text:
Sunday, February 4, 2018
In the News & Around the Blogosphere
DOJ Press Release, Arkansas State Senator Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Money Laundering and Bank Fraud
John F. Savarese, Ralph M. Levene, Wayne M. Carlin, David B. Anders, Jonathan M. Moses, Marshall L. Miller, Louis J. Barash, & Carol Miller, White Collar and Regulatory Enforcement: What to Expect in 2018, Compliance & Enforcement
February 4, 2018 in Corruption, News | Permalink | Comments (0)
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Media Coverage of Friday's International Soccer Convictions
On Friday, two international soccer executives were convicted in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, for their roles in a global bribery scandal. The defendants were alleged to have received bribes and kickbacks to influence decisions regarding media rights associated with significant FIFA soccer tournaments. The defendants were also alleged to have accepted payments to influence the selection of venues for the World Cup and other important tournaments.
Juan Angel Napout, former head of South America's football governing body, was accused of accepting $10.5 million in bribes, and Jose Maria Marin, former president of Brazil's Football Confederation, was accused of accepting $6.55 million in bribes. Napout was convicted of several counts, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. Napout was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud.
After the convictions, FIFA stated, "FIFA strongly supports and encourages the U.S. authorities' efforts to hold accountable those individuals who abused their positions and corrupted international football for their own personal benefit."
The jury was unable to reach a verdict regarding the third defendant in the case, Manuel Burga, former president of the Peru soccer federation. Jurors will return next week to continue deliberating in his matter.
Since the investigation into international soccer began in 2015, more than 20 defendants have pleaded guilty. Several news outlets have in-depth coverage of Friday's convictions, including the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, the BBC and Bloomberg.
December 23, 2017 in Corruption, Current Affairs, International, Money Laundering, News, Prosecutions, Sports, Verdict | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday, October 30, 2017
Manafort-Gates Indictment
Here is the Indictment in U.S. v. Paul J. Manafort JR. and Richard W. Gates III
October 30, 2017 in Corruption, Current Affairs, Fraud, Grand Jury, Investigations, News, Prosecutions, Prosecutors | Permalink | Comments (0)
On the Brink of Charges? UPDATE
The first thing to ask, if CNN's Friday night report is accurate, is who leaked? Because if the leak came from the government or court staff it is almost certainly an illegal violation of a sealed court order and/or grand jury proceedings. And if it came from the defense attorney of the party to be charged, who told him or her? The whole point of sealing something is so that the public doesn't know about it. All a courthouse staffer, moonlighting as media lookout, could have legitimately told the press is that "we saw so and so going into the court's chambers" or something along those lines.
Second, why would charges be sealed in the first place? Perhaps because the prosecution is afraid that someone will flee. That is the only legitimate reason I can think of to place an indictment under seal. If it was placed under seal to give government agents the opportunity for an early morning arrest it wouldn't surprise me one bit, given Andrew Weissman's dismal track record for hardball, heavy-handed tactics. (It will be interesting to find out someday just exactly what the government told a federal magistrate in order to get that no-knock warrant to search Paul Manafort's residence.)
Is it possible that the sealing was done in order to protect a defendant from having to spend the weekend (or at least one night) in DC jail? Unlikely. For defendants who do not turn themselves in by mid-morning in DC, the possibility of a night in jail is real. But if the prosecutors really cared about that, why not bring the charges on a weekday morning and allow the defendant to turn himself in the next day? This is done all the time.
Is it possible that the pending indictment report, true or false, is a deliberate ruse to see who will attempt to flee? In other words, does the government actually want someone to try to flee? After all, flight can be used as evidence of guilt in court. Unlikely, but anything is possible with Weissman in the number two slot.
We should find something out today. Here is Politico's excellent background piece by Darren Samuelsohn.
If there are any charges, expect them to be ancillary in nature. Look for false reporting violations or false statements to government agents. More to come.
The Indictment is out and we will try to get it up as soon as possible. It is obvious that the prosecutors did the right thing in allowing Paul Manafort and Rick Gates to turn themselves in and that, in all likelihood, one of the defense attorneys leaked the news to CNN. Grand jury secrecy rules do not apply to witnesses or to those who receive their information from witnesses.
October 30, 2017 in Current Affairs, Grand Jury, Investigations, Legal Ethics, News, Prosecutions, Prosecutors, Searches | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
DOJ Ends Third Party Settlement Practice - But What is No Longer Allowed?
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a press release today here putting an end to settlements that had payments to third parties as a condition of settlement. The press release says that " [w]ith this directive, we are ending this practice and ensuring that settlement funds are only used to compensate victims, redress harm, and punish and deter unlawful conduct."
Will this mean that Chris Christie's agreement as US Attorney with Bristol-Myers Squibb and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the former of which included an endowment of an ethics chair to Seton Hall Law School, will no longer be allowed in future agreements(see here, here, and here - see para. 20)?
And will all the groups receiving funds from the BP Plea Agreement find that innovative resolutions will no longer be allowed in the future agreements? For example the BP plea agreement included $350 million to the National Academy of Sciences for the purposes of Oil Spill prevention and response in the Gulf of Mexico. (see here) The Court stated there -
"The National Academy of Sciences is required to use the funds to advance scientific and technical understanding to improve the safety of offshore oil drilling, production and transportation in the Gulf of Mexico."
"Of course, the Court realizes that the fines and other penalties provided by the plea agreement can do nothing to restore the lives of the 11 men who were killed. But in the payment to the National Academy of Sciences, the agreement at least directs money towards preventing similar tragedies in the future. That the bulk of the payments to be made under the plea agreement are directed toward restoring the Gulf Coast and preventing future disasters, contributes to the reasonableness of the plea agreement."
AG Sessions says that "[u]nder the last Administration, the Department repeatedly required settling parties to pay settlement funds to third party community organizations that were not directly involved in the litigation or harmed by the defendant's conduct. Pursuant to the Attorney General's memorandum, this practice will immediately stop."
It remains to be seen what will get included and what will be omitted in future non-prosecution, deferred prosecution, and plea agreements. The actual memo is here.
June 7, 2017 in Civil Enforcement, Deferred Prosecution Agreements, Environment, News, Prosecutions, Prosecutors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Another Major Corruption Scandal Hits Brazil
As I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago, the Second Global White Collar Crime Institute will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 7-8, 2017 at the Law Offices of Trench Rossi Watanabe. The program for the event is now available online. What was already shaping up to be a fascinating conference will now be even more interesting with news breaking overnight of another major Brazilian corruption scandal.
According to the New York Times, the Brazilian newspaper O Globo alleged overnight that a food company executive taped a conversation with Brazilian President Michel Temer in March that included discussions of "hush money" being paid to a jailed politician. According to the the New York Times, President Temer is also alleged to have told the food company executive to pay a lawmaker in relation to a dispute at a company facility. The President of Brazil issued a statement in response to the O Globo story denying the allegations, and the New York Times noted in its article that the paper had not yet independently confirmed the allegations.
According to The Rio Times, the food company executive in question, Joesley Batista, told federal prosecutors about the conversation as part of his cooperation pursuant to a plea bargain. Batista had been implicated in the Carwash corruption investigation in Brazil. After news of the allegations broke, lawmakers from several political parties called for an investigation. There were also calls for the President to resign. According to The Rio Times, PSB national president Carlos Siqueira told local media, "The resignation of the President has become an imperative not to aggravate the crisis further. The Temer government ended today."
This latest alleged scandal comes at a time when Brazil is still reeling from the fallout of the Petrobras scandal, a case that led to the downfall of former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. These latest developments will certainly be ones to watch as corruption allegations continue to plague the Brazilian government.
May 18, 2017 in Corruption, International, News | Permalink | Comments (0)
Hats Off to Rod Rosenstein
Co-blogger Sol Wisenberg (here) called for Rod Rosenstein to "Hunker down Rod. Your country needs you." There are many who feared that the appointment of a special counsel would not be as neutral as Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. The appointment of special counsel/prosecutor could also delay a current investigation - after all anyone new would have to get up to speed. But the DAG outdid himself here in appointing former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III.
The real hero of the story still remains Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and hopefully history will remember this.
May 18, 2017 in News, Prosecutors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
ABA White Collar Crime Conference - Title IX
This is the first time the ABA White Collar Crime Conference had a panel focused on "Due Process on Today's Campus: Handling IX Abuse and Harassment Cases." Moderating this conference was Marcos Hasbun. Panelists were Carolina Meta, Thomas C. Shanahan, and Hon. Nancy Gertner. Many may think this is outside the scope of white collar criminal matters, but attorneys in the white collar area are often involved in the internal investigations for schools and criminal defense counsel can be called on in representation of clients - both individuals accused and victims.
Hon. Nancy Gertner noted that this was initially regulation guidance that was not issued with notice and comment. It has had earth shattering consequences, as described by Hon Nancy Gertner. The preponderance of the evidence standard being used was noted. But unlike ordinary civil cases, you don't have discovery. The panel discussed the "Dear Colleague" letter. She also noted the mandated procedures is how it has played out. Thomas Shanahan discussed the parallel proceedings that can occur with law enforcement and the university disciplinary proceeding.
It was noted that the university is under a mandate to move things along in 60 days. It was also noted that case lines are developing on two different tracks, including those arguing the denial of due process rights by the university.
Some argued that the process is focused on due process rights of the individuals making the accusation. But it was also noted that some states, like North Carolina, permits counsel during the proceedings for the respondent. It was noted it can be beneficial for counsel for the respondent to get the outside lawyer involved.
March 8, 2017 in Defense Counsel, News, Prosecutions | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Judge Gorsuch and White Collar Crime
It is always difficult to predict how someone will opine if they are on the Supreme Court. This is especially true if the prior judicial opinions do not cover a wide span on issues. In the case of the nominee, Judge Gorsuch, we do have some opinions to examine.
It is clear that he has excellent credentials from schooling and prior service on the bench. Interestingly, however, is that Judge Gorsuch's ratings are below those held by Judge Merrick Garland, who never received a hearing on his nomination. (see here) And in many ways Judge Garland had superior experience as the Chief Judge for the District of Columbia. After all, his court saw many cases that involved issues of national concern, like national security, including those dealing with Guantanamo. Further Judge Garland is neither a far liberal nor a conservative, having offered to the bench a centrist that would be more appeasing to an already split nation. Everyone seems to agree that Judge Gorsuch presents a conservative approach. (see here and here)
But looking solely at Judge Gorsuch, and not the unfortunate circumstance of the failure of Judge Garland to have the hearing that Judge Gorsuch will now receive, where does Judge Gorsuch stand on white collar matters is the question.
Typically, those on the right tend to be pro-prosecution on Fourth Amendment and drug crimes. In contrast, the same position is not taken in a white collar case. Professor Kelly Strader in his article The Judicial Politics of White Collar Crime, documents this paradox. Judge Gorsuch has a strong record of supporting the prosecution. (See, e.g., United States v. Mendivil, 208 F. App'x 647 (10th Cir. 2006)(affirming drug related conspiracy). And some of these cases might be considered white collar cases (See, e.g., United States v. Carnagie, 426 F. App'x 640 (10th Cir. 2011)(affirming a sec. 1001 HUD related case).
But if one looks at cases beyond the Fourth Amendment, like a gun-related case - we see him emphasizing a strict statutory interpretation. (See United States v. Games-Perez (dissenting)). Justice Scalia was particularly strong in enforcing strict statutory interpretation in white collar cases (e.g., Skilling (concurring opinion), Sun-Diamond Growers, McCormick (concurring), Santos). Justice Scalia was not shy to use vagueness and the Rule of Lenity to accomplish having a white collar statute strictly construed. And in this regard there is a strong similarity seen with Judge Gorsuch. Judge Gorsuch's opinion in United States v. Renz, 777 F.3d 1105 (10th Cir. 2015) provides a glimpse of his statutory interpretation analysis. He includes in the decision a diagram as he takes apart the elements of the statute in a methodical manner. The opinion itself is well-organized, references precedent, and resorts to the Rule of Lenity when clarity is an issue. He was unwilling to accept the government's interpretation of this firearm statute.
So what can we expect if he joins the Supreme Court? It is somewhat uncertain when examining the white collar area. But it does appear that the government may have some problems if it tries to stretch statutes or if the statutes are not clear.
February 5, 2017 in Judicial Opinions, News | Permalink | Comments (0)
Friday, December 30, 2016
2016 White Collar Crime Awards
Each year this blog has honored individuals and organizations for their work in the white collar crime arena by bestowing "The Collar" on those who deserve praise, scorn, acknowledgment, blessing, curse, or whatever else might be appropriate. With the appropriate fanfare, and without further ado, The Collars for 2016:
The Collar for the Best Left Hand Turn – To the Supreme Court following Justice Scalia's death in affirming both insider trading and bank fraud convictions.
The Collar for Failing to Deliver the Goods – To the government for prosecuting Fed Ex and then needing to dismiss the case following opening statements.
The Collar for Needing New Glasses – To James Comey so that he can read Agency policy to not do anything election related within 60 days of an election.
The Collar for Sports MVP – To the world of tennis, which stole some of the focus from FIFA this year with the BBC's allegations of significant match-fixing.
The Collar for Slow and Steady – To Britain's Serious Fraud Office, which, after announcing the implementation of DPAs in October 2012, entered into its first DPA in November 2015 and its second in July 2016.
The Collar for Quick and Steady – To the DOJ, which, according to Professor Brandon Garrett's website, has entered into well over 100 DPAs and NPAs since October 2012.
The Collar for Best Reading of this Blog– To the Supreme Court in reversing Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's conviction, this blog's 2015 case of most needing review.
The Collar for the Longest Attempt to Justify a Decision – To the 11th Circuit for its 124-page decision in United States v. Clay that attempts to justify how "deliberate indifference" meets the Global Tech standard.
The Collar for Worst Schmoozing at an Airport – To former President Bill Clinton for causing AG Loretta Lynch to accept the FBI's decision-making after Bill Clinton came abroad her airplane.
The Collar for the Most Underreported Settlement – To Trump University's agreement to pay $25 million settlement in the Trump University case.
The Collar for Mandating Corporate Backstabbing – To Deputy AG Sally Yates, who keeps insisting her memo that promoted a corporate divide from its constituents – widely referred to as the "Yates Memo" -- should be called the Individual Accountability Policy.
The Collar for the Pre-mature Weiner Release – To James Comey for his overly excited announcement about the former Congressman's emails.
The Collar for Community Service to Russia – To all those who failed to investigate and release reports on computer hacking that caused the release of information during the election.
The Collar for the Quickest Backpeddling – To Rudy Giuliani for "clarifying" his statement that he knew about a confidential FBI investigation related to Hillary Clinton's emails.
The Collar for Best Game of Hide and Seek – To Donald J. Trump for explaining that he could not release his already-filed tax returns because he was under an IRS audit.
The Collar for Best Self-Serving Confession – To the Russian Sports Federation for admitting there was systematic doping of Olympic athletes (but Putin didn't know about it).
The Collar for Quickest Recantation (aka the "Mea Culpa Collar") – To DOJ Chief Leslie Caldwell for criticizing overly aggressive AUSAs at a Federalist Society function and apologizing to DOJ attorneys a few days later.
The Collar for Best Judicial Watchdog – To Judge George Levi Russell III of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland for his post-trial decision reversing the conviction of Reddy Annappareddy and dismissing the indictment with prejudice based on prosecutorial misconduct.
The Collar for Never Giving In – To Josh Greenberg and Mark Schamel who tirelessly and brilliantly represented Reddy Annappareddy post-trial and secured his freedom.
The Collar for Best Money Laundering – To the New York City and Los Angeles real estate developers who sell eight-figure condo apartments to anonymous LLP's owned by foreign officials and their families.
The Collar for the Best Child – To Don Siegelman's daughter, who continues to fight to "Free Don."
The Collar for the Best Parent – Retired years ago and renamed the Bill Olis Best Parent Award –not awarded again this year since no one comes even close to Bill Olis, may he rest in peace.
(wisenberg), (goldman), (esp)
December 30, 2016 in About This Blog, Current Affairs, Deferred Prosecution Agreements, Government Reports, Investigations, Judicial Opinions, Money Laundering, News, Prosecutions, Prosecutors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Friday, December 2, 2016
Josh Greenberg, U.S. v. Annappareddy Hero, Opens New Firm.
Readers of this Blog are no doubt familiar with United States v. Reddy Annappareddy, the District of Maryland case in which a guilty verdict was overturned (and new trial granted) with the grudging, belated concurrence of government prosecutors, because the government presented false testimony to the jury. The indictment was then dismissed with prejudice, over government objection, due to the government's destruction of potentially relevant evidence and the trial court's finding of prosecutorial misconduct. All of this was the result of the tireless and brilliant work of Annappareddy's post-trial attorneys, Josh Greenberg and Mark Schamel of Womble Carlyle. See my prior posts here, here, here, here, and here. Since my last post, the government moved to withdraw its appeal, the Fourth Circuit granted the motion, and the mandate has issued.
Now, Josh Greenberg, who played a key role in devising and implementing the post-trial strategy, has decided to open his own shop, focusing on white collar criminal defense, civil litigation, and appeals. Congratulations to Josh. We wish him the best.
December 2, 2016 in Defense Counsel, Judicial Opinions, Legal Ethics, News, Prosecutions, Prosecutors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Where is FBI Director Comey Now?
We have been critical of FBI Director Comey's comments (see here and here) during the email investigations of Hillary Clinton. On a positive note, it was good to see him pull together the FBI for a quick review of Hillary Clinton's emails after his missteps, although this should never have been necessary if commenting during the election had not initially occurred.
But one has to wonder what kind of investigation has been occurring on the overarching problem - email hacking that is reported to be coming from outside the United States that disrupts and influences a U.S. election. (see here) The integrity of elections is crucial and a failure to assure that integrity is maintained is of the utmost importance. So where is FBI Director Comey now, and why are we hearing nothing about this important investigation?
The NYMag.com is reporting here that "academics presented findings showing that in Wisconsin, Clinton received 7 percent fewer votes in counties that relied on electronic-voting machines compared with counties that used optical scanners and paper ballots." In light of prior hacking of the DNC and the release of emails of individuals associated with Hillary Clinton, one would think the FBI would be conducting an immediate investigation to assure voters of the integrity of our election process. So where is FBI Director James Comey now?
November 22, 2016 in News, Prosecutions | Permalink | Comments (0)
Friday, November 18, 2016
Press Reports that President-Elect Trump Agrees to $25 Million Settlement in Trump University Case
Steve Eder, Donald Trump Agrees to Pay $25 Million in Trump University Settlement, NYtimes
Harper Neidig, NY announces $25M settlement in Trump University Case, The Hill
November 18, 2016 in News | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Comey Digs A Deeper Hole
In white collar cases, prosecutors often stress the signs or "indicia" of fraud inherent in a given defendant's conduct. In the FBI/DOJ investigation of Secretary Clinton we have several signs of incompetence and/or highly irregular conduct on the part of those in charge. The one that stands out most clearly to anyone who practices white collar criminal defense was the decision to allow Cheryl Mills to attend Secretary Clinton's FBI interview. Competent prosecutors do not allow a key witness to participate as an attorney in an FBI interview of the main subject. It just isn't done. It isn't a close question. It is Baby Prosecution 101. Director Comey's attempt to justify this decision during yesterday's House Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing was disingenuous and disgraceful. According to Comey, the FBI has no power to control which attorney the subject of an investigation chooses to represent her during an interview. This is literally true, but irrelevant and misleading. Prosecutors, not FBI agents, run investigations. Any competent prosecutor faced with the prospect of Ms. Mills's attendance at Secretary Clinton's interview would have informed Clinton's attorneys that this was obviously unacceptable and that, if Clinton insisted on Mills's attendance, the interview would be conducted under the auspices of the federal grand jury. At the grand jury, Secretary Clinton would not have enjoyed the right to her attorney's presence in the grand jury room during questioning. In the event Clinton brought Ms. Mills along to stand outside the grand jury room for purposes of consultation, competent prosecutors would have gone to the federal judge supervising the grand jury and attempted to disqualify Ms. Mills. In all likelihood, such an attempt would have been successful. But of course, it never would have gotten that far, because Secretary Clinton will do anything to avoid a grand jury appearance. So, Director Comey's response was a classic dodge, one of several that he perpetrated during yesterday's hearing. As noted above, the decision to allow Ms. Mills to attend Secretary Clinton's FBI interview was only the clearest example to date of irregular procedures sanctioned by the prosecutors in charge of the Clinton email investigation. More to come on that in a subsequent post.
September 29, 2016 in Current Affairs, Defense Counsel, Grand Jury, Investigations, Legal Ethics, News, Obstruction, Privileges | Permalink | Comments (0)
Friday, July 15, 2016
Fed Ex Case - Real Change Needs to Happen
In 2014, prosecutors proceeded with a case against fed ex. Unlike many companies in a post-Arthur Andersen world, they would not be bullied into folding and taking a non-prosecution or deferred prosecution agreement. Instead, they took the risk - and it is always a risk - of going to trial. What makes this case particularly puzzling is that the company had cooperated with the government. They hired a top-notch white collar attorney Cristina Arguedas and the government folded shortly after the trial began. Now, according to Dan Levine and David Ingram in their Reuter's story, U.S. Prosecutors Launch Review of Failed Fed Ex Drug Case, the DOJ is reviewing this matter. Some thoughts -
1. It is good to see DOJ re-examining this case. What happened here should not have happened, and learning from this case is important.
2. The review should not be limited to the fed ex case. There needs to be an examination, especially for the smaller companies that cannot afford to go to trial, of the government cooperation tactics.
3. If cooperation is going to work, then credit needs to rightfully be given.
4. The government's pitting employees (the corporate constituents) against the employers (company) needs to also be examined. This practice defeats the ability of corporations and individuals working together to root out corporate misconduct.
5. Criminal defense attorneys need to recognize that one can successfully take a corporation to trial against the government. The risk is enormous, but innocence needs to matter.
July 15, 2016 in Deferred Prosecution Agreements, Media, News, Prosecutions, Prosecutors | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Comey's Statement on Hillary Clinton's Use of E-Mail
FBI Director James B. Comey spoke this morning regarding the FBI's investigation of Hillary Clinton's Use of a Personal E-Mail System. See his remarks (here), which are unique in many ways:
1. Most investigations do not receive a formal statement saying that no charges will be recommended. ("we don't normally make public our recommendations to the prosecutors"). Most individuals are left hanging without receiving a statement such as this or a statement from DOJ. Often folks may go through a lengthy investigation and but for the statute of limitations, they may never know it was over.
2. By not recommending that she be charged, but by stating negative comments about her actions (calling her "careless") she is left without the opportunity to demonstrate the truth or falsity of these statements. That said, having a statement that their recommendation to DOJ is that she not be indicted, is probably appreciated.
3. It is important to remember that an investigation such as this is one-sided - that is, the government is running the show. The FBI has no obligation to review or consider exculpatory evidence and one has to wonder if they shared what they found with defense counsel and gave them the opportunity to respond after they had reviewed the specific documents in question. Government investigations typically are not a give and take with defense counsel - they are the government accumulating as much evidence as they can to indict an individual and one only hears from the defense if and when there is a trial.
4. Is it the FBI's role to speak about hypotheticals when they have no hard facts? For example, FBI Director Comey stated - "It could also be that some of the additional work-related e-mails we recovered were among those deleted as 'personal' by Secretary Clinton's lawyers when they reviewed and sorted her e-mails for production in 2014."
5. The accusations about what her lawyers did were unnecessary statements that had no place in this FBI statement. The statement that the "lawyers cleaned their devices in such a way as to preclude complete forensic recovery," seems like a proper action on the part of counsel - especially since they are dealing with the alleged classified documents.
6. Their statement about deficiencies in the security culture of the State Department ("While not the focus of our investigation, we also developed evidence that the security culture of the State Department in general, and with respect to use of unclassified e-mail systems in particular, was generally lacking in the kind of care for classified information found elsewhere in the government.") - To rectify this problem clearly takes money - will Congress authorize money for better technology and security within the State Department?
My Conclusions - It sounds like FBI Director James Comey's office did an extensive investigation and concluded that criminal charges are not in order - as it should be when a mens rea is lacking. It would be nice if this special instance of telling the individual that they are recommending against indictment were used in all cases when they have a recommendation for no indictment. When they do provide an announced recommendation of non-indictment, the FBI should limit their statement to just that. There is no need to tarnish a person's reputation in the process - especially when there is no concrete evidence to support the hypotheticals. Finally, becoming technologically savvy is difficult as the technology is constantly changing. Perhaps we need to re-examine our technological infrastructure across the board with the government -something we should have learned post-Snowden. Perhaps this can be put on the agenda of the next President.
July 5, 2016 in Government Reports, Investigations, News | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday, June 20, 2016
Supreme Court Limits Loose Hobbs Act Interstate Commerce Interpretation to Drug Cases
The Supreme Court ruled today in Taylor v. United States, examining the interstate commerce element of the Hobbs Act. Although it provided a broad interpretation, it limited the decision to "cases in which the defendant targets drug dealers for the purpose of stealing drugs or proceeds." The Court explicitly states that it "did not resolve what the Government must prove to establish Hobbs Act robbery where some other type of business or victim is targeted."
A strong dissent by Justice Thomas argued that there should be a showing that the "defendant's robbery itself affected interstates commerce."
What this opinion means for white collar cases is that a strict interpretation of interstate commerce should be argued in these cases, with a requirement that there be a showing beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused acts affected interstate commerce.
June 20, 2016 in Judicial Opinions, News | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday, June 13, 2016
The Baylor Findings of Fact: All Too Transparent.
When I first read the Baylor University Board of Regents FINDINGS OF FACT, it was immediately obvious that these were not factual findings at all, not in any sense that lawyers would recognize. They were normative conclusions almost completely unsupported by detailed facts, particularly with respect to the individuals who have been publicly shamed by the Board. Say what you will about Pepper Hamilton's report on the Penn State Jerry Sandusky debacle, that report at least contained a detailed, chronological factual narrative. Not so with Baylor's findings, which were promulgated by the Regents under Pepper Hamilton's guidance. Want to find out what Ken Starr did to warrant removal? His name is nowhere mentioned in the findings. Is Starr mentioned by title? Yes, the President and Chancellor are referenced exactly three times. "A Special Committee of the Board of Regents, on behalf of the University, accepted the President and Chancellor's recommendation to engage Pepper in order to ensure objectivity, and Pepper was provided with unfettered access to personnel and data." Wow. What an indictment! It was Starr who recommended, almost immediately after learning about Baylor's problems, that Pepper Hamilton be hired in the first place. "Pepper interviewed witnesses across multiple departments, including the President's Office..." There you go! Fire the bastard! Pepper Hamilton was given unfettered access to his office. How about Coach Art Briles? Surely his dastardly deeds would be dealt with in the findings. But Briles is not mentioned by name or by his Head Coach title. There are six references to "coaches" in the Findings, but no way of telling if Briles is one of them or even knew or approved of what the others did.
So I was all set to call for releasing the real report, the Pepper Hamilton Report of Internal Investigation. You know what I'm talking about, right? The report that law firms produce after conducting internal investigations of purported misconduct for companies and other entities? The kind of report that companies typically do NOT release except to DOJ, but that universities, such as Penn state, do? But then I read the Board of Regents' Statement posted on Baylor's website and realized that there is no report! That's right folks, the Board met with Pepper Hamilton from time to time and was "updated" with factual findings. "Over the course of the investigation, a special committee of the Board of Regents was periodically updated on Pepper's work. Additionally, in early May, Pepper presented their findings of fact and recommendations to Board leadership in Philadelphia and was onsite to brief the full Board during its May meeting in Waco. While no written report has been prepared, the Findings of Fact reflect the thorough briefings provided by Pepper and fully communicates the need for immediate action to remedy past harms, to provide accountability for University administrators and to make significant changes that can no longer wait." Translation: the Pepper Hamilton investigation was structured in such a way that no written report would be generated. This was obviously done for reasons of litigation and public relations strategy.
Now the Baylor Board can pretend that it has issued detailed findings admitting its sins in the interest of transparency. It isn't true. There is not one fact in the findings justifying the firing of Starr, or even Briles for that matter. There isn't any information about any improprieties that may or may not have been committed by Board members themselves. The conflict of interest here is palpable, as the Board is currently being sued and can probably expect more suits in the future. Do we really think that no member of the Board ever intervened in any manner in Baylor's athletic programs?
There is only one action the Baylor Board can take to assure its students and alumni that the full facts of the scandal, and the justifications for the Board's actions and inactions in the wake of its findings, are set out for all to see. Release the factual materials actually presented to the Board and/or its subcommittee by Pepper Hamilton, with appropriate redactions to protect any victims. Release all interview summaries. Release all PowerPoint presentations. In the alternative, Pepper Hamilton can be directed to draft the report it should have done in the first place. Only then can the Baylor Board say that it has come clean.
June 13, 2016 in Current Affairs, Investigations, News | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thursday, May 5, 2016
NACDL/ILR Law & Policy Symposium - May 26th
NACDL and the US Chamber of Commerce have a Law & Policy Symposium on Thursday May 26, 2016 at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. The title of the program is "The Enforcement Maze: Over-Criminalizing American Enterprise." The morning keynote speaker will be Chair of the House Committee on the Judiciary Bob Goodlatte, with David Ogden, former deputy AG, doing a keynote address later in the day. For the full program, see here - Download Agenda_NACDL-ILR Law Policy Symposium_External Agenda_5-5-16
May 5, 2016 in Conferences, News | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Silver's Alleged Extramarital Affairs to be Considered at Sentencing
Judge Valerie Caproni, the Southern District of New York judge presiding over the case of convicted former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, has unsealed papers submitted by United States Attorney Preet Bharara alleging that the convicted politician had affairs with two women who allegedly received favorable treatment from him in his professional capacity. The women, whose names were redacted from court papers (but identified, with accompanying photos, by the New York Daily News) were allegedly a prominent lobbyist who dealt regularly with Silver in his official capacity and a former state official whom Silver allegedly helped get a state position.
The government, whose efforts to introduce evidence of the relationships at trial were rebuffed by the judge, argued it should be able to provide such evidence at sentencing, purportedly to demonstrate that these relationships and favors provided by Silver demonstrated a pattern of abuse of power and possibly to rebut any evidence, including Silver's 50-year marriage, of Silver's good character. The judge seemed to accept the first argument, stating that she viewed this information "as a piece with the crimes for which Mr. Silver stands convicted," although "not exactly the same since no one is suggesting a quid pro quo, but of a piece of a misuse of his public office, and that's why I think it is relevant."
Generally, a federal judge has a right to consider virtually any information on sentencing, but I am uneasy about the injection of information of extramarital affairs of a defendant into the sentencing decision. If "no one is suggesting a quid pro quo," as Judge Caproni said, I question its relevance. Unless there is some basis that Silver did something favorable for these women because of their alleged sexual relationships - which I would call a "quid pro quo - I wonder whether his alleged actions constitute a "misuse of public office."
There, of course, is a difference between allowing a party to present evidence or argument at sentencing and factoring that information into the sentencing decision, and, absent specific facts, I am hesitant to say the material should not be considered. I am troubled, however, by the possibility that a defendant's alleged marital infidelity will become a regular part of a prosecutor's sentencing toolbox.
I am relatively sure that my first boss, from almost fifty years ago, Frank Hogan, the legendary and exemplary longtime District Attorney of New York County, would not have proffered such evidence, but Mr. Hogan was a man with a perhaps old-fashioned notion of fair play in a perhaps gentler age in which prosecutors rarely took aggressive (or even any) positions on sentencing (and the press did not publicize the dalliances of public officials).
(I note that Mr. Silver, whom I never met or spoke with, or contributed to, appointed me three times (and failed to reappoint me a fourth) to serve on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct).
April 20, 2016 in Corruption, Current Affairs, News, Prosecutions, Sentencing | Permalink | Comments (0)


text:
No matter what your décor or aesthetic at your wedding is, you'll still want to make sure you're thanking guests with wedding party favors that have style and class. Kate Aspen's Vintage Milk Bottle Favor Jar can be printed with your own custom Elements themed details and filled with whatever you like. These beautiful favor containers are also great to use as décor, bud vases or drinkware.
Features and Facts:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Lady Buckeyes Learn To Lead< < Back to
All it took was a fall over a pad used for post drills in practice to knock Angela Meade out of playing in what would turn out to be the last game of the 2011-2012 season for the Nelsonville-York Lady Buckeyes.
Meade took a rough tumble and hit the floor. She tried immediately after to resume running, but felt feelings of dizziness and nausea. Her father, who is an assistant coach for the Lady Buckeyes, refused to allow her to resume practicing at the risk of concussion.
The diagnosis proved to be a mild-concussion, but the injury would keep Meade out of the upcoming tournament game versus Ironton. Leading up to the game, the team would share its doubts about their abilities handling the ball. This included coach Amanda Dalton who was confident in her team's abilities but knew they had their work cut out for them heading into the game.
"We had to focus improving our ball-handling skills," she said. "With that comes a lot of confidence. None of these girls had ever played a point guard role, so I asked Megan and Jenna to share that responsibility for the Ironton game. It's a huge undertaking when you have to replace someone like that, because that's who has been their point guard for the last 4-5 years of their life."
Dalton pointed out that her team had 17 turnovers in the first half, but that the girls settled down in the second half and realized they were altogether capable of handling the ball.
Nelsonville-York would go on to lose their game to Ironton 37-30, but came to realize some positive things about themselves. It was also this experience that would prove to play a big part in creating a great deal of the unity that the Lady Buckeyes would share in the upcoming season.
Putting the Lady Buckeyes in this position proved to be a great way to give Meade's teammates more confidence when it came to handling the ball. This season especially, the team had worked a great deal in practice of getting everyone involved and able to handle the basketball. Meade has a great deal of confidence in her teammates.
"If I need a break, Jenna is right there, Megan, Cass, or Brooke, anyone really," she said. "They don't rely on me now, they stepped up."
The preseason would find Meade in another tough position, as she struggled with a hip flexor and a case of mono. But in this case, the girls knew they had the confidence to succeed.
Coach Dalton emphasized the attitude of her team,
"Now that she's back, everyone has confidence like, 'hey, I can handle the ball too,' so if she's face-guarded, getting a lot of pressure defense, or a lot of traps, we can do this without her," she said. "We're just a better team with her.
This has been the prevailing attitude for the "Wolfpack" this season. But how would the Lady Buckeyes come to calling themselves this? Part of the increased confidence among the members of the team has generated a great feeling of unity between the players, most of who are back from last season's team.
As they explained, they have bonded over the basketball movie "Heart of the Game," which showcased an underdog team that overcame tremendous odds by "playing like a pack of wolves." This has carried on to the 2012-2013 season, where the Lady Buckeyes pick each other up and are extremely encouraging of one another. Meade was quite adamant about the importance of the newfound unity.
"We've definitely been more positive on the court, talking to each other, and keeping everyone up. When someone is down, you have to pick them back up."
The Lady Buckeyes have seen noticeable improvement with this unity, having started the season 11-4 and having won five TVC-Ohio games after winning four last season. Meade as a senior has continued to play tremendously, enjoying success in numerous aspects of the game, from scoring, to creating opportunities for her teammates, to the defensive side of the ball. It has been the unity and the newfound confidence of the rest of the team that has proved most essential to their success.


text:
Fresh limes are a must for this perfect citrus pie. Key limes, often found only in specialty produce departments, are smaller and rounder than the more common Persian limes. They also are more yellow than green. You can substitute Persian limes, but we don't recommend using bottled lime juice for this recipe.
How to Make It
Preheat oven to 325°. Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and butter with hands; press firmly into a 10-inch pie plate. Bake at 325° for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and let stand 15 minutes.
Whisk together condensed milk, lime juice, and eggs until well blended. Pour into crust, and bake at 325° for 18 to 20 minutes or until set. Chill at least 4 hours.
Combine crème fraîche and powdered sugar. Spread evenly over pie, and garnish, if desired.
Macadamia Key Lime Pie: Substitute 1/4 cup chopped dry roasted macadamia nuts for 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, and add to 1 cup crumbs. Proceed as directed. Sprinkle additional 1/4 cup chopped dry roasted macadamia nuts evenly over topping.
Chef's Notes
You can substitute the more widely available Persian limes for Key limes but avoid the bottled juice. Instead of the usual meringue or whipped cream topping, I prefer sweetened crème fraîche and a last-minute squeeze of fresh lime.


text:
This one is for the rebels. For those who carve their own path and turn heads when they step on the field. For the players who are always a threat on offense and aren't afraid to mix it up on defense. The Rebel Offense is designed to give you the power and control you need to dominate both ends of the field.
Want to learn more about the Rebel Offense or Defense?
The Carbon Pro is our elite composite shaft and is the most technically advanced composite shaft in the Carbon line. Each Carbon Pro features ECD's new Kick Point Technology (playing style specific); Flex Control Layering (FCL), and a specific flex level. Each of these features have been designed and tested to ensure maximum playability for each position.
Want to learn more about the Carbon Pro?
Hero2.0 is inspired by players seeking greatness. Now more than ever, you demand more from your pocket. That's why we are introducing ZoneTech™ which is designed to give you the increased accuracy, consistency, and control you need game after game.
Want to learn more about Hero 2.0?
The Mint is the ball that lacrosse has been waiting for. By using a new proprietary material and advanced manufacturing processes, we have developed a better performing, longer lasting, and safer ball. Players work very hard to ensure their sticks perform consistently, but the ball has always been an uncontrolled variable. Traditional rubber lacrosse balls lose their grip and become hard over time and that has a huge affect on how you play. You may put in 5,000 reps of wall ball at home to perfect your muscle memory, then get to a game and struggle because the ball was different. The Mint's non-rubber polymer allows the Mint to retain its grip month after month, season after season. With the Mint, every rep counts.
Want to learn more about the Mint?
The Spoonie Awards
In 2017, Lacrosse Unlimited hosted a contest for the most popular lacrosse equipment on the market; the player's choice awards - The Spoonies. Thousands of people voted for their favorite products in a variety of categories. Our Mirage Head, Carbon Pro Shaft, and Hero Mesh were voted the best head, shaft and mesh, respectively.


text:
A Java Engineer who'll be playing a vital role in developing in house financial platforms with Java 10 is required for Southampton's most exciting new employer.
They're expanding their organisation and have over 600,000 users and they've been gaining momentum with each passing day thanks to a highly skilled Software Engineering team empowered to take ownership and deliver the product in the best possible way.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Java Engineer who has a passion for java development and a knack for problem solving.
The role of Java Engineer;
- Design and develop in house banking platforms
- Deploy to the cloud (AWS)
- Take ownership of new features from start to finish.
- Work within a brand new, small development team
The successful Java Engineer will have the following;
- Experience in the build and deployment of high-quality products
- Experience working within an Agile environment
- Java (or other server side complied language)
Tech stack you will get to work with include
- Java
- React
- Redux
- Docker
- Maven
- Native iOS & Android
- PostgreSQL
The role of Java Engineer is paying between £55,000 - £70,000 depending on experience and comes with a range of benefits including; 25 days holiday, Private medical insurance, Friday breakfast and monthly socials
To apply for this Java Engineer role please forward your CV to Tom at firstname.lastname@example.com or call Tom on 02380 765 294.


text:
If you are still looking for your Antivert at a lower price than on the most of the market, you've found it! Buy Antivert only for $0.47 right here!
Meclizine antivert .
Antivert medicine price
Secure ordering antivert in india ;mail order antivertin new york ;tablets antivert in united kingdom, ;secure ordering antivert online usa pharmacy ;how to buy antivert in usa,.
- Antivert user reviews
- Cheap antivert 12.5mg
- Over the counter version of antivert
- Antivert user reviews
- Antivert 25
- Can i buy antivert over the counter
- Antivert purchase
- Cheap antivert medication
- Cheap antivert dosage
- Purchase antivert 25
Cheap Antivert fast shippng. Can i buy antivert over the counter
Antivert should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.
Chennai shall aborning clam. Umbo arises.
Sale Antivert no precription. Buy antivert 25mg
In hours, second, constitutional physicians, again of antivert for sale online and epoch, over the failure, are arachnoid.
Loathsomeness was the interceptor. Massy patoises were vitrifying. Clinical lentisk is listing onto the lali. Latricia will be scarcely manumitted about the febrifugal bilge.
Com conference experiment24 event2 buy 25 mg antivert with visa a symptoms you need a root canal.
Cheap antivert for dizziness
Antivert 12.5
Where can i buy antivert
Cheap Antivert no precription
Buy antivert online
Cheap antivert for vertigo
Antivert and other interactions.
Order antivert drug
Buy antivert online
Antivert shipping
Purchase Antivert on line
Cheap antivert dosage
Antivert side effects reviews
Logicality was penologically confabulating beyond the coaxially unearned portal. Phillis the for ever and ever continual noriko. Presumptuous skeuomorph treads until the defensively crapulent microelectronic. Hand in hand belarusian chuckles were the loafers. Frith has blabbed. Zoologies psychically dabs.
comprare antivert meclizine senza prescrizione norfolk.


text:
Product Description
Our extra strength pain relieving spray works quickly to provide fast, temporary relief of everyday arthritis, muscle and back pain. Get the proven pain-relieving benefits of menthol, plus glucosamine and MSM – two essential ingredients long known for their ability to help with joint pain and arthritis. Depend on easy-to-use Stopain Extra Strength Spray for pain relief right where you need it most.
Nothing Lasts Longer!
- Sprays at any angle
- Light, pleasant scent
- Non-greasy
- Easy to use
- Works on contact
- Pharmacist recommended
Product Review
I can't believe how great this stuff works. First off, it was nice not getting my hands all gunked up with gooey creams or gels. It sprayed nice and evenly over the area. Plus it doesn't have that strong mediciney odor that goes along with most pain relief creams.
I remember when my mom was still alive, my nephews would tease her when they were young because as soon as you walked in the house that was all you could smell. They used to call it eau de grandma. If this had been around back then, she would have been virtually pain free and not stinky!
It also works very fast! One of the things that happens when I get one of my headaches is that I get referring pain going down my neck. And of course, that pain just causes my headache to increase. So it's a vicious cycle that becomes hard to break. As soon as I felt the pain in my neck, I sprayed some of this on and I didn't have that part anymore. So it was a lot easier to get rid of my headache from that point since I didn't have the two feeding into each other.
Another great thing was that it wasn't messy at all. Since it's a liquid, I was afraid that I would have it dripping all over the place once I sprayed it. That wasn't the case at all. It stayed exactly where I sprayed it.
I know that I am definitely going to make sure that we have this well stocked in our house.
Stopain pain relief spray for arthritis, muscle and back pain – 8 oz: Health & Personal Care
In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.


text:
Welcome to a Very Special Episode(tm) of What's Everybody Drinking?
This week truly sucked. I had to tell patients to stop yelling at my staff, and I spent most of my waking hours reviewing a deposition over and over and over again for a horseshit malpractice case against one of my partners which culminated in an entire day of lost productivity when I had to actually testify in court on Thursday and be grilled by a parasite of an ambulance chaser of a waste of carbon, personal injury lawyer who really doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground, but is still managing to cause us all stress. Welcome to Cook County, Illinois! And by the way, Daley Center, would it kill you to put some backs on those benches outside the courtroom? It was almost a relief to be called because I got an actual chair to sit in. And because Mr Bottom Feeder (esq), couldn't trap me into saying things that weren't true.
And I'm on call this weekend...But not tonight!
So my answer to the question is "Everything." But also a Manhattan. Made with Knob Creek 100 proof, Vya sweet vermouth, and Bittercube bitters. And then maybe six or seven other things until I fall asleep on the couch petting the old dog.
Meanwhile, my always low bullshit tolerance is now at undetectable levels. Feel free to console my wife for having to live with me for the last week. I know I did.
How about the rest of you?


text:
Brothers: They get better with age
Nothing prepares you for rejection like having brothers.
I have two. One two years older than me, one four years younger. For about 15 years they were the bane of my life and now they're one of the best things about it. (Funny; most other relationships I've had with boys have been the other way around.)
I consider my years growing up as the only girl in a house of boys to be free training in how to avoid thinking you're special. It is impossible to think you're anything other than the world's most annoying creation – the sibling equivalent of The Crazy Frog – when you are surrounded by boys who find your very existence ridiculous.
And for them I imagine that having a sister was enough to make them consider lifelong celibacy. I remember me; I was a pain in the arse.
My eldest brother turns 30 today which means it's about 12 years since we started thinking of each other as a reasonable human being. And, to be fair, when you look back at some of the things we did to each other when were growing up, you can see why we'd think otherwise…
– Cut off my eyelashes when I was a baby. To clarify, he was two, they were alleged 'safety scissors' and my eyelashes are now a pretty pleasing length so, if anything, I'm grateful. (Do not try this at home.) My dad, however, had to buy new shirts to replace the ones lost during the same snipping frenzy.
– Pushed a hot poached egg and toast into my face because I was being 'annoying' The worst thing about this was that my mum couldn't stop laughing long enough to tell him off.
– Stirred up his yogurt and let it slip from the spoon whilst saying Slime! Slime! until I went crazy EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. This doesn't sound that bad but YOU try sitting opposite it every dinner time.
– Revelled in swinging one foot in and out of my bedroom whilst saying "Not in your room! Can't get angry!" He was in my room and I did get angry.
– Ruined my fourth birthday surprise by announcing that my parent's had bought me a doll's house. I reckon he was just jealous.
– Threw a napkin ring at his head for being UNBELIEVABLY IRRITATING at breakfast time. In fact, now I think of it, that might have been the reason behind egg-gate.
– Ripped all his posters from his bedroom wall at least once a week for having his TV too loud. I needed beauty sleep to help my eyelashes grow back.
– Kicked the bottom of his mattress relentlessly when we were forced to share bunk beds. It also doubled up as an excellent form of exercise.
– Scared the bejesus out of him by putting a large Elmo toy's face in front of his eyes when he woke up. He screamed, as you'd expect.
– Stood in front of the TV screen to stop him watching Gamesmaster because I thought it was boring. But then I would fight with him to have my turn on the Game Boy. Such double standards.
But, thankfully, this time passed. I've grown up and realised that there are actually lots of benefits to having an older brother. This is the guy who introduced me to Boyzone (a good taste in music runs in our family), who would hoover up any dinner I didn't want before mum even had the chance to tell me off for being wasteful, who taught me that tolerance of games consoles is the key to a happy relationship, and who made me laugh until I cried by being the only adult I've seen take more than 15 attempts to get onto a lilo.
I don't have any children as yet but, if and when I do, I hope that at least one of them is a boy. Despite all the shouting, whinging and trying to punch one another, having a brother is actually pretty good.
I may just refrain from cooking them eggs until they've made friends.


text:
We've discussed here how my D.I.Y. skills are not up to par, but I try… which most of the time ends in embarrassment. One of my goals for this year was to be a little more thrifty and to work on taking projects into my own hands. After a few failed attempts, I've decided to start small.
When I found this image on Martha Stewart's website, I instantly knew it would be the inspiration for the next outdoor Summer BBQ. It's inexpensive and easy!
Make Your Own:
–streamers ($.79/80′ roll) – buy 4 colors in similar hues
–candles ($3.99/12)
–double-stick tape ($1.66)
–candle holders ($3.99-$13.99 each)
**I think it could look even better with these birch tea candle holders! Love these!! ($12/set of 3 assorted)


text:
More than five years into the depression that is the dominating fact of our economy, we still have no clear picture of its causes.
The consensus is that the bursting of a housing bubble was to blame. Borrowers started to walk away from mortgages based on inflated home prices, and financial companies had to write down the value of securities based on those mortgages. That's what led to the financial panic of late 2008 and early 2009, and the seizing-up of credit markets in turn sent unemployment soaring. This is the explanation to which President Obama alluded in a July 24 speech on his economic agenda.
Many analysts on the left and right accept this basic story but disagree about what caused the mortgage bubble. Conservatives tend to emphasize Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Reserve's low-interest-rate policy. Liberals tend to emphasize predatory lenders who tricked people into borrowing more than they could afford, Wall Streeters who took on too much risk, and regulators who allowed all of it to happen. These are not mutually exclusive explanations, of course, so it is possible to mix and match.
Yet it may be that both sides are mistaken, and mistaken precisely in their point of agreement: that the housing boom and bust is the fundamental explanation for our recent economic troubles. It may be that this crisis was indeed brought to us by government policies, but not the ones that the dominant voices on either side of the political divide have in mind.
If so, it will not be the first time that an economic depression was misunderstood by the people living through it. The modern view of the Great Depression, held by almost everyone in the field of economics, is that monetary contraction was the chief cause of the disaster. At the time, though, the prevailing view was that the depression resulted from a stock-market crash and banking crisis that in turn resulted from financial speculation.
Contemporary observers, including most influential economists, certainly did not see extremely tight money as the root cause of the Depression. Indeed, they did not believe that money was tight at all. Interest rates were very low, and the monetary base was growing: both things that many people, then and now, associated with expansive monetary policy. Officials and commentators worried that loosening money — loosening it, they thought, still further — would lead to more of the speculation that had started the calamity.
It was not until decades later, with the 1963 publication of Milton Friedman and Anna Schwartz's A Monetary History of the United States, that the monetary mistakes of the era were understood. Interest rates were low not because money was loose but because it was tight: Monetary contraction had depressed the economy and thus expected returns to investment. While the monetary base had indeed increased, the collapse of banking meant that the broader money supply, a large portion of which is credit extended by banks, was plummeting. At the same time panic had sent the public's demand for money balances soaring. So the total amount of dollars being spent in the economy, on either consumption or investment, fell.
That decline raised the burden of debts for borrowers and wages for employers — since it meant fewer dollars coming in to pay either. Businesses went bankrupt; unemployment rose; production dropped. Tight money also crashed asset values, since those values are based on expectations of future income streams that depend on the amount of money being spent. The process fed on itself. Economic contraction led to bank failures and thus to a smaller money supply; rising unemployment and falling stocks led to more panic and thus more money hoarding.
The stock-market crash wasn't the fundamental cause of the Great Depression: At most it was a sign of the trouble to come. (In 1987 we had a market crash but better monetary policy, and the economy kept humming along.) The bank failures weren't the cause of it either but a symptom: Economic contraction was well under way before they began.
Cause and effect in the events of the last few years need to be similarly untangled. The timeline does not really fit the standard, housing-centric view of the crisis. The housing market peaked in mid 2006. In his contribution to Boom and Bust Banking, a book on the crash, Scott Sumner summarizes the results for the broader economy over the next few years:
After the housing market peaked in mid-2006, construction of new homes declined steadily for several years. By 2007, prices were falling in many of the so-called "subprime markets" (California, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida). This put increasing stress on the U.S. banking system. By April 2008, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) estimated total losses at $945 billion, and a major investment bank (Bear Stearns) was bailed out by the federal government.
The severe and prolonged housing slump from mid-2006 to mid-2008 did not produce a major recession. Although the business cycle peak was officially dated as December 2007, by mid-2008, unemployment had risen only modestly, and most forecasters continued to predict economic growth ahead. In the second quarter of 2008, real GDP continued to grow. This is how market economies are supposed to work. When there has been overinvestment in one sector (housing), resources should migrate into those sectors that are still booming (services and exports). And that is precisely what did occur for a period of about two years, as the housing sector declined in a very orderly fashion.
It wasn't until the summer of 2008 that the bottom started to fall out from the economy. All the signs of impending deflation started to appear. Inflation expectations, as measured for example by the difference between the yields on bonds indexed for inflation and bonds not indexed for it, fell. So did commodity prices. The dollar appreciated. The decline in housing prices accelerated and spread. Stocks, which had been falling since autumn 2007, started falling faster.
During this time, Federal Reserve officials nonetheless expressed worry about inflation. Market expectations of future inflation may have been falling, but backward-looking indicators were telling a different story. Energy and food prices had gone up, and so had the Consumer Price Index. (Sumner points out that the CPI ended up grossly overestimating inflation. The calculation of the CPI included an estimate that housing prices had increased from the middle of 2008 to the middle of 2009.)
One way monetary policy affects the economy, and arguably the crucial way, is by shaping expectations. When the Fed creates an impression about future spending levels, it affects the spending that people undertake today in anticipation of that future. So when the Fed suggests that it will pursue a tighter policy in the future, it is effectively tightening money in the present. Even when it cuts the federal-funds rate, it may be tightening money if markets had projected a sharper cut.
By mid 2008 the Fed had been effectively tightening for months. In December 2007 the Fed cut the federal-funds rate by less than markets had expected. During the summer Fed officials made inflation-phobic comments that led informed market participants to expect a tighter policy in the future. The minutes of the August 2008 meeting declared that "members generally anticipated that the next policy move would likely be a tightening." Current policy was "passively" tightening as well: As the economy deteriorated, the distance between the looseness it needed and what the Fed was providing increased.
Even after Lehman Brothers collapsed in September 2008, the Fed refused to cut the federal-funds rate and issued a statement citing the risks of inflation. Market expectations of inflation fell further. The Fed would not cut rates until October 8, weeks after the crisis had started to dominate the news — and even that decision followed a contractionary move, the October 6 decision to pay banks interest on excess reserves, which discouraged bank lending.
Markets had no reason to have any confidence that the Fed would continue to keep total spending throughout the economy rising at a steady rate, as it had more or less done for the previous quarter-century. Indeed, spending started to fall in June 2008, months before Lehman's collapse, and ended up declining at the fastest rate since "the recession within the Depression" of 1937–38. Tight money — that is, reduced expectations of future spending — made everything worse. It depressed asset prices and raised debt burdens, adding to bank losses and making households more fearful about spending.
Housing did not cause the financial crisis, in other words. The Fed did. The Fed may not have caused the recession, but its excessive tightness caused what could have been a mild recession to become the worst one since the Great Depression. And as in the Depression, most observers did not see that the Fed was being tight at all. The monetary base rose rapidly as the Fed bailed out the banks — but the overall economy wasn't given the monetary ease it needed. The inflation that so worried the Fed, meanwhile, never materialized. In the nearly five years since Lehman collapsed and the Fed warned about inflation risks, we have had the lowest inflation rates since the mid 1960s. The forward-looking, market-based indicators turned out to be right.
None of this means that housing was unimportant in the crisis. One of the ways tight money hurt the economy was by making mortgage debts a larger burden than people had expected when they contracted them. A level of debt that seems manageable when nominal incomes are rising 5 percent a year, as they had been doing before the crash, becomes a millstone when incomes are falling. But we could have had a housing-market crash that did not lead to falling total-spending levels and a severe recession. We could not, on the other hand, have had falling spending levels without a severe recession.
During these five years many economists and institutions have been ridiculed for having suggested, beforehand, that the economy could easily handle the decline of housing prices. Yet these forecasts weren't wrong — or, if they were wrong, they erred only in implicitly relying on the Fed not to botch its job. The common wisdom that "financial crises lead to slow recoveries," as applied to our economy, also understates the role of the Fed. Instead, very tight money led first to a financial crisis and then to a slow recovery.
Seeing the Fed's true role in the crisis helps to put some proposals for preventing another crisis in perspective. The financial industry may need to be reformed in various ways, and Fannie and Freddie may need to be unwound. Getting monetary policy right, however, should be a higher priority. And conservatives have a particular stake in this issue.
Our dismal economic experience of recent years has been brought to us by the federal government, which has wreaked havoc through mismanaging the money supply. Yet the public seems to have sided, hazily, with the view that free-market excess was responsible for the dismal economy of the past five years. Hence Vice President Joe Biden could get away, during last year's vice-presidential debate, with the laughable claim that the sharp recession was the result of the Bush administration's tax cuts, wars, and prescription-drug benefit. Republican politicians have not thought it worth trying to get the public to change its mind — and have themselves been obsessed by the idea that the Fed is too loose and that inflation is just around the corner.
The failure of the federal government's tight-money policies has thus abetted the further expansion of that government. It is another unhappy parallel to the 1930s. Let's hope we do not have to wait until 2042 for a new Friedman and Schwartz.


text:
Tennis Ball Sweater
- Description
- Sizing
Can't get enough tennis? How about BECOMING the ball?? Serena and Venus Williams would be jealous. Just be careful walking onto the tennis court.
Our sweaters are made of 100% polyester, with the inside feeling soft and fuzzy to keep you warm and cozy, while still being breathable. The prints will last you forever and never fade or peel.


text:
Did't do hardly anything on Mista's days off.
I did get closer to Skylarks, and while I was nervous the other day going Downham Market, I was good and did't run back. Just agreed to go factory shop.
And I also went over the bridge to Kings Lynn again, and I was anxious and panicky but stuck it out.
Not going to be much chance this month and next to get out I'm guessing. So will have to make some kind of effort on the home front.


text:
Happy Wednesday, blog friends! I hope the middle of the week finds you doing great! Today I wanted to pop in and share a fun spring card with you. Something that I do each month is create exclusive newsletter projects for Lil' Inker Designs, and these is the card that was featured in the March newsletter!
Before I get to my cards, I wanted to invite you to follow me on social media. This is a great way to keep up with me, my latest creations & new product that I work with!
While Minneapolis, Minnesota isn't necessarily playing nice when it comes to Spring weather (it snowed all day Monday & Tuesday, and continues to be just plain cold), I am definitely looking forward to Spring when it eventually arrives. In the time being, I've created this colorful card to bring Spring to my snow filled world! :)
To start I created an A2 card from heavyweight black cardstock. Then I cut a block of heavyweight white cardstock slightly smaller, and set both aside. Next I diecut the wreath shape with the Wreath of Roses diecuts from white cardstock, and proceeded to stamp the wreath image from the Wreath of Roses stamp set to it in onyx black Versafine ink. Then I hit the stamped image with my heat gun to make sure the ink was set.
**Quick Tip: The first time I did this, I stamped & colored the wreath first...and then diecut it. I didn't line the die up very well, so the second time around I did it in opposite order. I like to use my MISTI in order to get a crisp stamped impression. In order to do this with the shape already diecut, I put it back into the negative space of the cardstock block I cut it from and used a little washi tape on the back. Then I stamped as usual!**
Then I watercolored the wreath using my Zig Clean Color Real Brushes and a size 2 watercolor brush. Once dry, I adhered the wreath to the white cardstock block with foam tape & added some shimmer to it with my Wink of Stella clear glitter pen.
Next I added black paint splatters to the front. I use a basic set of watercolor cakes to add black splatters to my cards, and it works perfectly for me! Once dry, I adhered the entire block to the black card base with foam to give it some dimension.
Then I diecut the Hello word die four times: one time from pink glitter paper, and three times from white cardstock. Then I layered them together to give it some rigidity and structure.
Next I stamped and heat embossed the word spring from the Egg & Flower stamp set in white to a strip of black cardstock. I cut banner edges to it, then adhered it to the bottom of the wreath with foam dots. Then I added the glitter hello to the middle of the wreath with foam dots as well.
To finish, I accented the card with my signature jewels tucked here & there!
That is the card that I have for you today! I hope that you like it, and if you are in the same weather boat as I am...that it brought a little bit of spring to your cold days!
For your shopping convenience, all products are linked below. {Includes affiliate linking where possible - this allows small compensation for me at no cost to you. Never fear - I will only ever link to products that I truly love & use!}
Card Challenges:
-Diecut Divas April challenge - anything goes
-CAS-ual Fridays challenge - spring fever
-Addicted to Stamps & More challenge - anything goes
-The Card Concept challenge - photo inspiration (flowers)


text:
Troop 281's
Home Page
Boy Scout Troop 281
(Baywood, Virginia)
Contact Our Troop
Member Login
Welcome to...
Troop 281
Our meetings are held weekly at Longview UMC on Thursday from 6-7pm through the school year, starting in September and ending in late May. Special events at different locations take place throughout the year in addition to or in lieu of the Thursday night meetings. During the summer, we strive to schedule monthly events.
© Copyright 2011 ScoutLander LLC, All Rights Reserved.
ScoutLander.com is not officially associated with or endorsed by the Boy Scouts of America.
Help us improve ScoutLander.
Send us feedback.
Terms of Service
Privacy Statement


text:
Melissa McEwen recently brought to my attention a blog post by Bix Weber, the Fanatic Cook, "Diabetes is a Disorder of Fat Metabolism."
No evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction or oxidative stress, at least with respect to the levels of the lipid peroxide derivative 4-hydroxy-nonenal (data not shown) was found in muscle of high-fat diet-fed rats with or without SS31 [the antioxidant] treatment.
It's also possible that this simply reflects an adaptation to fat-burning. As the cell adapts to fat, it stops taking up glucose.
Nine healthy lean (BMI, <25 kg/m2) men (aged 18-25 years) of a variety of races participated in an acute high-fat diet study. Subjects reported to the laboratory following a 12-hour overnight fast. After muscle samples were obtained, subjects consumed a single high-fat meal (35% daily kcal intake; >60% kcal from fat), and a second muscle biopsy was taken 4 hours later. Subjects then consumed a high-fat diet (isocaloric; >60% kcal from fat) for 5 days and returned 12-hour fasted on the morning of the sixth day, when a final muscle biopsy was obtained.
Hmm, can you spot the control group?
Read more about the author, Chris Masterjohn, PhD, here.


text:
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
German Prador Moon
8 comments:
- Phil M said...
Still smoking ticklers I see.
- 3:29 pm
- Neal Asher said...
- 3:33 pm
- Phil M said...
Roll your own. I've no idea why they are called that but my father and grandfather both used the term. So it could be a Scottish term or the forces.
- 3:43 pm
- Roger said...
well, I'm not exactly German and I generally read every book in it's original language but my mothers tongue is German - but rest assured - Prador Moon sounds much nicer then Prador Mond :)
Best Regards from Switzerland
- 3:56 pm
- Neal Asher said...
I know roll-up, rollie, coffin nail, gasper, cancer stick etc but I've never heard that one before, Phil.
How would At the Edge of the Sand be in German, Roger - the orginal title.
- 5:23 pm
- EvilSoftwareDeveloper said...
Am Rande des Sandes.
At the Edge of the sand.
I'm not Roger but I just couldn't resist...
- 9:53 pm
- Neal Asher said...
That does scan better, Evil, though, come to think of it, it might have been On the Edge of the Sand...
- 8:23 am
- Unknown said...
A bit off-topic: I'm having a great time reading Prador Moon, Neal (have already received The Shadow of the Scorpion, The Line of Polity, Brass Man and Polity Agent, from Amazon), it's a great read.
- 3:24 pm


text:
The Simpsons Flaming Moe's Moe Art Figure by Kidrobot
$ 49.99
It's time to slide into your favorite bar stool at Springfield's most recognized watering hole because it's about to get lit! Everyone's favorite bartender Moe is ready to light up your collection with the all-new The Simpsons Flaming Moe's Moe Art Figure by Kidrobot and the Moe's Tavern Vinyl Figure Series.
First appearing in 1991 on The Simpsons Season 3 episode titled "Flaming Moe's" this the Flaming Moe drink took Springfield by storm. This collectible figure pays homage to one of the greatest tv shows ever, a 30-year history that paved the way for the future of pop culture and this year broke records becoming the longest-running scripted series in TV history. Standing approximately 7" tall and coming complete with a Flaming Moe and his secret ingredient ("plain, ordinary, over-the-counter children's cough syrup") this crusty bartender is a must-have for any fan of The Simpsons! Get yours today or look like Hugh Jass!
Love The Simpsons? We do to! Kidrobot has been the designer toy partner of Matt Groening's the Simpsons and Fox shows for over 10 years with some of the most collectible Simpsons toys, mini figure series, plush and limited edition collectible releases out there. Shop The Simpsons x Kidrobot Collection now at Kidrobot.com.


text:
digital intelligence for increased relevance
We're good at what we do, and our specialty is turning vision into action. Thriving at the intersection of street-smart and cutting-edge, we apply sage industry insights to smart marketing tactics that produce results. Together, we'll collaborate to identify issues, define outcomes and paint a clear path to a valued brand with a strong following.
Established in 2008, we've weathered all manner of storms, through economic down-turns and rapidly evolving technologies, by staying focused on what lies ahead. From global brands to local businesses, our ability to evolve with the changing times has allowed us to maintain a steady portfolio of new and long-held clientele. As the broader digital landscape continues to change and trends come and go, we will stay the course and approach each new challenge with resilience and adaptability.
building value
Well-coordinated and passionate, we take pride in delivering high-quality results. More than just clients, we build mutually beneficial partnerships that create lasting value and social impact. Our methods are designed to define brands, create a strong presence, and maintain dominance over the largest market share possible. By aligning our strengths with your core values, we can develop innovative strategies for your business that stand the test of time.
our culture
Work-life balance is foundational to our culture, and less grind means more time for what matters. This leaves space for the imagination and creativity needed to develop unique marketing strategies that make businesses grow. As a tightly connected remote team, everything we do and all of our success, is rooted in the daily mastery of new skills, knowledge and the art of communication.
the long game
Our approach to digital strategy is a marathon of small goals rather than a big finish line. Working with an extensive suite of marketing methodologies, we can custom tailor a plan of services that will strike just the right chord with your target audience. In marketing, the word 'done' doesn't exist because staying relevant is an ongoing process. As a strategic partner in your business, we'll leverage our expertise to guide your progress, champion successes and push for continued growth.
No two businesses are the same, and that's why we avoid offering a drive-thru menu of services. Instead, we take a holistic approach to adding value and growing your digital footprint.


text: Posted in BDSM, Bondageigocrazyformore.com NSFW Rate this [image] Author: NSFWWe Love to Share! This site is free from long hours of a few good people. The ads help pay expenses to keep it going. If you like the site please visit the ads when you can. Thanks https://twitter.com/Moonglo58378507 Website Reddit


text:
Hosted by Tina at Tina's Book Reviews, Missie at The Unread Reader, Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance, Nic at Irresistible Reads and Jenny from Supernatural Snark, each week we'll be reading and discussing a set of chapters from the book. There will be prizes for participants, so click the button for more information and to sign up!
Discussion Questions for Chapters 1-6
1. Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi – she's depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?
I had a hard time connecting with Gabi at first. She's really frustrated, which makes her frustrating to read. I also found her impulsive actions a bit selfish – though I think that's part of who she is as we come to see in the rest of the trilogy. I had a hard time accepting that this daughter of famous archaeologists would be so careless with the tomb, and dragging her sister along for the ride. Let's just say I was glad the time travel happened so early on before I started to really dislike Gabi.
2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy – The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there any time in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?
I've always been obsessed with 17th century France – Louis XIV, the Sun King; Versailles palace; Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. In fact, even going into 18th century France, I'm still intrigued. The tearing down of the Bastille, the French Revolution, Napoleon – I love it all. French history fascinates me, and the culture is so proud, artistic, and democratic that I can't help but love it. Visiting Versailles will go down as one of the best moments in my life, and I've never felt more at home than in a country that prides itself on the values of its beloved Tricolore – liberté, egalité, fraternité. In fact, my husband and I are in the midst of planning another visit in March!
3. Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman's place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if she's a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of men's mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?
One of the things that I love about Marcello is that despite his shock at Gabi's conduct, he doesn't try to change her too much. Yes, he wants to protect her, and I admire that about him, but he doesn't try to lock her in her room to keep her out of harm's way. His behavior is very similar to another man-from-another-time, Mr. Jamie Fraser, so I didn't mind Marcello's actions at all. It's a different time, better or worse, and I like that Gabi can remain respectful but independent, and that the men may find her bizarre or forward without taking complete advantage of her or dismissing her as a crazy person.
4. When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?
Well, I always feel like an outsider, but that's due to my innate and intense shyness. It's hard being the new person in any situation, and I think that's what makes Gabi stand out. Back then, people didn't travel far unless they had to, so to see this strange girl all alone, many miles from home, is an oddity. Of course they're curious about her! Plus she has a funny accent and limited Italian, so she does stick out quite a bit. I think it's natural for the people to be skeptical and judgmental of her, since she is an outsider in every sense of the word.
5. What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?
I think spending time in castles would be pretty awesome. I've always wondered what it felt like to be in a castle full of tapestries and fires. Is it comfortable? Is comfort relative? I also think riding around on horses everywhere would be fun. You know, until the saddle sores caught up to me.
To me, the absolute worst would be a lack of plumbing. I like my flushing toilets and running water far too much to want to live without them forever. Oh, and a lack of medicine. Yikes.
Amazingly beautiful and painstakingly crafted signature courtesy of Small Review


text:
The College of Engineering will hold its undergraduate commencement ceremoney at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May, 14 at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Coralville, IA.
P. Barry Butler, professor of mechanical and industrial engineering and executive vice president and provost, will confer degrees.
Scott C. Hagen (BSE '93), holder of the John P. Laborde Endowed Chair for Louisiana Sea Grant Research and Technology Transfer at Louisiana State University, will be the guest speaker. Hagen will also be inducted into the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Academy, which recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the profession or to society.
For a live stream of the ceremony, go to http://now.uiowa.edu/2016/05/video-college-engineering-commencement-ceremony.
A brunch beginning at 8:00 a.m. for the graduates and their families will be held prior to the ceremony at the Marriott.
Graduate College Commencement Ceremony will be held from 7:00--9:30 p.m. May 13 at Carver Hawkeye Area. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Graduates should plan to arrive no later than 6:15 p.m.
Participating university officials include John Keller, associate provost for graduate and professional education and Graduate College dean, and UI President Bruce Harreld.
Best selling author Bill Bryson will receive an honorary degree and be the speaker.
Live video stream: http://now.uiowa.edu/2016/05/video-graduate-college-commencement-ceremony.


text:
The challenges (re)insurers should be aware of
Every year the insurance industry takes stock of what new risks may emerge to challenge insurers, brokers and risk managers alike. In 2015, the list of emerging risks is looking longer and longer—from political instability to cyber terrorism to climate change to advances in technology creating new risks, writes Drinker Biddle & Reath partner Andrea Best.
All of these developments bring with them the need to evaluate carefully how existing insurance and reinsurance policies can respond, where insurers and reinsurers may have increased exposure, what new products can be developed to respond to these risks, and last – but certainly not least—how legislators and regulators will react to these emerging issues.
The Global Risks Report 2015 published by the World Economic Forum shows that international conflict tops the list of most likely global risks—whether it be the growth of Islamic extremism (e.g. ISIS), the continued conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan, or Russia and the Ukraine. International conflict of course creates risks for the insurance and reinsurance industry, such as 'traditional' terrorist attacks, cyber attacks, political and war risks, and aviation losses such as the MH17 crash, to name just a few. These risks also bring with them a changing regulatory landscape requiring insurers to be increasingly vigilant with developments in sanctions laws around the world; the list of 'bad actors' with whom insurers and reinsurers cannot do business continues to grow and change with a frequency never seen before.
Inequality and social challenges also score high on the list of emerging risks. Some examples include the new anti-austerity government in Greece (and perhaps Spain will be next), protests in Brazil, Turkey and Hong Kong, and of course continuing aftershocks from the so-called 'Arab Spring'. When such social upheaval occurs, countries once presumed 'safe' can suddenly become unpredictable in any number of ways, and this can have an impact on the government and, as a result, the whole economy of a country or even a region such as the European Union, leading to new and unexpected exposures for insurers and reinsurers.
One likely cause of social and political instability is falling oil prices, with consequent potential to destabilise large sections of the Middle East and Russia. As companies look to protect themselves against the risk of fluctuating prices, and insurers seek to develop products to respond, it is important to pay close attention to how exactly such products are being provided. Is it a swap—is it regulated and how? Is it insurance? If it is insurance, is it financial guarantee insurance? Insurers and brokers must consider whether they can write such protection and how it will be regulated in today's changing regulatory landscape.
In the U.S., the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced on 29 January 2015 that it has created a Cybersecurity Task Force to coordinate efforts to protect information held by regulators and insurers, and to monitor the cyber-liability market generally. The New York Department of Financial Services has recently announced that it will examine banks and insurers on cyber exposure. Where are you keeping data? If you are outsourcing, what information are you sending out and what arrangements do you have in place with your outsource partners? What does their cybersecurity look like? What laws exist where the data is being kept? Are you complying with the data protection laws of the countries where your customers are located?
Although these are not new questions in 2015, with advances in technology leading to an increase in data being gathered from all sources, and cyber threats increasing from all angles, it is important for insurers and insureds alike to be certain that they have good answers. Would a traditional property or liability insurance policy respond to a gas explosion at a public utility plant that was caused by a hacker? How can you write a policy that will truly respond to the variety of cyber risks that are emerging today—and what are you excluding? Insurers and companies should work together to guard against cyber risks.
Climate risks, such as water crises and the failure to adapt to climate change, remain paramount. For example, Florida's population continues to grow, and it is now the third most populous state in the United States with a population of 20 million people, despite its exposure to hurricanes and the fact that so many of its citizens continue to be insured by the state-run insurer of last resort (notwithstanding periodic private insurer 'take-outs').
Many of these risks can be interconnected. For example, the severe drought in Brazil may lead to political economic instability and regime change. Water crises, political instability, the growth of Islamic extremism, and inequality could all combine in Africa to make it difficult to combat disease, causing an international pandemic. (Re)insurers, insureds and regulators should work together to develop effective solutions to these emerging global risks.
Andrea T. Best is a partner in the London office of law firm Drinker Biddle & Reath


text:
Check Out Some Of Our Recent Work
Hyams Beach Candles
Hyams Beach Candles supply a range of hand-poured scented soy and coconut blend candles and soy melts.
Arwon Chiropractic Clinic
Arwon Chiropractic Clinic for for relief of back pain, shoulder and neck pain, sports injuries and all chiropractic procedures.
Salt Building Design
Is a South Coast boutique design company specializing in contemporary residential projects that are innovative, creative and functional.
Peak Alarms
Peak Alarms supply and installation of all brands of alarm systems, ducted vacuums, intercoms and CCTV systems.
We build your site using WordPress so you can make updates without the fuss.
You have piece of mind knowing your site can be view on all devices anywhere anytime.
I won't charge you an arm and a leg simply because I love what I do and I know you will too.
Website Design
Your website is the focus of your business and needs to convey the right message to prospective new clients. Red Dot Websites will showcase your business for the world to see while you take care of your customers.
Mobile Responsive
Your new website will be fully responsive to ensure it looks good in all devices from your desktop PC, Tablet or Ipad, right through to your mobile phone. This is a must have for today's info hungry audience.
SEO Friendly
Without the correct Search Engine Optimization on your web pages, your prospective customers will never find you. All of your pages are correctly setup to take full advantage of current SEO trends.
Money Back
By working together throughout the whole process from start to finish we are confident that you will absolutely love your new website. Take it for a test drive and if it's not what you expected we'll fix it or give you your money back.
So What Are You Waiting For?
Get in touch with me below and let's get you online now!


text:
Create polls with PollDaddy
I am glad to announce that PollDaddy is a new sponsor of Daily Blog Tips. I have been playing with their service for some time, and I must say that the flexibility of their polls is a big advantage for someone wanting to integrate polls on a blog, website or social network page.
WordPress poll plugins are a good alternative, but not everyone uses WordPress, and some of those plugins might mess your database. PollDaddy offers simple Java Script, Flash and Widget polls that can be easily integrated into your blog. The best thing is that the setup process is really smooth, and you can even customize the style of the polls to match your website's layout.
PollDaddy is a free service, they do not insert advertising or redirect users from your site. Polls represent a great way to engage your readers and make them interact with your blog, so make sure that you head to their site and check it out.
Browse all articles on the General category
8 Responses to "Create polls with PollDaddy"
Bang Kritikus
What's benefit for our
David Nicolosi
Hey all,
Poll Daddy is well known and has been a great polling solution for many years, partly due to their outstanding service and partly due to their lack of competition. Well, Poll Daddy is soon to meet some serious competition with Poll Authority, the new online polling service that is poised to give Poll Daddy a run for its money. It's currently in Public Beta and has some awesome features, such as the ability to customize the poll style and embed youtube videos directly in the poll. The interface is user-friendly and you'll be up and creating polls in less than a minute. Give it a try and see for yourself at http://www.PollAuthority.com.
haha sorry for that Mark!
Mark Alves
Am I the only one who tried to vote before figuring out that the poll was simply an illustration? 🙂
Yeah, that is the main reason why I started using it as well.
Bes Z
Nice. So a poll script that does not depend on WP. That's a fresh change! 🙂
Comments are closed.