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KTW signs 1 million bottle deal with China
11.10.2016 (Hvino News). China's Beijing Charming Grand International Trading Company (CGIT) recently agreed to import one million bottles of Georgian wine and brandy in the next 12 months.
Memorandum of Cooperation was signed with Georgian partner company Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking (KTW) last week, by KTW's General Director Zurab Chkhaidze and head of CGIT Van Henshun.
In recent years Georgia has forged strong ties with China through bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Georgian wine was one of Georgia's most promising products exported to China. Already this year Georgia exported 3.5 million bottles of wine to its Asian partner – a 158 percent increase year-on-year, said the Government of Georgia.
Meanwhile a Memorandum on Free Trade Deal between Georgia and China was signed. The Free Trade Deal will come into play next year and will allow Georgia to sell its goods in China's market of 1.4 billion consumers with zero tariffs, without additional customs fees and without any transition period on the Georgia-made products.
Georgian winemakers concerned about possible growth in excise duties in Russia
10.10.2016. As reported, the Russian government is discussing the possibility of increasing the excise tax on wine, especially imported.
Georgian winemakers fear that this decision could have a negative impact on the export of wine to Russia.
According to General Director of "Tbilvino" Zurab Margvelashvili, if the decision is adopted, the export of wine from Georgia would be hampered.
"As a rule, the rise in price of any goods has a negative impact on its sales. Especially against the backdrop of the crisis and the decline in purchasing power in Russia. Even a slight rise in prices will have a negative impact on the sales, "- he believes.
In the words of Gia Shengelia, Director General of the company "Badagoni", the excise increase will negatively affect the export of wine from Georgia.
"Russian distributors can ask us to reduce the price, but then we will see losses. Now we are competingawith cheap wines from Abkhazia and the Crimea. Currently, Russia accounts for 35-40% of our exports, "- he says.
CEO of the " Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking" Zurab Chkhaidze also expects the negative effectsfrom the excise duty increase.
National Wine Competition results revealed at final of Wine Week
04.10.2016. For the past 11 days Georgia has hosted dozens of events nationwide honouring and celebrating Georgian wine and those who make it.
Georgian Wine Week 2016 ended last Sunday after almost two weeks of wine-related activities and events in capital Tbilisi, in eastern Kakheti wine-making region and in other parts of the country.
The celebrations started on September 22 in Kakheti with the opening of a Qvevri Workshop in Ikalto.
The Qvevri Workshop was a central event of this year's Georgian Wine Week and showed visitors about the historic use of qvevri (a large, ancient winemaking vessel) in traditional Georgian winemaking.
A photo exhibition and awards ceremony praising monastery wines was held simultaneously in Ikalto.
The final event of Georgian Wine Week 2016 took place yesterday at Rike Park in capital Tbilisi and was an exhibition of wine-related products. Several ceremonies were held to award important people that had contributed to developing Georgia's wine industry.
Participation in BEST WINE CHINA in "DRINKS PLUS Editorial Choice"
03.10.2016. D+ International Communication Media Group has received preference from Best Wine China (Beijing, November, 25-27th, 2016) to create the stand of editorial beverage choice.
DRINKS+ magazine has successfully represented the wine and spirits business of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in the international arena for many years, taking part in the most prestigious exhibitions, forums, conferences, events and forums as media and as organizer of B2B presentations and tastings.
This event is joint project with Hvino.com.
D+ Group and its media are respected by professionals around the world. Therefore we are going to present leading manufacturers of high-quality drinks in the status of Editor's Choice of DRINKS+ at Best Wine China. We are ready to host 3 companies with different categories of beverages (spirits, still wine, sparkling, cognac/alcoholic drinks, beer) on our stand, with an option of non-stop tasting. The editorial stand participant package is available at advantageous price, compared to regular participant prices (including equipment, and promotional support - announcement and post-coverage in our magazines, web and partner media).
Deadline for applications for participation: October 5, 2016.
Tsinandali: The first bottled Georgian wine brought back to life
02.10.2016 (Hvino News). The European winemaking technologies were introduced in Georgia in the 19-th century at Alexander Chavchavadze's Tsinandali Estate ▼Map , in Kakheti region. Alexander Chavchavadze (1786 - 1846) was Georgian nobleman, notable poet and military figure of 19-th century.
Georgian wine was bottled for the first time at Tsinandali Estate. After years-long break, the estate regained its primary function. Under the patronage of Silk Road Group (SRG) it started reviving the old tradition of winemaking and producing original Tsinandali wine.
As Silk Road Group manager Koka Archvadze commented, Tsinandali Estate is a place where the modern Georgian winemaking emerged. Alexander Chavchavadze established the classical winemaking technology and gave birth to the first Georgian bottled wine. In addition, according to the representative of SRG, apart from classical bottled wine made according European technology, Tsinandali produces traditional natural wine, that is fermented in qvevri.
"Two distinguished winemakers work at our land: David Maisuradze and Giorgi Barisashvili", - added SRG's representative.
Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking opens a new plant
26.09.2016 (Hvino News). Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking (KTW) has launched its new brandy distillery in the village of Velistsikhe ▼Map , Gurjaani district in Kakheti.
Official opening of the plant was attended by Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and other members of the government. "KTW Group is particularly grateful to the government of Georgia, which has created all conditions so that we can serve the people of Georgia", - commented the company.
The plant, equipped with stainless steel tanks, refrigeration equipment, and other modern technologies, will process local grapes to distill brandy spirits.
"With the introduction of the new plant the company facilities have increased significantly, and this year we have processed 25 thousand tons of grapes for brandy alcohol", reads the company's press release.
Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking (KTW) has invested 7 million GEL in the project. Over the past four years, Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking has made investments in the amount of $60 million in its projects in Georgia.
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UK samples unique taste of Georgian wine
27.09.2016. Six Georgian wine companies have made an impression in Great Britain at major wine tasting events.
Over 70 exhibitors including specialist importers, boutique wineries and agencies gathered in two UK cities for the autumn edition of the Specialist Importers Trade Tasting (SITT), held in Manchester on September 19 and London on September 21.
Both wine tasting events gave visitors the chance to sample wines from all parts of the world, including places like Georgia that have a rich but vastly unknown history of wine.
The UK event is crucial for new and seasoned trade professionals, as it brings together a wide selection of specialist importers, boutique wineries and agencies, who showcase a vast selection of wines to add to their wine lists.
Grape harvest 2016: 71,300 tonnes of grapes picked so far
26.09. 2016. The grape harvest is in full swing in Georgia's eastern Kakheti region where so far this season 12,000 farmers have earned over 67.7 million GEL by selling 77,600 tonnes of grapes.
The Georgian National Wine Agency said local growers had processed the following grape varieties:
Rkatsiteli - 43,000 tonnes
Saperavi – 30,400 tonnes
Kakhuri Mtsvane – 2,200 tonnes
To date most grapes were processed in Kakheti's Gurjaani municipality – 26,800 tonnes. Followed by:
Telavi – 19,000 tonnes
Kvareli – 18,700 tonnes
Sighnaghi – 6,600 tonnes
Lagodekhi – 2,400 tonnes
Dedoplistskaro – 1,600 tonnes
Akhmeta –1,600 tonnes
Sagarejo – 1,300 tonnes
Two days ago Georgian wine company Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking (KTW) opened a new grape processing and brandy spirit distillation plant in Velistikhe Village ▼Map , also in Kakheti region.
Telavi Wine Cellar wins gold and silver at Mundus Vini 2016 Summer Tasting
23.09.2016 (Hvino News). Georgian producer Telavi Wine Cellar (Marani) won 3 gold and 1 silver medals at prestigious Mundus Vini 2016 Summer Tasting in Germany. The awards were announced recently.
Telavi Marani was the only Georgian producer to win awards at this summer's Munus Vini. The following wines of Telavi Wine Cellar are the winners:
Marani Kondoli Vineyards Saperavi 2013
Satrapezo Saperavi 2013
Marani Reserve 2007 (+"Best of Show Georgia")
Marani Mukuzani 2013
In addition to gold medal, "Marani Reserve" was also named as "Best of Show Georgia".
Georgian Wine Week 2016 is launched
22.09.2016 (Hvino News). Today starts the Georgian Wine Week, organized by Georgia's Ministry of Agriculture and National Wine Agency.
A number of events will be held throughout Georgia till October 2. Wine festivals will be held in Telavi and Marneuli, including wine contests and other activities.
The Week starts on September 22 with inauguration of the Qvevri Workshop School in Ikalto. The event includes a photo exhibition and award ceremony for the monastery wine. Simultaneously in Telavi, Georgian wines of different companies will be presented in street pavilions. Visitors will be able to taste the wine, Georgian sweets, and cheese.
September 23 in the Library of Vine and Wine (at Georgian National Library), exhibition and presentation of new books related to the Georgian viticulture is scheduled. The presentation will be lead by writer George Barisashvili.
"Georgian wine culture center" was developed in Xinjiang - China's province with population of 22 million
22.09.2016. (Hvino News). Mutual collaboration memorandum was signed between National Wine Agency of ministry of agriculture of Georgia and "Georgian Wine Culture Center" of Urumqi, Xinjiang province, China.
The memorandum was signed by the head of National Wine Agency, Giorgi Samanishvili and the general manager of Beifang Jianda, Tong Jia.
"Georgian Wine Culture Center" was developed by one of the major Georgian wine importer companies, "Xinjiang Beifang Jianda Trade Co., Ltd".
As the head of national wine agency, Giorgi Samanishvili stated, Xinjiang province is one of the first in China, Georgian wine export began several years ago.
"Xinjiang province is significant on China market, here, Georgian wine and wine culture is better known, than in other provinces. Our partner "Beifang Jianda" has been exported Georgian wine in China for more than 10 years. They have already developed "Georgian Wine Culture Center" in Xinjiang province and today, we have signed memorandum of collaboration with this center and we will do our best to improve Georgian wine and culture publicity in Xinjiang province"- stated Giorgi Samanishvili.
"China Daily": Georgian wine industry toasts trade pact
by Mike Peters and Zhong Nan
22.09.2016. A day after China and Georgia announced they will sign a free trade agreement later this year, Georgia's agriculture minister said the two countries' wine industries will quickly be big beneficiaries.
"Our countries have a special relationship that goes back to the Silk Road era and before,"said Levan Davitashvili, who took a break from Georgia's ongoing election campaign to discuss the news with a group of visiting Chinese journalists.
"Today the tariff on wine imports in China is 48.5 percent, but after the FTA goes into effect next summer, it will be zero," he said. "There will be big benefits for both countries, especially for Chinese producers who will be doing joint ventures in Georgia".
Badagoni wins 7 medals at top Japanese wine contest
20.09.2016. The unique taste of Georgian wine is making an impression in Japan, where last week a local wine producer won seven medals at a prestigious wine competition.
Georgia's Badagoni wine company was honoured wih gold, silver and bronze medals at the 19th Japan Wine Challenge, an event regarded as one of the most prestigious wine competitions in Asia.
Badagoni's Kakhuri Tsarchinebuli wine won gold and at the same time, was named the best Georgian wine at the competition.
Other wines by Badagoni, such as Alaverdi Traditions, Tsinandali, Maestro and Badagoni Brut, won silver and bronze medals at the contest, which was held from September 2-4 in Japan's capital Tokyo.
Just over 1,600 wines were entered and judged in the contest by a panel of leading wine professionals from Japan and across the world.
Georgia declaration on wine tourism
Fostering sustainable tourism development through intangible cultural heritage
As global tourism is on the rise and competition between destinations grows, unique local and regional intangible cultural heritage has gradually become the discerning factor for the allure and enjoyment of tourists. Gastronomy tourism has emerged as particularly important in this regard, not only because food and drink is central to any tourist experience, but also because the concept of gastronomy tourism has evolved to encompass its cultural facets and link to local culture. Incorporated into its discourse are the ethical and sustainable values of the territory, the landscape, the sea, local history, values and culture heritage.
Wine tourism, as a crucial component of gastronomy tourism, has evolved into a key element for both emerging and mature tourism destinations in which tourists can experience the culture and lifestyle of destinations while fostering sustainable tourism development.
UNWTO: Wine tourism – a growing tourism segment
20.09.2016. The link between wine tourism and culture, history and lifestyle and the contribution of this segment to the development of the sector has been widely discussed during the 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism held in the Kakheti region in Georgia. During two days (7-9 September) the event convened over 200 participants including policy makers and tourism experts from nearly 50 countries.
In the last decade, wine tourism has become a key component of gastronomy tourism and a pillar in the strategies of diversification of many destinations. The event was a unique opportunity to discover the richness of local Georgian culture and to exchange innovative ideas to promote wine tourism between destinations already experienced in wine tourism with others with a high potential in that segment. Ministries, Destination Management Organizations (DMOS) and National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), universities, tour operators and wine professionals were among the participants.
"Wine tourism is intimately related to the identity of destinations and comprises cultural, economic and historical values. Furthermore, it constitutes a major driver in diversification strategies helping destinations to enrich the touristic offer and to attract different publics. This Conference tries not only to emphasize these but also to promote exchanges and to build cooperation among destinations with a potential in this field," said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai at the opening of the Conference.
Best Georgian wine on show at prestigious speciality & fine food fair, London
by Nino Gugunishvili
14.09.2016. For the first time in its history, the UK's leading showcase of fine food and drink this year featured Georgian wine brands Badagoni and Lagvinari at London Olympia. With more than 850 exhibitors, London's Speciality and Fine Food Fair is known as "the place to discover what's making the news and what's about to. From the new producers to the more established specialty brands, you're sure to find fresh ideas and fresh new products to enhance your business offering."
London-based company Cenimex, founded by Berdia Qamarauli and Dennis Muriu in August 2015, is a British import-export venture. It works under the Georgian Wine Club brand name, specializing in Georgian wine import and promotion in the UK. With a concept of selling only the highest quality Georgian wines to the UK market, the company is currently working with several Georgian wine companies and is planning to add more Georgian wine brands to their portfolio in the near future, "thus guaranteeing an exeptional wine experience to UK customers," said Qamarauli.
US wine experts visit Georgia
by Thea Morrison
13.09.2016. A ten-member group of US wine experts led by international wine master Lisa Granik visited Georgian wine companies and small wineries in the Kartli and Kakheti regions. [Experts group included Kyle Eberle, Giancarlo Luiggi, Carolyn Beaty, Aaron Zebrook, Amber Rill, Tristan Prat-Vincent, Bruno Almeida, Isabella Fitzgerald, Barbara Haimes - HN]
According to Granik, who is the head of Georgia's contractor company TastingWorks, the quality of Georgian wine is increasing by the year. She noted that the quality of many commercial and non-commercial wines has reached international standards.
"The quality and desire to produce very high-quality wine at a world-standard level is increasing in Georgia," she noted, adding that such tours as this latest aim to increase awareness of Georgian wine in the US and help to introduce traditional Georgian wine-making methods to foreign professionals.
"This will eventually contribute to the growth of export of Georgian wine, and wine tourism in Georgia,'' she said.
Georgian wine class in Washington area
12.09.2016 (Hvino News). On September 16 at Total Wine ▼Map in Alexandria (Virginia, USA) a Georgian wine class will be held at 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Entrance fee is $5.
"Join us for a fun evening of free food and wine from Georgia, the country not the state. We will be taking over the tasting room for a sit down in depth wine class on Georgian wines, the history, the varietals and the taste," - the organizers say.
5 Georgian wines will be tasted including varietals such as Rkatsiteli and Saperavi made in both modern and qvevri style from producers such as Teliani Valley, Schuchmann Wines, and Vinoterra.
"Invite a friend and don't miss this chance to discover Georgian wine!"
Official stats for August: Georgia exports 42% more wine
11.09.2016 (Hvino News). According to Georgia's National Wine Agency (NWA), over 28 million bottles of wine were exported to 46 countries last month, bringing $64.8 million back into the economy.
In August 2016 Georgia exported 42 percent more wine year-on-year (y/y), and generated 16 percent more revenue by selling 28,156,547 bottles of wine abroad.
The top five countries that imported the most Georgian wine in August 2016 were:
Russia – 14,664,610 bottles
China – 3,368,361 bottles
Ukraine – 3,042,192 bottles
Kazakhstan – 2,287, 826 bottles
Poland – 1,367,960 bottles
Year-on-year exports of Georgian wine increased to:
WTO's Taleb Rifai: "Georgia is a must-see place for every winemaker"
09.09.2016 (Hvino News). "I am glad to see how effectively the Government of Georgia has been working to turn Georgia into a country that offers diverse tourism opportunities," said Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), yesterday at the first session of the first Global Conference on Wine Tourism, organised by the UNWTO and Georgia's National Tourism Administration (GNTA).
Over 250 guests from 42 countries took part in the conference, which was held in Georgia on September 7-9.
Dr. Rifai said Georgians were the champions and leaders in wine tourism and a "must-see place for every winemaker". "This would be a very educational visit as everyone will be able to learn about wine history and at the same time experience great pleasure and joy of life by drinking Georgian wine," he added.
"When we are talking about wine we should realise it was born 8,000 years ago in this very place. Every time you hold a bottle of wine, think about the whole process – about the vineyards, grapes and the way wine gets from the vineyards to your table," Dr. Rifai said.
Georgia's economy minister Dimitry Kumsishvili also welcomed the conference participants and said these types of conferences helped raise awareness of Georgia. "Tourism plays an important part in Georgia's economy. In 2015 Georgia hit a record as it hosted about six million international visitors. This record will is set to be broken again for sure," Kumsishvili said.
The minister also shared the popular legend, according to which the land given by the God to Georgians was the one he planned to keep for his mother. "That's why we call Georgia Motherland", - added Mr. Kumsishvili.
UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism inaugurated in Tbilisi
08.09.2016 (Hvino News). The 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism was opened on September 7th in Tbilisi. The conference is organized by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Georgian National Tourism Administration.
The conference was opened by Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO, who addressed conference participants during dinner reception in Tbilisi.
"This is the biggest event in our country's life in terms of cementing Georgia's image as the world's cradle of wine", said Mr. Kvirikashvili.
The conference guests were entertained with Georgian traditional dancing and singing. Mr. Rifai made a toast for prosperity of Georgia and development of wine tourism industry in the country.
The first conference session will be held in Kakheti, where the guests will also visit the Alaverdi Monastery, famous for its wine, and Winery Khareba's "Wine Tunnel".
The working sessions will be opened by welcoming remarks by Georgia's minister of economy Dimitry Kumsishvili and UNWTO's Taleb Rifai.
The sessions will continue in Chateau Mukhrani on September 9.
UNWTO Secretary-General to attend the First International Conference on Wine Tourism in Georgia
07.09.2016. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Georgian National Tourism Administration will present the 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism to be held in the Kakheti wine region of Georgia from 7-9 September.
The Conference will have a unique and dynamic format in which the sessions will take place in different wineries.
Expert speakers will provide snapshot presentations to lead the debates which will ensue at each of the tables.
Participants will be requested to actively participate in the interactive debates with the expert speakers which will be rotating among the tables. The conclusions of the Conference will be a compilation of all the information debated during each meeting.
"Wine tourism represents a growing segment with immense opportunities to diversify demand. In the case of Georgia, this potential is well-known and we are very pleased to be holding the first UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in the country," said Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO.
[Hvino News will provide coverage of UNWTO Global Conference. Hvino.com's director is attending the Conference as participant - HN]
UN to host first conference on wine tourism in Georgia
06.09.2016. For the first edition of a UN-organized conference on wine tourism, leaders will gather in the cradle of winemaking next week to discuss the burgeoning industry and its importance in local heritage.
It's a strategic and significant decision to hold the first edition of the UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in the South Caucasus country of Georgia instead of bigger and more popular wine tourism destinations like France, Italy, Spain or Australia.
By choosing Georgia, organizers are returning to what some experts have described as the birthplace of winemaking.
Evidence of winemaking traditions have been traced back 8,000 years among archeological records found in Georgia, well before reaching Western Europe.
At the conference, experts and industry leaders will discuss the development of a Wine Tourism Prototype, a model that will focus on the integration of wineries in the local cultural, economic, social and environmental heritage.
Miquel Hudin receives 2016 Geoffrey Roberts Award for book on Georgian wine
05.09.2016 (Hvino News). Wine journalist Miquel Hudin is the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Geoffrey Roberts Award for a new book about Georgian wine. Founded in 1996 in the UK to commemorate the life and work of pioneer importer Geoffrey Roberts, this annual award is a travel bursary to further the cause of New World or emerging region wines. There is only one recipient per year who is judged to have been making a positive difference in the world of wine. The award is currently presented by The Vintner's Company that received its first Charter in 1363 and is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London in the UK.
Thanks to the Geoffrey Roberts award, Miquel Hudin has now commenced research for a new title in his Vinologue enotourism book series which will extensively cover the different wine regions, grapes, cellars and wines of the Republic of Georgia. He is currently traveling across the entire country to visit and profile the best wineries as well as to taste and review the wines. Miquel Hudin is a Certified Sommelier who has judged several international wine competitions and traveled extensively to different wine regions around the world. He is a regular contributor to Decanter, Harpers, the Guild of Sommeliers, and the World of Fine Wine.
Grape harvest begins in Georgia's wine region Kakheti
03.09.2016. This year's grape harvest has begun in Georgia's eastern Kakheti region.
More than 1,850 tons of Rkatsiteli grape and more than 1,110 tons of saperavi has been processed in Dedoplistskaro.
Wine producing companies pay 80 tetris (tetri is 0.01 GEL) for saperavi, 35 tetris for rkatsiteli and mtsvane grapes.
The government adds a subsidy, which is 20 tetris for saperavi and 45 tetris for rtkatsiteli and mtsvane. As a result, winegrowers will get one GEL for a kilogram of saperavi and 80 tetris for a kilogram of rkatsiteli or mtsvane.
Some winegrowers are unhappy with the prices and think they are too low, especially the rkatsiteli price. Locals from the village Chandari say they think one kilo should cost at least one GEL. Some of them told the newspaper Rezonansi that with the government subsidy it won't be that hard for them to sell the harvest.
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"Hvino" (or "ghvino") is Georgian for wine, pronounced hweeno.
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Read the latest interviews and articles from our sister project Caucasian Journal: - Do Georgians have savings? - How do they perceive g...
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special guest 23.06.2015 (Hvino News). The special guest of Hvino News today is Mr. Jean-Marie AURAND, Director General of ...
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VITO, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (Belgium) and member of knowledge centre EnergyVille (www.energyville.be), is the largest Flemish technological research organization with a multi-disciplinary team working on sustainable solutions for different research domains like materials, energy and environment. VITO supplies innovative and high-quality solutions, whereby large and small companies can gain a competitive advantage, and advises industry and governments on determining their policy for the future. VITO has more than 700 highly-qualified employees from various specialisms and collaborates with sector federations and their research centres, universities and other European research institutes. In 2014, VITO has a total budget of about 135 million euros.
modelling and optimization; and the energy market research domain.
smart grids and advanced heat networks.
name, in close cooperation with local, regional and international partners.
and thermal energy storage, power electronics, smart appliances, etc.).


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Trisha Yearwood's First Album in a Decade Will Be a Collection of Frank Sinatra Covers
Wendy Hermanson
Wendy Hermanson Published: November 9, 2018
Trisha Yearwood is set to release her first studio album in more than a decade, and fans may be surprised at the direction she's choosing to take. Yearwood's upcoming album is titled Let's Be Frank and will feature a collection of the singer's favorite songs by legendary crooner Frank Sinatra.
Although this may seem an unexpected direction, Yearwood tells People that this is a project she's had in mind for quite some time.
"I've been wanting to make this record for 20 years," she states. "I have always loved standards, and nobody sings them better than Sinatra. I'm honored to get the chance to pay tribute to him and the songwriters in these timeless classics."
Yearwood took care to record the covers with integrity, choosing Sinatra's home base of the Capitol Records building in Hollywood as her locale, and using the iconic singer's own microphone and stool while working on the songs. For the album art above, she chose a Rat-Pack worthy fedora, collared shirt and tie.
Yearwood posted a series of photos to Instagram on Monday teasing her new project, all with the hashtag #LBF. Now we know what she's up to!
Let's Be Frank will be available Dec. 20 exclusively at Williams-Sonoma and available everywhere in February 2019.
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A Brief History Of Cadillac 1980-2000: Northstar And SUVs
by Brett Hatfield
During the 1980s and 1990s, the look and performance of Cadillac would change greatly. Reductions in size would continue, a compact sedan based on the Chevy Cavalier would prove a disappointment, and a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz SL convertibles would arrive with fresh Italian styling. A new engine platform would be the standard of performance in Cadillac coupes and sedans, and in the late-1990s, SUVs would enter the Cadillac lineup, as luxurious family-haulers would come into demand.
The Seville was redesigned for 1980, featuring an all new "bustle-back" and a switch to the Eldorado's front-wheel-drive chassis.
The early 1980s saw further reductions in size across the Cadillac lineup to meet with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards.
Standard digital heat and air conditioning controls were introduced to all Cadillac models in 1981.
The Cadillac Cimarron was introduced in for the 1982 model year. Based on the Chevy Cavalier, the Cimarron was poorly received by the Cadillac faithful. Auto journalist Dan Neil listed the Cimarron as one of the "worst cars of all time," adding it "nearly killed Cadillac and remains its biggest shame."
In 1983, Cadillac debuted the optional Delco/Bose stereo system. The cassette stereo was priced at $895, and was only available on Eldorados and Sevilles. It would not be available in DeVilles and Fleetwoods until 1985.
1989 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
The 1985 Cadillac DeVille was transformed with a transverse-mounted front-wheel-drive configuration, the first for any American manufacturer. Digital instrumentation was introduced on DeVilles and Fleetwoods in 1985.
Redesigned for 1986, the Eldorado and Seville models were much smaller in dimension and stature. Both were powered by transverse-mounted 4.1-liter V8s.
The Pininfarina-bodied Cadillac Allanté debuted for the 1987 model year, with bodies shipped from Italy to the U.S. for final assembly. The Mercedes SL competitor was powered by the transverse-mounted HT-4100 V8.
1989 Cadillac Allanté
Cadillac's Detroit, Michigan Clark Street assembly plant, which had been in service since 1921, was shuttered in 1987.
Traction control was available for the first time on the 1990 Cadillac Allanté.
Cadillac made history in 1991 with the introduction of the Northstar engine. Originally developed by Oldsmobile, the high-performance 4.6-liter 90-degree V8 was General Motors' most complex engine, featuring aluminum block and heads, double-overhead cams, and four valves per cylinder.
Beginning in mid-1992, Cadillac introduced the Northstar engine as part of the Northstar System that included variable valve timing, suspension that "read the road," four-wheel disc brakes, and variable power steering. The 1992 Seville was redesigned with some styling elements lifted from the 1988 Cadillac Voyage concept. The new Seville made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list.
1988 Cadillac Seville STS
The Northstar engine was available in the Cadillac Allanté for its final year of production in 1993. Freshly redesigned for 1993, the all-new rear-wheel-drive Cadillac Fleetwood replaced the aging Brougham. The front-wheel-drive Fleetwood from previous years was renamed the Sixty Special. 1993 was the final year for Coupe DeVille production.
The 1994 Cadillac DeVille was redesigned on the same platform as the Seville, with a slightly longer wheelbase. DeVilles came with standard driver front airbags, full digital instrument cluster, digital information center, and dual-zone climate control.
The High Technology (HT) engine line that had been in production since 1982 was discontinued in 1995.
Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension, or CVRSS, was introduced in 1996, as was Magnasteer Speed Sensitive Steering.
The OnStar Vehicle Safety and Security System was introduced as an available option on all Cadillacs for 1997, and StabiliTrak was available for Sevilles, Eldorados, and DeVilles.
Along with a restyling in for the 1997 model year, the DeVille introduced a standard SRS passenger's-side front airbag, as well as new stereo systems, and the TheftLock security system.
The entry-level Cadillac Catera sedan debuted for the 1997 model year. Aimed at mid-size European marques, the Catera was itself European, a rebadged Opel Omega built in Russelsheim, Germany.
The Chevy Tahoe-based Cadillac Escalade bowed for the 1999 model year as a direct competitor for the Lincoln Navigator. Massaging lumbar seats are available for the first time in select Sevilles, DeVilles, and Eldorados.
There was little in the Cadillac lineup that looked anything like the models of just two decades ago. Technology, styling, and performance would launch Cadillac into the new millennium.
Cadillac 1902-1917: the Birth of the Brand
Cadillac 1920-1940: the Pre-War Years
Cadillac 1940-1960: WW II and Beyond
Cadillac 1960-1980: Innovation and Excess
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
— Brett Hatfield
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A Brief History Of Cadillac 2000-2022: Art And Science Era
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Dan B says:
Thank you for this great article (series). I've been reading them with a smile on my face. Also, thank you for not bashing on the Cadillac line of the 80's and 90's (I'm sure a lot of that will follow my comment and in other comments after). I personally have a strong tie to these years as my parents purchased their first Cadillac (1975) in late 1976 when I was just a young boy. Their second was a 1979 in 1981. By this time, I was old enough to become a huge fan of Cadillac. Even though they had some misses and things could have been done better, they weren't all the doom/gloom that many attempt to say. Plus it was a decade (80's) of change for many in the automotive world. In 1985 my dad and I ordered a brand new Cavalier sedan, and although a very nice little car, it was the Cimarron that I had my eye on. There was just something about a more lavish Cavalier that appealed to me.
In 1988 I went into auto sales for the first time at a Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Honda store. Being the last year for the Cimarron, we only had one left and it was too expensive for my 19 year old budget. It got sold and over the years I waited and waited for the perfect Cimarron to be traded in. No luck. But over those years, I proudly sold every Cadillac I could and even owned a few (mostly used) with one being a 1998 Catera. That was a really nice car, but just didn't fill my desire to own a Cimarron. I had a DeVille diesel (82), a Seville (79, 84 and 85) and then the new Catera. I always had very good luck with them all and enjoyed each one. But finally in late 2021 I was lucky enough to find my Cimarron: a 1988 with 60,000 miles in near perfect condition and only 100 miles from where I now live. That car sits in my garage and will probably be with me till I die unless I find a nicer one!
I'll end with my defense of the Cimarron. It was brought out 2 years too early and they should have waited till 1984 to bring it out with the massive changes/improvements that were made on the 1983. It should have had the body changes that the 1985 had. The car served a purpose and actually sold ok for those 7 years. However, the 1982 with the 1.8L was so bad, that the major improvements made in 1983 and then the body changes in 1985 just couldn't lift the poor little Caddy out of the target zone for so many. But it was and still is a fantastic little car and every time I get in mine and go for a ride, I'm amazed at how solid and fun it is even when compared to today's cars. The true difference? It has some class where today's cars are just don't have that class any more.
Brett Hatfield says:
Thank you, Dan.
I agree that using the 1.8L in the initial models was a serious mistake. When the 2.8L V6 became available with the 1985 model year, the car became fun to drive and distinct from the other GM J-cars, as should have been intended in the first place.
TomL. says:
Dan B, I echo your sentiments on the Cimarron. I too am one that was in favor of the little car when others had few kind words (Bob Lutz said in a TV Interview that he felt the Cimarron was the biggest mistake Cadillac ever made!).
I guess it depends upon who was the Cimarron's targeted audience. It's definitely NOT for the traditional Cadillac customer. My Mother bought a New 1986 V-6 Cimarron in Blue with an electric sunroof and the little rack on the trunk and she just LOVED it! Its small size was high on her list along with it being comfortable to drive and easy to maneuver in congested streets. Parking also was also a plus and it was very quiet for the size of this car. I also loved driving the Cimarron whenever I could. It was a fun small car to drive on twisty roads. She passed away due to Cancer in 1997, but had she lived, I believe her next car would have been the Catera.
Great commentary. I was born in 73 so a little younger than you but when the Cimarron came out, it did make a splash…I remember the commercials fairly well. You're right that the original model was so hamstrung…later years were much better. My dad's work had a DeVille in 1985 or 1986 (slimmed down model) and I thought the smaller V8 turned sideways in the engine bay was neat. I remember riding in it a few times and thinking how cool of a car it was. I was also aware of the European and Japanese models at that time and knew GM had its work cut out for it, but still I don't think 1980s-GM gets as much credit as it should, considering the times and GM's history with big cars.
wjtinfwb says:
The V6 was a total character changer in many GM products, mainly because their 4 cylinders were so awful. In addition to the Cimarron and all J-cars, the X and then A-body cars (Celebrity, 6000, Ciera, Century) were vastly more enjoyable with the reasonably smooth and torquey 2.8,then 3.1 V6. The 1.8 and especially the 2.5L "Iron Duke" were rough and agricultural, but at least they were gutless as well. GM just doesn't sweat the small engines like they do the 6 and 8 cylinder plants. Even the vaunted "Quad 4" was awful compared to a contemporary Honda or Toyota 4-banger.
oooooh … loved those 1981 Cadillac Seville & 1988 Cadillac Seville STS exteriors … it was some cars dreamed of having if all dreams had came to a truth, for example living in Florida in a US$ 10 millions house, design director etc
Personally disagree totally with this Auto journalist Dan Neil… listed the Cimarron as one of the "worst cars of all time," in fact it is a good example of good design cars we miss today in stores and in streets. See now what we have. Better this guy reviewing his comments after seeing what is offered today, all plastics, no styling talents, none chrome, none connecting easy shapes. Indeed all cadillac's the 1980ies and 1990ies were great ones as exteriors, interiors would say differently, maybe the instrument panels without wood or colours would having been better
Now see after 2010 what is Cadillac… sincere, it is nothing compared .. and since 2020, really downhill
TaurusSHO says:
The Allante is still a gorgeous car. Looks great even today. Looking forward to the next article.
When me and my brother did the Florida Trip among Epcot Center, Disney Things, Sea World and Cape Canaveral Tour… we with a rental Mitsubishi Colt… loved the car, for example the seating belt dressing you… took a GM Catalogue in 1992 of cars offered, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Saturn, GMC and so on… still have this Brochure of 1992, and take care it with love. The models are all nice… So. After we did the Cruise Costa Riviera ex Michelangelo from Puerto Rico, Caracas & Virgin Islands. Second visit in Florida with Wife, already 2003, was different, this time with a rental Chrysler Dodge Neon, also very nice… indeed the USA made really great cars, what happened with USA people ?
You can't mention the Catera without the bird/duck! And who is Lisa Catera?
TriSt8Z says:
That "bustle back" '81 Seville in my opinion was one of the most unique designs to come from Cadillac. I really think Cadillac should have taken the rear-end styling from the Seville and incorporated that into the upcoming Celestiqe
tmw says:
that would be interesting.
Jay S says:
Cimmaron has its fans, and thousands were sold over its 7 years on offer. However the idea of luxing up a Cavalier and charging twice the price for not much more really was not up to the standards of the brand. I read that a Cadillac division general manager kept a picture of a Cimmaron posted in his office… as a constant reminder of what not to do again.
Jay S.
So this is exactly what I referred to with the same old stories being pushed by those who certainly don't understand or know more about the Cimarron. Let's just take one point:
You say "luxing up a Cavalier and charging twice the price for not much more". So let's visit some truth here. In 1985 my dad and I sat down with a Chevy dealer and ordered a brand new 1985 Cavalier CS sedan. The car was gray with light gray cloth. It had power locks ,but no power windows. It did have a cassette stereo, A/C and cruise. But that was it. No leather, higher end sound system, alloy wheels, power seat/s, etc. The car was quite nice and we really liked it. But it was far from a Cimarron. That Cavalier listed (MSRP) for $12,400. Assuming your story to be correct, that would mean a Cimarron would have been nearly $25,000. In fact, a much more highly equipped 1985 Cimarron would have been around $17,500.
Now, is $5,000 grand a lot (especially back then)? Yes, and I'm not defending the price they had on the Cimarron when new. But had we equipped the Cavalier with every option we could, it would have been closer to $13,500 in total.
Finally, I too have heard the story about the Cadillac manager having that picture on his wall for that same reason. Would it maybe have been more appropriate to have the pictures of the people who made the rushed decision on the Cimarron hanging on that wall instead and blaming them for it's failure instead of the car they pushed out way too soon?
Base price for a 1982 Cimmaron was $12,131. Base price of a 1982 Cavalier sedan was $7,187, though you could get a Cavalier for $6,648. No, it wasn't actually double but ranged from 69% to 83% more for the Cadillac. But it wasn't 70% more of a car.
He could have mounted a photo of the folks who made the Cimmaron decision, but it would cover the whole wall, given how GM made its decisions. It was easier to just post the result of their decision,
Steve Sommer says:
Just really enjoyed the complete series on Cadillac. Sure brings back some great memories and ties in the G.M. of the past to todays G.M. Hope to see a similar series on all G.M.
Joe B. says:
I thought the bustle back was elegant looking. The downsized fwd Devilles , I didn't care for, but they have aged well, and look better than what's out there now.
Montravious says:
I consider my 1986 Cadillac Eldorado America2 Ltd. Edition among the finest cars ever to wear the Cadillac wreath and crest.
SteveInvictaInsignia says:
GM has changed so much. I remember 1980s when divisions built their own engines while often sharing exterior design. Now, exterior design is what differentiates each brand even though under Sincoe Chevrolet and Buick are starting to share too many lines. Cadillac keeps getting makeovers but it doesn't seem like luxe buyers are looking for an alternative to current players like Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Audi or even Acura. Each year Cadillac sales dip along with other former icons like Jag and Alfa.
Barra deserves an A for effort in her effort to create a new, technologytechnology-driven automaker and master EVs but I'm not sure if thus will work.
CR.8 says:
This was the era where Cadillac really vanished. All the things that made Cadillac were lost.
Even the Fleetwood was just a fancy Caprice.
StuartH says:
I would not argue with most of the charitable comments made on specific models of this era. What I will say is that Cadillacs of this era lacked that Cadillac mystique that carried the brand through the post-WWII years up until it began to slowly dissipate at the end of the 60's when government regulations caught Detroit off guard, opening the door for imports to establish themselves and challenge Detroit with products that appealed to a changing marketplace.
Cadillac in the 80s was lost, looking for answers to the question of how to hang on to that Cadillac 'tradition' while it tries to fit into a changing world.
Cadillacs of the past several years have been able to keep their head above the water, but they are still treading. However, the debut of the age of electrification has given them an opening for a renaissance, to recapture that 'Cadillac mystique' with the fabulous Lyriq and Celestiq and what they have in the pipeline.
It was not the look etc.
Cadillac had nothing that was Cadillac only even the NStar was not Cadillac……
Corporate parts turned a special car into just another GM car.
Lots of reminiscing for me – I started as a manufacturing engineer at Cadillac Clark Street Assembly in 1983. Now retired – and disappointed this article made no mention of the shift of 1988 rear drive Fleetwood production to Arlington Texas. I was the lead brake processing chassis manufacturing engineer assigned to the startup in Arlington. We introduced a Bosch 4 wheel Anti-lock brake system for the first time on that vehicle in that plant.
ACZ says:
The argument for the Cimarron was made by many Cadillac Dealers that wanted an "entry level Cadillac". I think it may have been Lloyd Reuss, Mark's father that said there was already an entry level Cadillac. It was a used Buick or Oldsmobile. I find it hard to disagree with that line of thought. However, from the Dealer's point of view, if you were a single line Cadillac store, the least expensive new vehicle you had on your lot was a DeVille. There are two sides to that story.
On the engine side, there were two 1.8L engines in the GM portfolio in the early 80s. The 1.8L OHV was the really anemic one. Anyone that ever drove one would agree. That engine morphed into 2.0L OHV, which ended up being a pretty good one. Better torque and throttle response. The other 1.8L was an OHC. That was a horse of a different color. Used quite a bit by Buick and Pontiac, it even came in a turbocharged version that could really kick up it's heels.
LorbeerTLC says:
ACZ, I agree!
In my earlier comment (under "TomL"), I should mention my Mother had originally bought the first year the Cimarron came out. I think it was in 1982. I believe at the time it was available in a manual transmission (but my Mom ordered the automatic). Boy, anemic was being polite! She loved the car, but hated crossing streets or merging into highway traffic. It truly was a gutless wonder! I would suggest she turn-off the A/C before she tries to merge into traffic until she reaches freeway speed. That 1.8L was embarrassing! As soon as the V-6 became available, she upgraded and it erased any previous doubts about the car. However, in full disclosure, the transversed V-6 engine in her Cimarron did have an oil leak issue somewhere in the valve cover which was annoying and the Cadillac dealership had a really hard time fixing it. One of the mechanics told me I would never want to replace the spark plugs that were facing the firewall. Overall, we did have a very positive experience with the 1986 V-6 Cimarron model. 🙂
Ralph L says:
Adam at Rare Classic Cars on YT said that they originally wanted to use the X car, which had a V6 option, but the Citation sold so well initially that they didn't believe there would be enough production capacity available for a Cadillac version. Of course, its mechanical problems made Citation sales drop like a stone, so by '82, there would have been the capacity, but they'd already decided to rush out a Cadillac J car with minimal changes. But everyone thought gas prices would keep climbing, and there was a sharp recession driving people away from big Cadillacs, so the decision made more sense at the time.
ACCad says:
I remember being in high school thinking how HOT the 1988 Cadillac Seville STS and that body style was at the time. I still think they are gorgeous and the design has withstood the test of time IMO. I think the Gen 2-Gen 3 Cadillac CTS will still also look good 30 to 40 years from now.
ACCad: In my book above (too long winded some times!!), I failed to recall that I actually had that exact same car. In 2010, I found a 1988 white STS in Washington State and flew from LA to Seattle to buy it. I drove it home that same day (over 1,200 miles) and found that car to be ultra comfortable and yet it was fantastic handling. Not only did I drive it home that time, but I also drove it round trip from LA to Missoula (MT) for a family reunion in 2011. Then in 2013 I drove it to Nashville, (TN) when I moved there. Certainly one of the best road cars I've ever owned! And that interior was magnificent. Since I love wood (real or fake) inside a car, that one was the best. But the decision was made in 2014 that I would need to move back to LA once again, so I decided to sell the STS. A guy from Florida flew to Nashville and purchased it on the spot and he drove it back to Florida the next morning. To this day, I keep in touch with him and he still owns that car and told me he would never sell it. I have no idea how I forgot that one.
Hi again. This is the first article that I just keep coming back in hopes of reading other's stories about the 80's and 90's Cadillac's. Plus, being my favorite two decades for them, I keep thinking of more things.
The main pic of the story of the black Cimarron is actually the special edition D'Oro. This was brought out in 1984 I believe for the first time and offered in only black or white. Cool fact: That's the only way you could get a Cimarron in black from the factory and I think just that one year. In 1985, they still offered the D'Oro but in a dark maroon or white and I think they offered it till 1987. I'd have to go back into my research books to be sure on that, but I don't think the last year offer it.
Another fun fact/s: I was with Cadillac for the entire Allante run from 1987 till 1993. Fantastic car to drive. In 1989 when Cadillac redesigned the DeVille/Fleetwood front drive cars, I was sent to Detroit for a factory tour and drive away. Outside of the birth of my two children, I think that was the best 4 days of my life and what a joy to drive a brand new 1989 DeVille from Detroit back to the dealership. Ah, the memories.
Just a quick story. In 1986 I received a job transfer that left me with a commute of 120 miles a day. I had two options for transportation, either get a little car with a little four cylinder engine or something larger with a diesel. I found a low mile 1981 Coupe DeVille diesel. I kept that car long enough to put 285,000 miles on it and finally sold it because I just needed a change. Original engine and trans. Just had to do tires and brakes a few times. Only other repair was rear axle bearings. That was one of the best cars I ever had.
ACZ: I think this has been covered in other articles, but it was the 1981 model where GM made huge improvements to the 5.7 diesel. Yes, it's sad that it took them about 2 1/2 years to do so, but even some of the early ones weren't bad IF the person driving them knew a lot about it and took care of it. But from 1981 on, they were quite good and I would often see them traded in with 150,000 and more. Those people loved them. The ones who normally had issues were the ones who had little knowledge of a diesel and the "different" care they could need. I also had a diesel DeVille (1982) in 1989. Amazing for comfort and cruising on the freeway I would get 31 MPG in a huge car.
Dan, you're right. 1980 saw massive improvements in the diesel and more in 81. By the time 1985 came along they were virtually bullet proof but the damage was already done to the reputation. The main way to make one live was clean fuel and proper oil and filter changes. They really lived well when used on the highway. The worst thing you could do was to use one for short trip driving.
Yes ACZ, that is correct. It's funny yet sad how GM (at least in the past) has a history of bringing out something with good intentions, but it's sub-par at best only to make improvements over several years and then kill it when it's perfected. Examples:
4.3 V6 diesel
4.6 Northstar
Citation, and so many more that we could name. But everything that I listed was ok at best when introduced and then became much better by the end.
Dan, what you mentioned is part of a much longer list. How about the Corvair, the XLR, Rochester fuel injection, to name a few more. I'll never understand it. The only guess I can make is that bean counters get involved where engineers should be involved. One thing I do know is that once a product has been brought to market, the design folks are reassigned to new projects and the current product is dumped into the lap of the service folks. Then it's up to these folks to try to figure out what happened and how to fix it. Not the smartest way to operate.
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FAQs: Passports, Visa, and the I-94 Employment Authorized Nonimmigrant Status List of Approved TN Occupations
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O-1s
The O-1 Visa O-1: Going from Oy vey to okay! Options for J-1 Clinicians: The O-1 Visa
O-1: Going from Oy Vey to Okay!
The O-1 is often a visa of last resort. Short of evidence of a Nobel Prize, it is one of the more document-intensive non-immigrant categories and can be quite laborious to prepare. The preparation usually involves obtaining detailed testimonial letters from experts in the field explaining the beneficiary's field of expertise and significant contributions in terms that a non-expert audience can understand. This is often a project in and of itself. In addition, corroborating documentation of the beneficiary's achievements must be collected and organized. This generally includes copies of beneficiary's journal articles, conference presentations, citation history, material published about the beneficiary, proof of having judge the work of others, and so on and so forth.
Given the effort, why would you do an O-1[2] when you can do an H-1B[3]? This used to be an easy decision – never. Whereas the O-1 requires demonstrating the lofty 'extraordinary ability' standard, the H-1B required showing that the job required at least a bachelor's degree and that the beneficiary had the requisite degree. In the academic and research context, this was fairly straightforward. Sure the H-1B had a few more forms and the requirement of a labor condition application (LCA)[4], but until fairly recently, most H-1Bs could be prepared and filed within a day. The O-1 was rarely that simple, requiring less in the way of forms but as noted, much more in terms of documenting the requisite level of achievement. On top of all that, universities and non-profit research institutions are exempt from the H-1B quota[5]. The H-1B was clearly the way to go.
These days, the decision is not as clear. While the H-1B offers the beneficiary the advantage of 'dual intent'[6], the advantages to the institution seem to be dwindling. In the past few years, the H-1B has become very tightly regulated; every petition filed is an invitation for a visit from the Fraud Detection & National Security (FDNS) unit of the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS). FDNS visits can be burdensome, with the USCIS officer asking about the nature of the job duties, the specific locations where the beneficiary is performing services, who paid for what with regards to the H-1B, and so on. In addition to USCIS, the Department of Labor (DOL) has also made the H-1B more challenging. Not just its insistence that all H-1B associated fees (legal and filing) should be treated as a "business expense"[7], but also the delays in issuing prevailing wage determinations and in certifying the LCA – gone are the days of the instant LCA and the ability to call the state workforce agency to expedite or question a prevailing wage determination.
This is not to say that the O-1 will replace the H-1B as the 'go to' employment authorized non-immigrant visa. There are many who will not qualify for the O-1, and many others who will fail to provide the necessary documentation to prepare an O-1. Nevertheless, from the institutional perspective, it may be worth considering if and when the O-1 offers advantages. For example, if the beneficiary needs to work at many different locations, if the department does not have a budget for legal and filing fees (or prevailing wage), or if it is a very strong candidate for which there is no time to wait for the LCA and/or prevailing wage determination. And separate and apart from these issues, the O-1 remains an important option when the H-1B is not; for example, those in J status with a two year home residency requirement[8] and those at the end of 6 years in H-1B status[9] often have no option to but to apply for the O-1.
The purpose of this article is to provide practical suggestions for the experienced practitioner in preparing a successful O-1 petition, including best practices, potential pitfalls, and burgeoning trends. This will include tips on preparing a petition that is easy for a USCIS adjudicator to approve, address a few common misconceptions, and discuss the possibility that the Kazarian[10] decision and policy guidance[11] will infect O-1 processing.
Make the O-1 petition easy for USCIS to want to approve
This may seem obvious, but if the USCIS adjudicator does not understand the beneficiary's work or the significance of her accomplishments, the O-1 petition will probably not be approved. The most striking aspects of the beneficiary's 'extraordinary ability' should be readily apparent, and should be presented in terms that have meaning for, and are likely to make an impression on, a lay person. This means less 'technical mumbo-jumbo', as one Service Center Director lamented[12], and more 'man on the street.' If its not something you, as the preparer will understand, you certainly cannot expect a USCIS adjudicator to understand.
While there are as many different approaches to preparing an O-1 petition as there are O-1 petitioners, the following suggestions may make your unique approach more adjudicator friendly:
a. Reference Letters[13]
Of all the material contained in an O-1 petition, the reference letters usually present the biggest challenge. In fact, the most frequently asked questions pertain to the letters: how many, from whom, what should they include, what should they not include, and does USCIS even look at them? There is no one clear answer to any of these questions (including whether or not USCIS reads them), but for an adjudicator friendly approach, consider the following:
1. How Many?
Everything in balance. The entire petition should not consist of letters, and the letters should not overwhelm the supporting documentation. For example, including fifteen letters when there are a handful of publications and citations may elicit a "documentary evidence was not submitted to support the claim" request for evidence (RFE). It often seems that beneficiaries want to have more letters because they can – it gives them a sense of control in ostensibly strengthening the petition, whereas they cannot just as easily obtain more publications, presentations, or citations to their findings. However, more letters are not necessarily better, they are simply more. For most cases, five letters should be more than sufficient.
2. From Who?
Household names. Generally speaking, the names of the leading experts in most academic fields are not household names. For example, while Andre Geim[14] or Richard Heck[15] may be well-known in their respective fields, their names are unlikely to elicit a 'wow' response from the general public; that is, unless their status as Nobel Laureates is underscored.
Since many, many renowned experts are not Nobel Laureates, there needs to be another way to convey the referee's reputation (without focusing the entire letter on her credentials). Highlighting the referee's title and institutional affiliation is effective if that institution is itself a household name. The reputation of the institution and the likelihood that the adjudicator will be familiar with that reputation are essential to helping the adjudicator understand whose opinion is being considered. For example, USCIS adjudicators would be more likely to give weight to a letter from General Electric or Pfizer Pharmaceuticals than to a well-established (but less well-known) biotech, and similarly more weight to a top tier U.S. university than to an equally top tier overseas institution even if the referees' credentials were comparable.
Keep in mind that even a letter from the most impressive, most renowned institution will not make much of an impact if signed by someone junior at that institution. It is the title and the institution together that make an impression (and hopefully, make it easier for an adjudicator to want to approve). Given that it is in part the institutional affiliation that creates the impression, more than one letter from an institution may do more harm than good as it may suggest that the beneficiary has a connection to the institution that disqualifies the referee as an objective source. USCIS has often noted in RFEs, denials, and liaison minutes that letters from peers, supervisors, graduate advisors, and other related parties may be biased and may therefore be given less probative value.[16]
3. About What?
Give meaning to the beneficiary's work. The reference letters are perhaps the best tool to convey the nature and significance of the beneficiary's achievements. This is not to say that a letter asserting the 'major significance of beneficiary's contributions' or the 'truly groundbreaking results' is sufficient; in fact, such statements could be understandably categorized in an RFE or denial as 'mere assertions' or 'vague claims of contributions.' A letter that recognizes 'Dr. X as the first scientist to identify and characterize key attributes of CSCs within osteosarcoma' and/or credits her with 'identifying the presence of CD133+ cells in tumor samples and established cell lines," would also not be helpful, unless the adjudicator happens to be a cancer biologist.
Adjudicators review petitions from individuals in many different and distinct fields. In any one day, it is possible that a USCIS adjudicator reviews petitions from such diverse occupations as writer, mechanical engineer, biochemist, painter, virologist, not to mention the many different specialties and sub-specialties. Therefore, for the letters to be of value to the petition, they should explain the individual's skills and expertise in terms that a lay person – someone with absolutely no knowledge of the field – can understand. The letters should be a bridge from the unfamiliar to the everyday; they are an opportunity to give meaning to what otherwise may be perceived as 'technical mumbo-jumbo.'
Taking the example from above, if the letter explains what CSCs are, why they are important – both in general and in osteosarcoma in particular, what the challenges were to identifying and characterizing the key attributes, how CD133+ cells fit in to all of this, what Dr. X did to successfully overcame these challenges, and the impact of Dr. X's findings – that is a letter that should be given substantial weight and deference. It is not 'merely asserting' or 'vaguely claiming' anything; rather, it is providing critical insight necessary to translate complex scientific and technical findings into concepts that a lay person can not only understand, but also appreciate. Moreover, when such a letter is written by an individual with the expertise to explain the work in terms comprehensible to a lay person and with the credibility to opine on its importance, it can go a long way towards facilitating a positive adjudication.
b. Consultation Requirement
The O-1 requires a written consultation from an appropriate U.S. peer group, labor and/or management organization[17]. In the academic context, there is unlikely to be a relevant union or trade organization; however, the regulations allow the written consultation to come from 'a person or persons with expertise in the field,'[18] very much like the reference letters described above. In fact, one of the reference letters can be used to satisfy the consultation requirement, as long as it addresses 'the nature of the work to be done and the alien's qualifications.'[19]
c. Supporting Documents
With USCIS requiring more and more documentation to establish a specific point, it is tempting to send boxes of documentation in support of the petition. However, drowning a petition in documentation is not the best strategy as it makes it a much harder chore for the USCIS adjudicator.[20] Moreover, it may also have the unintended consequence of masking the beneficiary's achievements, particularly if it is not clear how some of the documentation relates to the beneficiary.
USCIS' instructions for I-140 immigrant visa petitions in the extraordinary ability and outstanding researcher/professor categories provide relevant guidance for documenting O-1 petitions:[21]
If documenting the alien's publications or citations of the alien beneficiary's work, please highlight the alien's name in the relevant articles;
It is not necessary to send the full copy of a dissertation, thesis, or research paper written by the alien beneficiary;
For articles in which the alien beneficiary's work has been cited, include the title page and the portion(s) that cite the alien's work and the "works cited" or bibliography;
Tab and label the evidentiary exhibits at the bottom of the first page of each exhibit, and provide a list of the evidentiary exhibits and the eligibility criteria that each exhibit is submitted to establish;
An exhibit that is being provided to meet multiple eligibility criteria should be so identified in the exhibit list.
When preparing the exhibits, keep in mind that the standard of proof in O-1 adjudications is the 'preponderance of evidence.'[22] The preponderance of the evidence standard means that even if the adjudicator has "some doubts as to the truth, if the petitioner submits relevant, probative, and credible evidence that leads the director to believe that the claim is 'probably true' or 'more likely than not,' the petitioner has satisfied the standard of proof."[23] This should mean that the expert letters' descriptions of beneficiary's achievements and recognition of its importance should suffice to demonstrate the criterion at 8 CFR §214.2(o)(3)(B)(5), and that documentation that beneficiary agreed to review specific manuscripts for a journal should suffice to document that she did in fact review them, thereby meeting the criterion at 8 CFR §214.2(o)(3)(B)(4). However, in practice this is often not the case. Nevertheless, this is the correct standard and it may prove helpful to remind the adjudicator of the preponderance of the evidence standard in the cover letter.
d. Cover Letter
Whether an institution filing directly or an attorney filing on behalf of an institution, the cover letter is a wonderful opportunity to take the adjudicator by the hand and lead him directly to the most salient factors about the beneficiary's eligibility for the O-1. Start with a synopsis of the beneficiary's eligibility in a concise paragraph to draw the adjudicator's interest, demonstrating from the outset that this is a readily approvable case. This synopsis should be written as one lay person to another, explaining what is most impressive about the beneficiary's achievements and why. Make it interesting, something someone will want to read. While some practitioners prefer to start with a chronology of the beneficiary's education and training, this does not always convey the significance of beneficiary's accomplishments, and may instead bury the more striking aspects of the beneficiary's case on page twelve of a thirty page cover letter.
The cover letter is a roadmap of the documentation included with the petition, and should explain the relevancy of the documentation to the eligibility criteria. Including summaries of the reference letters up top complements the initial synopsis, facilitating the adjudicator's understanding and appreciation of the beneficiary's achievements. Then, as he begins to review the supporting documentation, it should all fall into place. Moreover, while the supporting documents should be highlighted and tabbed, the cover letter can be used to underscore particularly noteworthy accomplishments relevant to each of the respective criteria. Again, it should be concise, perhaps seven to ten pages at most. Otherwise, it may be more tedious for an adjudicator to read, and important points may be missed.
True or False:
1. Extensions can only be in one year increments
False. 8 CFR §214.2(o)(12)(ii) states that an extension of stay may be authorized in increments of up to 1 year to continue or complete the same event or activity. However, an O petition and extension of status by a new employer or a new position by the same employer is a new 'event' under 8 CFR 214(2)(o)(3) and may be approved for three years.[24] For example, a Research Associate who was promoted to Assistant Professor, an Assistant Professor who was given additional responsibilities, or a Department Chair whose term has ended may all qualify for three year extensions.
2. The position must require extraordinary ability
False. 8 CFR §214.2(0)(3)(i) states that the O-1 petition must be accompanied by evidence that the work which the alien is coming to the United States to continue is in the area of extraordinary ability and that the alien meets the regulatory criteria; it nowhere states that the job itself must require extraordinary ability. In fact, employers may be reluctant to file an O-1 petition for a medical resident or fellow, or post-doctoral research associate because it is not apparent that the position itself requires extraordinary ability. However, that is not the requirement. The requirement is simply that the beneficiary has extraordinary ability in a specific field, and the O-1 is being sought to allow him to work in the related field.[25]
3. The position cannot be permanent or tenure track
False. The O-1 is confusing on this point because it is not as explicitly dual intent as the H-1B or L-1 nonimmigrant categories. However, the requirement of a residence abroad which the alien has no intention of abandoning is limited to those applying for O-2 status, not O-1.[26] In fact, according to 8 CFR §214.2(o)(13), "the approval of a permanent labor certification or the filing of a preference petition for an alien shall not be a basis for denying an O-1 petition, a request to extend a petition, or the alien's application for admission , change of status or extension of stay. The alien may legitimately come to the United States for a temporary period…and lawfully seek to become a permanent resident." It is interesting to note that this is the same language as that of 8 CFR §214.2(h)(16)(i) for H-1Bs and as that of 8 CFR §214.2(l)(16) for L-1s.
An important distinction between the O-1 and the H-1B and L-1 classifications is that an individual in O-1 status who travels during the pendency of an adjustment of status will be deemed to have abandoned the adjustment of status petition. In order to travel during the pendency of an adjustment of status, an individual in O-1 status must apply for and obtain an Advance Parole travel document. This is quite different than the rule for those in H-1B or L status, who may continue to travel based on an H-1B or L visa without abandoning the adjustment of status.[27]
4. A reference letter can be used as the 'consultation' letter
True. For academic and research O-1 petitions, one of the reference letters can be used to satisfy the 'consultation' or 'peer group' requirement. The regulations clearly note that the consultation can be 'a written advisory opinion from a peer group (which could be a person or persons with expertise in the field)' presuming it discusses 'the nature of the work to be done and the alien's qualifications.'[28] Any one of the reference letters should easily fill this role.
5. A petition on behalf of an instructor in the arts will be adjudicated under the O-1B[29] standard
Should be 'true', and in fact, the AAO remanded a case in which the Vermont Service Center (VSC) held that an art teacher is a position in education, subject to the O-1A standard, and not a position in the arts, which would be the O-1B standard.[30] This is important, given that O-1A is a much higher standard requiring sustained national or international acclaim, whereas for O-1B it is sufficient to demonstrate 'prominence' in the field. It would seem reasonable to presume that a beneficiary's field should be defined by the area of claimed expertise, as long as she will be working in an area related to that expertise.[31] In fact, O-1 petitions for non-arts teachers focus on their achievements in the academic field, not in the teaching of the academic field. It is not clear why arts teachers would be treated any different.
According to the VSC decision, in order to qualify under O-1B, the proposed employment must qualify as an 'entertainment event.' The AAO disagreed, holding that VSC had no basis to find "that an alien with extraordinary ability in the arts is strictly limited to coming to the U.S. to provide services for an entertainment event."[32] Indeed, while the term 'entertainment event' appears nowhere in the regulations, the AAO found it dispositive that 'academic year' does. Moreover, the AAO held that the definition of event at 8 CFR §214.2(o)(3)(ii) applies to each of the O-1 sub-classifications, without distinction. The petition was remanded to determine whether the arts teacher qualifies under the O-1B standard.[33]
Kazarian
No discussion of extraordinary ability standards would be complete without at least a nod at the Kazarian decision. It is a topic in and of itself, and worthy of its own article.[34] Kazarian is a ninth circuit decision sustaining the denial of an I-140 petition for an alien of extraordinary ability. In its decision, the court made reference to 'a final merits analysis.' However, it proved no commentary or guidance on how this 'final merits' analysis should be applied. Nevertheless, USCIS used the occasion of the Kazarian decision to issue the USCIS Policy Memo, "Evaluation of Evidentiary Criteria in Certain Form I-140 Petitions," PM-602-0005.1 (December 22, 2010) [35], providing its own interpretation of the 'final merits analysis'. This policy memo establishes a two part analysis of, inter alia, extraordinary ability to determine first, if the beneficiary meets a sufficient number of criteria, and second, having met the criteria, does the adjudicator believe that the beneficiary qualifies as an alien of extraordinary ability.
The shortcomings of USCIS' policy memo are not the subject of this article, particularly as it does not appear that USCIS is applying Kazarian to O-1 petitions. The policy memo described above was written specifically for I-140 petitions, not I-129 petitions. Nevertheless, the similarities between the O-1A and the immigrant Extraordinary Ability category are manifold, and it is certainly possible that the policy memo will find its way to I-129 petitions. There has already been at least one AAO decision applying Kazarian to affirm the denial of an O-1.[36] In addition, the AFM section on O-1s clearly states that an adjudicator "cannot make a favorable determination simply because the petitioner has submitted three of the forms of documentation…It must be a decision based on whether the total evidence submitted establishes that the alien of extraordinary ability has sustained national or international acclaim."[37]
Forewarned is forearmed.
In the academic and research world, the O-1 is a fact of life. The purpose of this article was to offer practical suggestions to (hopefully) improve O-1 outcomes. These suggestions were geared at making it easier for the USCIS adjudicator to approve, not necessarily easier for us to prepare. It was also meant to dispel certain myths about limitations on the O-1, and finally, to acknowledge the new age of extraordinary ability adjudications and what that may mean for future O-1 filings.
[1] Suzanne B. Seltzer the Chair of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association (AILA) USCIS Benefits & Policy Liaison Committee, is a member of AILA's InterAgency Liaison Committee, and recently completed her tenure as the Vermont Service Center (VSC) liaison and as a NAFSA Regulatory Ombudsman. Ms. Seltzer is listed in Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, New York SuperLawyers, and the International Who's Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Seltzer received her law degree from Georgetown University's Law Center (cum laude).
[2] INA §101(a)(15)(O)(i)..
[3] INA §101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)..
[4] INA §212(n)(1).
[5] INA §§214(g)(5)(A); 214(g)(5)(B).
[6] See INA §214(b)(indicating no presumption of immigrant intent); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(16).filing of labor certification or preference petition prohibited as a basis for denial of H-1B petition).
[7] See 20 C.F.R. §655.731(c)(9)(ii) (prohibiting recoupment of "business expense(s) of the employer (including attorney fees and other costs connected to the performance of H-1B program functions which are required to be performed by the employer, e.g., preparation and filing of LCA and H-1B petition))."
[8] See INA §212(e)..
[9] INA §214(g)(4)..
[10] Kazarian v. USCIS, 596 F. 3D 1115, (9th Cir, 2010) adopted by USCIS as guidance in adjudicating immigration petitions under the extraordinary ability, outstanding researcher/professor, and exceptional ability categories.
[11] USCIS Policy Memo, "Evaluation of Evidentiary Criteria in Certain Form I-140 Petitions," PM-602-0005.1 (December 22, 2010)..
[12] David Roark, Texas Service Center Director speaking at 2009 AILA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV.
[13] This article does not contain a detailed discussion of using reference letters to address the regulatory criteria. For a more complete discussion, see How to Improve the Impact of Reference Letters on Establishing Extraordinary Ability, in Immigration Options for Academics and Researchers (AILA, January 2005).
[14] Nobel Laureate in Physics, 2010.
[15] Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 2010.
[16] AILA – Nebraska Service Center Liaison minutes, published on AILA InfoNet at AILA Doc No. # 09120164 (Dec. 1, 2009)
[17] 8 CFR §214.2(o)(3)(v)(B)(5)(i)(A) & (B).
[20] AILA InfoNet Doc No. 10081961 – August 19, 2010. TSC liaison minutes voiced concerns about 'extremely voluminous filings, often filling several crates…. including copies of entire books written by the Beneficiary as well as numerous copies of the same documents….filers should use their best judgment about what is required to support these applications, and please remember to explain how the documentation submitted satisfies the evidentiary criteria.' (AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 10081961 – August 19,2010 TSC liaison minutes).
[21] USCIS Q&A "petition filing and processing procedures for form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien worker" June 25, 2009 published on AILA InfoNet at Doc. No. 09062660).
[22] USCIS Adjudicator's Field Manual (AFM) at Chapter 11.
[23] Field Manual at 11.1(c).
[24] ISD Teleconference of 10/3/2002, published on AILA InfoNet at Doc. No. 02110470 (posted Nov. 4, 2002). (emphasis added).
[25] This was affirmed in Matter of [name not provided], File LIN 02 184 53385 (AAO, Sept 17, 2002) published on AILA InfoNet at Doc. No. 02100344.
[26] 8 CFR §214.2(o)(1)(i) refers section 101(a)(15)(O)(ii) of the Act, aliens applying to assist in the artistic or athletic performance of an alien admitted under section 101(a)(15)(O)(i).
[27] 8 CFR 245.2(a)(4)(ii)(C)
[28] 8 CFR §214.2(o)(5)(A).
[29] See 8 C.F.R. §214.2(o)(1)(ii)(A)(2) (requiring "a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement").
[30] Matter of [name not provided], File EAC-10-073-50514 (AAO, Dec 6, 2010) (courtesy of Dan Berger)
[31] 8 CFR §214.2(0)(3)(i)
[33] Interestingly, the AAO sustained a denial of a music teacher under the O-1A standard in Matter of [name not provided], File WAC-09-219-51079 (AAO August 2010). However, unlike the case described above, it does not appear the O-1B standard was raised as an issue. Instead, this was a change of employer, extension of status petition that, based on the decision, only included a copy of the initial filing. As will be discussed below, this case was disturbing for its application of Kazarian.
[34] The Kazarian decision and USCIS' Kazarian guidance are the topic of a separate article in this book
[35] Published on AILA InfoNet at Doc. No. 11020231.
[36] Matter of [name not provided], File WAC-09-219-51079 (AAO August 2010)
[37] AFM § 33.4(d)
This website does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. The information provided should never replace discussing the matter with informed counsel for specific immigration-related guidance.
Copyright © 2014 The Seltzer Firm. All rights reserved.


text:
Working Notes: Progress for HWB in Massachusetts (and more!)
August 11, 2015 By David Yamada in Massachusetts workplace bullying info, workplace bullying, mobbing, and abuse Tags: Massachusetts workplace bullying info, workplace bullying, mobbing, and abuse	4 Comments
MA Healthy Workplace Bill moves to "Third Reading"
After being reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, the Massachusetts Healthy Workplace Bill has been moved to a procedural stage called "Third Reading," which means it is now eligible for a full vote by the House of Representatives. As reported by Deb Falzoi on the Facebook page of the Massachusetts Healthy Workplace Advocates:
BREAKING NEWS: The Healthy Workplace Bill, HB 1771, has been ordered to a Third Reading in the House. This step is the furthest point the bill has gone in Massachusetts in previous sessions, but this session we've reached it much earlier in the session. Progress!
Without a doubt this is good news and increases the likelihood for a favorable result during the 2015-16 Massachusetts legislative session.
MA Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee recommends support of Healthy Workplace Bill
The Massachusetts Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, an office appointed by the state's Supreme Judicial Court "to enhance and protect the rights of persons with mental health concerns in key areas most closely related to their ability to live full and independent lives free of discrimination," has submitted written testimony in support of the Healthy Workplace Bill. MHLAC senior attorney Susan Fendell, stated in her testimony that "(t)his bill, if passed into law, will profoundly improve people's daily lives by creating positive and consequently more productive work environments."
Attorney Fendell's testimony shared the story of a client with a learning disability who was subjected to severe physical and verbal abuse by a new supervisor. The client filed a disability discrimination claim, but because he was not able to show that the mistreatment was grounded in his disability, he did not prevail. MHLAC offered this story as an example of the gap that needs to be filled by the Healthy Workplace Bill.
MHLAC's welcomed statement of support highlights the potential power of the Healthy Workplace Bill to safeguard the mental health of all citizens.
Recognition by Americans for Democratic Action
Recently I was informed that Americans for Democratic Action, the veteran progressive political and policy advocacy organization, will be honoring me with the Winn Newman Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual banquet on September 16, in Washington D.C. The award recognizes my work in support of the workplace anti-bullying movement and other workers' rights initiatives.
I'll be sharing honors that night with U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and U.S. Representative Rosa Delauro, two outstanding members of Congress. I'll have a few minutes to offer remarks, during which I'll definitely be talking about the Healthy Workplace Bill and our ongoing efforts to prevent and stop bullying at work.
I served on ADA's national board for many years and served as its chair for a term. I am very grateful for this honor and look forward to the banquet.
(For a personal story about meeting one of my intellectual heroes, ADA co-founder John Kenneth Galbraith, go here.)
« Digging deep into the meaning of dignity and humiliation
Great social media memes from Intern Labor Rights »
Gilbert, Laura H (MMB) says:
Congratulations on the great progress and on the lifetime achievement award!
[cid:image002.jpg@01D0D427.A696FB30] LAURA H GILBERT | HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT & RESEARCHER
MINNESOTA MANAGEMENT & BUDGET | ENTERPRISE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
651.259.3645 | LAURA.H.GILBERT@STATE.MN.US | MN.GOV/MMB
Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award! If only California were as progressive as Massachusetts…
Congrats on being recognized for the work you've done re: workplace bullying. Moreover, thank you for doing the work in the first place. You'll probably never know how much your writings ahave helped people who have found themselves in very difficult situations. Your blog wasn't around until years after I had my major experience with work abuse. But at the time, I did find people who had been through similar experiences. They made such a difference in my being able to wrap my head around what happened.
I don't think I've read (in your blog) that you've been a target of abuse, Mr. Yamada, but nonetheless, your writing shows you've listened – carefully – to those who have. That alone deserves much appreciation. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words, DR, I hope that this blog has been useful to those experiencing bullying and similar behaviors at work.
It so happens that my original interests in workplace bullying were prompted by what I experienced and observed as a junior faculty member many years ago. However, it's neither prudent nor appropriate for me to discuss here matters of years past that relate to my current place of employment. I also have a close friend who endured one of the very worst campaigns of work abuse that I've ever witnessed or become aware of, and her experience taught me a lot about the outer limits of how extreme these behaviors can be.
My situation is not unique. I'd guess that many, if not most, of the early generation of researchers and advocates have an intuitive understanding of bullying and related behaviors grounded in something more than data and studies.


The Geographical Association (GA) is a Sheffield, United Kingdom-based subject association with the objective of furthering the study, learning and teaching of geography. The Geographical Association is wholly independent of state aid.
The Geographical Association is a registered charity (number 1135148) and its core activities are financed by membership subscriptions. Membership is an expression of support and helps the Geographical Association in its key mission to ensure geography continues to contribute effectively to the education of all children and young people. The GA has approximately 6000 personal or institutional members. These include primary and secondary teachers, PGCE students, teacher educators, academics, geography students, infant, primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, academies, libraries, societies, museums and businesses. Despite being a UK-based organisation, there are also members in more than 60 countries with strong links between with geographical organisations in the USA, Australia and Europe.


text:
California bar shooting: Sergeant killed was set to retire soon
Posted: 4:37 AM, Nov 08, 2018
Ron Helus/Facebook

Sgt. Ron Helus had been set to retire in the next year from the Ventura County, California Sheriff's Office when, responding late Wednesday to a call of a shooting, he entered the Borderline Bar & Grill.

Sgt. Ron Helus had been set to retire in the next year from the Ventura County, California Sheriff's Office when, responding late Wednesday to a call of a shooting, he entered the Borderline Bar & Grill.
It would be the last act of a 29-year law enforcement veteran described as hardworking and dedicated and, now, as a hero.
Helus was among the first officers through the door at the Borderline. He died trying to stop the rampaging gunman, who killed 11 others in the attack in Thousand Oaks, California.
"He went into save lives, to save other people." Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said of Helus, his voice breaking.
"He was totally committed, he gave his all, and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero," he said.
Helus succumbed to his wounds at a hospital, police said. He is also survived by a son.
"It's so tragic losing Ron," Dean said. "We go to the gym together, work out together. it's horrific and terrible and it saddens our hearts."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.


The wait is almost over for Vera Bradley's Winter 2014 colors! Cheery Blossoms and Emerald Paisley will be released on Thursday, October 23! These colors are gorgeous and I can't wait to see them in person.
What color is the background on the top one?
Not crazy about either, BUT I can TOTALLY see an Emerald Paisley Throw on the back of my couch at Christmas!
I really like Cherry Blossoms! I hope it's as pretty in person. I haven't bought any Vera so far this year. Nothing has been pulling me lately but I love the colors in Cherry Blossoms.
I won't be buying either of these. Can they do a pattern without pink anymore?
I really like both of them, but sometimes they look different in person. Definitely glad to see some new patterns I like. I haven't bought much in the last year or two for myself. The green paisley looks like it might go well with older accessories in green or pink cupcakes.
I like what I see here ... In-person will prove all!
Cheery Blossoms is so pretty! I haven't bought anything in new patterns for the past 12 months because I just didn't like any of them. I hope Cheery Blossoms looks as good in-person as it looks online.


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School. Every day, we are all learning. New adventures teach us, as do new journeys. At the moment, this journey is kindergarten. Ry started just about a month ago & loves it. Some mornings are harder to wake than others, but he's always eager to head out the door. He proudly writes his name the 'new' way- with a capital 'R' & then lowercase 'ylee.' He's also learning to read. In fact, he's obsessed with both. Brings back warm memories of pretending to write cursive- everywhere.
Because he is a full-time reader & writer, he needs to keep paper with him at all times, just in case he needs to jot some notes or draw a sketch. It's quite cute. He got these sticky notes yesterday from my parent's house, so he can write down his bits & pieces. I had a different plan in mind for this month's theme, but when he asked me how to write 'I go to school' that plan went out the window...he continued to write 'I go to school' on multiple sticky notes, which now grace our fridge. I'm happy to say he is loving kindergarten & I hope your school year is starting off positive, as well!