Recently there was quite a stir over the possibility that Alexa, Amazon's highly successful and useful home device, could be listening to everything everyone says (it's too late, she has already heard what you have said), and that it could actually be used as evidence in a criminal trial. After all, "she" must be listening, since she is voice activated. This is an interesting realization. So, Alexa hears everything: she is always "aware." It reminded me also that in a jury trial, a jury "sees" everything, is always looking, always assessing, always evaluating, and potentially judging what they see.
Jurors certainly listen to evidence, but they evaluate a case in a trial court on what they see as well. The impressions and feelings formed by what they see can be very powerful. So much of our brain is based on the sense of sight, we should remember that jury trials are about not just what jurors hear, but on what they see and observe as well. And, it may not always be what they see on the stand that makes a difference. Jurors remember feelings and impressions, and what they see may be more important than what they hear, especially if there is an incongruence between the two.
So, the jurors heard the testimony, listened to the plaintiff witness, and it lacked coherence because the description of the emotional distress and injury was in sharp contrast to their mannerisms, behavior, dress, and style of appearance in court. The plaintiff was "done up" (my words, not the jurors) each and every day in trial, acting inconsistent with their claimed damages.
In one case, we had a shadow jury for a federal civil trial. The opposing expert was on the stand. He was a pro. He was smooth, credible, and competent. As he was testifying in the afternoon, the back of the courtroom began to fill up with "suits." In truth, this was just a huge group of lawyers getting ready to attend a hearing with the court on a different matter that would follow the end of the trial day. As the expert testified, jurors began to notice the pews fill. What did our shadow jurors say that night? It was, for all of them, some variation of: "That expert was amazing. He was so important, so good; did you see how many people came to watch him testify?" Not much a trial team can do to control that, but it illustrates the point that particular optics in the courtroom can be very powerful.
In another case, we were conducting, in court, jury selection for a plaintiff in a wrongful death case against a multinational corporation. To simplify, our case theme was simple: This was a company that put its drive for profit over the safety of and care for its employees. We sat at counsel tables with the lawyers, the widow, and her young son. During voir dire, the corporate representative for the defendant checked his phone (presumably for email messages). Three jurors in the box noticed this and their faces were clear: disgust. The defense counsel did not note their reaction. We did. Two of the three remained on the panel after strikes were completed. Talk about narrative coherence. The performance of the corporate representative was consistent with our theme. He had more important things to do than to attend to the tragic loss of this family, a loss that occurred to them because of a safety lapse on the defendant's factory floor.
It is important to remind your client(s) that the jurors see everything, casting a wider scope from just the behavior of a witness on the stand. They watch how people at counsel tables react to testimony. They watch the people at counsel tables for their reactions, their attitudes, and for behavioral clues and cues about what is important. They may make note of how someone drives or parks outside the courthouse, or if they push the door close button on the elevator rather than hold it for prospective jurors the morning of jury selection; they may form an impression about someone's character.
The post "Alexa" Hears Everything and Jurors See Everything appeared first on Tsongas Litigation Consulting, Inc..


The unexpected color combination of zingy chartreuse upholstery and pastel-color candies in Pasticceria/Bar Marchesi's new location in Milan feels conjured from the same mood board as Prada's fall 2015 collection. The Italian fashion house recently acquired the historic Milanese pastry shop, and choose one of the best italian interior designers for its makeover! And what you won? Everytime you think in "Where to go in Milan", this Roberto Baciocchi project will be the perfect place to go in Milan!
Pasticceria Marchesi opened during Milan Spring Summer 2016 show but has actually been around since 1824. The historic Milanese pastry shop was recently bought by Prada and in addition to the original landmark location at Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11a, they have opened a new pastel colored jewel box at the fashionable and most , 9.
You can grab a coffee at the stand up bar or sit down for lunch, that is if you can find a seat. It's so popular already that I could only buy the little boxes candies to go for gifts. Marchesi sandwiches and cakes are also available at Bar Luce at Fondazione Prada.
The chantilly cake we had at Bar Luce was one of the best desserts so far and hopefully that someday more Marchesi will open in Italy.


text:
Q: iOS - Have a good popToRootViewController and open a new UIViewController I push a UIViewController twice in rootViewController(one by one) Now I want to back to rootviewcontroller and open a new UIViewController ,What shall I do?  I can use notification to achieve it ,but I really want to know a good way to achieve it .

A: First I create a new UIViewController then I add it into viewControllers in navigationController , at least I use popToViewController to go to new UIViewController

A: Think about it as a stack. First you in rootViewController, then you push two viewController in front of it.
All you need is
func popViewController(animated: Bool) -> UIViewController?

So all you need is to pop twice to go back to rootViewController.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Blu-ray Review: The Rewrite
Writer-director Marc Lawrence and star Hugh Grant have collaborated several times before (Two Weeks Notice, Music and Lyrics, Did You Hear About the Morgans?) and they're back with the direct-to-video The Rewrite. Now available on Blu-ray from Image Entertainment, the film marks something of a mainstream return for Grant, who has kept an astonishingly low profile in recent years. Boasting a likeable cast (including Marisa Tomei, Allison Janney, Chris Elliott, and recent Oscar winner J.K. Simmons), The Rewrite centers on award-winning screenwriter Keith Michaels (Grant) and his floundering career. Unable to successfully pitch any new projects or escape the long shadow cast by his one big success, Keith begrudgingly accepts a teaching position at Binghamton University in a rainy upstate New York town.
Things get off to a breezily entertaining start as Keith immediately begins shirking his responsibilities as a screenwriting teacher. Enrollment in his class is secured not by good writing, but by having a hot Facebook photo. As a result, his small class is comprised almost entirely of sexy chicks plus a few nerdy guys. As funny as Grant is, offering a slightly bewildered, world-weary tweak on his patented stammering charm, he's sabotaged by a plot that devolves into sitcom clichés and predictability. We instinctively know where things are heading with Keith hooks up with a comely student (Bella Heathcote). It's obvious that Keith's tipsy political incorrectness directed towards literary department head Mary (Janney) will land him in deeper trouble. The flirtations between Keith and his sole middle-aged student Holly (Tomei) will clearly lead to something deeper than his dalliances with students.
There's no twist hiding up writer-director Lawrence's sleeve for any given plot point. The often-funny dialogue that enlivens the first half of the film gives way to sappiness and well-trodden storytelling paths in the second half. The worst aspect is that Lawrence forgot to write anything for his female characters to play. Tomei is saddled with a standard "cool single mom" role; a scene in which Keith spies on Holly and her kids dancing like no one's watching hammers the point home. Heathcote is initially quite intriguing as the manipulative Karen, but neither temptress nor lecherous teacher learns any apparent lesson by film's end. And Allison Janney is unfortunately reduced to a running gag (her character is a stuffy literary snob with an unhealthy Jane Austen fixation).
No gripes regarding Image's excellent high definition visual presentation. The Blu-ray offers a sterling image throughout. Though the DTS-HD MA 5.1 is not problematic per se, be forewarned that it's a very subdued listening experience. So subtle (to the point of nearly non-existent, at times) are the surround effects, I had to check several times during the film to make sure there was any sound emanating from the satellite speakers (there was, it was just extremely low). But the dialogue and the supremely generic, temp-sounding score by Clyde Lawrence are free of problems.
Special features are incredibly light on The Rewrite. There are two deleted scenes. One, "Guard Gate," is actually a montage of what would've been a particularly lame running gag. The other, "Student Screenplays," is even less funny (offering a glimpse of what Keith's students were writing). "The Making of The Rewrite" is a typical EPK piece that runs about seven minutes. Everyone involved fawns over each other, citing the fact that the well-known cast alone is testament to the quality of Marc Lawrence's screenplay. I promised myself I would resist the temptation to say this, but The Rewrite desperately needed a rewrite if it was to make have any real impact.
#Bella Heathcote
#Hugh Grant
#JK Simmons
#Marisa Tomei
#The Rewrite

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Llullaillaco
Chile-Argentina
Stratovolcano
24.72°S
The Global Volcanism Program has no activity reports for Llullaillaco.
The Global Volcanism Program has no Weekly Reports available for Llullaillaco.
The Global Volcanism Program has no Bulletin Reports available for Llullaillaco.
The Global Volcanism Program has no synonyms or subfeatures listed for Llullaillaco.
6739 m / 22110 ft
Lava dome(s)
Rock Types
Dacite
Trachyte / Trachydacite
Subduction zone
Within 5 km
The world's highest historically active volcano, Llullaillaco sits astride the Chile-Argentina border. The summit is formed by a smaller well-preserved cone that was constructed on an older Pleistocene edifice. A major debris-avalanche deposit produced by collapse of the older volcano about 150,000 years ago extends eastward into Argentina and diverges around the N and S sides of the older Cerro Rosado stratovolcano 17 km to the E. Construction of several lava domes and flows was associated with growth of the modern cone. The two most prominent flows contain distinct flow levees and ridges and extend down the N and S flanks. These two extremely youthful-looking dacitic flows were initially considered to be of Holocene age, but more recent Ar/Ar dating indicates that they are of late Pleistocene age (Richards and Villeneuve, 2001). Two explosive eruptions and another that may have included lava effusion were reported in the 19th century.
Casertano L, 1963. Chilean Continent. Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World and Solfatara Fields, Rome: IAVCEI, 15: 1-55.
de Silva S L, Francis P W, 1991. Volcanoes of the Central Andes. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 216 p.
Francis P W, Wells G L, 1988. Landsat thematic mapper observations of debris avalanche deposits in the central Andes. Bull Volcanol, 50: 258-278.
Gonzalez-Ferran O, 1995. Volcanes de Chile. Santiago: Instituto Geografico Militar, 635 p.
Richards J P, Villeneuve M, 2001. The Llullaillaco volcano, northwest Argentina: construction by Pleistocene volcanism and destruction by edifice collapse. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 105: 77-105.
There is data available for 3 Holocene eruptive periods.
Eruption Certainty
Activity Area or Unit
1877 May Unknown Confirmed 2 Historical Observations
1868 Sep Unknown Confirmed 0 Historical Observations
1854 Feb 10 Unknown Confirmed 2 Historical Observations
There is no Deformation History data available for Llullaillaco.
There is no Emissions History data available for Llullaillaco.
The world's highest historically active volcano, 6739-m-high Llullaillaco, sits astride the Chile-Argentina border. The summit, seen here from the NE, is formed by a smaller well-preserved cone that was constructed on an older edifice dating back to the early Pleistocene. A major debris-avalanche deposit produced by collapse of the older volcano extends eastward into Argentina. Growth of the modern cone was completed with the emplacement of a series of young lava flows down the northern and southern flanks.
Photo by Carlos Felipe Ramírez, courtesy of Oscar González-Ferrán (University of Chile). The world's highest historically active volcano, 6739-m-high Llullaillaco, sits astride the Chile-Argentina border in this NASA Space Shuttle image (with north to the upper right). A well-preserved summit cone was the source of prominent lava flows that are older than they appear in this image. The hilly terrain at the lower right was produced by a major debris avalanche about 150,000 years ago that swept eastward into Argentina and diverges around the north and south sides of the older Cerro Rosado stratovolcano (extreme lower right).
NASA Space Station image ISS006-E-13814, 2003 (http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/). The snow-mantled surface of Llullaillaco volcano is seen in this NASA Space Shuttle image (with north to the upper left). The two youthful looking lava flows with prominent flow levees descending the northern and western flanks of the volcano appeared to be of Holocene, but Ar/Ar dating showed them to be of late-Pleistocene age. The 6739-m-high Llullaillaco is the world's highest historically active volcano.
NASA Space Station image ISS006-E-13814, 2003 (http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/).
Title: Toconao
Publisher: Instituto Geografico Militar- Chile
Country: Chile
Scale: 1:250,000
Title: Sierra Almeida
Title: Toconao (Antofagasta)
Publisher: Servicio Nacional de Geologia & Mineria
Map Type: Geology
Title: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru
Publisher: DMA Aerospace Center
Country: S America
Map Type: Navigation
Title: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
There are no samples for Llullaillaco in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.
Volcanic Hazard Maps The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter.
MIROVA Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity.
MODVOLC Thermal Alerts Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales.
IRIS seismic stations/networks Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Llullaillaco. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice.
UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Llullaillaco. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player.
DECADE Data The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere.
Large Eruptions of Llullaillaco Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA).


Our mission at Sonnet Web Design is to be your go-to resource for all things internet marketing, and provide you with a level of service that earns us a spot on your speed dial.
As a business owner, you no-doubt know the value of surrounding yourself with people who are knowledgeable in a particular area of expertise. As the old adage goes, "Jack of all trades, master of none." Even scratching the surface of creating or improving upon an online presence would take away hundreds, if not thousands of hours that could be spent building your business. Its important to focus on making your business as profitable as possible, and leave the internet marketing to us. Contact us today and let us know how we can help!


Police in Somalia say 10 people -- including a cleric -- have been killed by members of Islamic terrorist group, Al Shabaab on Monday, when gunmen and a car bomb struck a religious centre in Galkayo.
"Fighting between security forces and al Shabaab still goes in the center, the toll may rise," he added.
The Islamist group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attacking.
Speaking to Reuters, the group's spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab said, "A car bomb rammed into the center of the man who insulted the prophet. Our militants are now inside and fighting goes on".
The cleric, Abdiweli, had been accused by Al Shabaab of having referred to himself as the Prophet, an accusation denied at the time by Abdiweli.
"We cannot know the figure of casualties right now. Al Shabaab had threatened him many times," Abdirashid Hashi, the governor of Mudug region, told Reuters.


text:
TRAILER: JAMIE DORNAN STARS IN BBC DRAMA 'THE TOURIST'
The character-driven six-part thriller is from Emmy-winning production company Two Brothers Pictures (Baptiste, The Missing, Fleabag), created and written by acclaimed writers Harry and Jack Williams.
Jamie Dornan stars as a British man who finds himself in the glowing red heart of the Australian outback, being pursued by a vast tank truck trying to drive him off the road. An epic cat and mouse chase unfolds and the man later wakes in hospital, hurt, but somehow alive.
Except he has no idea who he is. With merciless figures from his past pursuing him, The Man's search for answers propels him through the vast and unforgiving outback.
Full of shocking, surprising, funny and brutal turns, The Tourist is set in a world populated by quirky, enigmatic characters and off-beat comedy punctuates high-stakes action. At its heart however, is a story of self-discovery with a ticking timebomb underneath: as The Man starts to uncover the mystery of who he was, he's also forced to ask who he is now - and fast.
The Tourist also stars Danielle Macdonald (Unbelievable, Dumplin', Patti Cakes), Shalom Brune-Franklin (Line of Duty, Roadkill), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (Trapped, The Missing) and Alex Dimitriades (The End, The Cry). Damon Herriman (Mindhunter, Justified) has also joined the series playing Lachlan Rogers, replacing Hugo Weaving who departed the production due to scheduling issues.


text:
Compassionate Leaders
We believe that to create a sustainable and just world we need a new generation of leaders. Leaders who are authentic compassionate, and work towards the greater good.
To foster this new generation of leaders we work with high school students, helping them gain the skills and wisdom that it takes to become compassionate leaders. We do this through a 12 week after school program that teaches students how to integrate mindfulness meditation into daily life through the process of creating local service projects.
Along the way, students learn public speaking skills, project management, empathic communication and deep listening, and so much more.
We are excited about the future and can't wait to see where and how Compassionate Leaders will grow and contribute to a more compassionate world. We are delighted to join the Charter for Compassion to help make this happen and work with others who share our vision.
How do we transform education to inspire more empathy and compassion in teens?
Compassionate Leaders Short on YouTube
Isabel, Pam, Eli, and Jeff are working through a tough challenge this afternoon. Their task is to craft an email to multiple Berkeley, CA building owners to ask for permission to glue eight giant black and white posters featuring faces of incarcerated men. In total they are looking for 6' x 24' of outdoor wall space to bring awareness to the injustices that formerly incarcerated face trying to integrate back into their community.
After weeks of research, talking with experts, and rounds of interviews with formerly incarecrated these high school students are quickly becoming experts on this subject. As Pam reflects, "My favorite part was doing the interviews, getting to know formerly incarcerated people. It was really eye opening and amazing for me. They are really nice people."
These students, and their adult facilitator Jeff, are part of a team of 15 participants in a 12 week after school program called Compassionate Leaders (CL) at Berkeley High School in Berkeley, CA.
With a mission to ignite a new generation of wise change-makers by transforming schools into compassion hubs, CL re-shapes schools into training grounds for youth civic leaders to focus on real world problems within their communities. Their innovating approach integrates mindfulness meditation skills into every aspect of the social justice projects to help students develop self awareness and empathy. Pam has now been practicing mindfulness for several weeks, "I really like that we take the time to focus on mindfulness which helps me be aware of my surroundings and how my body is feeling. That just slows everything down. It unwinds me a little."
Together mindfulness and empathy can develop fertile ground for compassion to arise. Faustine, a recent CL graduate says, "The experiences from the program helped me understand myself as an individual and taught me that having compassion is something valuable."
Compassionate Leaders has a bold mission to transform education, yet the focus is transform each student. One connection at a time. A candle sparking another - to ignite a movement.
Meet the Man Educating A Generation Of Compassionate Leaders
By: Alena Hall Become a fan
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/05/vlad-moskovski-compassionate-leaders_n_5268790.html?view=print&comm_ref=false
Five years ago, Vlad Moskovski, 32, picked up his life, moved to the West Coast and promised himself one thing: He would only do work he felt passionate about and that would be of service to the world. To uphold that promise, he channeled his love of education and mindfulness into a program that helps teens discover their inner calm, personal strength and ability to empathize with others.
A Russian immigrant, Moskovski moved to the United States when was 10 years old and spent the rest of his childhood in New Jersey. He then attended Rutgers University, where he studied environmental planning and design. He worked in the field in the years following his graduation, but said he always felt like something was missing.
"I always had this urge to not just be stuck behind a desk doing some job, but to actually make a difference in the world," Moskovski told The Huffington Post. In 2009 he relocated to Berkeley, Calif., and began searching for the project that would help him find that meaning.
Moskovski turned his lifelong interest in yoga and meditation into a teaching career in the area, and within a month of his big move, he started volunteering in a mindfulness class at Oakland Middle School.
"It was amazing and really challenging," he said. "It was an inner-city school, and our team of people was not used to working in mainly low-income, highly stressful environments where teachers were stressed out and therefore the students were stressed out, and almost all of them carried some level of trauma. It was interesting to volunteer there for a year -- I learned a lot about myself, about what to do and probably even more about what not to do."
After spending the years following dabbling in various startups and grassroots organizations, he came up with the idea for a school program of his own with fellow mindfulness teacher Kate Janke, inspired by their drives between Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin County, Calif., and the East Bay in early 2013.
"We wanted to create a program that would enable teens to gain mindfulness and meditation skills in schools and put them forward in an action-oriented way to create impactful, positive change in the world," Moskovski said.
These brainstorming sessions resulted in the creation of Compassionate Leaders, a 12-week, nonprofit, after-school program combining mindfulness meditation, leadership and local community service projects. The program aims to help its students develop a high level of emotional intelligence that they can, in turn, use to benefit the greater good.
Moskovski launched the pilot program of Compassionate Leaders last fall at Berkeley High School after educator Laurie Rodney reached out to him and suggested that it would be a perfect fit for her school.
The students spend the first two weeks of the program getting to know one another, including a half-day weekend retreat. They brainstorm what community issues they feel affect their lives and which they would like to focus on throughout the remainder of their time together. The pilot group collaboratively narrowed in on authenticity in high school -- or "being real," in their terms -- while the spring 2014 group chose problems with the current prison system.
With their topic in mind, they then set out to create a public photography art project that raises awareness of their particular issue. Using the INSIDE OUT Project as a framework, the students take photographs of people affected by their topic, send them in and design their installation for the public to view online.
"Schools on the whole are really good at giving students knowledge and information, but they're very poor at giving students practical skills that they can use when they get out of school," Moskovski said. "And so communication is a really important factor, and what I consider to be even more challenging is to have empathic communication where you are to relate to one another in a way that's authentic.
"You have some sense of what you're feeling and what the other person is feeling, so through that you form a stronger connection. We are teaching those skills, which are all part of this broader category of emotional intelligence, where mindfulness is just one piece of it."
Meditation also plays a central role in the program's design. Every after-school session starts with a 10-minute intentional meditation practice. For the first six weeks, the program guides facilitate the meditation, but they pass along that responsibility to the students themselves for the latter half of the program.
"I think that school being what it is and their lives being so hectic, it's a really good opportunity just to pause, to have those moments of stillness and silence," Moskovski said. "For some of them, it feels awkward or uncomfortable, or they're not quite sure how it relates to their life. So the challenge for us is to keep bringing it back to how it's applicable to their life, to their project, to their homework, to their test coming up."
Toward the end of the pilot program, the new innovation lab Kumu asked Compassionate Leaders to join their incubator for social entrepreneurs. Moskovski says it's with Kumu's advice, mentorship and support that he will be able to expand the program to a second school in the fall. He also hopes to continue honing the program model to the point where he will be able to measure its social impact and build partnerships with larger school-supporting organizations.
"It's been a really wonderful experience for me to realize just how much I can let go, and how much trust I can have in the process," Moskovski said, "and in the students who are perpetually surprising me with their level of depth, understanding, compassion, and willingness to get out there and be uncomfortable because they know that that's what they need to do to learn and to grow."
http://www.compassionateleaders.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CompassionateLeadersProgram
Berkeley, California, USA


text:
Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development Courses
Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Pathways to Medicine Scholarship Program
UCalgary Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries
AV Services
Booking Services
Medical Skills Centre
Research & Institutes
Endowed Chair Policies
Chairs and Professorship Applications
Endowment Competitions
Faculty External Funding
Post-Doctoral Funding
Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute
Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases
Hotchkiss Brain Institute
Libin Cardiovascular Institute
McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health
O'Brien Institute for Public Health
CSM Research Facilities
Advanced Imaging and Microscopy (AIM) Network
Centre for Advanced Technologies
Centre for Health Informatics
Heritage Medical Research Clinic
CSM Research Services
Calgary Centre for Clinical Research
Clinical Research Fund
Clinical Research Unit
Grant Development & Research Facilitation
Institutional Research Information Services Solution
Internal Peer Review
Legal, Research Services
Office of Health and Medical Education Scholarship
Quality Assurance for Clinical Research
Secure Computing Program
Clinical Neurosciences
Cell Biology and Anatomy
Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases
Community & Alumni
Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office
Project and Initiatives
Medicine Alumni Advisory Council (MAAC)
Event Sponsorship Application
CSM Symposium
Dean's Talk
Dean's Talk Archive
Science in the Cinema
United Way Campaign
CSM News
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Study
UCalgaryMed Magazine
Subscribe to UCalgary Medicine Magazine
COVID-19 Physician Wellness Resource
COVID-19 Return to Campus Questions
CSM Human Resources
CSM Connect Archive
Facilities and Faculty Services
Construction Project Notices
Integrated Service Centre
Office of Professionalism, Equity, and Diversity
PartnerApps
Strategic Plan 2015- 2020
UCMG
Patient Payment
Residency, AFC, Fellowship and MSc Programs
Anatomical Pathology Residency
The Anatomical Pathology Residency Training Program at the University of Calgary is a fully accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
In Anatomical Pathology, we examine approximately 115,000 surgical cases and 210,000 gynecologic/10,000 non-gynecologic cytology cases per year, and perform approximately 210 adult and 350 pediatric/fetal autopsies per year.
Our program hosts 2 major examinations per year
We provide our trainees with a Continuing Medical Education (CME) Fund
Trainees can apply for up to $5,000 for internally supported research projects which is awarded through the AP Research Coordinator and AP Residency Training Committee.
Our program participates in the annual CaRMS match and accepts three new residents per year into a five year program. Training in anatomical pathology is conducted at all of Calgary's major laboratory facilities: The Foothills Medical Center (FMC), South Health Campus (SHC), the Rockyview (RGH), Peter Lougheed (PLC), and Alberta Childrens'(ACH) Hospitals, the Chief Medical Examiner's Office (OCME) and the Diagnostic Scientific Centre (DSC). The first year of training is split between anatomical pathology orientation blocks and general clinical blocks. This is followed by four years of training in anatomical pathology including surgical pathology, autopsy pathology, pediatric pathology, cytopathology, and forensic pathology as well as other surgical pathology sub-specialties. A brief outline is provided below:
R1 (13 blocks)
2 blocks TTD Orientation (FMC)
1 Surgical Oncology (FMC)
1 block Medicine Specialty (Gastroenterology)
1 block Pediatric Selective (ACH)
1 block Medical Oncology (FMC)
1 block Gynecologic Oncology (FMC)
3 blocks FoD Orientation (FMC)
2 blocks Surgical Pathology (FMC)
1 block (adult) Autopsy (FMC)
9 blocks Surgical Pathology (FMC/PLC/DSC/RGH/SHC)
2 blocks (Adult) Autopsy (FMC)
2 blocks Elective
R3/R4/R5 (39 blocks)
17 blocks "mandatory" sub-specialties
These are the minimum requirements; additional blocks can be taken if desired.
Best if completed before R5.
4 blocks cytopathology (DSC) – three blocks in R3 or R4, one block in R5
1 block renal pathology/electron microscopy (FMC)
2 blocks pediatric pathology (ACH)
2 blocks forensic pathology (OCME)
2 blocks neuropathology (FMC)
2 blocks GU pathology (RGH) (may be split)
1 block lymph node pathology (FMC)
1 block bone marrow pathology (FMC)
2 blocks molecular genetic pathology (molecular, cytogenetics, genetic & genomics)
1 block dermatopathology (DSC)
12 blocks elective time:
Taken any time between R3 and R5 years (recommend that at least 2 blocks be saved for the final 6 months of R5 year)
Examples of suitable elective rotations: rural pathology, research, general pathology, or sub-specialty focus (eg. breast pathology, GYN pathology etc).
4-6 blocks of other AP rotations (examples given below)
Taken any time between R3 and R5 years.
May include rotations such as: general surgical pathology (any site), adult autopsy pathology (FMC), other specialty surgical pathology (eg. gyne pathology, breast pathology), etc.
3-4 blocks as Chief Resident (FMC)
In general, R4 or R5 only. NOT recommended for R5 in final 6 months of training.
Must include regular (~30-50%) participation in the FMC surgical pathology rota (typically in a supervisory role, assisting junior residents).
Must be taken on site at FMC.
May overlap with other electives (eg. autopsy, research, etc.), as long as the Chief remains on site at FMC.
The elective periods of the residency can also include time in the clinical pathology disciplines (hematopathology, medical microbiology, and clinical biochemistry), electives in outside institutions (often a means of preparing for a fellowship year after anatomical pathology qualification), and research.
In recent years, multiple international rotations have been set up as well as rotations in smaller Alberta communities.
Research is a core component of the training program. Residents participate in an Annual Research Day, and have ongoing research projects throughout their final four years of training. Our program has been internationally recognized for achievement in resident research, and all of our recent residents have traveled extensively to present original research at national and international conferences.
Laboratory medicine was amalgamated in Calgary in the 1990s. For residents, this means that the training program accesses a patient population of over one million people on a common laboratory database with ~65 staff pathologists, most of whom have sub-specialty interests within pathology. In Calgary, we have new laboratory facilities at the DSC South Health Campus, and Alberta Childrens' Hospitals. Laboratories at Rockyview and Peter Lougheed were recently renovated. Our core teaching facility at the Foothills Medical Center moved into a new space in 2015. This new department at the Foothills is on the 7th floor of the McCaig Tower and features state of the art teaching infrastructure.
To contact our program or set up an elective please email us.
Here are some additional documents that you may find helpful:
Anatomical Pathology Alumni
Anatomical Pathology Residents Manual
Anatomical Pathology Residency Website
General Pathology Residency
The University of Calgary General Pathology Residency Program was formed in 2011, the first new General Pathology program in Canada for many years. Through co-sponsorship with Alberta Precision Laboratories, we are able to offer an innovative training environment with an emphasis on laboratory management and pathology informatics.
Alberta Precision Laboratories features the only academic General Pathology Division in Canada, comprised of General Pathologists and AP/CP-trained pathologists practicing General Pathology in an urban academic environment. This Division provides medical leadership to four urgent care laboratories in Calgary as well as ten rural hospital laboratories in Southern Alberta. Residents benefit from the teaching and mentorship of the General Pathology Division throughout their 5 years of training.
Residents also benefit from close association with the highly successful University of Calgary Anatomical Pathology Residency Program, Medical Microbiology Residency Program, and Clinical Chemistry Fellowship Program, as well as Alberta Precision Laboratories, a group of approximately 80 pathologists and laboratory scientists.
Unique features of the Calgary General Pathology Residency Training Program are:
Community Laboratory Longitudinal Management Experience:
Laboratory management is a key aspect of General Pathology training. Our goal with the Community Laboratory Longitudinal Management Experience is to provide each resident with hands-on management experience through long-term partnership with one of the ten rural hospital laboratories managed by Alberta Precision Laboratories. Under the mentorship of the Director of Rural Laboratories (a General Pathologist), each resident will take responsibility for a rural laboratory during Core and Transition to Practice stages of training. During site visits, the resident will learn about the test menu of his or her laboratory, including testing methodologies, limitations, and quality control procedures. The resident will also work with laboratory technicians—under the supervision of the Director of Rural Laboratories—to resolve technical and management issues as they arise. Finally, the resident will serve as a liaison between his or her lab and the physicians it serves.
Pathology Informatics:
A unique strength of our program is the emphasis on pathology informatics. Our General Pathology Division has several members with active interests in pathology informatics. In 2010, we began offering an elective for laboratory medicine residents in pathology informatics (the only one in Canada). With a catchment population of close to 1.4 million people on a common LIS and 25 million reported tests per year, our training environment offers tremendous opportunities for research.
General Pathology is currently training residents through competency-based medical education in accordance with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Competence by Design (CBD) initiative. The curriculum is divided into four Stages of Training: Transition to Discipline, Foundations, Core, and Transition to Practice. The duration of training is expected to be 5 years for most trainees.
Transition to Discipline
Expected duration: 8 weeks
Transition to Discipline consists of introductory blocks designed to cover basic anatomical pathology content such as microscopy skills, basic pathology specimen handling, normal histology, clinicopathologic correlation, and creation of a personal teaching and learning plan. The curriculum also includes exposure to Medical Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, and Hematopathology.
Expected Duration: 12-14 months
The Foundations Stage of Training includes both clinical rotations and basic training in General Pathology with a focus on Anatomical Pathology. The clinical rotations are designed to provide exposure to medical and surgical services that rely heavily on the pathology laboratory. Clinical rotations commonly include:
Clinical Rotations
Rotation and expected duration
Internal Medicine Teams, 1 block
Surgical Oncology, 1 block
Hematology, 1 block
Pediatric Oncology/hematology, 1 block
Gynecologic Oncology, 1 block
Infectious Disease, 1 block
Medical Oncology, 1 block
The Laboratory Medicine rotations begin with one anatomy and histology block as well as two lab medicine "Bootcamp" blocks with a focus on anatomical pathology at Foothills Medical Centre. These blocks teach residents the foundational skills that they need for success as junior residents.
Core of Discipline
Expected duration: 36 months
The core stage contains the bulk of general pathology training and includes rotations in Surgical Pathology, Autopsy Pathology, Cytology, Forensic Pathology, Pediatric Pathology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematopathology, Medical Microbiology, and Transfusion Medicine. Our program also includes a generous amount of elective time throughout the curriculum that allows residents to complete research, explore areas of interest, and pursue potential fellowship or job opportunities. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Fellowship Examination in General Pathology is completed by the fall of fifth year to allow nine months of transition to practice at the end residency that are free from exam preparation responsibilities.
Transition to Practice
Expected duration: 6-9 months
This stage provides residents with an opportunity to function as "junior staff" across all the laboratory disciplines. There is a focus on leading, implementing, and advocating for quality assurance practices. Additional elective blocks allow residents to explore areas of interest and employment opportunities.
Research Project, Advocacy Projects, and Conferences
General Pathology residents are expected to complete one research project during their residency, although additional research activity is supported. The General Pathology faculty has a strong interest in pathology informatics and so research in this area is especially encouraged.
The University of Calgary and Alberta Precision Laboratories cover travel expenses for residents presenting research. Most residents present at our annual residents' research day, with judging and awards provided for by an endowed fund. Residents attend the Banff Conference in Anatomical Pathology which brings international experts in the field to Banff. Almost all residents attend at least one conference a year to present original research.
There is a research coordinator for resident research. The research project may take the form of basic or clinical research. The RTC closely monitors the manpower required for the project to ensure that residents do not take on too many projects. Our department has special funds available for resident research including money earmarked for biostatistical support.
General Pathology residents have the opportunity to attend academic half days offered by the University of Calgary Residency and Fellowship training programs in Anatomical Pathology, Medical Microbiology, and Clinical Chemistry. In addition, the monthly General Pathology academic half day covers topics uniquely relevant to General Pathology and community practice. The General Pathology On Call Review Rounds uses a problem based and interactive approach to prepare residents to handle issues encountered on Clinical Chemistry, Hematopathology, Medical Microbiology, and Transfusion medicine on call services. The integrated laboratory management seminar series covers management topics common to all laboratory medicine disciplines and is open to residents in all laboratory medicine programs including General Pathology. Residents are exempt from work commitments during academic half days.
Within the Competence by Design curriculum, evaluations are completed after observing residents complete specific tasks or Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), which are key skills required for General Pathology practice. These evaluations are supplemented by global, narrative feedback after completion of certain rotations. Residents are assigned an academic advisor, a staff pathologist, to act as a mentor through the Stages of Training. Beginning in their second year, all residents take two exams per year mimicking the fellowship exam by the RCPSC. Resident evaluations and promotions are overseen by the Competence Committee and Residency Training Committee.
Clinical rotations in the Foundations Stage (year 1) will be primarily at Rocky View General Hospital in Calgary, AB.
Rotations in pathology and laboratory medicine (years 2 to 5) will be primarily at Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital and Alberta Precision Laboratories' Diagnostic and Scientific Centre in Calgary, AB.
Senior residents may take an elective at one of our rural and community training sites including Whitehorse General Hospital (Whitehorse, Yukon Territory), Red Deer General Hospital (Red Deer, Alberta), Chinook Regional Hospital (Lethbridge, Alberta), and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (Medicine Hat, Alberta). Financial support is available for travel and accommodations.
Medical Microbiology Residency
The Medical Microbiology residency training program at the University of Calgary is a 5-year, Royal College accredited program. Our aim is to assist residents in developing competencies and expertise in all aspects of medical microbiology, to offer them opportunities to hone their skills in specific areas of interest, and to prepare them for a fulfilling career in the specialty.
PGY-1: Basic Clinical Training (13 blocks)
In their first year, residents will undergo Basic Clinical Training (BCT). Modelled after what was previously known as the rotating internship, the aim is to provide clinical exposure to prepare for and contextualize later training in medical microbiology and infectious diseases. Rotations include internal medicine and its subspecialities, general surgery and other surgical disciplines, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology.
PGY-2 to PGY-5: The following four years of training will consist of rotations in medical microbiology, infectious diseases, and elective time, interwoven to provide a balanced and engaging experience.
Medical Microbiology (26 blocks)
Rotations in microbiology will largely be lab-based, and will include the core disciplines of bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology. Other disciplines such as molecular microbiology, mycobacteriology, laboratory management, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship will have dedicated rotations as well. Lab management, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship will have a longitudinal curriculum as well, with focused teaching and projects that will be completed over the span of the residency.
Infectious Diseases (13 blocks)
These rotations will be mostly inpatient consult service for infectious diseases, divided between adult and pediatric, and between the different sites to expose the resident to a wide array of experiences and learning opportunities. Rotations in outpatient settings, including TB clinic and HIV clinic, will also be provided.
Electives (13 blocks)
Residents are encouraged to use this time to explore and develop expertise in particular areas of medical microbiology that appeal to them, whether it is basic science, epidemiology, molecular methods, tropical medicine, or whatever else it may be. The versatility afforded by these blocks allows a customized program, which can be developed in discussion with the program director. Residents are strongly encouraged to use at least a portion of this time for dedication to research projects.
Academic half-days are on an ongoing weekly basis, and run on a two-year cycle. Topics encompass both medical microbiology and clinical infectious diseases, spanning the breadth of the discipline. Residents are also expected to attend (and to present at) weekly Infectious Diseases seminars and city-wide case rounds.
Residents are encouraged and expected to take part in research projects during their residency. There are many faculty in the division proper who are happy to mentor and tailor projects to a resident's interests, and a host of links to the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, and the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Infectious Diseases for further opportunities and collaboration if desired.
Neuropathology Residency
The neuropathology program offers its trainees an exceptional opportunity for close interaction with the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the Neuroscience Research Group, as well as with neuropathology faculty who are all based at the Foothills Medical Centre and the adjacent Health Sciences Centre. Faculty provide a neuropathological medico-legal and diagnostic consultation service for Alberta and adjacent areas of British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
The neuropathology training must include one year of basic clinical training. Our pre-specialty clinical year is designed to meet the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada requirements of our specialty program and, in addition, prepare the resident for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam, Part II.
PGY 1
Internal Medicine 4 weeks
ER 4 weeks
General Surgery 4 weeks
Pediatrics 4 weeks
Neuroology - Pediatrics 4 weeks
Neurooncology 4 weeks
Neuropathology 4 weeks
Neurology 4 weeks
Neurosurgery 4 weeks
Neuroradiology 4 weeks
Elective 4 weeks
Pathology 1 Orientation 4 weeks
Pathology 2 Histology/Anatomy 4 weeks
The initial year includes experience in general surgical, autopsy and forensic pathology. Expectations for neuropathology trainees are identical to those for first year anatomic pathology residents. Two of the three years of neuropathology training are spent acquiring, with carefully graded responsibility, specialty-specific, teaching and management skills. Trainees will also gain experience in neuropathological applications of new technology including immunopathology, molecular pathology, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and image analysis. The remaining year is an elective year which may be adapted to the interest and skills of the individual resident and may include service, clinical or research rotations.PGY 2 - 5
There are active research programs in neuro-degenerative disorders, neuro-regeneration, cerebral ischemia and neuro-oncology. Active participation by trainees in one or another research program is strongly encouraged.
All selection to the program is through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Candidates must have:
An acceptable academic record which demonstrates special proficiency in those subjects related to the specialty;
A proven interest in the specialty demonstrated by electives in the specialty or related fields;
Candidates with an interest and proven experience in research, both in basic science and clinical research, are encouraged to apply.
Residency Training in Neuropathology
Clinical Fellowships & AFC Programs
Introduction/Overview
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, together with Alberta Precision Laboratories, offer a unique opportunity for Clinical Fellowship & AFC training in a vibrant medical and cultural setting of Canada's "Heart of the New West" located in the foothills of the picturesque Rocky Mountains.
Our principal mission is to prepare trainees for careers in academic diagnostic pathology and laboratory medicine. Using extensive clinical material and mentor-ship of ~77 dedicated faculty members of our department, the AFC Trainees and fellows are trained to become knowledgeable in their field.
The Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (Alberta Precision Laboratories) performs more than 20 million laboratory tests per year. In Anatomical Pathology, we examine approximately 130,000 surgical cases, 220,000 gynecologic/10,000 non-gynecologic cytology cases per year, and perform approximately 210 adult and 350 pediatric/fetal autopsies per year.
The fellowship programs provide 1 or 2 years of intensive training in the respective sub-specialty areas. In addition to clinical expertise, the fellows acquire a working knowledge of the theoretical basis of the specialty, including its foundations in the basic medical sciences. Opportunities for participation in collaborative clinical research are available and encouraged.
Prospective applicants can see how their personal goals compare with those offered by individual sub-specialty programs listed.
PhD Programs Accepting Applications for July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024 academic year(s)
Clinical Biochemistry Fellowship - Dr. Hossein Sadrzadeh
Clinical Biochemistry Application Form and instructions - Clinical Biochemistry Referee Form *please complete all forms in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader
**Applications for the Clinical Biochemistry Fellowship, will be accepted ONLY from September 15, 2021 to November 1, 2021**
Please submit your application packages and inquiries to the Calgary Fellowships Office
MD/AFC Programs Accepting Applications for July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 academic year
Breast Pathology Fellowship - Dr. Hua Yang
Cytopathology Area of Focused Competence - Dr. Steve Gorombey
Dermatopathology Fellowship - Dr. Thomas Brenn
Gastrointestinal Pathology Fellowship - Dr. Stefan Urbanski
Gynecological Pathology Fellowship - Dr. Martin Koebel
Hematopathology Fellowship - Dr. Tariq Roshan
Pediatric Pathology Area of Focused Competence - Dr. Kyle Kurek
Pulmonary Pathology Fellowship - Dr. Margaret Kelly
Renal/Transplantation Pathology Fellowship - Dr. Hallgrimur Benediktsson
Uropathology Fellowship - Dr. Asli Yilmaz
**Applications for the MD/AFC programs, 2023 cycle, will be accepted ONLY from November 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022**
Post Graduate (MD & AFC) Fellowship Application Form *please complete all forms in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader
Please contact the Anatomical Pathology Residency Training Program if you are wishing to book an elective.
**Applications for the Histocompatibility Fellowship, 2024 cycle, will be accepted ONLY from November 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023**
Histocompatibilty Fellowship - Dr. Noureddine Berka
Post Doctoral Histocompatibility Fellowship Application Form *please complete all forms in Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader
Fellowship & AFC Program Guidelines/Forms
Clinical Fellowship & AFC Program Guidelines
Clinical Fellowship & AFC Program Leave Request Form
Frequently Asked Questions (coming soon!)
Pathologists' Assistant (PA) M.Sc Program
For the most current information regarding visit the Pathologists' Assistant program for admission criteria, application materials, and important dates.
Pathologists' Assistants (PAs) are "physician extenders" for anatomic pathologists. PAs perform delegated medical tasks under the supervision of a medically qualified pathologist. They perform initial examination, dissection, and gross description of surgically removed tissues, assist in dissection of bodies during autopsies, and perform intraoperative frozen sections. They possess highly standardized skills related to each of these procedures which allow pathologists to spend more of their time looking at slides.
The University of Calgary launched a Pathologists' Assistant (PA) M.Sc. training program as a specialization within the Medical Sciences Graduate Program in July 2012. At the time, this was a thesis-based program, but in 2016, we changed to a course-based program. The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), an American agency that accredits training programs of allied health professionals who work in anatomic pathology or clinical pathology laboratories.
The University of Calgary PA M.Sc. training program is a 24 month continuous (excluding university holidays), intensive course-based program with Calgary Laboratory Services (CLS) as the clinical affiliate providing the practicum training.
Year 1 - begins in September with Orientation and Clinical Rotations for PAs (MDSC 751.43), an online medical terminology course, Human Anatomy (MDSC 703), and Human Pathology (MDSC 744). In January, Human Pathology continues and students take a one term Cellular Mechanisms of Disease course (MDSC 515); both courses end in April. In May of the 1st year, the students take a human histology practicum with 1st year pathology residents. The students select their small research project and begin work on the project. The project will be finished and presented at CME rounds in May to June of the second year.
Year 2 – throughout this year, the students complete required practicums at CLS in autopsy pathology, Surgical Pathology, and Pediatric Pathology. The students are given time throughout the second year to work on their small research project and to prepare their presentation.
After graduation, students are eligible to sit the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) PA board-certification examination and the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists' Assistants (CCCPA) exam.
The job market for board-certified PAs is excellent, with jobs available in Alberta and throughout North America.
The Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (DPLM), which has > 90 clinical and GFT faculty members, provides clinical and didactic instruction and administrative support for the program. CLS provides access to its facilities, staff, and clinical materials for training. CLS has had a long standing affiliation agreement with the DPLM and the University of Calgary for training residents and medical students and the University of Calgary Head of the DPLM is a member of CLS' Executive leadership team.
Applications are due March 30th for both Canadian and International applicants, for the start date of September 1 each year. There is only one start date per year, and applicants who are unable to start on September 1 are urged not to apply. Admission requirements are based on the Medical Sciences Graduate Program. If you meet the admission requirements, and can perform the essential functions, please apply using the online application form. When applying, simply state 'TBD' in the supervisor/project fields.
After the application deadline the selection committee will review the applications and interviews will be set up with appropriate candidates. Successful candidates will be informed as soon as possible after the interview process.


Q: How do I calculate the present value of an annuity?
A: To calculate the present value of an annuity, multiply the payout amount by the number of payouts by the interest rate per payout.
Q: How do I calculate the future value of an annuity?
A: To calculate the future value of an annuity, multiply the initial principal used to purchase the annuity by the monthly contribution by the number of years to the payout by the annual yield.
Q: Is there a lower or upper age limit to buying an annuity?
A: While there are usually no strict lower limits, the typical upper limit set by insurance companies is 95. Annuities are not recommended for those under 40. The average age of first-time annuity buyers is 50.
Q: How is annuity income taxed?
A: A lump-sum distribution from an annuity is taxed at ordinary income rates. If the contract is annuitized, meaning that distributions are made each month, quarter, or year, the portion of the distribution that represents earnings is taxed as income. In all cases, remember that only income is taxed, never principle.
Q: What are some things to watch out for when buying annuities?
A: First, the money used to purchase an annuity is not returned except through distributions. Second, annuities typically early withdrawal fees that last for 3-7 years, so makes sure you don't need the money you invest any time soon. Third, annuities can lose value. Fourth, annuities are not FDIC insured.
Q: Who is a good candidate for buying an annuity?
A: Those in their 50s and 60s looking to save additional tax-deferred money for retirement are often the best candidates for annuities. Annuities are also a great choice if you have a large savings at retirement that you wish to prolong even further or turn into a guaranteed life-long income.
Q: How do annuities compare to other fixed income vehicles like CDs, bonds, and money market accounts?
A: Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed rate of return and payout amount for a set period of time or for life. Therefore, regardless of the purchase amount, stock market fluctuations, or life expectancy, the owner will receive a payout. This is not the case with CDs and money market accounts, which are savings vehicles, not income producers. Bonds offer income, but can lose value or be called by the issuer. Fixed annuities typically offer a higher rate of return than CDs, US bonds, or money market accounts. Investment risk in fixed annuities is also comparably low.
Q: Why would someone get an annuity?
A: The majority of people who purchase an annuity do so for guaranteed retirement income, to transfer the risk of outliving their retirement savings, or for the tax advantages. Annuities are sometimes referred to as personal pensions.
Q: What's the difference between an annuity and a permanent life insurance policy?
A: While both an annuity and a permanent life insurance policy offer the potential for an increase in the investment, an annuity does not always pay a death benefit to a beneficiary. Annuities that do have a death benefit do not pay it tax-free. Generally, annuities are designed to provide retirement income while life insurance is designed to offset a family's exposure to loss income.
Q: How many annuities can I own?
A: There is no limit on the number of annuities you can own.
Q: an I open an annuity for a family member, like an elderly parent or spouse?
A: Yes, you can purchase an annuity for another person.
Q: What's the difference between mutual funds and annuities?
A: Mutual funds are securities that invest in stocks, bonds, U.S. Treasuries, or commodities. Annuities are contracts between an individual and an insurance company for a certain payout or yield over a given period of time.
Q: What is the difference between an immediate and a deferred annuity?
A: An immediate annuity begins payouts within 12 months of the purchase date. A deferred annuity typically begins payouts after several years, if not decades, later. An immediate annuity is like a CD while a deferred annuity is like a retirement savings account.
Q: How is a variable annuity different than a 401k or IRA?
A: Some companies offer an annuity option as one of the investment options of a 401(k) but most do not. With a standard annuity, contributions are not made with pre-tax dollars as they are with 401(k)s and IRAs. Variable annuities also typically offer additional features like death benefits, disability benefits, and options for life-long income.
Q: Do all annuities have surrender charges?
A: No. Some annuities are sold without surrender charges.
Q: What are the most common annuity contract riders or options?
A: The most common annuity contract rider is a joint option, in which a husband and wife are joint owners. Other popular riders include a cost of living adjustment (COLA) and the lifetime income option.
Q: Are annuities FDIC insured?
A: No, annuities are not FDIC insured. Annuities are insured at the state level, usually up to $100,000, although each state has sets its own limits.
Q: Which government organizations regulate annuities?
A: Your state's department of insurance regulates all annuities sold within the state. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Association of Securities Dealers regulates variable annuities.
Q: Can I lose principal in an annuity?
A: Yes, you can lose principal with an indexed or variable annuity. You can also lose principal.
Q: Are annuities tax-efficient savings vehicles?
A: All annuities are tax-efficient saving vehicles because they grow tax-deferred, although they are not as tax efficient as an IRA or 401k because your income is eventually taxed at ordinary income rates, not the lower capital gains rate.
Q: Why shouldn't I open an annuity in my 20's or 30's?
A: Younger investors have more risk tolerance and should be investing in equities, mutual funds, and bonds to grow their retirement nestegg. Annuities returns are too low for young investors but ideal for older investors looking for a stable source of retirement income. Annuities are also subject to the early withdrawal IRS penalty so you want to be closer to retirement age to avoid incurring this cost.
Q: What are the downsides of buying an annuity?
A: The risk of loss of principal and the fact that once the annuity is purchased your money cannot be returned are two major downsides of buying an annuity. Commission fees on annuities can also be high.
Q: What are the advantages of buying annuities vs investing in mutual funds?
A: Annuities offer guaranteed income regardless of market conditions. They also grow tax-deferred even if they are not part of a tax-qualified account.
Q: If annuities are supposed to provide lifetime income, how come annuity contracts have fixed terms?
A: The fixed amount that is paid each year is often adjusted based on current interest rates. And, most insurance companies offer a fixed rate of return that the payouts will not fall below. To ensure that distributions keep pace with inflation, consider an annuity with a cost of living adjustment.
Q: What's the difference between a fixed annuity and a CD-type annuity?
A: Actually, a CD-type annuity is a fixed-rate annuity. But a fixed-rate annuity only guarantees the rate for a portion of the term, whereas a CD-type annuity guarantees the rate for the entire term.
Q: What effect do high or low interest rates have on annuities?
A: Fixed annuity interest rates correlate to national interest rates when you sign the contract, so it's generally better to buy a fixed annuity when interest rates are high. Even though fixed-rate annuities generally lock in a pre-defined interest rate, this lock doesn't always work in your favor. If interest rates rise, you incur the opportunity cost of not earning more with another investment. Further, the amount of interest paid might not keep pace with inflation.
Q: What is the best indexed annuity crediting method?
A: Of the four methods – annual reset, point-to-point, high water mark, and averaging – most people will probably do better with averaging. The value of the index is taken at different points during the year and averaged to allow for a smoothing of both increases and decreases. Each crediting method is usually better than another under certain market conditions, making it difficult to pick an all-around "best".
Q: Why are fixed annuity yields generally higher than CDs or bonds?
A: In general, fixed annuity yields are higher than CDs and bonds because the investor must commit his or her money to specific term. A premium is paid for incurring this time risk.
Q: How do annuities work?
A: In exchange for purchasing an annuity, an investor is usually guaranteed to receive something in return. It can either be a fixed rate of return or a fixed payment.
Q: Do beneficiaries have to pay taxes on non-qualified fixed annuities?
A: Yes. If you inherit a non-qualified annuity, you will have to pay taxes.
Q: What will happen to my annuity if the issuing company goes bankrupt?
A: Before you purchase an annuity, find out the maximum amount that is guaranteed by your state's guaranty association or guarantee fund. This is the amount that will be protected if the insurance company becomes insolvent.
Q: Are funds inside an annuity subject to lien and seizure?
A: Under most circumstances they are not, which is why annuities are sometimes used as shelters from litigation.
Q: What happens to money inside an annuity when the annuity owner dies?
A: This depends on how the annuity contract is set up. With some annuities the owner relinquishes the remaining money to the insurance company. With other annuities, the owner's spouse will receive a full or sometimes partial distribution. Money inside an annuity passed to a beneficiary does not benefit from the "step up" rule like other assets.
Q: Which annuities are the safest and which are the riskiest?
A: It depends on how you define safety and risk. If by safety you mean which annuities will pay a guaranteed amount of income each month regardless of market conditions, then fixed annuities are the safest. And since variable annuities can lose principal, they are often considered to be the riskiest.
Q: What are the downsides of indexed annuities?
A: Only a certain percentage of the account will participate in the earnings. The full increase in the index might not be allowed and fees can generally be higher than investing in an ETF or mutual fund, although the downside protection usually offered by indexed annuities does not exist with these alternatives.
Annuity Investment Guide — The complete guide to annuity investing.