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All posts tagged Abraham Lincoln
The Pre-Civil War America
Posted by EJaredAllen on May 6, 2016
Posted in: Educational, History, Politics, Spiritual, Storytelling. Tagged: Abraham Lincoln, america, choice, Civil War, confederate, democrat, election, nation, president, republican, revolution, truth, union, war. 2 Comments
America before the Civil War, or the War Between the States by the descendants of the Confederate party, was a country of two opinions.
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the 16th president of the United States of America. Except, when he was elected the states could only loosely be called united. After the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the majority of the United States held to the tradition of their mother country: England; both allowing and promoting slavery at large, particularly among the wealthy and prominent.
Over the course of nearly a century the once united states of America had become two political states; both holding to uncompromising convictions about the freedom and rights of men. By the time "Honest Abe" enters history these differences of morals became a division of the union.
Abe Lincoln's presidency sparked the beginnings of a four-year war, which began in 1861 and ended with the capture of Confederate president Jefferson Davis in 1865. The pre-Civil War United States, were anything but united. A difference of opinion on a single issue had dramatic effects upon this country and instigated a war that cost the lives of over 625,000 soldiers.
Before the Civil War, slavery was as far reaching as the home of Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson; the writer of these words:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
–Thomas Jefferson (excerpt from the Declaration of Independence)
Even Jefferson, who penned what are possibly the most powerful words against slavery, had himself over 600 slaves. Regardless of his treatment of them, this goes to show how far slavery reached before the Civil War.
It only began then, and grew exponentially during the Antebellum Period. Antebellum was a time between the War of 1812 and the Civil War; it was a time of specific growth in the cotton franchise of the southern states and the industrial manufacturing and modernization of the northern states nearly half again as populated as the south. During the later years of the Antebellum Period, somewhere around 1840, the rise of the abolitionists began. Almost as long as there has been slavery, there have been abolitionists. But only when they began to put actions behind their ideals did the movement become a wedge between two peoples.
The Confederates would not give up their slaves because their economy was centered around slavery. The Union would not give in to slavery because of their morality, the integrity of the nation, and their conviction that all life has worth and rights. Like James Madison wrote, "…among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.". Liberty, that's what the abolitionists wanted. Liberty for all men.
The current state of American politics is a mock-up of our pre-disaster country. There exist two different opinions which have split our country into two political states: republican and democrat. Contrary to their titles, neither one is a party. We are a country divided. Moral conviction now holds no place in politics, and politics no longer hold a place in polite conversation.
"We forgot we were Americans. Suddenly we were democrats and republicans."
–Caleb Allen
Democrats seem fixed upon bringing a moral collapse of our nation's religious economy to rival the financial downfall of the Great Depression. Republicans seem to care about the capitalistic welfare of this 1st world country, but focus more upon tearing down the democratic party than working along with it to better the situation of our country.
We are in a pre-Civil War country, on the brink of a devastating divide that could ruin or heal us. Unlike those ascribing to the apocalyptic demise and then, like Phoenix, resurrection of this country to renewed glory and vigor, I believe any division would be the end of this great nation.
Democracy has become socialist liberalism. Republic has become self-righteous, conservative capitalism. Neither side will admit that the other holds any manner of value. Both are susceptible to corruption and have been thus corrupted. We have forgotten that we are Americans. Suddenly we have become democrats and republicans: shells of idealistic cultures and banner holders for the coming communism of the Antichrist and his revolution. We have paved the road for a destruction to fall upon us like there has never been seen in this country. A Civil war between Hell and earth.
Where there is no vision, the people perish. When there is no longer a right choice, a good choice, or even a shadow of a godly choice, we must turn away from our reliance upon man and government for salvation. Jesus is the only incorruptible, unchanging one. It is to Him we should run and cling; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail. We are on the brink of an uncivil war. It's time we started acting like we cared about the fate of this nation and its people and stopped this inner warfare, this segregation of opinions to once again unite as American citizens, blessed to tread the soil of the greatest nation on earth!
MRM: They Died With Their Boots On
Posted in: Reviews. Tagged: Abraham Lincoln, Black Hills, Cavalry, Civil War, Classics, Crazy Horse, Custer, Errol Flynn, Indians, Old Movies, Ulysses Grant, Warner Brothers. Leave a comment
I know it's a long movie title, I didn't name the film. We're visiting the oldies with this review and a class-act actor, Errol Flynn. Some of you may know Flynn from the 1938 film "The Adventures of Robin Hood". Flynn was an iconic actor for many years, starring in a flurry of films during the span of a rather short career, Flynn set the bar for what a flamboyant, brash, devil-may-care character should be. As a result, he was most often typecast in this particular role.
Moving forward to our current topic, a 1941 film in which Errol Flynn portrays the character of Gen. George Armstrong Custer, or General Custer, as he is most commonly called. Given Flynn's track record, you can guess what kind of Custer he portrayed.
This film was not historically accurate, which is, in a way both a good and a bad thing. On the one hand, I rather enjoy watching the acting out of real events as they would've happened. On the other hand, sometimes history gets redundant, and it's difficult to keep a movie interesting if everyone knows what's coming all the time.
Now, there will be very little need for me to micro-analyze this film as many of you have not seen it, and if you do see it, won't do so with a review in mind. The purpose of this review is to simply have another study area for the topic of worldview in media, and the classics have yet to be touched upon…until today.
This may be the only area of critique, as it concerns the direct purpose of this review. Custer, in this movie is a man of passion: passion for his country, passion to fight and serve. Once he reaches the pinnacle of his army success he lives an average life of an average man. But the restlessness nearly kills him.
This movie is the story of a man who fights for honor and glory. Sure, he fights for a free country, but his motives are all wrong. Custer is a man that lives for the moment, one who is filled with visions of war and vengeance. He's a spiteful character. Whether his motives are good or no, his methods are wrong.
In terms of the character of Custer, he views the world all wrong. We love him because he's a hero, he fights for the little guy. But, simply because we can stand behind and cheer for him, that doesn't make him right. He bends the rules and breaks the laws in ways that he ends up being justified for, and the end justifies the means for Custer.
He plays a similar character to that of Robin Hood, but Robin wasn't a drunkard, he didn't fight or kill for pleasure. Custer is portrayed as a hardcore soldier, and he is generally a good man. But, even Custer falls into a trap. He is taken out of the way in order for a conspiracy to take place that will wipe out the Indians.
He's played and ends up throwing himself into death for glory as his last stroke to spite the twisted bureaucrats. The strange thing is, he knows he'll die, so he dies in selfishness; leaving his wife, disobeying his authority, and depriving the US of a fearsome general. He dies for glory, and dies alone, friendless in the world. His wife he abandons, his mates, who can hardly be deemed friends, he dies alongside or leaves to die in battles of their own.
It's a sad ending to a twisted and, at times, stupid tale of love of and war. Custer dies a glorious death, Mrs. Custer dies of a broken heart, and Custer ends up loosing what he had fought so hard for: his good name and the integrity of his word of honor.
I enjoyed it as a film, though I still think it's stupid, but as a worldview… Custer is not a man I would in any way aspire to be save one. He was a man of conviction and stood fast upon what he believed, unshaken to the point of idiocy, brash and daring unto death. Had he a better cause for which to fight, Custer would've been one of the greatest heroes of all time.
So, watch it if you will. Enjoy the story for what it is, knowing that it isn't historically accurate. But, think about who the man is, what he stands for, and how he lived his life.


The creations by Royal Ironworks start as 20-foot iron bars, which Richard heats up in a forge and hammers into shape by hand. For more information, visit RoyalIronworks.com.
Richard Queen didn't start out as a master iron artist. He had a "suit-and-tie" job like so many others, but being a single parent motivated him to take his hobby and turn it into his profession.
Owner of Royal Ironworks, Richard is one of a handful of ironwork artists in the metro who hand-forges iron into intricate gates, fireplace gates and stairwell railings. He learned the skill from a master ironworker in California.
Today, Royal Ironworks creates custom railings for staircases, large gates for private neighborhoods and, as a recent addition, fireplace grates. Richard has earned a legion of clients and fans who appreciate not only the art but the customer service.
Typically, customers come in with a drawing or photo of what they would like made. Staircase railing is a popular item customers choose to add a special touch to their home.
Royal Ironworks has also done projects for country music stars Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton.


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Home > English (United States) > Knowledge Center > Changing Actuarial Roles: Holistic Understanding of Risk
Changing Actuarial Roles: Holistic Understanding of Risk
What attracted you to the actuarial profession?
Two main aspects: First, there are no predefined parameters/limitations to your role. If you randomly select 15 different actuaries, there is a strong probability that their roles are all markedly different. Whether you are more technically inclined or more strategic in thinking, there is a role, somewhere, to fulfill that.
And second, the credibility of the designation and technical foundation lends itself well to management and leadership opportunities; i.e., there are ample opportunities beyond "staying an actuary" that one can propel toward if interested.
Has your career followed the path you expected? How is it different/in line with what you expected?
Yes and no. As a curious individual who likes to understand a bit of everything, I had planned to do a few stints across Life, P&C, Consulting and Regulation before deciding where to delve deeper. I ended up falling into the Life area first in an opportunity in Asia and quickly discovered the ample variability in actuarial roles that existed within the sector itself.
I decided to stay in Life and ended up working across significantly different functions in highly interdisciplinary roles. All this to say that it fulfilled my original intent of doing and understanding 'a bit of everything.' That path continues now but has evolved into deepening my understanding of non-actuarial functions (medical, underwriting, R&D, etc.) and how it intersects within the business.
How would you describe your role today?
In a nutshell — it's like being on a catwalk wearing several different hats. Due to the nature of the role (which includes orchestrating and managing all facets of a new solution), there is a strong need to understand enough about all major areas. Internally, the hats can span from business, pricing, underwriting, finance, marketing, operations and legal. Externally, it ranges from technological understanding all the way to biomedical applications. It is complex, fulfilling and never has a dull moment.
We think of actuarial work as intensely technical. Did your actuarial education prepare you for what you do today?
While not every actuarial exam will get to be applied in practice (different sectors/roles) or are more relevant in more junior roles, they were all useful in teaching technical, analytical and critical thinking skills. To me, these are the true fruit of the education as they are transferrable to future roles and ultimately make it faster to synthesize technical information needed to make a decision.
Out of coincidence, my advanced exams have had some direct application to my current role. I pursued the ERM/CFE track, which is a non-sector specific track covering a broad array of topics (from Monte Carlo simulation to strategic decision making). It ultimately prepares an individual to develop a holistic understanding of risks, so that whether in a manufacturing plant or a pension firm, risk evaluation can be done. Having that kind of understanding has been very beneficial in my role, where I deal with different companies, sectors, functions and risks regularly.
What do the changes taking place in the industry today mean for actuaries in the future?
Automation is taking over more and more functions throughout the life insurance industry. The actuarial function is no exception. Actuaries need to continue to step up their interpersonal skills and think about how they can translate technical insights into business decisions. Many employers cite that they have very intelligent actuaries, but that they're unable to convey actuarial concepts to non-actuarial audiences. Training around business communication and interdisciplinary skills will be increasingly important as organizations move toward working more centrally (vs. by department).
Do you interact with new InsurTech players from outside the industry? What's this experience like?
Yes, interacting with InsurTech players is a key part of my current role. Their organizational structures and cultures are very interesting. The management teams often come from varied backgrounds (medical, tech, etc.) and their office environments are generally a co-working area or unique space. Culturally, they are encouraged to test, learn, and fail quickly as they develop their minimum viable products. One of the challenges insurers/reinsurers face in partnering with these startups is the speed at which they work. SCOR set up a new team – Strategic Partnerships – in order to be able to work at the pace the InsurTech partners need.
What are the biggest challenges in working on innovation-driven solutions in the life insurance industry?
Keeping up with all the new solutions and players that are constantly coming into the field. Staying connected with InsurTech accelerators and incubators helps in alleviating some of these pain points. Another challenge is to be able to look at a startup (who often has a solution not related to insurance) and see if there is an insurance application — oftentimes there is. We encounter so many companies who didn't realize the potential for their solution to be plugged into the life insurance space in some capacity. Wearing different hats definitely helps discover hidden potential for these firms.
What skills, qualifications are needed to fully grasp the opportunities of this new professional landscapes for actuaries?
For those aspiring toward management — the ability to look at details analytically while simultaneously looking strategically at a 30,000-foot view will be very important. Curiosity is another key trait. Interacting with non-actuarial people from different functional areas will help tremendously in understanding the overall business.
Do you think the new mission/vision of life insurers – helping customers live longer, healthier lives – will take hold or is this a passing trend?
I think it will take hold because it touches on something that all consumers have a self-interest in — themselves and their health. Not everyone sees the need for life insurance, but there isn't a person out there who wishes to be less healthy than what they already are. Insurers are starting to drive toward what really drives an individual, and so the business focus is moving from protection toward prevention. This is a fundamental paradigm shift that is transforming our industry.
Who was a big influence on your professional career?
I had — and still have — mentors who have made a big impact on my career. I started seeking them out while in high school and continued to do so throughout university. They are all accomplished professionals who work in a multitude of fields (not just actuarial) and have been instrumental in giving guidance on paths to take and opportunities to consider.
My parents have been the largest influence — introducing me at a very young age to meditation and ultimately a holistic approach to health and wellness. This led me on a path to becoming a yoga instructor and helping teach others how to work toward inner peace. This side of personal development was key to the clarity and calm through all my actuarial exams and stressful work situations.
What new trends do you expect to emerge in the actuarial profession in 5-10 years?
Actuaries will be expected to understand a lot more than just actuarial science in order to meaningfully contribute to the business. There is a growing interplay of other disciplines within core actuarial functions (data science, AI, medical underwriting, technology, etc.). It will influence every part of the actuarial profession in some way, even for those who stay within the traditional field.
What advice would you give an actuarial student or an actuary just entering the profession?
Seek mentors. Meet as many and diverse people as possible. Get involved early in industry organizations and find opportunities for public speaking and volunteering. Be open minded and avoid falling into a fixed view of what an actuary should be. People are defined by the parameters they place on themselves, and there is no one-size-fits-all box in this profession.
Interviews with three SCOR actuaries illustrate diversity in experiences and responsibilities within the profession. In addition to this article with James Lynch, please see:
The Importance of Flexibility, featuring Chief Actuary Sean Hayward
Applying the Theoretical, featuring James Lynch, Head of Americas Data Analytics
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The Effects of Marriage and Maternal Education in Reducing Child Poverty. A Report of the Heritage Center for Data Analysis.
Rector, Robert; Johnson, Kirk A.
Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC 20002-4999. Tel: 800-544-4843 (Toll Free). For full text: http://www.heritage.org/Research/.
Authoring Institution: Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC.


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Joakim – Second Nature (Remixes) – Tigersushi.
Kono Vidovic May 30, 2022
Joakim, head honcho of the in Paris based label Tigersushi, recently on May the 27th released a new album of remixes of his excellent Second Nature LP. Served by a line-up as varied as gifted, he delivers a really ambitious record. Joakim – Second Nature. Founder and director of the […]
Snap – Rhythm Is A Dancer 30th anniversary – now as limited edition vinyl.
On March 30, 1992, when I was just a 12 year old youngster "Rhythm Is A Dancer" by Snap! was released and stormed to #1 in the charts in many countries around the globe. Another hit single from the legendary project of Michael Münzing and Luca Anzilotti, who were also […]
Kerri Chandler releases his first album in 14 years "Spaces & Places, composed in 24 clubs around the world.
American house legend Kerri Chandler has just announced his next album – his first artist LP in 14 years, and it's a very special one. The particularity of "Spaces and Places": each track was written, composed and recorded directly in 24 established clubs around the world. After "Computer Games" his […]
The Supermen Lovers – Body Double [La Tebwa].
In 2001, the whole wide world was dancing to the beats of 'Starlight'. A hit track that revealed The Supermen Lovers and placed them directly in the pantheon of that French Touch House sound alongside artists such as Daft Punk, Etienne de Crécy, Basement Jaxx or Cassius. Now 20 years […]
Session Victim debuts on Rhythm Section International with their Basic Instinct EP.
Having emerged as favorites on various dance-floors over the years, the German duo step forward to present their first EP on the South London Rhythm Section label: 'Basic Instinct'. Session Victim & Rhythm Section International. Renowned for their unmatched energy live and as DJs, Hauke and Matthias are the standard […]
George FitzGerald announces new album, Stellar Drifting.
It's official, George FitzGerald unveils his brand new album on September 2, 2022 Stellar Drifting, his third album full of wonder and emotion, glittering melodies and electronica. A true tour through the electronic music landscape, the album stands out as one of the great works of atmospheric electronic music of […]
Toro Y Moi – MAHAL, sultry living room music.
Just as Soundgarden and Nirvana are considered the fathers of grunge, we may call Toro Y Moi the cool daddy of chillwave. On Toro Y Moi – MAHAL, together with Ariel Pink and Neon Indian, he puts the genre on the map with records like 'Underneath The Pine' and 'Anything […]
The new Oumou Sangaré – Timbuktu is more traditional, but still unmatched in its kind.
Oumou Sangaré – Timbuktu. It's been 5 years since singer Oumou Sangaré released her phenomenal album Mogoya. So it does make sense that it's time for a follow-up. The singer-star shines just as brightly on Timbuktu, a passionate tribute to her homeland (Mali) that is still in a state of […]
Nu Genea – Bar Mediterraneo – From the sea to the beach bar and back.
We get to enjoy another summery collection of gems from Nu Genea, a Neapolitan duo who dropped an album with afrobeat drummer Tony Allen in 2016. This was followed two years later by a "solo album," Nuova Napoli. Now, another four years later, there is Bar Mediterraneo. The first single […]
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Jhalawar is een district van de Indiase staat Rajasthan. Het district telt 1.180.342 inwoners (2001) en heeft een oppervlakte van 6219 km².

District van Rajasthan

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Wolfenstein II is coming to Switch in June
A welcome addition to the Bethesda stable of games releasing on Switch.
Bethesda has been bringing the best games in their catalog across to the Nintendo Switch recently, and adding Wolfenstein II to the stable is a most welcome addition.
Maybe this, and the recent DOOM port, demonstrates that Nintendo is trying to expand their library to meet the demands of mainstream gamers. Considering the consoles have typically been associated with the whole "family-friendly" aspect, bringing titles like Wolfenstein and DOOM shows that Nintendo isn't afraid to play ball.
Whatever the reasoning behind it, Bethesda has finally set a release date for the Wolfenstein II port, which was announced alongside ports of DOOM and The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. Gamers can expect to get their hands on the title on June 29th of this year.
Image: Bethesda
Bethesda recently stated that the "new" version of Wolfenstein II will include the "complete, uncensored, award-winning story and signature gameplay" of the original, so while there's likely graphical tradeoffs for the Switch, there won't be any changes to the gameplay, story, or signature violence that comes with the series.
I must say that I'm slightly surprised that the company is bringing Wolfenstein II to the Nintendo console, but I'm excited for Nintendo's coming-of-age, as it could give the company a real foothold to stand with the other console giants.
What do you think? Are you happy to see that Nintendo is appealing to the grizzled gamers who like a little blood in their shooter, or do you wish they would continue to do what Nintendo does best while avoiding the more mature titles?
Related TopicsBethesdaGameTechieNewsNintendo SwitchSwitchWolfenstein II
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When I think of musicians citing the mystical, revolutionary poetry of Yeats or Blake, I'm likely to think of assorted classic rock fops; or young white literate/ dissolute pretenders fitting the pair in between their Rimbaud and Verlaine namedrops. The Libertines loved Blake; as have a swathe of musicans ranging from stadium botherers Robert Plant, Richard Ashcroft and U2 to dedicated underground upsetters like The Fugs, Duglen and Coil. Further delving turns up quotings and reverent steals by Pet Shop Boys and Bloc Party, plus the fact that Blake himself was a songwriter. As for Yeats, Joni Mitchell has set him to music, as has Van Morrison: the Hold Steady met him at a party in Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night, Bright Eyes quotes him in Four Winds; and from her debut album, Sinead O'Connor's devastating Troy reshapes and reclaims his 'No Second Troy'.
As for those who take on both, there's North Sea Radio Orchestra with their sweet folk-toned chamber music settings. More prominently, there's Patti Smith, who shook Blake-and-Yeats vision out into her early punk poetry and has kept it up ever since. Then there's Patti's ardent acolyte, Mike Scott of The Waterboys, who's kept both by him on his travels: snarling about Blakean tigers and savage earth hearts on his debut album, capping 'Fisherman's Blues' by fusing Yeats fairy tales with New York minimalism and Irish chamber-folk, and devoting a whole album to Yeats-isms twenty-three years after that.
What I'm getting at is that Blake-and-Yeats setters and expressers, in music, tend to be storm-tossed white romantics… with the music to match. Bar guesting singers here and there (including some formidable soul wailers), Phaze Theory are certainly white, are probably romantics, and may well be storm-tossed, but it's initially a surprise to encounter their own take on this particular poetry; working it as a collective muse for a band that, while it calls its music art rock, has more in common with reggae, dub and the glowering Dark Magus electric wrack of Miles Davis in the early '70s.
In tone and intent, and at full heat, they're an unexpected outpost of New Weird Britain, set in a jazzier wilderness in which Marco Quarantotto's echoed drums, Tal Janes' gnarled heavy guitar and in particular Barrett's rumbling, adroit, effects-burnished electric tuba (which shifts seamlessly from bass to horn parts, sometimes with no immediate break) probe and scald across a foreboding, eerie terrain of post-industrial brambles, Tannoy vocals and perhaps a little Hendrix crunch. Compare and contrast their troubling, hallucinatory take on The Song of Wandering Aengus (recorded with Manchester singer Rae Jones) with the polished, melodious elegance of the Waterboys version above.
Currently collaborating with London rhythm-&-blues/Southern soul singer Arthur Lea, this imminent end-of-the-month gig at the Vortex is part of their ongoing process of bringing their music back to London and England after a brief Californian shift. Back to the grime but also back to the original fertility, I guess.


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Michelin Pilot Challenge
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John Dagys' first notebook from Pirelli World Challenge season finale at Watkins Glen…
John Dagys
Photo: PWC Twitter
***Pirelli World Challenge cars assembled for an annual group photo on Thursday evening. A total of 80 cars are entered in this weekend's season finale, totaling 27 manufacturers and 34 different models in one of the most diverse paddocks in all of motorsports.
***The Acura NSX GT3, which makes its first start of the season, is running in near-identical Balance of Performance specification to last month's Total 24 Hours of Spa, with the only change being a 5 kg reduction in minimum weight.
***The car, however, has 200 mbar of additional boost compared to last year's PWC round at Road America, which is also a Category B track, following BoP adjustments made over the winter. "In working with the SRO and FIA, we think we have the car where it needs to be competitive," NSX GT3 program manager Lee Niffenegger told Sportscar365.
***Niffenegger said the purpose of this weekend's one-off event is to show the car's potential in PWC competition for prospective customers. "We've shown that in ADAC [GT Masters] but we need to show that in North America. Customers are very regional," he explained.
***While entered by HART, the Mario Farnbacher-driven Acura is receiving engineering support from Meyer Shank Racing, along with logistical assistance from RealTime Racing, which has lent its transporter for use this weekend.
***Parker Chase's absence, due to family matters, has resulted in a 12-car GT field for this weekend's Sprint and overall season finale.
***Aside from the newly established BoP for the Acura, the only other adjustment to the GT class since the last Category B track at Road America is a slight turbo boost decrease for the Bentley Continental GT3s at the 6500-7000 RPM levels. Weight and power adjustments had also been given to the Audi R8 LMS GT3, although the car is no longer entered due to TruSpeed Autosport's late withdrawal.
***Wholesale BoP changes in minimum weight have been made in GTS since Road America: Audi R8 LMS GT4 (-5 kg), BMW M4 GT4 (-45 kg), Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R (-15 kg), Ford Mustang GT4 (+5 kg), Ginetta G55 GT4 (+30 kg), Mercedes-AMG GT4 (-20 kg), Panoz Avezzano GT4 (+30 kg), Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR (-8 kg), SIN R1 GT4 (+5 kg) and McLaren 570S GT4 (+ 45 kg).
***Several ride height adjustments have also been handed out to cars across the GTS class.
***PWC competitors have rolled into Watkins Glen for the first time since 2010, when a round, in support of IndyCar, was held on Fourth of July Weekend. Ron Fellows claimed the GT victory that race, in a Chevrolet Corvette, while Peter Cunningham and Robert Stout picked up GTS and TC honors, respectively.
***Patrick Gallagher is filling in for Vinnie Allegretta in the No. 10 PF Racing Ford Mustang GT4 this weekend, following Allegretta's heavy opening lap accident at Utah Motorsports Complex that resulted in several broken ribs. Allegretta, however, is expected to be on-site to support the team.
***The No. 45 Flying Lizard Motorsports Audi R8 LMS GT4, meanwhile, sees Mike Hedlund back behind the wheel after skipping the Utah round.
***Alvaro Parente is fresh off a second place finish in last weekend's Suzuka 10 Hours. The Portuguese ace, who currently sits fifth in the Intercontinental GT Challenge drivers' championship, was confirmed on Wednesday as part of K-PAX Racing's lineup for the season-ending round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in October.
***Newly named GT race director Alain Adam is on-site, along with SRO Motorsports Group founder and CEO Stephane Ratel, for further meetings and planning for 2019. Adam, who is missing his first Blancpain GT Series race in recent memory with this weekend's Sprint Cup round at the Hungaroring, has been tasked with assembling a new dedicated race control for PWC's GT3-based class next year.
***Further details on the sporting regulations for the GT class is expected to be discussed Friday evening during a stakeholder's meeting. It's understood a more formalized 2019 schedule could also be released during the weekend.
***Pirelli has become the first tire company to join the United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund, pledging a contribution of $600,000 (2018-2019) to help the fund in its efforts to make a significant impact in global road safety. The company's Chief Sustainability and Risk Governance Officer, Filippo Bettini, was nominated to have a seat on the fund's Advisory Board.
***Track action gets underway on Friday with a pair of practice sessions for both GT and GTS Sprint competitors tomorrow, with qualifying and the first of two 50-minute races set for Saturday.
Related TopicsfeaturedPWCwatkins glen
John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365 as well as the recently launched e-racing365 Web site for electric racing. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com/SPEED Channel, and contributes to other publications worldwide. Contact John
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text:
by Slad
Trump to Mexico: Take care of 'bad hombres' or US might
February 1, 2017 in News by Slad
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump threatened in a phone call with his Mexican counterpart to send U.S. troops to stop "bad hombres down there" unless the Mexican military does more to control them, according to an excerpt of a transcript of the conversation obtained by The Associated Press.
The excerpt of the call did not detail who exactly Trump considered "bad hombres," nor did it make clear the tone and context of the remark, made in a Friday morning phone call between the leaders. It also did not contain Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's response. Mexico denies that Trump made the threat.
Still, the excerpt offers a rare and striking look at how the new president is conducting diplomacy behind closed doors. Trump's remarks suggest he is using the same tough and blunt talk with world leaders that he used to rally crowds on the campaign trail.
A White House spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. The Mexican Foreign Relations Department told The AP: "The negative statements you refer to did not occur during said telephone call. On the contrary, the tone was constructive."
The phone call between the leaders was intended to patch things up between the new president and his ally. The two have had a series of public spats over Trump's determination to have Mexico pay for the planned border wall, something Mexico steadfastly refuses to agree to.
"You have a bunch of bad hombres down there," Trump told Pena Nieto, according to the excerpt given to AP. "You aren't doing enough to stop them. I think your military is scared. Our military isn't, so I just might send them down to take care of it."
A person with access to the official transcript of the phone call provided only that portion of the conversation to The Associated Press. The person gave it on condition of anonymity because the administration did not make the details of the call public.
The Mexican website Aristegui Noticias on Tuesday published a similar account of the phone call, based on the reporting of journalist Dolia Estevez. The report described Trump as humiliating Pena Nieto in a confrontational conversation.
Mexico's foreign relations department denied that account, saying it "is based on absolute falsehoods."
Americans may recognize Trump's signature bombast in the comments, but the remarks may carry more weight in Mexico.
Political analyst and former presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar notes Pena Nieto had enjoyed an apparent spike in his low approval levels, as Mexicans rallied around him for publicly challenging Trump in the border wall dispute.
The latest remarks could undercut that, if Pena Nieto is viewed as "weak," he said.
Trump has used the phrase "bad hombres" before. In an October presidential debate, he vowed to get rid the U.S. of "drug lords" and "bad people."
"We have some bad hombres here, and we're going to get them out," he said. The phrase ricocheted on social media with Trump opponents saying he was denigrating immigrants.
Trump's comment was in line with the new administration's bullish stance on foreign policy matters in general, and the president's willingness to break long-standing norms around the globe.
Before his inauguration, Trump spoke to the president of Taiwan, breaking long-standing U.S. policy and irritating China. His temporary ban on refugees and travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, aimed at reviewing screening procedures to lessen the threat of extremist attacks, has caused consternation around the world.
But nothing has created the level of bickering as the border wall, a centerpiece of his campaign. Mexico has consistently said it would not pay for the wall and opposes it. Before the phone call, Pena Nieto canceled a planned visit to the United States.
The fresh fight with Mexico last week arose over trade as the White House proposed a 20 percent tax on imports from the key U.S. ally to finance the wall after Pena Nieto abruptly scrapped his Jan. 31 trip to Washington.
The U.S. and Mexico conduct some $1.6 billion a day in cross-border trade, and cooperate on everything from migration to anti-drug enforcement to major environmental issues.
Trump tasked his son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner — a real estate executive with no foreign policy experience — with managing the ongoing dispute, according to an administration official with knowledge of the call.
At a press conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May last week, Trump described his call with Pena Nieto as "friendly."
In a statement, the White House said the two leaders acknowledged their "clear and very public differences" and agreed to work through the immigration disagreement as part of broader discussions on the relationship between their countries.
Associated Press writer Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.
Tags: border wall, Mexico, Trump
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On Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 1 p.m. EDT, National eHealth Collaborative's NeHC University will host Stephen Palmer, Director of the Office of e-Health Coordination at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, to describe the HIE strategy being pursued by the state of Texas. Palmer will be joined by Kem McClelland of the Integrated Care Collaboration, Tony Gilman of the Texas Health Services Authority, and Bryan White of the North Texas Accountable Healthcare Partnership to showcase the Texas strategy in action and detail the progress that has been made on the ground.
To participate register and join NeHC University's Spotlight on the Texas Statewide HIE Strategy.
Broward County, Florida halfway house owner and operator Barry Nash was sentenced to to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised relief for his role in a Medicare fraud kickback scheme that funneled patients through a fraudulent mental health company, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today (March 13, 2012).
Nash pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2012, to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In his guilty plea, Nash admitted that, in exchange for illegal health care kickbacks, he agreed to refer Medicare beneficiaries who resided at Starter House to American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC) and American Sleep Institute (ASI), a company related to ATC. Nash knew that ATC and ASI fraudulently billed Medicare for partial hospitalization program (PHP) services and sleep treatment purportedly provided to his referrals.
PHP is a form of intensive mental health treatment.
According to court documents, ATC's principals paid kickbacks to owners and operators of assisted living facilities and halfway houses and to patient brokers in exchange for delivering ineligible patients to ATC and ASI. In some cases, the patients received a portion of those kickbacks. Throughout the course of the ATC conspiracy, millions of dollars in kickbacks were paid in exchange for Medicare beneficiaries who did not qualify for PHP services.
Ultimately, the Justice Department alledges ATC and ASI billed Medicare for more than $200 million in medically unnecessary services.
According to the plea agreement, Nash's participation in the fraud resulted in more than $959,901 in fraudulent billing to the Medicare program.
ATC, its management company Medlink Professional Management Group Inc., and various owners, managers, doctors, therapists, patient brokers and marketers of ATC, Medlink and ASI, were charged with various health care fraud, kickback, money laundering and other offenses in two indictments unsealed on Feb. 15, 2011. ATC, Medlink and nine of the individual defendants have pleaded guilty or have been convicted at trial. Other defendants are scheduled for trial April 9, 2012, before U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Seitz.
The prosecution of Nash and other defendants charged in connection with the Florida mental health investigation are one of a growing number of prosecutions and convictions resulting from the federal HEAT Task Force health care fraud enforcement efforts empowered with new data mining, statistical profiling and other new fraud fighting resources created under the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act) and other recently enacted laws. Using these new tools, the HEAT Task Force and other federal health care fraud investigators are enjoying record successes in deploying these tools to achieve successful health care fraud prosecutions. Government's health care fraud prevention and enforcement efforts recovered nearly $4.1 billion in taxpayer dollars in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 according to the FY 2011 Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Report jointly released by HHS and the Justice Department on February 14, 2012.
If you need assistance reviewing or responding to these or other health care related workforce, risk management, compliance, enforcement or management concerns, the author of this update, attorney Cynthia Marcotte Stamer, may be able to help. Vice President of the North Texas Health Care Compliance Professionals Association, Past Chair of the ABA Health Law Section Managed Care & Insurance Section and the former Board Compliance Chair of the National Kidney Foundation of North Texas, Ms. Stamer has more than 24 years experience advising health industry clients about these and other matters. Her experience includes advising hospitals, nursing home, home health, rehabilitation and other health care providers and health industry clients to establish and administer compliance and risk management policies; prevent, conduct and investigate, and respond to peer review and other quality concerns; and to respond to Board of Medicine, Department of Aging & Disability, Drug Enforcement Agency, OCR Privacy and Civil Rights, HHS, DOD and other health care industry investigation, enforcement and other compliance, public policy, regulatory, staffing, and other operations and risk management concerns.
Federal officials continued their battle against health care fraud in the home health care industry, federal prosecutors added two physicians and four registered nurses to the growing list of defendants indicted for their participation in what federal prosecutors claim was a Chicago area home health care fraud scam that allegedly swindled Medicare of at least $20 million over five years. The Justice Department's announcement of the new Chicago indictments follows their February 28, 2012 announcement of indictments against a Dallas-area physician, his medical practice office manager and five home health agency owners on charges of submitting more than $375 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for home health services.
With the new indictments announced in Chicago today, a total of 12 defendants are now face federal criminal charges in connection with a health care fraud investigation into the operations of two suburban Chicago home health care businesses operated by the initial defendant, Jacinto "John" Gabriel, Jr. Federal officials charge that 9 of the 11 new defendants allegedly conspired with Gabriel to bill millions of dollars in false claims for reimbursement of home health care services purportedly provided to Medicare beneficiaries, which federal official allege never were provided or were not medically necessary. Prosecutors claim Gabriel and his co-schemers allegedly used the proceeds for various purposes, including: using cash to gamble at casinos in the Chicago area and Las Vegas, and to buy automobiles, jewelry and real estate in the United States and the Philippines; to perpetuate the businesses by paying his employees and providing them with gifts, and to bribe physicians and pay kickbacks to others in exchange for patient referrals.
Gabriel, who has no formal medical training, medical degrees, or licenses to practice as a health care professional, initially was arrested and charged alone in a 15-count indictment last summer. Following the issuance of a superseding indictment on March 7, he now is charged with one count of health care fraud conspiracy, 43 counts of health care fraud, 11 counts of money laundering, and four counts of federal income tax evasion.
According to the indictment, Gabriel did not identify himself as an owner, but in fact exercised ownership and control over Perpetual Home Health, Inc., based in Oak Forest, and Legacy Home Healthcare Services, which was located on the city's north side. Both firms now have ceased operating and no longer receive Medicare payments. Between May 2006 and January 2011, federal prosecutors allege Perpetual submitted more than 14,000 Medicare claims seeking reimbursement for services allegedly provided to beneficiaries. As a result of those claims, Perpetual received more than $38 million in Medicare payments. Between 2008 and January 2011, Legacy submitted more than 2,000 claims for Medicare reimbursement and received more than $6 million. Neither Perpetual nor Legacy had any sources of revenue other than Medicare funds, the indictment states.
The indictment also seeks forfeiture of $20 million against the Gabriel brothers and Lubaton.
Federal officials charge that as part of the conspiracy, Gabriel, acting in various combinations with the nine co-conspirator, allegedly obtained personal information of Medicare beneficiaries to bill Medicare without the beneficiaries' knowledge or consent; paid bribes and kickbacks in cash and by check, directly and indirectly, to physicians and others in exchange for referrals of patients to Perpetual and Legacy; created false patient files to support fraudulent Medicare claims and submitted false claims based on those records; used Medicare proceeds to pay themselves and others who assisted in carrying out the scheme; and concealed the fraud proceeds by directing Perpetual and Legacy to issue checks payable to fictitious entities, John Gabriel's friends and associates.
Among other details, the indictment alleges that John and Jassy Gabriel, Lubaton, and Reyes authorized Perpetual and Legacy to pay various amounts, ranging between $200 and $800, to employees and others, including indirectly to Ricardo Gonzales, for each patient they referred and enrolled in home health care services. John Gabriel and others also cold-called Medicare beneficiaries to try to persuade them to enroll with Perpetual and Legacy.
As part of allegedly falsifying patient records, John Gabriel directed Perpetual and Legacy employees, including Davis, Galang, and Pacis, to systematically complete standard forms by listing the same false diagnoses, including arthropathy (joint disease) and hypertension, which enabled them to claim a higher level of Medicare reimbursement, according to the charges.
In addition to the fraud counts, the money laundering charges allege that between October and December 2010, Gabriel cashed 11 checks in amounts under $10,000 — usually $9,000 and all involving fraud proceeds — to avoid federal currency transaction reporting requirements.
The four tax evasion counts against John Gabriel allege that for calendar years 2006 through 2009, he failed to pay taxes totaling approximately $889,062 on gross income totaling more than $2.82 million. The three tax evasion counts against Dela Torre allege that for calendar years 2005 through 2007, she failed to pay taxes totaling approximately $158,405 on gross income totaling more than $560,000.
Lubaton was charged with filing a false tax return for 2007 for allegedly failing to report all of her income, which was in excess of the $546,442 that she reported, and Lomillo was charged with aiding and abetting the preparation of her false return. Jassy Gabriel was charged with filing a false tax return for 2007 for allegedly failing to report all of his adjusted gross income, which exceeded the $603,974 that he reported, and Lomillo was charged with aiding and abetting the preparation of his false return.
Health care fraud conspiracy and each count of health care fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or an alternate fine totaling twice the loss or twice the gain, whichever is greater, as well as mandatory restitution. Each count of money laundering carries a maximum 20-year prison term and a maximum fine of $500,000. Violating the medical anti-kickback statute carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of tax evasion carries a five-year maximum prison term, while each count of filing a false income tax return carries a three-year maximum, and a $250,000 fine. In addition, defendants convicted of tax offenses must pay the costs of prosecution and remain liable for any and all back taxes, as well as a potential civil fraud penalty of 75 percent of the underpayment plus interest. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
In recent months, federal health care fraud investigators have used statistical profiling and other tools to find and target fraudulent practices in the home health industry. The Chicago indictments announced March 8 follow the Justice Department's February 28, 2012 indictment of a Dallas-area physician, the office manager of his medical practice, and five home health agency owners for involvement in a home health care fraud conspiracy that federal prosecutors allege defrauded Medicare of $375 million. Justice Department officials say the conduct charged in the Dallas indictment represents the single largest fraud amount orchestrated by one doctor in the history of the HEAT initiative. Both the Chicago and Dallas indictments resulted from the efforts of Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations conducted by the Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT). HEAT is a joint initiative announced in May 2009 between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce anti-fraud laws around the country. Federal prosecutors and investigators credit statistical profiling and other new tools in their fraud detection and enforcement efforts. See, e.g., Data Mining, Statistical Profiling Play Key Role In Arrest of Dallas Doctor, Office Manager & 5 Home Health Agency Owners.
These home health care fraud prosecutions are part of the ongoing and expanding Federal health care fraud enforcement effort that Federal officials credit with having recovered nearly $4.1 billion in taxpayer dollars in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011. See FY 2011 Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Report. The Justice Department and HHS credit this fraud investigation and enforcement success to their vigorous use of enhanced fraud investigation and enforcement tools created under the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act) and other recently enacted laws. The continuing success of these and other federal health care fraud investigation and enforcement efforts continue to prove the need for health care providers and payers to strengthen their compliance practices and documentation to avoid getting caught in the ever tightening health care fraud dragnet.
In response to the growing emphasis and effectiveness of Federal officials in investigating and taking action against health care providers and organizations, health care providers covered by federal false claims, referral, kickback and other health care fraud laws should consider auditing the adequacy of existing practices, tightening training, oversight and controls on billing and other regulated conduct, reaffirming their commitment to compliance to workforce members and constituents and taking other appropriate steps to help prevent, detect and timely redress health care fraud exposures within their organization and to prepare their organization to respond and defend against potential investigations or charges.
Amid all the heavy media coverage on the role of the Federal Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) and other federal officials in high-profile health care fraud enforcement actions the arrest last week of Dallas area physician Jacques Roy and others for their alleged involvement in a $375 million home health care fraud scheme, the growing role and success of the Medicaid and other health care fraud enforcement efforts by state attorney generals and other state authorities often to goes relatively unreported and largely unnoticed.
On March 2, 2012; Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt charged a father and son with Medicaid fraud.
On February 29, 2012, the Pennsylvania Attorney General announced the arrest of a former Bradford County social worker on charges of using eight different schemes to defraud Medical Assistance and private insurance companies out of more than $100,000.
On February 29, 2012, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of a home health aid Clifford Edouard on charges with defrauding the Florida Medicaid program out of more than $35,000.
On February 28, 2012, New York Attorney General A.G. Scheiderman announced his office had obtained Medicaid fraud settlements totaling $28 from Dava Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and KV Pharmaceutical Company. Dava was charged with misclassifying drugs to evade paying its obligations to Medicaid, while KV was charged with improperly billing government programs for two unapproved drugs did not qualify for coverage under federal and state health care programs.
On February 24, 2012, Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced that nurse Hellen Njeri Ngatia, 43, and her daughter pled guilty to improperly billing Medicaid for providing nursing services for a seriously ill 16-month-old infant when the child was in fact cared was provided by her unlicensed daughter.
On February 24, 2012, New Hampshire Attorney General Michael A. Delaney secured an indictment against Tracy Eiserman on charges of theft by deception for allegedly stealing more than $4,300 from MAS Home Care ("MAS"), a provider of home health aide services to disabled adults.
On February 23, 2012, a Seattle woman was sentenced for Medicaid fraud after she plead guilty to First Degree Theft and filing a Medicaid False Statement stemming from home care services provided to her brother.
On February 21, 2012; the Kansas Attorney General secured Medicaid fraud and forgery convictions against a Junction City woman.
On February 17, 2012, an Oklahoma court sentenced an Enid couple that plead guilty to Medicaid Fraud charges brought by Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt.
On February 16, 2012, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced that Suzanne Benizio, the alleged ringleader of an illegal prescription drug operation charged with forging more than 250 prescriptions for narcotics, like OxyContin and Roxicodone was sentenced to two consecutive sentences totaling four to eight years in state prison and ordered to repay the New York State Medicaid program over $200,000 after pleading guilty to Forgery.
On February 14, 2012, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt announced that an Oklahoma counseling agency owner, director and therapist were sentenced to a 10-year deferred sentence and ordered to pay $14,012 in restitution for Medicaid fraud.
On February 14, 2012, Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell announced his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit secured grand jury indictments against the owner of a personal care attendant business for participating in a conspiracy to forge CPR and First Aid training certification documents for his employees. The same day, Attorney General Caldwell also announced grand jury indictments against the owners of a Hammond personal care business and their family members for their role in operating a criminal enterprise designed to siphon dollars from the Louisiana Medicaid Program.
On February 9, 2012, a DeKalb County Jury found Janine Wright, a speech therapist from Stone Mountain, guilty of defrauding the Georgia Medicaid program on charges brought by that the Georgia Attorney General's office.
On February 7, 2012, Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell announced his office has recovered $25.2 million from five pharmaceutical companies that he sued alleging unlawful inflation of drug costs paid by Louisiana taxpayers through the Medicaid program.
On February 1, 2012, DeAngelo Henderson was sentenced to 12 to 48 months in prison and ordered to repay $336,000 in restitution, penalties, and costs in a Medicaid fraud case involving Golden Heart Medical Supply brought b y Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto.
On February 2, 2012, New Jersey Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced that the owner of a now-defunct Newark mental health and substance abuse counseling center was convicted of defrauding Medicaid.
To learn more details about these and other state health care fraud actions, see here.
these and a growing list of other state initiated or involved health care fraud convictions reflect the growing emphasis and effectiveness of State attorneys general and other state officials on detecting and prosecuting Medicaid and other health care fraud.
The continuing success of these and other federal health care fraud investigation and enforcement efforts are adding new pressure on health care providers and others to strengthen their compliance practices and documentation to avoid getting caught in the ever tightening health care fraud dragnet. When designing and administering these efforts, health care providers and others need to take into account and be prepared to survive scrutiny from federal or state officials alone, or increasingly acting as a well-coordinated team.
In response to the growing emphasis and effectiveness of Federal and state officials in investigating and taking action against health care providers and organizations, health care providers covered by federal false claims, referral, kickback and other health care fraud laws should consider auditing the adequacy of existing practices, tightening training, oversight and controls on billing and other regulated conduct, reaffirming their commitment to compliance to workforce members and constituents and taking other appropriate steps to help prevent, detect and timely redress health care fraud exposures within their organization and to position their organization to respond and defend against potential investigations or charges.
If you need help reviewing or responding to these or other health care related risk management, compliance, enforcement or management concerns, the author of this update, attorney Cynthia Marcotte Stamer, may be able to help. Vice President of the North Texas Health Care Compliance Professionals Association, Past Chair of the ABA Health Law Section Managed Care & Insurance Section and the former Board Compliance Chair of the National Kidney Foundation of North Texas, Ms. Stamer has more than 24 years experience advising health industry clients about these and other matters. Her experience includes advising hospitals, nursing home, home health, rehabilitation and other health care providers and health industry clients to establish and administer compliance and risk management policies; prevent, conduct and investigate, and respond to peer review and other quality concerns; and to respond to Board of Medicine, Department of Aging & Disability, Drug Enforcement Agency, OCR Privacy and Civil Rights, HHS, DOD and other health care industry investigation, enforcement and other compliance, public policy, regulatory, staffing, and other operations and risk management concerns.


Sister Jane has dedicated her life to protecting babies and children in danger in her community. She has rescued babies, who were feared as "spirit children", from being abandoned or even killed, she has nurtured very poorly babies and children back to good health and she has helped teen mums learn how to cope and care for their children while staying healthy and safe themselves.
With AfriKids' support she currently runs a small home in northern Ghana that takes in the most vulnerable young mothers and babies and helps them back on their feet. As well as safe shelter, food and basic healthcare, she teaches these young mums about childcare, health and the importance of education and family planning. When they are stable and ready, she helps them leave the home and set up life independently.
In a region, where almost three-quarters of all families live in poverty, there is sadly much need for Sister Jane's mothers and babies home and she is unable to help everyone that needs it. When she has time, she zips about in her bright yellow car to give talks in the community to tackle the root causes of the issues she faces - teaching women about family planning and ante-natal healthcare and promoting the importance of education for all children as a route out of the poverty cycle.
In the meantime, the home - which was built ten years ago - desperately needs repairs and maintenance work and Sister Jane has asked for our help to expand it, so she can help more than the 20 young mums and babies she currently has space for.
We are delighted to share that with the generous support of our friends at Pears Foundation, this dream has now been made possible. Work has begun on repairing the home and building new blocks which will mean Sister Jane and her team will now be able to care for up to 70 babies at a time. The work is due to be completed by the end of this year - watch this space!


Elastic Beanstalk (EB) is a service which helps you easily manage and deploy your application code into an automated application environment. It handles provisioning AWS resources like EC2 instances, ELB instances, and RDS databases, and let's you focus on writing your code and deploying with a git push style deployment when you're ready to deploy to development, staging, or production environments.
What Is AWS Elastic Beanstalk and Why Do I Need It?
AWS Elastic Beanstalk is free, but the AWS resources that AWS Elastic Beanstalk provides are live (and not running in a sandbox). You will incur the standard usage fees for any resources your environment uses, until you terminate them.
The total charges for the activity we'll do during this blog post will be minimal (typically less than a dollar). It is possible to do some testing of EB in Free tier by following this guide.
It's important to understand what each of the main components in Elastic Beanstalk, so let's explore them in a little more depth.
An AWS Elastic Beanstalk application is a logical collection of AWS Elastic Beanstalk components, including environments, versions, and environment configurations. In AWS Elastic Beanstalk an application is conceptually similar to a folder.
In AWS Elastic Beanstalk, a version refers to a specific, labeled iteration of deployable code. A version points to an Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) object that contains the deployable code (e.g., a Java WAR file). A version is part of an application. Applications can have many versions.
An environment is a version that is deployed onto AWS resources. Each environment runs only a single version, however you can run the same version or different versions in many environments at the same time. When you create an environment, AWS Elastic Beanstalk provisions the resources needed to run the application version you specified. For more information about the environment and the resources that are created, see Architectural Overview.
An environment configuration identifies a collection of parameters and settings that define how an environment and its associated resources behave. When you update an environment's configuration settings, AWS Elastic Beanstalk automatically applies the changes to existing resources or deletes and deploys new resources (depending on the type of change).
A configuration template is a starting point for creating unique environment configurations. Configuration templates can be created or modified only by using the AWS Elastic Beanstalk command line utilities or APIs.
The typical workflow for using Elastic Beanstalk is that you'll create one or more environments for a given application. Commonly development, staging, and production environments are created.
As you're ready to deploy new versions of your application to a given environment, you'll upload a new version and deploy it to that environment via the AWS console, the CLI tools, an IDE, or the an EB API library.
To get started with Elastic Beanstalk, we'll be using the AWS console.
Login to the console and choose the Elastic Beanstalk service.
Creating a new application version labeled "Initial Version" that refers to a default sample application file.
Launching an environment named "Default-Environment" that provisions the AWS resources to host the application.
At this point we have a deployed EB managed application environment.
Using the AWS DevTools, in conjunction with Git or an IDE like Visual Studio or Eclipse.
Below your list of Versions it will now display the Default-Environment.
You can click on the Events tab to watch the progress of this deploy action.
Wait for the Environment update completed successfully. event to be logged.
Reviewing the Running Version field.
Being able to deploy from the command line and with revision control is ideal. So Amazon has written a set of tools, the AWS DevTools, that integrate with Git to help get this workflow up and running.
Let's walk through doing a CLI deploy. I am going to assume you already have Git installed.
Adding everything in the directory to the repo with git add * and commit it with git commit -a -m "all the things"
From your Git repository directory, run AWSDevTools-RepositorySetup.sh. You can find AWSDevTools-RepositorySetup.sh in the AWS DevTools/Linux directory. You need to run this script for each Git repository.
Follow the Git setup steps to setup the DevTools with your AWS credentials, application, and environment names.
Commit this change with git commit -a -m "I was here"
If you're Push succeeds, you should see the Running Version of your application show the Git SHA1 of your commit.
Once you're familiar and comfortable with deploying applications, you'll likely want to customize your application environments. Since EB uses EC2 instances running Linux or Windows, you have a certain amount of flexibility in what customizations you can make to the environment.
Setting up your environment to use RDS resources.
As mentioned, some changes can be done on the fly, like ELB changes, while others, like changing the instance size or migrating to RDS, require a longer period of time and some application downtime.
Currently, AWS Elastic Beanstalk does not support configuration files for PHP, .NET, and legacy Tomcat 6 and 7 containers.
Now that you're used Elastic Beanstalk, seen how to deploy code, learned how to customized your instances, you may be considering running your own application with Elastic Beanstalk.


Open Europe insight and analysis of the highest court of the European Union, and its impact in shaping the future development of the EU.
What does the ECJ decision on Article 50 mean?
How aligned are Labour and the Conservatives on ECJ jurisdiction?
What might legal case over EU-Singapore trade deal mean for Brexit?
Is Ever Closer Union just a symbolic phrase with no meaningful application?
What are the implications of the ECJ opinion on the UK's right to reside test?
Is the ECJ's latest ruling on access to benefits helpful or unhelpful for David Cameron?
The ECJ and EU migrants' access to benefits: where do we stand?