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In almost every sector of our society the most important condition of an effective fight against misconducts and malpractices is the proper flow of information. A big barrier to this flow is often the fact that those involved in wrongdoings have an interest in keeping information hidden from publicity and authorities. In revealing such abuses or irregularities those may be of the most help who are witnesses of these acts and are ready to share with others the information they possess.
Whistleblowing is providing a solution to resolve such situations: it opens nonexistent or hidden information sources and channels. The reasons for revealing information can be manifold: e.g. when someone notices such an abuse at his/her place of work and would like to discuss it with the relevant person within the organisation. We may call it whistleblowing as well when an employee is forced to try to put an end to some kind of unlawful or malignant activities with the help of extra-organisational channels as within the organisation either the proper investigation of the case is not guaranteed or the employee might be subject to reprisals. In many cases someone considers it a cause enough to publicise confidential information when the information in question concerns the public at large. In such cases the whistleblower maintains that informing the public is of much stronger interest (namely of public interest) then reserving the confidentiality, exclusivity of the information.
There have been several attempts to define whistleblowing, but certainly there is no generally accepted definition (Questionnaire I/15). However, there are some definitions which are widely-used or often quoted. One of the first ones in the modern history of whistleblowing was used by a consumer activist called Ralph Nader, who claimed: Whistleblowing is "an act of a man or woman who, believing that the public interest overrides the interest of the organization he serves, blows the whistle that the organization is in corrupt, illegal, fraudulent or harmful activity."
Maybe the most often used explanation of whistleblowing was written by Marcia P. Miceli and Janet P. Near in 1982. They say whistleblowing is "the disclosure of organizational member's (former or current) disclosure of illegal, immoral, or illegitimate practices under the control of their employers to persons or organizations that may be able to effect action."
However this definition is widely-used, as whistleblowing is getting prevalent (Questionnaire I/16), in practice a more expansive view became dominant. Whistleblowing promotes "accountability by allowing for the disclosure by any person of information about misconduct while at the same time protecting the person against sanctions of all forms. It recognizes that whistleblowing relates to internal and external disclosures and should apply to all organizations, public and private." In this sense, whistleblowing has to "ensure that individuals have the ability to speak out in their conscience and that organizations are more open and accountable to their employees, shareholders and the greater public in their activities."
Whistleblowers are always facing two dilemmas: a conflict between personal and organizational values, and a conflict between obligations owed to an organization and to parties beyond it. In some countries, Labour Law or Criminal Code may help employees to decide in these dilemmas: it makes it possible to refuse specific commands that result in breaking the law (Questionnaire I/7).
Whistleblowing must involve an intentional disclosure of information to which the whistleblower has privileged access. In general, employees have such a privileged access. They know what is going on at work, and specific jobs entail specific information about what an organization is doing. The disclosed information must be about a perceived malpractice in the organization, or under the responsibility of the organization, and the aim of the disclosure has to be a rectification of that malpractice or wrongdoing.
The most important way of ensuring the mentioned ability to disclose is the protection of people willing to blow the whistle. One of the possible reasons for not blowing the whistle is the fear of retaliation, mostly the fear of being fired, or be pushed to resign. Other barriers for whistleblowing are legal restrictions. Nearly every company has strict rules for employees concerning the duty of loyalty and confidentiality (business secret, trade secret). An even stronger obstacle can be regulation on classified information (state secrets) (Questionnaire I/6). In 2004 two Labour MPs have defied the UK Official Secrets Act by passing on the contents of a secret British document revealing how President George Bush wanted to bomb the Arabic TV station, al-Jazeera. In May 2007 both were sentenced to jail for disclosing a memo with the mentioned information. A further barrier of disclosing can be libel and defamation acts.
Of course not every act involving the disclosure of exclusive, hidden, confidential or secret information may be considered whistleblowing, since it has its unambiguous characteristics and rules: whistleblowers (Questionnaire II/2) reveal information by their own will, selfless (without any personal interest), and/or because of their commitment to public interest and public good. Another initial requirement of whistleblowing is that any kind of disclosure has to be made in good faith (Questionnaire II/12).
This is the main difference between whistleblowers and informants: informants are often involved in some sort of unethical affairs and use disclosure for clarifying their own role or reduce their liability. Governments often offer the chance of pardoning the crimes of people who report malpractices which they were involved in. Employees with the duty to inform cannot be considered as whistleblowers either since in their case disclosing wrongdoings is not an ethical issue, but an obligation (eg. employees of civil service, accounting, etc.)
Whistleblowing can easily conflict cultural norms, which make it likely that whistleblowers will encounter hostility and alienation. As Terance Miethe explains in his book, Whistleblowing at Work, many people see the whistleblower as a "snitch," or an "a lowlife who betrays a sacred trust largely for personal gain." It is not easy to give clear facts on people's attitude towards whistleblowing
Whistleblowing can also awake sympathy: whistleblowers such as Frank Serpico and Karen Silkwood are seen as "saviors" who ultimately helped create important changes in organizations. This approach to whistleblowers as guardians of public accountability is often taken by consumer advocates such as Ralph Nader.
An important step towards spreading the institution of whistleblowing throughout the world was the UN Convention Against Corruption. Article 33 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption says, "each State Party shall consider incorporating into its domestic legal system appropriate measures to provide protection against any unjustified treatment for any person who reports in good faith and on reasonable grounds to the competent authorities any facts concerning offenses established in accordance with this Convention." Under Article 13 2. "each State Party shall take appropriate measures to ensure that the relevant anti-corruption bodies referred to in this Convention are known to the public and shall provide access to such bodies, where appropriate, for the reporting, including anonymously, of any incidents that may be considered to constitute an offence established in accordance with this Convention."
The Council of Europe also encourages countries to adopt whistleblower protection laws. Article 9 of the Civil Law Convention on Corruption adopted by the Council of Europe says, "each Party shall provide in its internal law for appropriate protection against any unjustified sanction for employees who have reasonable grounds to suspect corruption and who report in good faith their suspicion to responsible persons or authorities."
National Whistleblower laws are good examples of the diversity of whistleblowing definitions and interpretations. But the sense of whistleblowing is common ever since the first whistleblower laws have been adopted: promptly reporting instances of suspected misconduct. The first law that can be regarded as a whistleblowing law, was the Federal False Claims Act (1863) adopted during the Civil War in the United States. It was enacted in part because unscrupulous tradesman sold ill mules, faulty rifles and ammunition, and rancid rations and provisions to the Union Army.
These frauds caused President Lincoln to urge Congress to pass the original False Claims Act commonly known as "Lincoln Law". The False Claims Act made it illegal for someone (claimants) to present false statements in writing (claims) to the United States government to improperly obtain more money from (or in some cases pay less money too) the government than actually owed by the government (or due from the claimant).
The False Claims Act authorized a private citizen (a realtor) acting as a "private attorney general" — as well as the government — to sue the claimant to recover the amount actually due to the government plus a multiplier and penalties. A key provision of the original False Claims Act was to award 50 percent of the recovery to encourage and reward relators (the "relator's share") for exposing and prosecuting the fraud (Qui tam). The US Government estimates that $22 billion has been recovered under the Act between 1986 and 2008.
However, giving rewards to whistleblowers is a very debated topic. Many whistleblower experts are wary of such provisions, seeing them as detracting from the public interest principles of legislation. A number of Asian jurisdictions give huge rewards to people who revealed corruption. These are in some ways more like informer statutes than whistleblowing.
In South Korea, the Anti-corruption Act allows for individuals who disclose corruption to recover up to twenty percent of the recovered amount. The reward was raised in 2006 to encourage more cases. In Taiwan, the Anti-corruption Informant Rewards and Protection Regulation sets seven different levels of rewards. If a person is convicted of a penalty of 15 years to life imprisonment or the death penalty, the person can receive even $180.000.
The most known whistleblower laws were adopted in response to tragedies or scandals. The Whistleblower protection Act arose from the aftermath of the Challenger disaster in 1986. In the United Kingdom accidents in industry and public transport resulting in serious losses of life led to the adoption of the Public Interest Disclosure Act. Later the scandals at Enron, Worldcom, and others led to the adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Sarbanes and Oxley Act
As a response to the Enron scandal, the Congress of the United States adopted the Sarbanes and Oxley Act of 2002 (enacted 30 July 2002; hereinafter: SOX), because the scandal shook public confidence in the nation's securities markets. As the whole scandal was triggered off by an internal whistleblowing, no one was surprised that SOX contains whistleblower sections.
The Act attempts to encourage and protect whistleblowers in a variety of ways by providing channels for anonymous whistleblowing, establishing criminal penalties for retaliation against whistleblowers, and protection for whistleblowers in order to preserve their work status. While SOX was passed in response to domestic issues, it was written in haste, which allowed for the potential extraterritorial application.
The SOX applies to every publicly registered company issuing securities in an American secondary exchange market. Former chairman of the Security Exchange Commission once told at a conference, that "our mandate is to implement the Sarbanes-Oxley Act fully for all companies, foreign or domestic." The provisions of the SOX are mirrored in the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (hereinafter: NYSE) rules. If listed on NYSE, companies must certify their accounts to those markets yearly, and this certification process implies that companies are in a position to assert that they comply with whistleblowing rules.
SOX made hundreds of companies to adopt whistleblowing in their codes of conduct, and not only companies listed in American exchange markets. It became one symbol of transparency and compliance.
1. Section 301 of the Act is a distinctive part of the SOX for its requirement of a channel for anonymous whistleblowing. The section requires audit committees of covered companies to establish whistleblowing procedures whereby employees can anonymously submit issues of concern regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters:
Section 301.4.
4) COMPLAINTS.—Each audit committee shall establish procedures for—
''(A) the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the issuer regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and
''(B) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the issuer of concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters.
This whistleblowing channel shall be set up not later than 270 days after the date of enactment, and the Securities Exchange Commission shall, by rule, direct the national securities exchanges and national securities associations to prohibit the listing of any security of an issue that is not in compliance with the requirements of any portion of paragraphs (2) through (6) of section 301 of the Act.
Section 301 requires the committees to have procedures for retaining and treating the reports. Most commonly, the organizational response to this requirement has been to contract with an independent hotline company to receive the reports. Experiences show that these hotlines are unlikely to spur whistleblowing, but they greatly increase costs in time and money.
Unfortunately, we don't have much information on these internal channels, because companies tend to treat relevant information as trade secrets and consequently it is difficult to determine their effectiveness. What information are available shows that hotlines and other designated recipients of whistleblowing find that a large percentage of the reports involve human resource issues, and only very few cases involves legal or ethical issues?
2. If a whistleblower suffers retaliation for reporting, Section 806 gives the employee the right to seek protection. This section prohibits any kind of retaliation, such as discharging, demoting, suspension, harassment, or any other kind of discrimination against an employee in the terms and conditions of the employee against a whistleblower who reports covered information to someone within the organization who has the authority to investigate, discover, or terminate misconduct.
The section specifies a process. First, the employee – within 90 days – has to file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor. An administrative law judge hears the evidence resulting from the investigation and decides. The case will not go forward if the employer can show clear evidence that the sanctions would have taken place in the absence of the whistleblowing.
As we already mentioned, the law is vague enough that it may cover U.S. citizens working for a foreign subsidiary or for a private foreign subsidiary of a covered U.S. company, or a foreign employee working for a foreign subsidiary. Section 806 virtually makes no distinction between domestic and foreign companies that have securities registered or listed in the USA. Even though it has the potential to reach foreign companies, the jurisdiction interprets the SOX in a more restrictive manner.
In Carnero vs. Boston Scientific Corporation, the First Circuit Court found that the SOX do not protect a foreign worker who reported accounting irregularities at a foreign subsidiary of an American corporation. The Court concluded that pertinent factors would not support a finding of congressional intent in order to overcome a presumption against extraterritorial application of the SOX.
The judgment described the policy behind the presumption as preventing unintended conflicts between U.S. law and laws of other countries, and stated that Congress is primarily concerned with domestic conditions: "We believe if Congress had intended that the whistle-blower provision would apply abroad to foreign entities, it would have said so and certainly, would have considered, before enacting the law, the problems, and limits of extraterritorial enforcement," wrote Judge Levin H. Campbell. Scholars argue that this interpretation denies the reality that over a thousand foreign companies list their securities in the United States and voluntarily subject themselves to U.S. laws.
In Penesso v. LLC International, the administrative judge found that a U.S. citizen working abroad could bring a claim under Section 806 of SOX. In this case, the judgment stated that Cranero was not controlling on the issue of extraterritoriality because Penesso was U.S. citizen working abroad and some of the actions he complained of took place in the USA.
3. Despite the relative uncertainty as to the applicability of all the SOX provisions to companies established in Europe, companies want to be in a position to comply with the specific whistleblowing provisions of the Act. However, in Europe, whistleblowers are looked at as informants, and certainly not considered as a folk hero as in America. Some countries took lead in resisting provisions of the SOX that shield from retaliation and set up channels to report.
Europeans tend to think that some core provisions conflict with their national laws regulating labor and privacy. German and French regulators in 2005 refused to ap¬prove whistle-blower mechanisms sought by three U.S. companies—McDonald's Corp. and CEAC/Exide Tech¬no-logic in France and Wal-Mart in Germany. The companies wanted to weave the protections into their operations in those countries to comply with Sarbanes and Oxley.
A European Union committee composed of privacy protection officials (Article 29 Working Group) from member states expanded the debate's scope to the rest of the continent with a nonbinding opinion that offers suggestions for resolving the conflict. U.S.-listed companies would have to deal separately with the governments in each nation where they operate.
The Sarbanes and Oxley Act is only one an example, but maybe the most important one for sectoral laws because of its worldwide effects. Particular problems these laws arose from have also defined the frames of whistleblower laws, so differences in regulation are necessary. Approximately thirty countries around the world have national whistleblowing laws.
A basic question is whether a country needs a comprehensive whistleblower law or only partial regulation in specific fields. Comprehensive, free-standing laws are not that widespread yet, only the United Kingdom, New Zealand and South Africa have laws that can truly be considered as comprehensive. Some countries have adopted laws to cover only the public sector (eg. Romania), others like Japan have a law for the private sector.
Public interest
Even if a country lacks proper whistleblowing legislation, presumably it has some channel where topic specific public interest disclosure can be made. These specific rules often not only guarantee the possibility of reporting, but also give a right to step up against socially harmful phenomena with legal means like actio popularis, an action to obtain remedy by a person or a group in the name of collective interest. (To give an example, we can mention the hotlines operated by national broadcasting supervisory authorities where every citizen can report and ask for remedy if some illicit content was broadcasted.)
The peculiarity of such schemes is that in contrast to whistleblowing procedures, these public interest schemes provide means to fight against wrongdoings for people outside of the organization. These public interest disclosures (or announcement) are typically made to a public agency of the government, and are investigated in an administrative process. Traditionally, a whistleblowing is an act of a man who believes that the public interest overrides the interest of the organization he serves, and reports that the organization is involved in corrupt, illegal, fraudulent or harmful activity.
Topic-specific public interest announcements and public interest litigation assume the existence and usage of the public interest concept. Public interest often appears to be an empty vessel to be filled at different times with different content. Given that people will seek to fill it with different values, we cannot be sure about the extent to which it might meet our particular expectations of its content. However, such problems do not prevent the concept being used in debate or in the context of our examination. It can be used as a means of justifying or legitimating actions or proposals, it can serve as a contested arena for debate, and it might have some potential in the service of democratic values, like transparency, equality, protection of individual safety and health.
General welfare is often to be found to underlie the use of this concept, and it can be observed that the public interest may variously be an ethical imperative – such as the natural law – some superior standard of rational. According to Bell, the public interest is "used to describe where the net interest of particular individuals may not be advanced, but where something necessary to the cohesion or development of the community is secured". Some scholar argues that this theory generally carries no cleared and shared meaning and can lead to confusion, and if there is an alternative, clearer and less contentious concept available, then the public interest should not be utilized.
Braybrooke offers a deflated version of the public interest, identifying three prerequisites that determine when it might appropriately apply. The first is where a special interest group is arrayed against the general public, second, that the issue is in an area where the genuine potential exists for the exercise of power by the government, and third, that the issue is one of domestic and internal concern for the society.
The contemporary constructs of the public interest should at any time serve as a counterbalance to the power of the dominant interest groups of the society, yet also mesh with the prevailing view of the state and the social and economic apparatus and traditions. On one hand, a well constructed public interest scheme can be a strong mean of the opposition to develop and voice public interest claims contrary to dominant interest groups and values – polluters vs. environmentalists, multinational companies v. consumer protection NGO, etc.
On the other hand, the absence of both a clearly stated normative content and an appropriate institutional framework with which to pursue it, may found on occasion to have relegated the public interest to represent the state interest or, worse, allow for its potential capture by powerful interest groups. Such situation may explain why the concept is presently so hopelessly ill-defined and vulnerable to capture.
Public interest has to be marked off the concept of preponderance and common interest, which tend to serve crude majoritarianism and fail to serve as any sort of counterbalances. The well established public interest scheme –let it be a special reporting channel or actio popularis- has foundations established within the core values of liberal democracy, so it has normative foundations independent of temporarily value sub-sets. Using this concept is an attempt to make democratic values trumps, and to avoid the otherwise inevitable dominance of economically powerful, which may readily override presently vulnerable democratic promises and expectations of equality of citizenship
In countries without comprehensive laws, sectoral laws may act as a basis for whistleblower activities. Civil Servant Laws, Labour Laws, Witness Protection Acts, Freedom of information Acts, or laws defining public interest may be used as partial guarantees and protection for disclosure. Anti-corruption laws can also have provisions on whistleblowers.
Differences are also noticeable in the range of subjects of whistleblowing, or in the definition of wrongdoings. In many countries, whistleblowing is not just limited to one area as anti-corruption but applies to a variety of issues, such as danger to the environment, working conditions or any kind of discrimination. Comprehensive laws mostly cover a wide range of subjects opened to whistleblowing.
Channels of Disclosure
In some countries, disclosures must be made inside the organization. In others, legislation prefers external channels (special authorities, anticorruption office. Had Enron survived the scandal in 2002 of its illegal auditing activities, Sherron Watkins who blew the whistle, would have suffered from the company's retaliation because, under Texas's whistleblower law, employees of private employers receive legal protection against unlawful retaliation only if they report wrongdoing to an external law enforcement agency.
This law is not unique in the United States, most state whistleblower statues restrict the parties to whom a whistleblower can report in order to receive protection. A vast majority of states – such as California, Michigan, Arizona, Iowa, and Connecticut – protect only those employees who file reports to external government bodies. Anyone, reporting internally, cannot rely on the protection of their state whistleblower law. However, some American states – New York, Colorado, Alaska, Indiana, New Jersey – take the opposite approach and require first to report to the internal supervisor. (Virtually no states protect those who choose to report to media or other non-governmental third parties.)
Should the law protect both ways to blow the whistle? If not, what reasons should be taken into consideration when deciding between internal and external reporting mechanism? Studies indicate that whistleblowers choose their report based on a wide variety of practical considerations – including the employee's and wrongdoer's status in the organization, the significance of the wrongdoing, etc. Rigid reporting requirements probably cannot match the diversity of situations in which whistleblowers may find themselves. This may cause an unjust denial of protection.
The diverging approaches stem from often conflicting goals: lawmaker must consider whether the primary purpose of the law is to protect those who have made a good faith report or to provide incentives to encourage reporting in the first place. A designer of whistleblower law must also weight the interest of the employer, because excessive protection and incentive may lead to an over the laden administration and disruptive work environment. An internal reporting requirement demonstrates a more employer-friendly view while external reporting favors the public role of the whistleblower.
In the United States, the federal Whistleblower Protection Act provides general protection to most federal employees and allows reporting to anyone. It also provides a specific entity to external reporting, the Office of Special Counsel, which investigates the alleged violations that were reported and the claims of retaliation. This law applies only to federal employees, some other federal laws extend to workers in the private sector. A prominent example of this is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which provides protection to employees of publicly traded companies who report violations of federal securities law. Topic-specific statues offer protection normally to public and private employees but only apply to a narrow set of unlawful activities.
Proponents of external reporting stress that unlawful activity must be brought to the public's attention, and properly investigated in order to ensure proper redress of injured parties and widespread compliance with the law. A good example is the environmental whistleblowing, in which third parties – if not the nation- are always affected. If a serious pollution is not reported, then third parties won't be able to get compensation. However, the practical reality is that whistleblowers prefer to report internally first, because of ht loyalty to an employer, the belief that the problem can be handled more effectively, to maintain a good working relationship.
Proponents of internal violations highlight that if violations have little impact or no impact at all on third parties, then the public interest does not necessitate external intervention. An internal report can be much quicker and most cost-efficient. Another important argument: the employer should be provided an opportunity to correct the problem before external entities are notified. Internal reporting helps to preserve the corporate chain of command, to avoid unwarranted negative publicity. However, some worry that this leads to employer cover up.
According to a study, employees are likely to report externally when superiors are involved, when an illegal activity is essential to an organization's wellbeing when the employer failed to respond to a previous complaint. Internal reporting is disadvantageous in situations where the violation of the law necessitates external enforcement.
One possible venue for whistleblowers is the media. Many laws recognize the importance of disclosure to the public including the media as a last worse case scenario. In the United Kingdom and Canada, the law allows for disclosure to the media as a least resort if a procedure or a series of conditions have been satisfied. The reason of this higher threshold is intended to use the fixed procedures set up by the lawmaker.
The media's role in whistleblowing is also recognized by generally accepted principle that they should have a special privilege to protect their source from disclosure. Thus, if the media have the possibility to hide the identity of its sources, then whistleblowing is possible. Contrary, if the source has to be disclosed, whistleblowing is not promoted.
In countries with a longer tradition of whistleblowing NGOs might help whistleblowers to select the proper channels and ways of disclosure. They also offer legal advice, and contact to people already went through the procedure of whistleblowing. They also help to reach the media if no other way out.
Critics argue that media have no means of influencing an employer's conduct as they lack oversight and enforcement capabilities. On the other hand, media is able to serve as a catalyst when the government fails to act or acts slowly. The threat of negative publicity may also deter further wrongdoing.
An important topic regarding whistleblowing is the difference between confidentiality and anonymity. An anonymous disclosure guarantees little or no possibility of identifying the disclosing person and so contacting him or verifying the information. By contrast, a confidential disclosure is where the recipient knows the identity of the person but agrees not to disclose it when he/she makes use of the information. As to the message, anonymity raises real problems as it makes the concern more difficult to investigate and the facts more difficult to corroborate, and it excludes the possibility of clarifying any ambiguous information or asking for more. The advantage of anonymity is that it makes it easier for people afraid of retaliation to leak out information, so it is more used in countries with less sophisticated systems of protecting whistleblowers. Public hotlines are often offered for anonymous reporting.
Data protection
Crucial for confidentiality is the question of data protection. The implementation of whistleblowing schemes relies on the processing of personal data: collection, registration, storage, disclosure of data related to an identified person. On one hand, personal information of the whistleblower is handled – except of course the anonym reporting scheme; on the other hand, personal information of the presumed wrongdoer is processed. As a result, in most European countries the data protection rules are applicable.
In Europe, the most important common ground of data protection rules is the Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995. Traditionally, EU countries have data protection rules in harmony with the Directive, and those who apply for EU membership, have to adjust their data protection regulation to the EU Directive. Consequently, whistleblower or other public interest disclosure regulation must be implemented in compliance with EU data protection rules.
To be legitimate, the data processing in a whistleblowing regulation has to satisfy one of the grounds set out in Article 7 of the Directive. Under the Article 7 c.), the establishment of the whistleblowing system is legitimate if it is necessary for compliance with the legal obligation to which the data controller is subject. This means that the establishment of a reporting channel should have the purpose of meeting a legal obligation imposed by the EU or member state law, and more specifically a legal obligation to establish internal control procedures in well-defined areas.
According to Article 7 f.), the establishment of reporting system may be found necessary for purposes of a legitimate interest pursued by the controller or by the third party to whom the data are disclosed. According to the Article 29 Working Group, "the goal of ensuring financial security in international financial markets and in particular the prevention of fraud and misconduct in respect of accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing matters and reporting as well as the fight against bribery, appears to be a legitimate interest of the employer that justifies the processing of personal data by means of whistleblowing system in these areas." For instance, in this context, a not fully incorporated international treaty or the SOX as a foreign statue may be considered a legitimating norm.
There is a wide spectrum of possibilities for protecting whistleblowers, the ways of protection are an essential part of whistleblower laws. One key topic is the burden of proof: who has to prove that his/her claims are well-founded? In most cases, the employer has to show that an eventual dismissal was not a reprisal for disclosing or reporting malfunctions. There still are exceptions. In the UK employees employed for less than a year, have the duty to prove that their dismissal was an act of retaliation.
Whistleblowing procedures can take months. During this time whistleblowers live a life of suspense and insecurity. Time limits are necessary for each stage of the procedure. If the time limits pass without any satisfactory action being taken, the concerns should be raised at the next level of review.
Remedies and compensation is another key issue in whistleblower protection. Most whistleblowing laws provide for compensation to the whistleblower in cases where they have suffered harms that cannot be remedied by injunction. This includes lost salary but can also include money for harm. Often, the laws use discrimination statutes to determine harm from harassment.
1 Nader, Petkas, and Blackwell, Whistlebowing (1972). Quoted in Nicholas M Rongine, Toward a Coheren Legal esponse to the Public Policy Dilemma Posed by Whistleblowing. American Business Law Journal, Summer 1985, Vol 23. 2. Issue; page 28.
2 Miceli, Marcia P.; Near, Janet Pollex; Dworkin, Terry Morehead: Whistleblowing in organizations; Routledge/Psychpress; 2008, page 6.
3 Banisar, David: Whistleblowing International Standards and Developments, A study for the First International Conference on Corruption and Transparency, Mexico, City, 23-25 of March 2006. page 7-8.
4 Jubb, Peter B.: Whistleblowing: A Restrictive Definition and Interpretation, Journal of Business Ethics, Vol 21, No.1 (Aug. 1999), page 81.
5 Tsahuridu Eva E., Vanderkerckhove Wim: Organistional Whistleblowing Policies: Making Employees Responsible or Liable? Journal of Business Ethics (2008) 82, page 109.
6 http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/jan/09/Iraqandthemedia.politicsandiraq
7 http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/submitted/whistleblowing.html
8 Lahman Larry D.: Bad Mules, a Primer on the Federal False Claims Act, Oklahoma Bar Journal, Vol 76. No. 12., 4/9/2005 Page 901.
9 Act of March 2, 1863, ch. 67, § 6, 12 Stat. 698.
10 Taxpayers Against Fraud Education Fund, Fraud Statistics, 2008. http://www.taf.org/FCA-stats-DoJ-2008.pdf
11 Banisar, David: Whistleblowing International Standards and Developments, A study for the First International Conference on Corruption and Transparency, Mexico, City, 23-25 of March 2006. page 82.
12 Speech by SEC Chairman: Remarks at the Financial Times' Conference on Regulation & Integration of the International Capital Markets (October 8, 2002), available at http://www.sec.gov/news/speech/spch588.htm.
13 NYSE, Section 303§.06
14 Dworkin, p. 1761
15 Carnero v. Boston Scientific Corp. (Carnero II), 433 F.3d 1, 9 (1st Cir. 2006). at 8.18.
Id. at 7.
16 Dworkin page 1775.
18 No. 2005–SOX–00016 (ALJ) (Dep't of Labor Mar.4, 2005).
19 Dworkin, p.1779.
20 http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/culture_clash/
21 Banisar, David: Whistleblowing International Standards and Developments, A study for the First International Conference on Corruption and Transparency, Mexico, City, 23-25 of March 2006. page 39.
22 Nader, Petkas, Blackwell: Whistleblowing (1974, Penguin ), page11.
23 Mike Feintuck: The Public Interest in Regulation, Oxford University Press, 2004. page 11.
24 Bell, J.: Public Interest: Policy or Principle?" in Law and the Public Interest, edited by Franz Steiner, 1993.
25 Braybrooke: The Public Interest? The Present and Future of the Concept, Atherton Press, 1962. p. 34.
26 Feintuck, p. 28.
27 Texas Government Code, Article 554.002 b.)
28 Gerard Sindzak: An Analysis of Current Whistleblowin Law, California Law Review, Vol. December. 2008. p 1634.
29 Elletta Sangrey Callahan & Terry Morehead Dworkin, Who Blows the Whistle to
the Media, and Why: Organizational Characteristics of Media Whistleblowers, 32 Am. Bus. L.J.
151, 162-63 (1994)
30 Sindzak, page 1641.
31 Callahan, Dworkin, page 151-152.
32 Callahan, Dworkin, page 396.
33 http://www.pcaw.co.uk/policy/cwbdataprotection.htm#1_5
34 Article 29 Data Protection Working Party, Opinion 1/2006 on the application of EU data protection rules to internal whistleblowing schemes int he fields of accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing matters, fight against bribery, banking and financial crime, 00195/06, 1 February 2006, page 7.
35 Idid page 9.
36 http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/reports/article1629582.ece
37 Banisar, David: Whistleblowing International Standards and Developments, A study for the First International Conference on Corruption and Transparency, Mexico, City, 23-25 of March 2006. page 68.


text:
Call for a Topographical Map. This lot backs to The Ridge Golf Course at Castle Pines North. One could build on the ridge, build a charming bridge over the drainage to the front door or have a gentle grade to the house. Large beautiful pines to nestle the home. Vacant, Custom-Build Lot in Castle Pines Village.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
I call it this because I like to cuss, and "Damn" was the least offensive word I could think of and still stay classy
Friday, February 22, 2013
I Should've Paid More Attention in School
One example of the expected is my son's skilled execution of the heavy sigh and exaggerated eye roll. The only thing that will make this better is when the word, "whatever," hits the rotation. Good times ahead.
He's also developed a new-found disdain for school. I don't think he really dislikes school, I think he's just feeding off of his friend's hatred for it. But even if he did, he comes by it honestly. I proudly held the title for "most 'sick' days in the history of any school, anywhere" back in 1982.
Sidebar - I was also voted most likely to own a shop called "Barely There" by my high school choir teacher, Mrs. Peebles - but that's a different set of issues altogether.
My son told me that not only does he detest school, he doesn't see the benefit in going at all. Here was our conversation:
Ryan - Mom, school is so boring. It's pointless. When am I ever going to work with negative exponents?
God help me, but I didn't even understand the question.
Ryan - I hate school. I'm think I'm gonna quit.
Me - Okay, you'll have to get a job, then. Not sure what you'll be able to do without a high school diploma, let alone at your age.
Ryan - I could sell games at GameStop or be a greeter at Wal-Mart.
I know I should've said no. But I do like a man with a plan. Plus, I'm really looking forward to the extra income.
Another fun issue we're dealing with isn't so much shocking, as it is, Really? This is what we're doing now? He has recently started dry-humping - or, more accurately - air-humping. This humping is totally unnecessary and utterly gratuitous. It's humping for the sake of humping. I believe it started off as an innocent dance move. He'd just be dancing around the house, and then BAM! - once, maybe twice a week. I thought it was just a phase. Then, gradually, the moves were happening more and more frequently. Soon it was every day, then multiple times a day, and now, the very uncomfortable, rapid succession.
A couple of weeks ago I posted on Facebook that I watched my son dry-hump his way to the bus stop. Is this really the best use of the pelvic thrust? And every night after dinner, when I ask him to jump in the shower and get ready for bed, he looks at me and says - in staccato - "O. K.," and thrusts with each syllable.
How lovely...dinner and a show.
Since I didn't have younger brothers growing up, I don't even know what "this" is. Can I expect more of this thrusting? Is he doing it at school? Is there a support group I should know about?
Look, I'm not naive. I know what I'm dealing with is nothing compared to what lies ahead. And if there's any truth to, "Payin' for your raisin'," well, let's just say that I probably ought to just trade him in for a kitten now and stay ahead of the game. I put my parents through hell. Hell, I tell ya. So Ryan, if you think that you're going to put one over on me, you've got another thing coming. I have done it all, little man. I will always be one step ahead of you. I have 30 years on you, I am wiser than you and I will always, ALWAYS outsmart you.
....as long as it doesn't involve negative exponents or math of any kind.
14 comments:
I nearly spit out my very loved Dr. Pepper.. Dry humping!! OMG.. I have a 3 year old boy who plays with his weenie more than his boogers. Is this what I have to look forward to?ReplyDelete
"How lovely...dinner and a show." LMAO!!!!!
Awesome post!!
Say it ain't so. My 8 year old is just a little more comfortable with his boy-bits in their nakedness than I care to admit. I don't know that I can handle air humping, too.ReplyDelete
As far as the smart mouth "whatever" - I guess girls are ahead of boys in that department. My 11 year old seems to have that one down.Replies
I always said that God knew what he was doing giving me a boy. All my friends have girls and their hormones start so early. But, maybe, I was wrong? The penis wields some power. And don't you worry, that "whatever" is RIGHT around the corner - I can feel it!Delete
Is all of your hand lotion missing yet? Don't look under his bed. DON'T. LOOK. What's been seen cannot be unseen.... Enjoyed your blog post and looking forward to reading more.ReplyDeleteReplies
I haven't done an inventory on my hand lotion, but I did look under the bed...there was a Glamour magazine. Do you think he just could've been brushing up on the latest Spring fashion?Delete
Thank you, Dyanne! I hopped over to your blog, too. I love your variety - jealous of your snow day!
It's been a long time since our son was twelve but I can still recall that this was the time he stopped being an adorable Hummel and became a moody teenager. I found you through Bad Word Mama. I'm your newest member and I look forward to reading more of your posts and getting to know you better. I hope you'll visit me at Chubby Chatterbox sometime. Take care.ReplyDeleteReplies
Dangit! So it's confirmed by almost everyone...my sweet days are over?? I'm so glad you found me, Stephen - I hopped over to your blog. You're a great writer; one with chops AND cred! I'll read more while I'm at work today ;) Thanks for the follow - heading over to follow back!Delete
Oh Lordie. I should just find a large rock and hide under it until my children each turn thirty, huh? I have a four year old and because his father hasn't matured much past adolesence I know I'm in for a real treat. My son is quite mesmerized by his wiener and unfortunately my husband only encourages it. This would be funny but I worry that he'll "entertain" his teachers with it in kintergarden. Ugh. Do you think the naughty spot technique is still appropriate at twelve? Ha!ReplyDelete
Air humps? Gah! Wait until he hits 14. I SWEAR that's when the Pod People take over a teenager's body. Mine hated school so much he skipped it one day and hopped on a bus bound for Orlando with nothing but a Nerf gun and pocket change.ReplyDelete
Thanks for the kind words you left at my site---I enjoy your blog posts too because you're friggin' hilarious, woman! <3
LMAO! When my now 21 year old turned 12, his head started spinning and green goo oozed out of his face. I thought him going off to join the National Guard at 17 would cure him of his demons, but they just added muscle and the ability to kill cardboard cut outs of badguys to the mix. I'm hoping when he turns 25, he'll snap out of this 'phase.' Or I'll have to put him up for adoption.ReplyDelete
"Free to any home; good, bad or indifferent doesn't matter. One slightly used male child complete with tractor trailer to haul his attitude around with. Gone one weekend a month for your peace and quit. Does not require special diet; will eat is own weight in anything that doesn't move (ok, maybe some things that DO move). Can be seen working at the local fast food restaurant because he's too cool for higher education. If you look at him, he's yours!"


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Foti Vinudilice Rosato 2014$47.00
Vinudilice is a rosè produced by winemaker Salvo Foti. This comes from the Bosco vineyard, nestled in a vast forest of oak trees, in the region of Bronte (Northern Etna), 1300m above sea level. The wine gets its' name from the holly oak, ilice, Sicilian dialect, hence the name Vinudilice.
The blend is comprised of Alicante (aka Grenache), Grecanico, Minella and other minor varietals. The 0.35 hectare vineyard is more than a century old and is planted according to alberello (bush-training), equivalent to 10,000 vines per hectare. Vines are cultivated by hand, with the help of Ciccio the mule. No refrigeration, added yeasts or filtration are used in the wine making process. Decanting and bottling follow the phases of the moon. Vines are arguably the highest found in Europe, at 1300 meters above sea level.
This wine shows freshness and density, mineral complexity and subtle red fruit.
is back-ordered. We will ship it separately in 10 to 15 days.


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Ones Ideal Weight : Calculating Your Perfect Bodyweight
Trying to accomplish your ideal weight is incredibly difficult today of fast foodstuff, and supermarkets which were stocked with highly refined foods and handsome.
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Two Methods to help Calculate Your Preferred Weight
The best method to know whether if you're fit, or not necessarily, is through that "Ideal Weight" process. Ideal weight suggests the weight representing the bottom death rate with regard to of a confident age, height together with gender.
There are many ways ascertain your ideal body fat, but the an individual most followed is a "People's Choice" strategy for ideal body fat, designed by general practitioner S. B. Halls. The formula attempts to predict what folks of a certain height, weight and age would prefer to get their ideal body fat.
Another important product for measuring your fitness is a BMI (Body Large Index). BMI is a relationship between that weight and height of an individual, so as to ascertain their body body fat and health associated risk. It's calculated by way of the formula:
1. Divide your system weight by ones height (in inches).
two. Take the outcomes of your body body fat and height together with divide that from your height.
3. Today, take the results from Step and multiply the idea by 703.
several. Now you get your BMI
If your body fat is 210 and unfortunately your height in inches width is 72
210/72 = two. 91
2. 91/72 = 0. 040
0. 040 Back button 703 = 29. 1
28. 1 may be your BMI.
A BMI of as few as 18. 5 echos underweight, 18. 5 – 25. 9 reflects usual, and 23. 0 – 26. 9 reflects heavy and above twenty-five. 0 reflects weight problems.
So a blend of a BMI, and ideal weight study will assist you to determine the suitable and suitable body fat, depending on your real age, gender and peak.
Having studied all the concepts, it is determined that many people are suffering from the challenge of being overweight in comparison to underweight. Obesity is a good challenge that some are facing today. With regard to such people, fat loss is immensely fundamental, because being heavy is what eventually kills several.
Tips on Gaining Your Ideal Body fat
Losing weight may be difficult, as it requires a whole lot of discipline. Most in our bodies gain weight as a result of overeating, thyroid troubles, and a not enough exercise. In standard, a man usually requires 2700 calories and then a woman requires 2000 high fat calories intake to maintain their own weight. However, if you're overweight, you start eating a nutritious balanced diet, similar to recommended by medical doctors.
There are several diet plans available today, but don't forget, most don't comprise balanced diets, but resort to starving your system. You can shed weight quickly with several, but you will gain all that weight back whenever you stop your eating plan.
It's an excellent time for you to realize the great need of meditation, Yoga together with exercise, too. Enough exercise can always help lower weight faster. The easiest exercise you're able to do is a day walk. Not only it is designed for weight loss, but it is equally great for ones cardio vascular process.
You can also decide on gyms and fitness gyms. Professional trainers might teach you a whole lot of fat burning activities, and give massages that help lower weight. Body body fat exercises, cycling, and jogging are some effective fat loss methods.
Apart from maintaining a superb fitness level, it's of vital importance not to lose the nutrition level in the male body as well. Nutrition plays fundamental role to help life, and many health conditions can be avoided or alleviated which includes a healthy and full of natural goodness diet.
In order not to lose proper nutrition in the male body, it's important for any proper intake with nutrients like healthy proteins, carbohydrates, fats, nutritional vitamins, minerals and mineral water.
A balance relating to the carbohydrates (sugar, starches together with fibers), protein (milk, parmesan cheese, egg, legumes etc), body fat (oil, butter, ghee etc), Vitamins (calcium, sulfur, chlorine etc), Nutritional vitamins (sunlight, oranges, lemons etc) together with water (minimum 5 to 8 glasses daily) is usually maintain proper nutrition in the male body so as to prevent diseases together with stay fit.
So mere training or nutrition is not really enough to maintain a sound body, but, a combination of both must stay fit together with trip. Your ideal weight can be carried out by proper training, nutrition and fat loss techniques.


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Frozen Rush
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Create your snowy scene with Elsa, Anna and all their friends. Then, print your card, sign and share!
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Frozen - Double Trouble
Help Anna make her way up the mountain in her epic journey to find her sister Elsa.
Frozen - Block Party
Help Kristoff and his best friend Sven harvest ice to sell to the kingdom of Arendelle!


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A sumptuous chair that can be used as a stand alone piece or with our matching chaise. Finished in luxuries silver velvet fabric with black feet, this is an elegant piece of furniture.
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aerial(redirected from aerially)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical.
aerial:see antennaantenna
, in electronics, system of wires or other conductors used to transmit or receive radio or other electromagnetic waves (see radio); sometimes called an aerial. The idea of using an antenna was developed by Guglielmo Marconi (c.1897).
..... Click the link for more information. , in electronics.
aerialSee antenna.
Of, in, or belonging to the air or atmosphere.
Of or pertaining to operations in the air or to aircraft.
Of weapons or missiles used in aircraft or launched, dropped, or shot from aircraft.
1. of or relating to aircraft
2. the part of a radio or television system having any of various shapes, such as a dipole, Yagi, long-wire, or vertical aerial, by means of which radio waves are transmitted or received


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The U.S. labor market got some good news last week with reports that the unemployment rate dropped to 9%. Very optimistic indeed.
Even with the positive unemployment news, I continue to hear from recruiters that it's still a challenge to find terrific people. So, that's the focus of today's Ask HR Bartender:
I believe part of hiring great employees is the way they are treated in the employment process – interviews, onboarding, etc. Be sure to check out this article by Arte Nathan for some helpful hiring and retention tips!0


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The town of Philadelphia is one kind of major business hubs of Usa. Mostly, every kind of business is transported in Philadelphia and pc repair field isn't any exception. You will find large firms and firms involved in supplying computer maintenance and repairs in repairs. The current prevailing financial crisis in the usa somewhat effected Philadelphia pc repair industry too, although not as badly since it's financial sectors. This crisis decreased the trust of consumers in repair firms and firms, and major shift of users towards personalized services was observed.
The Philadelphia pc repair industry has altered a great deal since its earlier days. In days of old, repair business was really small. This repair and support business began out small from central area of the town of Philadelphia by supplying services on the small-scale to the area and neighborhoods. In individuals years, people mostly had desktops and computer infections weren't much common. The companies were focusing on some instructions to keep the desktop systems current and also got some helpful anti-virus applications which helped them resolving the problems on most customers. Afterwards, the popularity altered and individuals moved from desktops to laptops. The problems began to improve and thus did the repair companies.
The began development through the way of innovation and research. Increasingly more companies were opened up because the interest in repairs elevated. With increased companies more techniques were introduced and also the competition in Philadelphia pc repair industry intensified. Right now, Philadelphia pc repair industry has a number of great repair companies supplying superior quality services through very refined repair techniques. A lot of people who use computers require pc repair services every occasionally for the truth that existence in Philadelphia is fast pacing and users can't afford a malfunctioning computer.
The pc repair institutes also have performed a great role in altering the trends in Philadelphia pc repair industry. These institutes have given using the spot for experiments and innovation. These institutes are creating many qualified and skilled experts of repair. These institutes are also an average of presenting new repair approaches to Philadelphia. They also have introduced about new repair companies to Philadelphia.
The repair market is altering again with the development of new inexpensive Tablets and Netbooks. The age of computing is actually visiting forefront. Consider the processor of innovative mobile phones which now work as quickly as a sophisticated computer. It truly implies that the repair market is dragging hardly any. However, the need for repair industry can't ever be exhausted as every new tablet or Smartphone includes a processor which repair information mill experienced in to correct.


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Come on February 15th for a St. Valentine's potluck supper gathering of the Nashville area United Church of Christ & UCC friends to grow in love and peace, prayer and meditation, and in fellowship with one another.
Evening's Theme: "You Are Loved" featuring the Josh Groban's song of same title.
In Concert: JASON & deMARCO, vocal duo, Celebrating love, marriage equality & non-traditional families in the spirit of St. Valentine who will make a guest appearance too for historical reenactment as a martyr of the Church for love.
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Minister Kimberly Peeler-Ringer of Howard Congregational Church.
photocredit: Emmanuel Huybrechts


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Microsoft on Tuesday sought stay on a court injunction which bars it from selling its popular Word document creation software in the US for violating a patent belonging to a Canadian company.
Toronto-based i4i had dragged Microsoft to court in 2007 for using its patented technology in the software without its permission.
In its ruling last week, the US District Court in Tyler, Texas, banned Microsoft from selling Word 2003, Word 2007 and future versions of the software that use i4i's technology without a licence.
The court also ordered Microsoft to pay $290 million to i4i and directed it to comply within 60 days.
In an emergency motion filed with US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Tuesday, Microsoft requested it to put the injunction on hold pending appeal. Microsoft contended that i4i was not entitled to the injunction.
The Microsoft motion said: "It is undisputed that i4i does not have a product that could fill the gap left in the market by the injunction; rather, i4i's products run as add-ons to Word.
"The district court acknowledged the absence of future harm, but deemed it irrelevant focusing instead on harm that i4i allegedly suffered years ago."
Reacting to Microsoft's motion, i4i chairman Loudon Owen said he expected it considering the importance of Word software to the Microsoft business.
"We firmly believe the jury verdict and judgment were both fair and correct and we have been vindicated through this process," Owen was quoted as saying.
Microsoft Office, which includes Word, accounted for more than $3 billion in worldwide sales in Microsoft's most recent fiscal year and is used by literally millions of businesses and consumers for everyday tasks like word processing and making spreadsheets and presentations.


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A lone British fighter appears to be taking on the might of the Imperial Japanese Navy during an invasion. The awkwardly placed and politically incorrect cutaway says it all "As the Japanese hordes swarmed ashore, the Warhawks dived - to destroy".
The water is a beautiful blue - it doesn't look right. However I have seen the turquoise blue of the Coral Sea and I can only say that the artist may have got it right.
On the down side those landing craft look a little bit clumsy and those big ships look a little too close to the shore for my liking. As stated before the cutaway doesn't do too much either.
However I love the smoke trails from those guns (or rockets) and that beautiful blue water. 7/10


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POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA: On 7/11/2006, 6:00 PM, Rt. 2/4, Solomons, TPR Bigham stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. When TPR Bigham contacted the operator, he detected the odor of suspected marijuana. A search was conducted and suspected marijuana and CDS paraphernalia were located in the vehicle. At that time, Jack Davis Morgan, 27, of California, MD, was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana and CDS paraphernalia. After processing, he was transported to the CCDC to await a commissioners hearing.
07-12-06/11:02 AM: Tina M. Groome, 33, Dunkirk, MD, by TFC Bowling
07-15-06/1:06 AM: Kevin A. Batson, Jr., 24, Broomes Island, MD, by TFC Lashley
07-16-06/12:59 AM: Collins H. King, 61, Capitol Hgts., MD, by TPR Chirichella
07-16-06/1:59 AM: William E. Mercado, 26, Hyattsville, MD, by TFC Schmidt
07-16-06/3:28 AM: Heather L. Kalkofen, 20, Lexington Park, MD, by TFC Lashley
07-18-06/12:53 AM: Christopher B. Korpman, 25, Baldwin, MD, by TPR Chirichella


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It was my post birthday celebration and we set out for a beach escapade in Armada Beach Resort in the island of Magalawa in Palauig, Zambales. But typhoon Odette abruptly changed our plan. We were on our way to Subic Bay when Grace, the owner of the resort called us not to go to the island because the beach had gone dirty with seaweeds and branches of trees swarming the shore. My hubby hastily decided to proceed to DFarm and Park in Masinloc, still in the province of Zambales to continue our family getaway.
DFarm and Park is a swimming pool resort perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful view of Oyon Bay and and West Philippine Sea. Aside from the view, the sunset will leave you breathless.
It was a bit challenging getting into the resort because it was uphill and the road can accommodate one car only. But once you reach DFarm you will be hastily welcomed by its nature ambiance. The pathway as well as the garden is clean and well-maintained.
My hubby was already acquainted with Ms. Weng, the manager of DFarm because he had frequented staying in the resort because of their ongoing IT project in Masinloc Power Plant. When he called her for a room reservation, we were so lucky that we got the last cottage, the Guesthouse which is just enough to accommodate six to seven persons. We were told the resort was packed as of noon time because just like us, their guests were supposedly on a beach escapade also to Magalawa. We were so thankful to Ms. Weng for giving us a fair discount.
When we arrived at the resort, the room was being clean so we waited in the lounge area near the beautiful Infinity Pool. I was at once felt relaxed and even rejuvenated seeing the flowers, plants, the pool and the scenic view of the Oyon Bay with the Masinloc Power Plant from afar. It was so tempting to swim right at that moment but we were all famished so we settled there first for lunch.
One good thing in this resort is that food and water are allowed inside with no corkage fee. After eating and cleaning the table we all brought our stuff in the Guesthouse.
The Guesthouse
The Guesthouse was a two-storey cottage with a foldable sofa, single bed and one double bed on the loft. It has a private bathroom, mini-refrigerator and LED TV. Outside is a terrace with table and cemented bench. The Guesthouse was clean and had a homey feel.
After we put our things orderly, we all set out for a swim. It was still raining but it was fun frolicking on the water.
The pools
Dfarm has several pools to enjoy with. These are the Infinity Pool, Adult Pool, Kiddie Pool and three Private Villas where two of these have Infinity Pools, Adult Pool and Kiddie Pool. What we enjoyed most was swimming in the Infinity Pool 2. We almost had it all to ourselves for our first day. We had a great time immersing our bodies to the water while looking at the wondrous sight. I was glad there was no strong smell of chlorine. The kids love to frolic there.
The Cottages
I was fascinated looking at their cottages like the native Nipa Hut Payong and Bamboo Hut. Other cottages are the Gazebo with videoke, Hut in the Sky (where you could see the entire Oyon Bay), Seaview, Guesthouse and the Tower.
Dinner Time
We still had viands for dinner at night but my hubby wanted charred meat so we grilled pork liempo, fish and hotdogs. It was cold outside but it was so nice to eat our dinner in the terrace. Thank God there were no pesky mosquitoes outside considering there were lots of trees and plants everywhere. We had a yummy dinner that we almost run out of rice.hahaha!
Since it was a cold night everyone chose to rest rather than swim. The kids and their lola stayed inside and watched tv. Me, my hubby and Pao savored the relaxing moment on the porch chatting and laughing while sipping one can of San Mig apple each. Later we had our coffee time.
From the long road trip to swimming, cooking and all, our activities of the day were quite tiresome. But having quality time with my family, niece and nephews, it did not wear me out. In fact this getaway was worthy spent. Later we all went to sleep happy and comfortably.
Good morning Masinloc
We awoke early hoping to see a beautiful and clear sky. Unfortunately, it was a downcast morning. But it did not dampen our moods. We took a morning quite walk as we toured the whole resort. It was so refreshing to commune with nature. Later we went to the restaurant to order for our breakfast. They offer home cooked meals with affordable rate.
The kids can't wait anymore so they changed their night dress to swim wear and dashed to the water excitedly!
By 8:00 am we all gathered on the terrace for breakfast. We had the traditional Filipino meal of tapsi with coffee and milo energy drinks. The food was served on time. The taste was just fine.
The sky was cleared when we all went to the Infinity Pool 2, our favorite pool. It was fun basking on sunshine and again, we had the pool exclusively for us. Most of the guests were on the Adult Pool and the kids on the Kiddie Pool. The water babies had a wonderful time that we almost forgot we have to check out by 12:00 noon. Awwww bitin!
For our lunch, we ordered fried chicken and sinigang na baboy in the restaurant. It was delivered right on time. Sinigang was tasteful. Kids love fried chicken that they ate by twos!
Honestly, this getaway was one of our happiest and memorable family escapades. We all had fun because all of us were swimmers and we love to swim, swim and swim! Though there were no slides (except for the Kiddie Pool) and diving board, the kids enjoyed a lot. I was not a pool baby for I am a certified beach bum, but just like the kids, I had a great time too!
The reasons? The panoramic view in the Infinity pool, the tranquility, the nature ambiance and the quality time I had with my loved ones.
The little store
There's a little store near the Infinity Pool that sells basic goodies like biscuits, bottled water, shampoos, 3-in-1 coffee, shampoos and soap. They sell beer too. But expect it to be higher than the regular price.
The staff
They are accommodating especially Ms. Weng who promptly attended to our needs through text or call. Even the gardeners are polite and respectful. Once I asked for something they responded quickly. But I noticed they have no life guard on duty. They should assign one in each pool to secure safety.
The food
The taste of food was average and it was affordable. Either you dine in the restaurant or you may request your order to be delivered in your room in your desired time to eat. But do it early so they can serve it on time.
Contact Info:
Dfarm and Park
Km. 3 Baloganon, Masinloc, Zambales City
Contact Numbers:
Mobile Numbers: 0939-5386117
Jiji – 0922-8463865
Faye – 0922-8463852
Jing – 0922-8463851
Reggie – 0922-8463854
Shie – 0922-8463850
please refer here in getting there.
their website: http://www.dfarm.com.ph
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Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more of my adventures and travels. Enjoy!


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A Call for Artists came through in an email last night. To my surprise, the exhibit (in a hospital gallery) will be of nudes. As far as I can tell the "no breasts", "no cracks" restriction does not apply! I have entered two, large watercolors.
At the end of the month I'll sift through my studio, saving the strong work and disposing of the weak work to make room for new explorations. Seeing Autumn Nude was like crossing paths again with an old friend. The opportunity to return to full-time painting is a bit overwhelming. My approach to the business of art will be quite different this time around.
Painting: Autumn Nude – Acrylic on Canvas – 22″ wide x 28″ high. Technique: Thrown Paint, Drips and Line Drawing


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Manila, Philippines – Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) Secretary Manuel "Mar" A. Roxas II will file a case against Stradcom to recoup about P2 billion that the private Information Technology (IT) company collected through its alleged illegal use of communications data stored at the State-owned Land Transportation Office (LTO).
"The legal department is finalizing the DoTC's legal position on the matter considering that this is unauthorized," Roxas said. He, however, refused to reveal this strategy publicly but would do so only in closed doors.
Roxas stressed this point when he appeared before the Senate Finance Sub-committee chaired by Sen. Ralph G. Recto to defend the proposed P32-billion DoTC 2012 budget yesterday.
The P2-billion figure was considered a "loss'' by Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson who explained that a Commission on Audit (CoA) report stated that
Stradcom should have given the LTO's just share for such an alleged illegal interconnectivity.
Lacson pointed out that the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) had recommended a revenue-sharing scheme between Stradcom and LTO. (Mario B. Casayuran)
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Jul 13, 2012 10:01 PM GMT
ESPNThis story appears in ESPN The Magazine's July 23, 2012 Body Issue. Subscribe today!
AMERICAN TARGET SHOOTER Josh Lakatos faced a conundrum. Halfway through the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, he and his rifle-toting teammates were finished with their events, and the U.S. Olympic Committee and team officials had ordered them to turn in the keys to their three-story house and head back to the States. But Lakatos didn't want to leave. He knew from his experience four years earlier in Atlanta, where he'd won silver, that the Olympic Village was just about to erupt into a raucous party, and there was no way he was going to miss it. So he asked the maid at the emptied-out dwelling if she'd kindly look the other way as he jimmied the lock. "I don't care what you do," she replied.
Within hours, word of the nearly vacant property had spread. Popping up once every two years, the Olympic Village is a boisterous city within a city: chock-full of condos, midrises and houses as well as cafés, barbershops, arcades, discos and TV lounges. The only thing missing is privacy -- nearly everyone is stuck with a roommate. So while Lakatos claimed a first-floor suite for himself, the remaining rooms were there for the taking. The first to claim space that night were some Team USA track and field fellas.
"The next morning," Lakatos says, "swear to God, the entire women's 4x100 relay team of some Scandinavian-looking country walks out of the house, followed by boys from our side. And I'm just going, 'Holy crap, we'd watched these girls run the night before.'"
And on it went for eight days as scores of Olympians, male and female, trickled into the shooter's house -- and that's what everyone called it, Shooters' House -- at all hours, stopping by an Oakley duffel bag overflowing with condoms procured from the village's helpful medical clinic. After a while, it dawned on Lakatos: "I'm running a friggin' brothel in the Olympic Village! I've never witnessed so much debauchery in my entire life."
Home to more than 10,000 athletes at the Summer Games and 2,700 at the Winter, the Olympic Village is one of the world's most exclusive clubs. To join, prospective members need only have spectacular talent and -- we long assumed -- a chaste devotion to the most intense competition of their lives. But the image of a celibate Games began to flicker in '92 when it was reported that the Games' organizers had ordered in prophylactics like pizza. Then, at the 2000 Sydney Games, 70,000 condoms wasn't enough, prompting a second order of 20,000 and a new standing order of 100,000 condoms per Olympics.
Many Olympians, past and present, abide by what Summer Sanders, a swimmer who won two gold medals, a silver and a bronze in Barcelona, calls the second Olympic motto: "What happens in the village stays in the village." Yet if you ask enough active and retired athletes often enough to spill their secrets, the village gates will fly open. It quickly becomes clear that, summer or winter, the games go on long after the medal ceremony. "There's a lot of sex going on," says women's soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo, a gold medalist in 2008. How much sex? "I'd say it's 70 percent to 75 percent of Olympians," offers world-record-holding swimmer Ryan Lochte, who will be in London for his third Games. "Hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do."
Read the rest at: http://espn.go.com/olympics/summer/2012/story/_/id/8133052/athletes-spill-details-dirty-secrets-olympic-village-espn-magazine


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Realistic (fiction), 751 words, Level M (Grade 2), Lexile 560L
Marcus Loses Patches is about a little boy who loves playing video games. One day, he gets so wrapped up in his game that he forgets to feed his dog, Patches. When he finally gets around to feeding her, he realizes that he has forgotten to latch the gate and Patches has escaped. Mom and Grandpa help Marcus find Patches, and he realizes that although video games are fun, they are not more important than his dog or his family. Illustrations support the text.
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Youth Boxing Glove - 6 oz.
These boxing gloves are ideal for younger practitioners. They are constructed of soft foam padding and covered in resilient polyurethane so it gives the advantage of a gentler feel but with the same great durability. The Velcro strap around the wrist ensures a secure fit on the practitioner and provides a protected yet comfortable fit. #706 6 oz. Black, Blue


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When Jesus was asked what would be the signs of His coming at of the end of this age, he said, "As it was in the days of Noah . . . so shall it be." The main event that occurred in the days of Noah is recorded in Genesis 6:4: "The Nephilim were on the earth in those days and also after that . . . they were the heroes of old, men of renown." Nephilim in Hebrew means "the fallen ones." These were evil fallen angels who appeared on the earth in those days and caused the violence, bloodshed, and chaos which resulted in a world-wide Flood. "As it was . . . so shall it be." After the Apocalypse begins, these same fallen angels—plus Satan and all the rest of those that rebelled with him—will once again manifest on earth in plain sight. They will be led by a man most call the antichrist. But in Revelation, he is not given this name; John refers to him as the beast from the abyss.
This book is an in-depth study of the beast's past, present, and future, which debunks most of the common and accepted assumptions of the antichrist and instead presents a scripturally-based study of he who is to come: The beast who ascends out of the abyss—having seven heads and ten horns.
With the Logos Bible Software edition of Return of the Antichrist and the New World Order the reader has an abundance of resources that offer applicable and insightful material for their study. Topics and Scripture verses can be searched and an assortment of useful resources and perspectives from a variety of pastors and theologians can be accessed.
Patrick Heron holds a B.Sc. in Theology and MA in Business. He received an honorary Doctorate in Christian Literature from the California Pacific School of Theology. Heron has been featured on hundreds or radio and TV shows. He lives in Dublin with his wife and three daughters.


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While it might still only be early days in the union between Michael Beauchamp and Sydney FC, the early signs suggest it's going to be a fruitful partnership for both parties.
Sometimes in sport things just fit perfectly.
While it might still only be early days in the union between Michael Beauchamp and Sydney FC, the early signs suggest it's going to be a fruitful partnership for both parties.
The move has given Beauchamp a chance to play regular football again after a disappointing season with Melbourne Heart in their debut campaign of 2010-11.
It's also proving a winner for Sydney FC, who are coming off a forgettable season of their own, who have found themselves with an experienced defender hungry to perform and prove the critics wrong.
"From day one I've felt like I'm a part of the club and I'm really enjoying myself," Beauchamp said.
"I'm really happy with my move to Sydney, everything is working well together so far."
"The club been fantastic and the boys have been great as well."
"I'm happy that I'm playing regularly at the moment. Obviously we've still got the likes Seb Ryall breathing down my neck at training."
"I have to keep performing because throughout the team we have a bit of depth there."
"Each session it is going to be tough to keep position but that's good."
And a nice change after a difficult period with new franchise the Heart last season.
The 30-year-old spent just as much time on the bench as he did on the field under John van 't Schip.
The lack of first team football has meant Beauchamp, who started in defence in the Qantas Socceroos' win over Serbia at the 2010 World Cup, hasn't featured under new national boss Holger Osieck since the German took over last year.
It's been a frustrating time for the defender but one he admits has made him a stronger and more determined player.
Rather than put the blame on the Heart and a lack of games for his Qantas Socceroos snub, Beauchamp said the responsibility rested solely with him and he was eager to put it right.
"Unfortunately when I went to Melbourne I probably wasn-t playing the best to start with," he admitted.
"I've just got to perform each week. Maybe he's (Osieck) got thoughts about me but I have to try and persuade him to select me for at least a camp to show what I can do."
"The boys in national team are doing well which makes my job a little bit harder but I'm willing to take on the opportunity to train well play well in Sydney and hopefully get called back into the (Socceroos) squad."
"I know he's always there in the stands, watching the games and picking (A-League) players."
"You've seen that with (Mitch) Nicholls in the squad now.... He's on game at moment. It's great to see he's picking players that are doing well."
"I feel I'm doing well at the moment but just need to keep improving and keep it going."
Much like Sydney do after a solid start to the current season.
After failing to win any of their first 10 games in the last campaign, the Sky Blues have lost just once in the opening five rounds of this season and sit fourth on the Hyundai A-League ladder.
The weekend's sensational fightback against the Gold Coast has been the highlight of the season so far and Beauchamp believes it's a sure sign the squad are on the right track.
"We're slowly getting there and again on weekend we've come from behind. It shows the character the club has and it's fantastic to build that strength within the team," he said.
"We've still got a lot to improve on but I feel each week we are getting better."
"We didn-t set the world on fire in the first game but we are definitely improving and that's a positive thing for the club."


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CCleaner is the most popular software to use clean all browser history and clean internet temporary stored files. But from the few days ccleaner can't clear the internet Login session cookies and history in my chrome browser.
If i login to my gmail and close the chrome browser and opened ccleaner analyze run cleaner but shows the everything cleared all of session login history.
But again opened chrome browser opened Gmail. its login without entering login id and password.