, I think the microphones will arrive.
Q: Valentino, last year in Assen you were saying that the big problem of Ducati was Casey, that he was able to ride the bike perfectly, but he has never given the input to make step forward. After these two years, is the situation that original sin was the fact that Casey was never able to work on the setup and development of the bike or what?
ROSSI: I never say this. I just say that for Ducati the problem — well, the positive problem was that Stoner was very fast with that bike and was also problem for us for to make the decision at the end of 2010. But, you know, the reality is that I was never fast with that bike from the first test to now. And unfortunately together with Ducati we were not able to improve the bike and to fix the problem that the bike have.
MODERATOR: Anybody else?
Q: Vale, you said you would put everything in a balance and you would make a decision. Which has been the reasons have made you decide for Yamaha?
ROSSI: I had some different options, and I tried to choose the best bike for me for the next two seasons and just this for the rest — the rest of the contract is not a problem. I'm happy about the contract for the next two seasons. I know that I can be stronger with the M1 and especially can enjoy because, you know, the next two seasons for me will be hard, especially try to stay with Jorge, also to beat Jorge, because now he's very, very fast. But I need a bike for enjoy. At this moment of my career I have to enjoy, I have to try to fight and to arrive happy at the racetrack.
Q: Casey, it's your last race in America. You've had amazing success here, and you've made lot of friendships with a lot of younger American riders. Your thoughts on being your last race in the U.S.A.?
STONER: Yeah, to be honest, it's a little bit disappointing to not be racing here anymore. The country and everything that I have enjoyed so much time here. I enjoy the people; the atmosphere is everything. I feel like home here, and I spend as much time as I can in the U.S. every year. But I will be coming back to visit, definitely. This is one, you know, in my opinion one of the best countries in the world. I really enjoy every aspect of it. So it won't be my last time here.
But as far as racing goes, yes. I voiced my opinions with this circuit that it's not one of my favorite. Laguna is. I enjoy that track. But this track is a little bit tricky, and if we're able to use the oval, maybe it would be something special, but unfortunately we don't. So it's going to be farewell to a lot of places but, you know, there's always the opportunity to come back and ride it again.
Q: You've befriended some younger American riders, J.D. Beach, Cameron (Beaubier), others. Where are these guys going to sleep now when you're not there?
STONER: I guess they'll have to make it their own way. If we can and we've got the opportunity, then maybe we can help. But we were there for them when it was difficult for them. They're traveling around the world at a very young age by themselves and didn't really know what was what and which direction. I found their attitudes were good, and we gave them a hand. But they seem to be taking their careers a step forward, especially recently. It would be nice to see them succeed.
Q: Valentino, you will take all your crew with you? And from what I understood, you said that it could be your last two years in MotoGP but maybe not bike racing. Does that mean that you will race for Superbike for Yamaha in the future like I heard somewhere?
ROSSI: So I think my crew come with me. More or less the same guys that come with me from Yamaha to Ducati. But is still not decided 100 percent. I think we have to fix some of the ties.
And about my future will depends a lot from the result of the next two seasons. Because I want to remain more than two seasons in MotoGP but depends how much I'm strong and I'm fast with the M1. And to have the opportunity for the future for Superbike, yeah, I always say. But it's very early to say, because I hope to be faster, to be competitive, to enjoy and remain in MotoGP more than two season.
Q: Do you still believe that you could get a world title or will you be happy to just win some races next year?
ROSSI: For sure, the world title is a dream. But in my condition now, especially you have to understand if I'm still a top rider, if I'm still fast, and if I can fight for the front row, if I can still fight for the podium. I don't know, because after two seasons like this, nobody knows. So before I speak about the championship, I have to understand if I can fight from the front row, I can fight for the podium. And after, we will see.
Q: What did you ask to Yamaha?
ROSSI: Sorry?
Q: What did you ask to Yamaha?
ROSSI: Why?
Q: Which condition did you ask?
ROSSI: About what?
Q: To come back there. Did you ask something special?
ROSSI: I have always great relationship with Yamaha, also, after I change bike because what's happened between me and Yamaha was something special. But I trust them 100 percent in Yamaha for next season. So I know that Yamaha will give to me the right bike, the right material. You know, being with Jorge at this moment when he ride very strong and fantastic way, the M1 is difficult. But, you know, I have to try the bike at the end of the season, try to understand the growing up and try to understand if I can be fast like in the past. But, you know, we have to wait the result of the track, like always.
Q: Did you ask to keep a wall between you —
ROSSI: No, no, nothing. We will be very close with Jorge if he agrees. (Laughter)
For me, no problem.
LORENZO: No problem, no problem.
Q: Valentino, Casey has said this week, described a humbling experience for you. Has this been humbling, this a disappointing time —
STONER: I want to clarify that. That was a lot of context taken out. It was the whole last year and a half. I never did interview and never said anything like that last week. I still stand by what I said, but it's been over the last year and a half that it was put together.
Q: OK. So has this been a humbling experience for you?
ROSSI: I don't know what's been humbling? Oh, I cannot say no. I mean, you can use which word you prefer. I mean it was very, very difficult, is very difficult. It's not true that we don't try, we try the maximum. But we were never able to be — I was never able to be fast with the Ducati, and this is a great, great pity, a very bad thing, especially for me and for my team.
Q: One for Casey and one for Jorge. Casey, you said that you've thought about coming back, and you said no, no way. But have you ever thought, have you ever passed through your mind that you could come back with Ducati and win again?
STONER: No, Honda has been extremely good to me. I said my decisions aren't made because of what manufacturers or what dreams I want to go and do. My decisions have been made for real life, real world. You know, I want to continue my life in a different way.
Q: Yeah, but have you felt inside you could go back to Ducati and make it win?
STONER: No.
Q: OK. And for Jorge, you must feel really strong having Valentino with you, and you say he's very welcome to Yamaha with you, no wars, or anything? Are you going to help him as he did with you when you came to Yamaha?
LORENZO: Well, I don't have any problem with anybody. I like to be, to have a good relationship with everybody in the paddock. I have a lot of respect for Valentino. So maybe if he asked me for some favor, I will give him.
Q: But if he starts winning, will you put up the wall?
LORENZO: I always say the wall is a stupid thing. It doesn't make sense for anything. No wall is OK for me and I think for Vale this time.
Q: Jorge, when you have signed for Yamaha, did you know the possibility of Valentino come back to Yamaha or not?
LORENZO: Yeah.
Q: Jorge, you said that you have no possibility to choose your teammate. But do you have any priority in the technical development of the bike for the future or you will — you have to fight on track to get this leadership?
LORENZO: To be honest, I really think if I negotiate in the contract, if I say not to sign some rider, I will have him. But anyway, I never cared about my teammate, I will not care in the future. For me it is a pleasure to be again with Valentino, two more years with the same bike. So for me, everything is positive.
Q: Also, for the technical point of view?
LORENZO: Yamaha never have No. 1 rider given the best performance bike or the best pieces, no. So it will never be different, I think.
Q: Casey, are you surprised that Valentino decided to go back to Yamaha?
STONER: No. I think, you know, after two years like this it must be difficult, must be a little bit embarrassing. He needs to understand if he's competitive again. So going with a bike that he knows he was last fast with and maybe the only opportunity for a different manufacturer on a factory bike. So I think, you know, it's going to be interesting to see what happens next year. But, no, not — it's not a strange decision after two seasons like this; it's got to be difficult. So it's better to try and be competitive again on something which you know he's competitive.
Q: Jorge, next year you will miss Casey, obviously. To try to beat Valentino, will it be your new challenge?
LORENZO: No, to be honest, I would like Casey to come back to Ducati. It would be kind of funny for sure.
But I don't think this is possible. So, yeah, maybe one of my challenges will be again to beat Valentino, but it's not the main one. The main one is to again be World Champion this year and the next two years.
MODERATOR: Anybody else?
Q: Question to Valentino and Nicky. Looks like Dovizioso is going to be the new Ducati rider. How do you think his chances will be? Even Casey perhaps that's been riding the bike, what he thinks he could do.
ROSSI: I think that to have the opportunity in the future that the situation, things change a lot in Ducati, especially because Audi arrive and give a lot of money but especially a lot of experience, a lot of technical help. So a great, good luck to Dovizioso with the Ducati. If he will drive the Ducati, and especially to Ducati good luck to achieve better results than these two seasons.
HAYDEN: Yeah, if it's Dovi, I think he's probably the best choice out there. He's got good experience coming from me. I'm happy. Spent years at Honda, then now Yamaha, and now come there. I think his experience can be beneficial to our engineers. How he'll go on the Ducati, we'll have to wait and see. Of course, I think one of the good things, Dovi doesn't make a lot of mistakes when he rides. He's pretty precise, and that's important. Because if you make a lot of mistakes on the Japanese bike, when you get on the Ducati, that's just double.
Well, maybe not double, but is more. So, yeah, hopefully he can bring some knowledge and help us be a good bike if he does come. And I look forward to having a strong teammate. Was there another question?
Q: I asked Casey.
STONER: No idea. People have been saying for years one rider's style is similar to another rider's style and suit the Ducati. But I think it's nothing to do with style. It's pride, personally. However you think a bike should be ridden, you basically have to ride it how it wants to be ridden. You know, you can go to other manufacturers and say that's how I did it here and it worked, and why isn't it working there? But I think it's just about pride, and you need to give that up and ride it the way it needs to be.
Q: Vale, you explained the decision is not about money and you choose Yamaha. How much money are you losing because of your decision? (Laughter)
LORENZO: You want the exact amount? (Laughter)
It's a big calculation. (Laughter)
Q: Vale, you tell us before that now Jorge is the main Yamaha rider and do you think you are going to be able, do you hope you are going to be at his level now? After these two years yourself, do you think watching them on the track that the Yamaha could give you what you missed on the Ducati and to be faster just from the right moment?
ROSSI: This is a good question. So looking in the track now is not enough, the Yamaha, because the difference is so big. No, apart from the joke, I mean in the last seasons, Jorge has become more strong than when I was with him in Yamaha — oh, in 2010 he was very strong. And he ride the M1 at an incredible level without do any mistake. So for me it's a question mark for me, I don't know.
And also because, you know, in the last seasons I think mainly three riders make the difference, him and Dani and Stoner. I was with them until 2010, so I consider — I was considering a top rider.
But after these two seasons, no, I don't know. So I have to try another time the bike. After the last race, but after I have to work very much on me and together with my team for go at the maximum and try to understand my level now with the M1.
Q: Valentino, again talking about money. The rumor says that you will carry a lot of money to Yamaha. Can you confirm or not? And then you also someone says could be two different, separate teams with different color. Also this could be an option?
ROSSI: These are just bullshit. I don't know why I have to bring money to race with Yamaha. I am happy about my contract, and my contract is fixed. So I hope that Yamaha can find a good sponsor for next year. I think speak with some other guys and — yes, it's true speak with Monster but already before I arrive. And the team will not be separate, for sure.
I don't know if maybe have one bike one sponsor, the other bike a little bit different, but I think no. I think will be all the same.
Q: Jorge, has another energetic drink?
ROSSI: Yeah, yeah, this is possible. But seriously, I don't know because my contract is closed. It's no difference for me if arrive with sponsor or I have to bring some sponsor. This is not true.
MODERATOR: OK, just one more and that's it. This will be the last one. Thank you.
Q: Once again for you, Valentino. Over these two years, how have they changed yourself, not as a rider but as a man?
ROSSI: I don't know. A lot of people say that in the difficult moment, in the bad moment people become stronger, so I hope. Because I, for sure, was very difficult from the beginning. So is long time that I am here to fight, unfortunately not to win, but I enjoy to ride, and unfortunately we are not able to create the perfect match between me and Ducati. And this has become very, very difficult. Also because for sure all the other guys are very strong.
But for about me, myself, for me it doesn't change a lot.
MODERATOR: OK. Thank you to all the riders. That was an excellent press conference. If we could just stand for the photographs, please. Can everybody just sit down? We'll just do the photograph and then we'll be off. Thank you.


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Author Affiliations: Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (Dr Rodríguez); Trauma Foundation (Dr McLoughlin and Mr Nah), and The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (Dr Campbell) Baltimore, Md.
Context Laws requiring mandatory reporting of domestic violence to police exist
in 4 states. Controversy exists about the risks and benefits of such laws.
Objective To examine attitudes of female emergency department patients toward
mandatory reporting of domestic violence injuries to police and how these
attitudes may differ by abuse status.
Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional survey conducted in 1996 of 1218 women patients (72.8%
response rate) in 12 emergency departments in California (a state with a mandatory
reporting law) and Pennsylvania (without such a law).
Main Outcome Measures Opposition to mandatory reporting to police and the characteristics
associated with this belief.
Results Twelve percent of respondents (n = 140) reported physical or sexual
abuse within the past year by a current or former partner. Of abused women,
55.7% supported mandatory reporting and 44.3% opposed mandatory reporting
(7.9% preferred that physicians never report abuse to police and 36.4% preferred
physicians report only with patient consent). Among nonabused women, 70.7%
(n = 728) supported mandatory reporting and 29.3% opposed mandatory reporting.
Patients currently seeing/living with partners (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95%
confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.0), non-English speakers (OR, 2.1; 95% CI,
1.4-3.0), and those who had experienced physical or sexual abuse within the
last year (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6-2.9) had higher odds of opposing mandatory
reporting of domestic violence injuries. There were no differences in attitudes
by location (California vs Pennsylvania).
Conclusions The efficacy of mandatory reporting of domestic violence to police should
be further assessed, and policymakers should consider options that include
consent of patients before wider implementation.
Most states require clinicians to report to police injuries due to violence,
criminal acts, or deadly weapons.1 From 1991
to 1994, California, Colorado, Rhode Island, and Kentucky passed various forms
of mandatory reporting laws requiring health care professionals to report
intimate partner violence (IPV) to the police. Since 1994, California has
required clinicians to report to police suspected IPV-related injuries, even
if this is contrary to patient wishes. Noncomplying clinicians face penalties
of fines up to $1000 and/or jail sentences of up to 6 months in California.
The law does not specify how police should respond, local jurisdictions vary
in response, and the degree of enforcement is unknown.
Mandatory reporting is controversial among clinicians, patients, and
domestic violence prevention advocates. Supporters of the policy argue that
it will facilitate the prosecution of batterers, encourage health care clinicians
to identify domestic violence, and improve data collection.2,3
Opponents believe it may increase violence by the perpetrators, diminish patients'
autonomy, and compromise patient-clinician confidentiality.4,5
Mandatory reporting laws are not affected by the new Federal Medical Privacy
Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence because they fall under the provision
relating to disclosures required by law.6 The
National Resource Council has recommended a moratorium on such laws until
more research is conducted on the advantages and disadvantages of mandatory
reporting policies for domestic violence.7
While patients frequently look to police for help during acute episodes
of violence, clinician reporting to police may raise fears of increased violence,
loss of control, and family separation, all of which may lead some abused
patients to avoid seeking help from health care clinicians.2
Two recent studies have found that some women may be supportive of mandatory
reporting policies.8,9 However,
another study reports that a majority of abused patients are opposed to mandatory
reporting of IPV to police.4 A Colorado study
found that 9% of female patient respondents were less likely to seek medical
care as a result of mandatory reporting.10
Limitations of these studies include low response rates, small sample sizes,
or samples primarily from states where specific domestic violence mandatory
reporting laws do not exist. An evaluation of an emergency department intervention
to improve the health system response to abused patients permitted us to survey
a large random sample of female patients in California and Pennsylvania about
mandatory reporting. Unlike California, Pennsylvania does not have a specific
law that mandates clinicians to report IPV to police.
The patient survey was part of an emergency department IPV intervention
study and involved 12 emergency departments, randomly drawn from all midsized
hospitals (20 000-40 000 patient visits annually) within 160 km
of San Francisco, Calif, and Pittsburgh, Pa.11
In contrast to previous published analyses of 3 waves of data collection for
11 of these 12 emergency departments,12 this
study used only the third wave of patient surveys from all 12 emergency departments.
Response rates had improved for that wave and the questions on mandatory reporting
had been revised to allow for better assessment of patient preferences. We
attempted to survey 1672 patients during 1996 using the Patient Satisfaction
and Safety Survey, an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire
contained 20 items designed to (1) verify eligibility for participation; (2)
identify patients currently in abusive relationships; (3) assess satisfaction
with care; and (4) determine attitudes about mandatory reporting of domestic
violence to police. To assess abuse status and identify those patients with
histories of physical or sexual partner violence in the previous year we used
the Abuse Assessment Screen.13 To assess patients'
attitudes toward the mandatory reporting law, respondents were asked the question:
"Do you think that the emergency department staff in hospitals should be required
to call the police when they think that a husband, boyfriend, or partner (ex-husband,
ex-boyfriend, ex-partner) has hurt or abused an adult patient?" Respondents
were given 3 options: (1) yes, every time; (2) every time unless the patient
objects; or (3) never.
Data were collected from any eligible woman patient by female nurses
during 8-hour and 12-hour evening shifts between Friday and Tuesday to obtain
representation from weekday and weekend shifts. We excluded patients too ill
to respond to questions and those never left alone by accompanying persons.
The institutional review boards at the coordinating institutions in Pennsylvania
and California approved the study. Signed consent forms were waived by the
institutional review boards and oral consent was obtained. The patients were
informed that the questionnaire was anonymous and voluntary, had no impact
on the care they would receive, and would not be seen by the clinicians treating
them that day.
We analyzed the data using univariate and logistic regression analysis.
For cross-tabulation, mandatory reporting attitudinal responses were dichotomized
into "report always" (support) vs "report never" or "only with patient consent"
(oppose). Predictor variables included age, race, primary language spoken
at home, total family income per month, relationship status, and partner violence
in the past year. Statistical significance was determined by Pearson χ2 statistical test with a 2-tailed P value
of less than .05. We generated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
intervals (CIs) for factors independently associated with opposition to mandatory
reporting. All statistical analyses were conducted using SAS version 8 software
(SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC).
A total of 1218 eligible emergency department patients responded to
the Patient Satisfaction and Safety Survey (response rate, 72.8%). Overall,
the response rates for respondents who answered the question on mandatory
reporting and completed information on each characteristic ranged from 67.3%
to 70.2%. There were no significant state-specific differences in response
to the survey attitudinal questions, including support for or opposition to
mandatory reporting laws.11 Overall, 12.0%
of respondents (n = 140) reported being physically abused or forced to have
sexual activities in the previous year.
Among the abused respondents, 44.3% (n = 62) opposed mandatory reporting
of domestic violence to police (36.4% [n = 51] supported reporting but only
with patient consent; 7.9% [n = 11] thought that physicians should never report
to police), while 55.7% (n = 78) supported mandatory reporting. Of nonabused
respondents 70.7% (n = 728) reported higher levels of support for the policy,
while 29.3% (n = 301) opposed the law (25.7% [n = 264] favored reporting with
consent; 3.6% [n = 37] preferred physicians never to report, P<.001).
Women who opposed the mandatory reporting policy tended to be young
(34.3% of 18-39 years old vs 28.3% of those >40 years old, P = .03); nonwhite (35.9% of nonwhite patients vs 29.0% of white patients, P = .02); non-English speakers at home (41.7% of non-English
speakers vs 30.3% of primary English speakers, P
= .04); and abused (44.3% of those reporting abuse in the past year vs 29.2%
of those reporting no abuse, P = .001) (Table 1). Opposition to the policy did
not differ significantly by relationship status, total family income per month,
or state (California vs Pennsylvania).
Based on regression analysis, the following factors were independently
predictive of favoring nonreporting when a patient objects: (1) physical abuse
in the last year (adjusted OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6-2.9); (2) non-English spoken
at home (adjusted OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.0); and (3) currently seeing/living
with a partner (adjusted OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0).
In this study, 44.3% of recently abused female emergency department
patients do not support mandatory reporting of domestic violence to police.
Possible reasons for such opposition include fear of retaliation by the abuser,
fear of family separation, mistrust of the legal system, and preference for
confidentiality and autonomy in the patient-clinician relationship.2 Yet, our study also demonstrated that a higher percentage
(55.7%) of recently abused female emergency department patients do support
mandatory reporting. This may be due to desires for enhanced safety and relief
from the onus of making a police report.
Many patients supported IPV reporting policies that take into consideration
patients' preferences. For example, of the 44.3% of women with recent histories
of abuse who opposed mandatory reporting, the very women who would potentially
be reported to police, the majority selected the response indicating support
for reporting to police unless the patient objects. Further research with
abused women is needed to distinguish their preferences among several options:
(1) a law requiring reporting unless the patient objects; (2) a reporting
law that requires patient consent; or (3) no reporting laws but physician
responsiveness to IPV and assistance with criminal justice interventions when
Similar to the women with recent histories of abuse, 41.7% of women
who were primarily non-English speakers were opposed to mandatory reporting.
These findings are consistent with previous qualitative research in which
abused women expressed the belief that they should control the decisions to
involve the police.2 Another study has explored
sociopolitical factors that hinder abused immigrant women from seeking help,
including social isolation, language barriers, and fear of deportation.14 Because the impact of police involvement in immigrant
women's lives may be different than for US-born women, changes in welfare
and immigration laws may interact with this policy, resulting in further disempowerment
of the female patient. Given the attitudes expressed by the respondents in
these studies, it is unclear whether mandatory reporting will help recent
IPV survivors or put them at risk for further violence. One clinical alternative
is to encourage the assessment of danger that can help women and clinicians
assess safety, yet leave the final decision as to whether to call the police
with the patient.15
Physicians' attitudes regarding mandatory reporting have varied. In
a previous survey of physicians in California, 53% to 85% responded that such
policies could prevent women from seeking medical care, provoke retaliation,
or compromise confidentiality and autonomy.5
In the same survey, 53% to 86% believed that these policies can increase recognition
and responsiveness to domestic violence, as well as improve and increase documentation
and collection of statistics.5
One limitation of our study is that we only surveyed patients seeking
care at emergency departments. Therefore, we missed IPV survivors who may
have been deterred from seeking help for reasons that include fear that they
may be reported to the police. This limitation would have the impact of underestimating
the degree of opposition among abused women to laws that mandate reporting
IPV to police.
Further research on mandatory reporting is needed to address the preferences
of those in abusive relationships. Research should also track patient and
clinician outcomes in other states that require reporting IPV to police. Lacking
answers to these concerns, our research suggests that policymakers should
consider development of IPV reporting policy options that combine respect
for patient autonomy with the greatest potential for protection from abuse.


text:
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: Audit of Togo Emergency - Benin (AR2005-111-01), 7 Jun 2006
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United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (UN OIOS) 7 Jun 2006 report titled "Audit of Togo Emergency - Benin [AR2005-111-01]" relating to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The report runs to 10 printed pages.Note
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UNITED NATIONS Office of Internal Oversight Services UNHCR Audit Service Assignment AR/2005/111/01 7 June 2006 Audit Report R06/R010 AUDIT OF UNHCR TOGO EMERGENCY - BENIN Auditors: Alpha Diallo Humphrey Kagunda ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES Office of Internal Oversight Services UNHCR Audit Service AUDIT OF UNHCR TOGO EMERGENCY - BENIN (AR/2005/111/01) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In November 2005, OIOS conducted an audit of UNHCR Togo emergency operation in Benin. The audit covered activities with a total expenditure of US$ 1.6 million in 2004 and 2005. A draft of this report was shared with the Director of the Bureau for Africa and the Regional Representative in March 2006. The comments, which were received in May 2006, are reflected as appropriate in the final report. The Representative has accepted most of the recommendations made and is in the process of implementing them. Overall Assessment � OIOS assessed the UNHCR Togo Emergency Operations in Benin as average, it was adequately run but, although the majority of key controls were being applied, the application of certain important controls lacked consistency or effectiveness. In order not to compromise the overall system of internal control, timely corrective action by management is required. Programme Management � For the three partners reviewed, reasonable assurance could be taken that UNHCR funds were properly accounted for and disbursed in accordance with the Sub-Project Agreements. Recommendations were made to improve internal controls for all the partners reviewed. � CARITAS made loans to and from UNHCR sub-projects, without UNHCR's prior agreement and without adequately accounting for them. Although the practice was discontinued, OIOS was concerned as to the correctness of the final loan balance owed to UNHCR. The Regional Representation has confirmed CARITAS' willingness to refund the amount due and expects the matter to be settled by end of June 2006. � Due to poor performance, micro-credit activities implemented by CARITAS were discontinued in 2004. An amount of US$ 21,500 was retained however in CARITAS' bank account. OIOS recommended that this amount be refunded to UNHCR with immediate effect. � OCDI paid loans on a recurrent basis to staff from UNHCR project funds, which were, on average, six times the staff member's monthly gross salary. The monthly repayments represented over 50 per cent of their monthly income. The loans were not recorded in OCDI's accounting system, thus leaving no audit trail. OIOS recommended that this practice be discontinued. � OCDI did not comply with the social security tax law. OCDI increased its staff's salaries by an amount equal to the social security amount, so that staff still obtained their gross salary instead of paying the required tax to the authorities. OCDI did not remit the tax to the social security authority as required but in some cases directly to the staff, arguing that they had their own private social security arrangements. The Regional Representation was informed that the partner had ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- taken the necessary action to ensure the practice of making loans to staff stopped and OCDI would in the future fully comply with applicable income tax and social security laws. The Regional Representation indicated it would confirm actual compliance by the end of June 2006 after verifying the position on the ground. � OIOS assessed that the emergency situation was well administered. Camps with latrines, boreholes and other facilities were established well before the arrival of the first refugee caseload. According to a mission report by the Chief of ESS, the overall emergency response of UNHCR was well managed due to an active contingency planning process that resulted in good coordination and proactive management. � OIOS also assessed that programme financial monitoring was generally good as evidenced by project review reports and other records maintained by the partners reviewed. Supply Management � The Regional Representation needed to improve its procurement procedures, as companies supplying goods and services such as travel, customs clearance, and fuel were not selected competitively. For example, for 2004 and 2005 over US$ 170,000 was paid to a travel agent that had not been selected competitively and with which no contract or frame agreement had been signed. It was similar for the fuel supplier and the clearing agent. A competitive bidding exercise for the selection of travel and clearing services has now been conducted. For fuel, the UN system has, after an internal evaluation exercise, signed an agreement with a fuel supplier on behalf of all UN agencies present in the country. Security and Safety � Although a recent Security Compliance report assessed that UNHCR made great efforts to comply with MOSS, the Field Security Coordinator informed OIOS that a number of improvements were still needed, such as the installation of metal detectors, blast resistant film and smoke detectors. The required improvements for metal detectors, blast resistant films, cameras and iron grills have been made. Smoke detectors and an alarm system would be considered, subject to availability of funds. Administration � In the areas of administration and finance, the UNHCR Representation in Benin generally complied with UNHCR's regulations, rules, policies and procedures, and controls were operating effectively during the period under review. � OIOS noted that expenditure was often certified by an Administrative Assistant, with no signing authority, rather than by the designated certifying officer. OIOS observed this for MIP claims (a UNHCR high risk area), and for many travel authorizations (PT-8s). � Urgent action was needed to prepare the 2005 Performance Appraisal Reports. These have been finalized at the time of the issuance of the report. June 2006 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER Paragraphs I. INTRODUCTION 1-4 II. AUDIT OBJECTIVES 5 III. AUDIT SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY 6-8 IV. AUDIT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Review of Implementing Partners 9-17 B. Other Programme Issues 18 C. Supply Management 19-22 D. Security and Safety 23-24 E. Administration 25-27 V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 28 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. INTRODUCTION 1. From 14 to 23 November 2005, OIOS conducted an audit of UNHCR's Togo emergency operation in Benin. The audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. OIOS reviewed the activities of the UNHCR Regional Representation in Benin, its Field Office in Lokossa and three of its implementing partners. 2. OIOS' previous audit of UNHCR in Benin was conducted in 2000. That review focused on 1998 activities covering expenditure of US$ 1.5 million. The main audit issues raised pertained to financial management, non-adherence to personnel policies and procedures, lack of physical inventory and a lack of strong internal controls systems established by implementing partners. Prior to this present OIOS audit, the Regional Representation requested a `pre-audit' of activities by the Senior Regional Finance Officer. OIOS noted that most of the recommendations of the `pre-audit' had been implemented. 3. In early 2005, following social tensions relating to political succession in Togo, a massive exodus of refugees totalling 40,000 took place of which 25,000 were hosted in Benin while some 15,000 fled to Ghana. About 60 per cent of the Togolese refugees in Benin reside in host communities, while the remaining 40 per cent live in camps situated near the border with Togo. 4. The findings and recommendations contained in this report have been discussed with the officials responsible for the audited activities during the exit conference held on 23 November 2005. A Summary of Preliminary Findings and Recommendations was shared with the Regional Representative in December 2005. The comments, which were received in January 2006, are reflected in the final report. In addition, a draft of the report was shared with the Director of the Bureau for Africa and the Representative in March 2006. The comments, which were received in May 2006, are reflected in the final report. The Representative has accepted the audit recommendations made and is in the process of implementing them. II. AUDIT OBJECTIVES 5. The main objectives of the audit were to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of controls to ensure: � Reliability and integrity of financial and operational information; � Effectiveness and efficiency of operations; � Safeguarding of assets; and � Compliance with regulations and rules, Letters of Instruction and Sub-Project Agreements. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 II. AUDIT SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY 6. The audit focused on the 2005 programme activities under projects 05/AB/WAF/EM/100, with expenditure of US$ 877,000, and 05/AB/WAF/LS/402, with expenditure of US$ 453,000. Our review concentrated on the activities implemented by CARITAS � expenditure of US$ 200,000; the Centre Panafricain de Prospective Sociale (CPPS) � expenditure of US$ 39,000; and the Organisation de la Charit� pour un Developpement integral (OCDI) � expenditure of US$ 190,000. We also reviewed activities directly implemented by UNHCR with expenditure of US$ 312,000. 7. The audit also reviewed the administration of the Regional Representation at Cotonou with administrative expenditure totalling US$ 0.7 million for the years 2004 and 2005, and assets with acquisition cost of US$ 1.1 million and a current value of US$ 23,000. In 2005, the number of staff working for the UNHCR Operation in Benin was 17. 8. The audit activities included a review and assessment of internal control systems, interviews with staff, analysis of applicable data and a review of the available documents and other relevant records. IV. AUDIT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Review of Implementing Partners 9. For the three partners reviewed, reasonable assurance could be taken that UNHCR funds were properly accounted for and disbursed in accordance with the Sub-Project Agreements. However, OIOS assessed that internal controls of all partners could be improved. 10. The final audit certificates covering the 2004 sub-projects were not available at the time of the review; draft audit reports were available with unqualified audit opinions expressed. (a) CARITAS 11. CARITAS commingled UNHCR funds with other donor's funds, even though it had not been agreed in the relevant Sub-Project Agreements that funds could be deposited in a pooled account. In addition, a significant number of loans were made between UNHCR sub-projects and CARITAS' own funds. A complicated system had been established for recording these transactions which did not facilitate the tracking and subsequent repayment of loans. OIOS was pleased to note that the practice of loans to and from UNHCR sub-projects was discontinued in September 2005, following the pre-audit recommendations. Nonetheless, OIOS was concerned that CARITAS' calculations of the final loan balance due to UNHCR was incorrect as various errors were noted in the recording of the loans, making the records not reliable. OIOS recommended that UNHCR ensure that all loans made to and from UNHCR sub-projects are properly recorded and corrected. The Regional Representation carried out financial review of CARITAS' s activities and confirmed OIOS' findings. Corrective measures were taken on the basis of conclusive supporting documentation. It was reconfirmed that the practice of loans to and from UNHCR sub-projects has been discontinued and that appropriate refunding took place. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 12. CARITAS' micro-credit activities had a very low success rate. From loans totalling some US$ 77,000 only US$ 14,000 was repaid, and very few projects were actually implemented by the beneficiaries of the loans. Consequently, given the poor performance observed, this activity was discontinued in 2004. At the time of our review, however, a cash balance of some US$ 21,500 was still kept in CARITAS' bank account for income generation activities. The Regional Representation explained that this issue had been discussed at length with the Senior Regional Finance Officer, and that it was a common and well-known problem in UNHCR, for which no clear solution existed 13. OIOS takes note of the explanation, but does not agree with the advice/information provided to the Regional Representative. These funds were provided to CARITAS for income generating activities, and as these funds were not disbursed they should be refunded to UNHCR. The only issue/problem encountered in the past was with funds related to country operations that had a revolving fund managed directly by UNHCR. OIOS recommends that CARITAS refund to UNHCR some US$ 21,500, without any further delay. The Regional Representation subsequently explained that steps were taken to request CARITAS to refund the unused balance, and that the partner has indicated its willingness to do so, and that the actual refunding would be made within weeks. Recommendation: The UNHCR Regional Representation in Benin should ensure that CARITAS refund to UNHCR US$ 21,500, representing the unused balance of income generation funds under local settlement sub- projects (Rec. 01). 14. Internal controls over warehousing needed to be strengthened. The issuance of Non- Food Items (NFI) was initiated/authorized by CARITAS using official blank UNHCR forms, which were not even pre-numbered for control purposes. Instead, the form was photocopied and used by CARITAS' storekeeper as and when needed. This practice should be discontinued and proper inventory movement control established. CARITAS also needed to introduce the use of contracts for the transportation of NFIs. The observed practice was not satisfactory as it was solely based on oral agreements with the transporters. The relevant invoices were paid in cash, but there was no evidence of service delivery. OIOS made a number of recommendations to address the weaknesses noted. The Regional Representation requested that CARITAS immediately implement OIOS' recommendations and pointed out that an interim logistician has been hired to follow up on all warehousing matters. For the future, contractual documents would be required to transport NFIs to ensure that UNHCR's interests are protected. (b) Organisation de la Charit� pour un D�veloppement int�gral 15. OCDI made salary loans to its staff on a recurrent basis, using UNHCR project funds. Each of the loans reviewed represented about six times the monthly gross salary of the beneficiaries, with repayment over a 12-month period. Consequently, monthly repayments often represented more than 50 per cent of the staff's monthly income. The next advance was given immediately after full repayment of the preceding loan. This practice was found to be widespread and had been used consistently throughout 2004 and 2005. Further, the loans had ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 not been tracked in OCDI's accounting system thus leaving no audit trail except for the payslips showing the deduction from the salary. There was neither an advance ledger (sub- account) nor any other document showing the total amount loaned to staff, repayments to date, or outstanding loans. 16. OCDI did not comply with the social security tax law, which required that an amount representing 20.5 per cent be deducted and paid to the local social security authority. OIOS found that OCDI had instead increased its staff salaries by an amount equal to the applicable salary tax amount, giving staff gross salaries at the expense of UNHCR. OCDI explained that the tax was given to those employees who claimed that they were paying insurance premiums directly to an insurance company. OIOS did not obtain any evidence of this, and pointed out that such an option might not be available, given that businesses were generally required to directly deduct social/tax contributions, and to make the relevant submissions to the local tax authorities. The non-compliance with this requirement might expose OCDI to heavy penalties. OIOS recommended that this practice be discontinued. The partner should be made fully aware that UNHCR is not responsible for and will not pay any penalties related to non- compliance with the local tax law. 17. The Regional Representation explained that a letter has been sent to OCDI requesting clarification on the measures taken to address the shortcomings highlighted by OIOS. The Regional Office subsequently pointed out that it has been informed that actions were taken, and that by the end of June 2006 it would physically verify whether the practice of personal loan was discontinued, and outstanding loans accounted for. B. Other Programme Issues 18. OIOS assessed that the activities of the emergency operation had been successfully managed, with an Inter-Agency Contingency Plan prepared by the Regional Representation, on the basis of early political developments in Togo. A leading role was assigned to each UN agency in Benin in their respective fields of competence, with UNHCR acting as the coordinating agency. Camps with latrines and boreholes and other essential facilities were established well before the arrival of the first caseload of refugees. In addition, with the assistance of local authorities and some implementing partners, procedures were put in place for registration upon the refugees' arrival. According to a mission report by the Chief of ESS, the overall emergency response of UNHCR in Benin was well managed thanks to an active contingency planning process that resulted in good coordination and proactive management. The only shortfall noted pertained to financial obligations that were not met in the health sector, which was under the responsibility the World Health Organization. Starting in 2006, this sector has been assigned to M�decins Sans Fronti�res (MSF). C. Supply Management (a) Procurement 19. In 2004 and 2005, procurement totalled US$ 450,000. OIOS assessed that the Regional Representation generally complied with UNHCR procurement procedures, albeit some improvement was required in the areas of the procurement of services. For example, for the years 2004 and 2005, over US$ 170,000 was paid to a travel agent with no evidence that the supplier was selected competitively, and with whom no contract was signed. The ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Regional Representation explained that three quotations were obtained from travel agents prior to each travel. In OIOS' view, considering the financial volume involved, it would be more cost effective and less cumbersome to select a travel company and issue an annual contract than requesting quotations for each travel. 20. Similarly, tenders should have been issued for a clearing agent and a fuel supplier, both of whom had not been competitively selected. The current clearing agent was introduced to UNHCR by a former staff member, and has been supplying services since, at least 2003. The fuel supplier had been selected mainly because it was able to provide prepaid fuel coupons and, according to the Regional Representation, had the largest network of fuel outlets in the country. There was no evidence of any tender (or requests for quotations) and the basis of the selection of the fuel supplier was not documented in the files. 21. The Regional Representation stated that a competitive bidding exercise for a travel agent and a clearing agent has now been conducted. With regard to fuel, the UN system has, after an internal evaluation exercise, signed an agreement with a fuel supplier (TOTAL) on behalf of all UN agencies present in the country. (b) Asset management 22. Despite the fact that a physical inventory was recently carried out, the AssetTrak system was not up-to-date. OIOS found that AssetTrak data did not take into account a significant number of assets in the custody of partners in Benin and in other countries under the responsibility of the Regional Representation (Burkina Faso and Togo). For example, the system did not include vehicles, computers, refrigerators and photocopying machines. Further, for those recorded assets, the required data entry form was either not always filled out, or did not have proper documentation attached to it. Moreover, OIOS noted some data anomalies in the AssetTrak data, such as the asset's Net Book Value being higher than the Acquisition Value, or of equal value though acquired years back. This meant that the depreciation had not been calculated or the value of assets was incorrectly recorded. The Regional Representation took note of the findings, and indicated that updating and correctly calculating Net Book Value amounts should be finalized by the end of July 2006. Recommendation: The UNHCR Regional Representation in Benin should update AssetTrak to fully reflect those assets in countries under its responsibility, and ensure that the Net Book Value of assets is correctly calculated (Rec.02). D. Security and Safety 23. In a recent Security Compliance report (dated 24 February 2005), UNHCR was assessed as having `done a great effort in complying with MOSS'. During its meeting with the Field Security Coordinator (FSCO), however, OIOS was informed that a number of improvements were still needed, including for example the installation of metal detectors, blast resistant film and smoke detectors. The FSCO further stated that other security devices still needed to be included such as an alarm system, cameras and iron grills. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 24. The Regional Representation stated that metal detectors, blast resistant films, cameras and iron grills have now been installed in the Cotonou Office. The Regional Representation also stated that smoke detectors and an alarm system would be later installed subject to availability of funds. It further indicated that training sessions on the warden system have been scheduled for all UN staff in Benin, and that evacuation procedures would be part of the training by the FSCO. E. Administration 25. In the area of administration and finance, the UNHCR Regional Representation in Benin generally complied with UNHCR's regulations, rules, policies and procedures, and controls were operating effectively during the period under review. 26. In November 2005, the 2005 cycle for the Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) had not been initiated, nor had the objectives been established and/or discussed with the staff. According to the Regional Representation, the main reason for the non-compliance was the emergency situation in Togo. Given the key role that performance records can play in ensuring fair and transparent comparative reviews and posting exercises, OIOS recommended that the Regional Representation immediately agree with staff on work objectives, and prepare the mid-year reviews. The Regional Representation indicated that the post emergency phase has now allowed it to finalize the PARs, and that all cases but one have been completed. 27. OIOS noted that expenditure was often certified by an Administrative Assistant, with no signing authority, rather than by the designated certifying officer. OIOS observed this for MIP claims (a UNHCR high risk area), and for many travel authorizations (PT.8s). OIOS recommended that the Regional Representation comply with the established delegation of authority chart, and ensure that expenditures are certified by an officer with delegated authority. The Regional Representation stated that it has taken note of the findings, and that action would be taken wherever required. V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 28. I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance and cooperation extended to the auditors by the staff of UNHCR and its implementing partners in Benin. Eleanor Burns, Acting Chief UNHCR Audit Service Office of Internal Oversight Services -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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Interior chief sees many wind farms in US future
"I think there's a good chance it will happen before the end of the year," Salazar said of the Cape Wind project. Speaking in an AP interview a few weeks before he leaves office, he also claimed gains as secretary in tightening oversight of offshore drilling after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. "I think the coziness with industry that was there when I came into the department is gone," he said.
A former U.S. senator from Colorado, the 58-year-old Salazar ran the Interior Department throughout President Barack Obama's first term.
Along with changes at the offshore drilling agency, Salazar pushed for renewable energy such as solar and wind power and helped to settle a longstanding dispute with American Indians.
The Interior Department manages more than 500 million acres in national parks and other public lands, as well as more than 1 billion acres offshore. The department oversees energy, mining operations and recreation and provides services to 566 federally recognized Indian tribes.
Under Salazar's watch, Interior authorized more than 40 solar, wind and geothermal energy projects on public lands that officials say will provide enough electricity to power more than 4 million homes.
Salazar called his four-year tenure a "joyful journey" that took him from the Everglades to the Arctic. Still, he said he was eager to return to his family and his Colorado ranch.
He spoke of progress in the long-delayed Cape Wind project off the Massachusetts coast because developers have agreements with utilities to purchase about 75 percent of the power the project is expected to generate and are working to get more. The $2.6 billion project off Cape Cod was the first offshore project to win a federal lease when Salazar gave his approval in 2010.
But the project has stalled because of lawsuits and difficulties obtaining financing. Developers plan to build 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound, but they've faced bitter opposition since they first proposed the project in 2001.
Opponents have filed several pending lawsuits and argue the project will ruin the pristine sound and endanger marine traffic and animal life. They also say the project's electricity is significantly overpriced and a terrible deal for ratepayers.
Cape Wind says the cost is worth the project's benefits, including jobs, decreased pollution and the creation of a reliable power source near a busy coastline.
Salazar said the delays and lawsuits that have plagued Cape Wind illustrate the difficulty of developing new energy sources. Regulatory improvements made in recent years should help other offshore projects follow more quickly, he said.
"Nobody had really focused on offshore wind energy until President Obama came into office," he said. "Cape Wind wasn't even processed under the authority of this department. They ended up in this morass where it took them 10 years to work through that process."
Now, with so-called wind energy zones designated in the Atlantic Ocean, a host of wind farms should crop up from Maine to Virginia, Salazar said. "We're very, very excited by the progress that has been made and we look forward to a robust offshore wind industry in the Atlantic."
On offshore drilling, Salazar defended the unprecedented shutdown of offshore drilling after the BP spill. In office, he also renamed and revamped the agency that oversees offshore drilling after the April 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon rig, which killed 11 workers and led to the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history.
Business groups and Gulf Coast political leaders said the six-month shutdown crippled the oil and gas industry and cost thousands of jobs. Salazar said the moratorium was the right decision.
Now, regulators "are being a lot smarter about what we lease" on the Outer Continental Shelf, he said. "We are making sure that people are kept accountable and that problems are detected and fixed as rapidly as possible."
Salazar disputed claims by some environmental groups that the changes have not gone far enough to change a culture at the drilling agency that often favored industry.


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It seems like not much has changed since I was an Indiana high school student:
A team of Valley high schoolers and parents rally for a separate prom that bans gays.
NBC 2's Paige Preusse reports how Sullivan High School says there's nothing legally they can do to allow it… several students and parents are taking matters into their own hands.
Several parents, students, and others who believe gays should be banned from the Sullivan High School prom met Sunday at the Sullivan First Christian Church.
"We don't agree with it and it's offensive to us," said Diana Medley.
Their idea is to create their own separate…traditional prom. Students say there are several others from their high school who agree, but are afraid to take a stand.
"If we can get a good prom then we can convince more people to come and follow what they believe," said student Kynon Johnson.
And now they want everyone to know where they stand.
"We want to make the public see that we love the homosexuals, but we don't think it's right nor should it be accepted," said a local student.
We love you…but you're offensive, wrong, and shouldn't be accepted. Um, that's kind of the antithesis of love, guys.
Diana Medley is a special education teacher in town. She doesn't believe anyone is born gay.
"I believe that it was life circumstances and they chose to be that way; God created everyone equal," said Medley.
"Homosexual students come to me with their problems, and I don't agree with them, but I care about them. It's the same thing with my special needs kids, I think God puts everyone in our lives for a reason," said Madley.
"'So the same goes for gays? Do you think they have a purpose in life?' No I honestly don't. Sorry, but I don't. I don't understand it. A gay person isn't going to come up and make some change unless it's to realize that it was a choice and they're choosing God," said Medley.
Your gay students have no purpose in life? That's how you "care" about someone? This is how you talk about your students who are coming to you for fucking help? I can only hope that she's not pushing her "you must choose God" bullshit on the special ed students trapped in her classroom.
Several local pastors support the separate prom movement.
"Christians have always been prepared for a fight. Jesus gave us armor for the front, not the back; we're not running anymore," said Bill Phegley with Carlisle Church.
Are you fucking kidding me? This is all about how the poor little Christians are being persecuted when you're the ones banning LGBT students?!
If the thought of a girl dancing with a girl or a guy dancing with a guy unnerves you that much, that's you're fucking problem. Don't go to prom. You don't get to ban people because they give you the willies because we have separation of church and state in this country, which means you can keep your stupid fucking ass-backwards delusions to yourself and not force it on your fellow students.
Yeah, I'm mad. This pisses me off more than usual. You know why? Because I spent my high school years desperately defending my LGBT friends. When I overheard people saying "that's gay" as an insult or calling someone a fag, I was the first to step in and tell them that it was offensive and unacceptable. When I was standing in lunch line and people would be talking about how disgusting my lesbian friends were, oblivious that I was friends with those 'fucking dykes," you know what I did? I spoke up. I told them they were fucking bigots and if they had a problem with my friends, they had a problem with me. And they shrunk into silenced fear in front of me, only to spread rumors that I was obviously a lesbian throughout the whole school. As if that would insult me.
When my lesbian friend wanted to start a Gay Straight Alliance to combat the constant bullying she faced from other students, I was the VP so I could do everything to help her organize. And she needed all the help she could get, since no one else wanted to help her. No teachers would be the adviser for the club because it was career suicide. The principal wouldn't allow us to be an official group because we were "non-academic" and if he let us in, he'd have to let in other non-academic clubs like a "Nazi group" (his example). This was despite the fact that my high school already had plenty of non-academic clubs.
When my friend's mom threatened to sue their asses off since what they were doing was blatantly illegal, the principal eased off…a little. He let us meet in a side room of the library, but wouldn't let us be an official club. He let us put up flyers advertising our meetings, but the flyers couldn't contain the words "gay," "lesbian," "bisexual," "GLBT," "sex," or "sexual orientation" because they were "inappropriate for high school students." When we came to our meetings, most of the time the librarians purposefully locked us out so we wouldn't be able to meet. When we complained, nothing happened. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, on the other hand, got plenty of meeting space and was allowed to freely advertise throughout the school despite technically being "unofficial."
And when prom rolled around, they wouldn't sell my friend and her girlfriend a couple's ticket because those were only for "real couples" – aka a boy and a girl – because they didn't want two female friends buddying up to just get a discounted rate. Instead they would have to buy more expensive individual tickets if they wanted to go, and would not get any of the couple ticket benefits (a balloon with your names on it, a couple photo, and basic fucking dignity).
Instead they told the school to go fuck themselves and went to a Star Wars convention, where they were accepted and had a blast.
My lesbian friends were the lucky ones. They were able to be out because they had supportive parents, and also because lesbianism is often more accepted. Especially when you happen to be really attractive lesbians, so all the bigoted straight dudes in the school can sexually objectify you instead of only bullying you. But my gay male friends? They were all hidden in the closet, and terrified at being outed. They might have been out to a couple close friends, but I found so many of my classmates coming out once they had escaped to college. It made me sadder. If I had known what those people were feeling in high school, I would have been an ally to them too.
And you know why I'm still so angry? Because even though I graduated 7 years ago, and even though students have been desperately trying to form a GSA every one of those years, they are still being stonewalled by the school administration. There's still no GSA and students are still constantly bullied because of their sexual orientation. And this is in a town that's part of the "liberal" part of Indiana.
And the Christian students are the ones who are being persecuted?
Why did I do all of these things? Why did I care so passionately about gay rights even though it didn't personally affect me? Not because my parents "brainwashed" me to support gay rights or subscribe to some liberal agenda. We never discussed the topic, honestly. My parents just taught me to be a person who is kind to others. That's all.
It saddens me that these Christian students have been taught to hate instead.


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ARP Observatory (@ArpObservatory) | Twitter
In July we started receiving audio signals from outside the solar system, and we've been studying them since.
Tweets contain sound samples on Soundcloud, data visualisations, and notes about life at the observatory …all generated by code.
ARP is a fictional radio telescope observatory, it's a Twitter & SoundCloud bot which procedurally generates audio, data-visualisations, and the tweets (and occasionally long-exposure photography) of an astronomer/research scientist who works at ARP, who is obsessive over the audio messages, and who runs the observatory's Twitter account.


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- City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
- Dubai 04:55 06:08 12:11 15:32 18:07 19:21
Emirates recently launched its third daily flight from Dubai to Perth, demonstrating the demand for international flights to and from Western Australia, as well as the airline's commitment to the state.
This ongoing commitment to tourism and trade in Western Australia sees Emirates' flights to Perth rise from 19 to 21 per week, offering an extra 1,440 seat capacity between Dubai and Emirates' global network and Western Australia each week.
"Emirates is dedicated to providing greater travel opportunities for our passengers to and from Western Australia through the introduction of this new, third daily flight and by providing state-of-the-art aircraft across the three daily Perth services," said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operation Far East & Australasia.
"In addition, Emirates has also announced it will increase the capacity on one of its other flights to Perth - EK424 and EK425 from 1 June by using a Boeing 777-300ER, providing passengers with the highest quality aircraft across all of our cabin classes and more opportunity to secure a seat on these popular flights, with the number of economy class seats increasing from 216 to 304," Mr Obaidalla added.
Tourism Western Australia CEO Stephanie Buckland said the introduction of Emirates' third daily Perth service was a tremendous boost for the state's tourism industry.
"Since it started flying to Perth in August 2002, Emirates has become a major player in West Australia's international market," Ms Buckland said.
"In that time Emirates' services between Dubai and Perth have increased from four a week to 21, which represents a strong vote of confidence in WA as a holiday and business destination," she added.
"With the extra flights and Emirates' vast network Perth has a new level of one-stop connectivity to the world, and in particular WA's key European and North American markets," she concluded.
Emirates flight EK422 departs Dubai at 2145hrs and arrives in Perth at 1225hrs the following day, the return flight, EK423, departs Perth at 1510hrs and arrives in Dubai at 2210hrs.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.


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The Secret Beyond Matter
The entire list
Mr. Adnan Oktar's Daily Remarks
A9 TV: July 2nd, 2013
ADNAN OKTAR: Morsi must produce freedom for women
He can bring in women who do not cover their heads and women who wear low-cut clothing. There must be a happy environment, and young people, and through them he can give the public a good message. If women are free somewhere, nobody can talk against that place. But if women are oppressed, that will trouble everyone. Let me say that a system that oppresses women will collapse but a system that gives freedom to women will be very comfortable.
He must speak of love a lot. He must speak of modernity. He must constantly speak of democracy. But he must particularly stress freedom for women. People must hear this and he must show this in practice. There are fine young girls in Egypt. They can choose the most modern and best quality ones among them and have photos taken of them with Morsi.
July 5th, 2013
Girls with their heads uncovered staged a protest on a Muslim Brotherhood platform at a pro-Morsi rally on July 5th, 2013.


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Tennessee Titans
Camo Hoodie
Tennessee Titans
Camo Hoodie
This classy pullover hoodie is a great compliment to your Zubaz camo pants, leggings or favorite pair of jeans. It features a team colored body with distinctive camo print accents in the hood and on the shoulders down to wrists. Also, a front chest team logo above the pouch pocket, to finish off this great look.
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