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Mid to Senior GNC Engineer
Are you fascinated by guidance, navigation or control systems?Would your career flourish by joining a team of world-class engineerscollaborating to solve complex technical challenges? Would you like an opportunity with a global business entrusted with the mission ofmaking the world a safer place? If...
Are you fascinated by guidance, navigation or control systems?Would your career flourish by joining a team of world-class engineerscollaborating...
Mid Career GNC Engineer
Sr Principal High Power Microwave Engineer - Directed Energy
Required Education: M.S in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Systems Engineering degree or related STEM degree173216
Signal Processing Engineer II - New Masters Degree Grad!
Senior Principal Systems Engineer
Raytheon Missiles and Defense is the world's largest developer, producer and integrator of weapon systems. Military forces in more than 50 countries look to us for a high-quality product portfolio that includes missiles, smart munitions, projectiles, kinetic kill vehicles and directed energy weapons...
Raytheon Missiles and Defense is the world's largest developer, producer and integrator of weapon systems. Military forces in more than 50...
Electrical Subsystems - Electrical Engineer II
The Electrical Products Team (EPT) is responsible for the guidance, navigation, signal processing, target detection and tracking system functions of the electrical subsystems used in our products. Job responsibilities of this role vary, but include activities such as; troubleshooting electronics in ...
The Electrical Products Team (EPT) is responsible for the guidance, navigation, signal processing, target detection and tracking system functions...
Signal Processing Engineer I - New Bachelors Degree Grad!
TE&EC Sr Software Engineer I
TE&EC Sr Mechanical Engineer II
Senior Quality Assurance Engineer I
Louisville, KY US
understanding drawings, work instructions, Bill of Materials (BOMs), consumable materials control, process disciplines and tool control, and manufacturing process knowledge (assembly, inspection, test) Required Education (including Major): B.S. in Engineering, Science, Tech, or Mathematics Desired S...
understanding drawings, work instructions, Bill of Materials (BOMs), consumable materials control, process disciplines and tool control, and...


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SLS Las Vegas cleared to leave NV Energy, amid many applicants withdrawing from attempts to leave utility
July 11th, 2019 - 2:00am
The PUC's quick discussion and 2-1 vote on Wednesday to deny NV Energy's request to reconsider an earlier PUC order granting the casino's request to depart the utility is perhaps the last nail in an effort by NV Energy to coax, delay or dispute efforts by nearly a dozen large companies to leave utility service.
Despite incentives ramping down, rooftop solar industry continues to thrive
The unceremonious closing of the NV Energy-run solar incentive program last month — which has helped pay for installation of more than 30,000 rooftop solar systems statewide over the past decade and a half — was met with none of the fire and brimstone fury that greeted NV Energy and the PUC over decisions in 2016 to cut rates for the state's net metering program.
#nvleg
Click here for our wall-to-wall coverage of the 2019 legislative session
Regulators to possibly fine NV Energy for not setting aside energy storage incentive funds
As part of a lengthy order on the utility's annual plan for clean energy incentive programs, members of the Public Utilities Commission found that NV Energy had "failed to comply with a Commission order" implementing a 2017 law creating and mandating incentive payments aimed at spurring development in residential and large scale energy storage systems. The order was approved by the three members of the Public Utilities Commission in a unanimous vote last Wednesday.
Education | Energy
Proposed contract would see NV Energy pay Clark County School District $1.5 million annually to remain a customer
Members of the Clark County School District's Board of Trustees have scheduled an agenda item and possible vote during their upcoming Thursday meeting on a contract that would lock the district into an agreement to remain an NV Energy customer for the next five years, in return for annual $1.5 million in either direct cash payments or through a special rate program for large customers.
Energy | IndyBlog
NV Energy announces plans for major solar, battery storage projects in Southern Nevada
June 25th, 2019 - 10:33am
The utility announced on Monday that it plans to bring on an additional 1,200 megawatts of new solar generation and 590 megawatts of battery storage through contracts to build new solar plants with three outside entities, all of which are scheduled to be completed and generating power by the end of 2023.
NV Energy paying nearly $1 million a year to keep Henderson, LVCVA as customers
The two contracts offer a unique view into just how far NV Energy — which is owned by the Warren Buffet-run Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate — is willing to go to entice large Nevada power users to remain utility customers, as many of the largest businesses in the state have openly weighed or taken proactive steps to buy power from other electric providers.
NV Energy withdraws, plans to re-file program offering special lower rates for large customers
In a filing last week, NV Energy attorneys withdrew the utility's pending application for its Optional Pricing Program Rate (OPPR), stopping regulatory approval on an alternative pricing mechanism proposed by the utility last year as a way to keep multiple large businesses from filing or continuing with applications to leave the utility.
Board of Regents votes to stick with NV Energy, apply for renewables program
Jacob Solis
June 7th, 2019 - 12:53pm
The Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday to forego an exit from NV Energy's power grid and instead open negotiations with the utility to enter into a fixed-rate renewable energy program.
Electric rate decrease proposed for NV Energy's Northern Nevada customers
June 6th, 2019 - 2:00am
Sierra Pacific Power, the subsidiary of NV Energy that provides electric service for most of Northern Nevada, made the request in its general rate case filed with the state's Public Utilities Commission on Monday, as part of an overall request to decrease utility revenues by $5 million annually.
Station Casinos to drop exit application, stick with NV Energy for electric service
June 5th, 2019 - 11:01am
In a joint statement sent Tuesday, NV Energy and Station Casinos announced they had reached an agreement on fully bundled electric service and that the casino company — which owns multiple properties in the Las Vegas area including Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, Palace Station and Green Valley Ranch — would withdraw its application before the state's Public Utilities Commission to depart from utility electric service and purchase power from another provider.
Cosmopolitan withdraws application to leave NV Energy
May 31st, 2019 - 6:10pm
In a short letter sent Tuesday offering no details, attorneys for the casino company said it would be withdrawing its application submitted in February to leave NV Energy and purchase electricity from another electric provider. The company was due to have a hearing before the Public Utilities Commission on June 7, with a decision on whether or not to grant the exit application due soon after.
Raiders reconsidering leaving NV Energy for future Las Vegas stadium's electric service
May 31st, 2019 - 11:20am
According to filings made with the Public Utilities Commission over the last month, attorneys for the Raiders have requested and received permission to suspend compliance with the terms of the under-construction stadium's departure from its planned exit from NV Energy in order to assess an alternative offer by NV Energy.
Energy | IndyBlog | Legislature
Bill raising barriers to leave NV Energy amended to avoid new costs for departed businesses
May 30th, 2019 - 3:15pm
Democratic Sen. Chris Brooks' bill setting new restrictions and limits on the ability of large businesses to leave NV Energy is moving forward, but with a major amendment stripping out sections that would affect businesses that have already left or are in the process of leaving the utility.
South Point agrees to stick with NV Energy, withdraw exit application
The two companies have agreed to a fully bundled energy service, leading South Point to withdraw its application with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada that would have allowed the casino company to buy electric power from another provider.
Energy | Legislature
Bill adding barriers to depart NV Energy touted as beneficial for other ratepayers
May 24th, 2019 - 2:20am
In a joint hearing Thursday held by the Assembly and Senate Growth and Infrastructure Committees on SB547, bill sponsor Democratic Sen. Chris Brooks made the case for the bill as a needed upgrade for the state's so-called 704B law, created in 2001 as a way for businesses with a large electric load to leave NV Energy's electric service and purchase power from another provider.
Sisolak signs bill to allow funds for electric school buses in Nevada
Luz Gray
Taylor Avery
May 23rd, 2019 - 4:58pm
"By signing this bill today, Nevada is opening the door for our utility companies and school districts to partner to protect our environment and improve the quality of life for our children and the communities they call home and they live," Sisolak said.
LVCVA to stick with NV Energy, drop exit application
May 23rd, 2019 - 9:21am
The two entities made the announcement in a joint press release sent Wednesday, ending the LVCVA's flirtation with leaving the utility to purchase power from another electric provider and keeping another large customer within the utility's folds.
NV Energy pricing plan for big business could cost other ratepayers, regulators warn
The comments and findings come as testimony on NV Energy's proposed Optional Pricing Program Rate (OPPR), an alternative pricing plan devised by the utility last year as a way to entice some of its largest customers who either already have left or are flirting with departing the utility and purchasing electric power from another provider. The plan was proposed last year and applications were opened in March, but it still requires approval of the three-member Public Utilities Commission to move forward.
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Mergers: Fizz & Chips
Friday, Mar. 05, 1965
"Think Young" urged the Pepsi-Cola ad—and Herman W. Lay began thinking. Not about downing a soft drink but about acceding to a hard-to-resist proposal from Pepsi (estimated 1964 sales: $240 million) to merge with his Frito-Lay, Inc., which last year sold $184 million worth of such snacks as corn and potato chips, dip mixes, candied popcorn, pretzels and related products. At 55, Lay isn't so old. But Pepsi President Donald M. Kendall is only 43, and he is surrounded by a youthfully energetic executive team. "I like those fellas," said Lay. "I need the association of younger people."
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Now hiring Teachers for our Toddler room, ages 18 months – 30 months, and our Preschool room, ages 2 ½ -3 ½ years. All interested applicants may stop in at our location at 243 S Bever St in Wooster to fill out an application.
Now Enrolling We are currently enrolling in all classrooms. Open positions are filled based on a first come first serve basis. Once spots are filled all other inquiries will be put on a waiting list. Please call ahead to schedule a tour and pick up paperwork.
Thank you to Detective Lemmon and Detective Belcher for teaching the Learn N Play staff about A.L.I.C.E. We are so thankful to have had you share your knowledge and skills with us so that we are better prepared to protect our children.
This Friday, February 12th is our Valentines Party. Shoe boxes are appreciated if donated before Friday to give the children time to decorate them. The party will start around 2:30pm and there are sheets for each classroom if you would like to bring in a treat. Parents and family are welcomed to participate in the celebration.
Thank you so much to all of the United Way and College of Wooster volunteers that have helped us with remodeling! We are so grateful for your time and generosity. The work you did looks beautiful and we love our new look!


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Development Policy Centre
Australian Aid Tracker
Aid Profiles
Francesca Sanders
ODA funding for gender equality is on the rise, but is it enough?
by Isabela Vera, Francesca Sanders, Zoe Johnson
Francesca Sanders is an economist who worked at SEEK Development as an associate consultant until end-2019. She holds a Master of International Economics from the Berlin School of Economics. Prior to moving to Berlin she lived in Canberra where she worked for the Australian Commonwealth Treasury. She also holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Asian Studies (Japanese) from the ANU.
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Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 28F. Winds light and variable..
Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 14F. Winds light and variable.
Missing man found dead in Lake Station, police say
Terry Stigdon, director of the Indiana Department of Child Services, announces the findings of a new assessment of the agency Tuesday at the Lake County Public Library in Merrillville.
Giles Bruce, The Times
Report: Indiana investigates more parents for abuse and neglect and puts them into the court system than the vast majority of states
Giles Bruce giles.bruce@nwi.com, 219-853-2584
Giles Bruce
Health Reporter
MERRILLVILLE — Indiana gets more child abuse and neglect referrals and investigates more parents than all but a few states. Yet the vast majority of the reports are unsubstantiated.
That's according to a new assessment of the state's beleaguered Department of Child Services. The report was conducted on the heels of the previous director quitting because she said the agency was not protecting kids.
"You guys know that taking care of children is our ultimate goal as an agency," said DCS Director Terry Stigdon, who has been serving in that role since December, when previous Director Mary Beth Bonaventura suddenly resigned. "This is really the opportunity for us to really get some true direction about where we're going to go."
On Tuesday, Stigdon, along with other representatives of DCS and the Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group — the organization that conducted the six-month review — visited the Lake County Public Library in Merrillville, part of a statewide tour to announce the findings of the report.
In 2016, Indiana had 108.2 children for every 1,000 children in the state referred to child services, the report found. The national average is 55.6. Only the District of Columbia, Vermont and West Virginia had higher rates.
Of those referrals, the state completed 93.1 assessments for every 1,000 children. Only the District of Columbia and West Virginia had higher rates.
Only 15 percent of the reports were found to be child abuse and neglect.
"I don't think there's any evidence that there's more abuse and neglect in Indiana than anywhere else," said Sue Steib, an evaluator with the Montgomery, Alabama-based Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group. "It's more a matter of what your public policy has been. We're not being critical of that policy necessarily because those things get put in place for good reasons and usually they're well-intentioned reasons because people are concerned about the well-being of children.
"But child protection and child welfare systems are not necessarily the best resource for every need that families and children have."
Alternatives include community organizations, schools and the public health system, she said.
Indiana has a universal mandatory reporting system, which requires that any individual who suspects abuse or neglect report it to DCS. Many states only require that of trained professionals, like social workers or physicians. The state also has had a broad public awareness campaign about reporting suspected abuse, which may have driven up the number of reports.
The report recommends the agency focus on more severe cases, excluding "neglect, which is based solely on poverty or limited, onetime lapses in parental judgment."
The report found that Indiana has a "very high rate" of children in out-of-home care — 8 kids for every 1,000 in the state compared to 3.6 nationwide.
The assessment also says Indiana has "an exceptionally high rate of court involvement in child welfare cases" — more than any state that reports that data and double the national average.
"We believe that's an unnecessary use of court and attorney resources," Steib said.
The opioid epidemic is putting a strain on Indiana's child welfare system. The reports of child abuse and neglect in Indiana have grown more than 63 percent over the past five years, with more than half of the cases involving parental substance abuse.
However, help for those parents is limited. Steib noted that DCS spends five times more on drug testing than drug treatment.
"It was a lens to us on where the emphasis is at DCS on that issue," she said.
The report recommends that DCS expand its substance abuse treatment offerings for parents — such as rehabs that let moms and dads take the kids with them or supportive housing for parents in recovery — and that local communities increase the accessibility of treatment for mothers and fathers who are addicted.
"We don't think DCS should be the first responder where substance abuse on the part of the parent is the issue," Steib said.
The report cited DCS' strengths: a "remarkable" amount of support from the governor and legislature; state initiatives to address the opioid crisis; a high percentage of foster children being placed with relatives; a majority of foster children finding permanent homes; and in-house legal representation.
The review also found the organization suffers from "low morale," heavy caseloads and high turnover. Iowa pays case managers and frontline staff $6,000 to $7,000 a year more and has less than a third of the turnover of Indiana. Supervisors have 40 percent more employees than national guidelines suggest. Chances for professional growth are scarce.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has allocated $25 million from the state's $2 billion budget surplus to DCS for improving salaries, training and educational opportunities for employees.
DCS has had assessments like this before. But previous advice has been ignored, the report found. Stigdon has appointed Todd Meyer, a former prosecutor in Boone County, to carry out the recommendations outlined in the new review.
"When we're done implementing these changes, Indiana will be seen as the gold standard for child welfare," Meyer said.
Gov. Holcomb promises action on latest recommendations to improve Indiana's Department of Child Services
INDIANAPOLIS — For the sixth time in six years, outside experts have analyzed the Indiana De…
Outgoing child protection agency director claims Holcomb policies 'all but ensure children will die'
INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb is disputing allegations by the outgoing head of the Depart…
A generation left behind: Northwest Indiana kids delayed, removed from the home because of the opioid epidemic
PORTAGE — The 2-year-old boys came into the house acting like a couple of raccoons.
Science Says: What makes something truly addictive
CHICAGO — Now that the world's leading public health group says too much Minecraft can be an addiction, could overindulging in chocolate, exer…
Indiana children's commission hopes community response to child needs can reduce burden on DCS
INDIANAPOLIS — The caseload and staffing issues identified in a recent independent review of the Indiana Department of Child Services won't be…
Lake County being sued for not providing attorneys to foster kids
Lake County is among three Indiana counties being sued in federal court for not providing attorneys to kids in child welfare cases.
IUN child abuse and neglect forum to discuss childhood trauma, opioid epidemic
GARY — On April 26, in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Indiana University Northwest School of Public and Environmenta…
Abuse victim in Gary: Treat child abuse, neglect like a deadly disease
What if the United States treated child abuse and neglect as if they were deadly diseases?
Department Of Child Services
Terry Stigdon
Sue Steib
Eric Holcomb
Mary Beth Bonaventura
Todd Meyer
Practice Group
Giles is the health reporter for The Times, covering the business of health care as well as consumer and public health. He previously wrote about health for the Lawrence (Kansas) Journal-World. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
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The Park Street Corporation Speaker Series begins at Boston College in Spring, 2016 with the goal of convening distinguished professionals, scholars, and activists from medicine, health care, and other related fields around timely subjects related to the intersections of health, humanities, and ethics. In March, 2016, Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder and Chief Strategist of Partners In Health, will inaugurate the series with a keynote address: "Universal Health Care? From Slogan to Mantra." The 2016-17 Park Street series will take up the theme of Health, Humanity, and Ethics: Histories and Futures. Please check back for 2016-17 calendar events later this spring.
The Park Street Corporation Speaker Series in Health, Humanities, and Ethics is sponsored by the Park Street Corporation and by Boston College's Institute for the Liberal Arts.


Family owned and operated, Baker Agency was established in 1947 by Herbert Baker and continues today as a third generation business with his grand daughters, Susan Baker LaLonde and Lisa Baker Arwood, as owners along with Norman Smith. We serve the insurance needs of individuals, families and businesses in the Montcalm County area and throughout Michigan with a tradition of long standing clients and a commitment to customer service.
Let our family look out for yours.


Six different ways you can get FREE or cheap homestead land honestly. This is part one where we discuss ways and methods to get property to homestead that won't require a mortgage . In the next podcast we speak about what to look for once you have found the area and the parcel you are considering.
An off grid homestead adventure! Follow us as we explore the hardships and joys of living 2 hours from any paved road and miles from any neighbor in a remote solar powered stone cabin. Experience the blank canvas build from scratch with us as we carve out a self sufficient homestead in the western wilderness.


Naarden, 20 km east of Amsterdam, is one of the best preserved fortified towns in Europe and famous for its unique star shape. The fortress has six bastions, double ramparts and moats.
The history of Naarden goes back to the 10th Century. In that time the town was not situated on its current location but 2,5 km up to the northeast. This former town was destroyed in the 14th Century during battles about the succession of the former County of Holland. It was rebuild in 1350 on its current position on a high sand ridge that formed the only access to Amsterdam out of the east.
Because of this strategic position, Naarden developed into one of the most important fortified towns in The Netherlands in the upcoming centuries. A fortified town differed from medieval cities with walls and solitaire forts; fortified towns combined the civil and military function and were situated on important strategic positions. For Naarden this function was the defence of Amsterdam, the country's capital and economic centre. Fortified towns were typical for the early modern times. Later when states took over the role of cities, fortified towns played an important role in the national defence.
The current star shape of Naarden dates back to the 17th Century, when the fortifications were reinforced after the siege of 1673. Naarden kept her role as military fortification and part of the New Dutch Waterline until World War II. The beautiful fortifications and the many military buildings, such as the Arsenal from 1672, are the silent witnesses of that glorious period.
A visit to the Dutch Fortress Museum and the Fortified Town of Naarden form an ideal combination for a nice daytrip. Besides history and culture Naarden offers a great variety of shops, restaurants and recreational opportunities such as hiking, cycling or a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful surroundings!


Markov chains are sequences of random variables (or vectors) that possess the so-called Markov property: given one term in the chain (the present), the subsequent terms (the future) are conditionally independent of the previous terms (the past).
This lecture is a roadmap to Markov chains. Unlike most of the lectures in this textbook, it is not an exhaustive treatment of the subject with detailed proofs, derivations, examples and exercises (for which a separate textbook would be needed). Its aim is to provide a quick introduction to some concepts that are often used in applied statistics (e.g., in Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods). Readers who are interested in a more detailed treatment can have a look at the references reported at the end of this page.
Let us start with a formal definition.
Definition Let be a sequence of random vectors. The sequence is said to be a Markov chain if and only if any given term of the sequence is independent of all terms preceding conditional on : where the letter denotes a conditional distribution function.
The state space of a Markov chain is the set of all possible realizations of the terms of the chain. In other words, for any given term , the support of is included in .
Let us start with the case of a finite state space. In particular, we assume that that is, the terms of the chain can take one of values .
Then, we can choose a transition probability matrix (a matrix such that each of its rows is a vector of probabilities) and impose for all and . The assumption that is equal for all is called time-homogeneity (think of the index as a measure of time).
If, for a given transition probability matrix , there is an initial distribution such that the distribution of all the terms of the chain is equal to the initial distribution, then is called a stationary distribution (or invariant distribution) of the chain.
A Markov chain with finite state space is said to satisfy the detailed balance condition if and only if there exists a distribution such that for any .
As a consequence, is a stationary distribution of the chain.
Note that detailed balance is a more stringent requirement than the existence of a stationary distribution: the former implies the latter, but the converse is not true.
We now introduce some properties of Markov chains that are frequently used to study their asymptotic behavior. The first such property is so-called irreducibility.
Let . Define the hitting time where the subscript indicates that the chain is assumed to start from .
Again, the notation means that the probability is computed under the assumption that .
A Markov chain is said to be irreducible if and only if every state leads to itself and to every other state, that is, if and only if there is a positive probability that for any starting state the chain will reach any other state (including itself) in finite time.
Otherwise, it is called transient.
In other words, a state is recurrent if and only if the probability that the chain will return to in finite time (after having started from itself) is equal to .
A Markov chain is called recurrent if and only if all the elements of its state space are recurrent.
Let . The period of is defined as where is the greatest common denominator. In other words, is the minimum time the chain takes to return to (after starting from itself).
It is possible to prove that if the chain is irreducible, then all its states have the same period , which is called the period of the chain.
A chain is called aperiodic if and only if the period of the chain is .
We have the following important result.
Proposition If a Markov chain with a finite state space is irreducible, then it has a unique stationary distribution.
If we assume not only irreducibility, but also aperiodicity, we get the following result.
Proposition If a Markov chain with a finite state space is irreducible and aperiodic, then, irrespective of the initial distribution , where is the unique stationary distribution of the chain.
So, even if the initial distribution of the chain is not the stationary distribution, the terms of the sequence become less and less dependent on the initial value as increases and their distributions converge to the stationary distribution.
Irreducibility can also be used to prove a Strong Law of Large Numbers.
Proposition If a Markov chain with a finite state space is irreducible, then, for any bounded function , where is the unique stationary distribution of the chain and denotes almost sure convergence as tends to infinity.
Thus, when the state space is finite, irreducibility guarantees that sample averages taken across the chain converge to population averages taken across the states.
This kind of proposition is often called an ergodic theorem.
We now tackle the case in which the state space is infinite but countable.
In particular, we assume that that is, the elements of the state space can be arranged into a sequence .
Then, we can choose a double sequence of transition probabilities such that, for any index , and we impose for all , and .
Note that the transition probabilities are independent of . This property is called time-homogeneity.
These two choices (of the initial distribution and the transition probabilities ) completely determine the distribution of all the terms of the chain.
The concept of stationary distribution is almost identical to that introduced in the case of a finite state space.
If, for a given double sequence of transition probabilities , there is an initial distribution such that the distribution of all the terms of the chain is equal to the initial distribution, then is called a stationary distribution of the chain.
A Markov chain with countable state space is said to satisfy the detailed balance condition if and only if there exists a distribution such that for any .
Therefore, for any . So, is a stationary distribution of the chain.
The concept of irreducibility is the same found in the case of a finite state space.
When dealing with countable state spaces, we usually strengthen the concept of recurrence introduced for the case of a finite state space.
Remember that a state is called recurrent if and only if the probability that the chain will return to (after having started from itself) is equal to .
Even if a state is recurrent, it could happen that that is, the expected value of the return time is infinite.
A Markov chain is called positive recurrent if and only if all the elements of its state space are positive recurrent.
The concept of aperiodicity is identical to that found in the case of a finite state space.
The following important result holds.
Proposition If a Markov chain with a countable state space is irreducible and positive recurrent, then it has a unique stationary distribution.
Note that in the case of a finite state space irreducibility was sufficient to obtain the uniqueness of the stationary distribution. In the countable case, we need to add the requirement of positive recurrence.
The following convergence result holds for chains having a countable state space.
Proposition If a Markov chain with a countable state space is irreducible, positive recurrent and aperiodic, then, irrespective of the initial distribution , for any , where is the unique stationary distribution of the chain.
countable state space + irreducibility + aperiodicity + positive recurrence convergence to the stationary distribution.
Positive recurrence is needed also to prove a Strong Law of Large Numbers.
Proposition If a Markov chain with a countable state space is irreducible and positive recurrent, then where is any function such that the expected value exists and is finite, is the unique stationary distribution of the chain and denotes almost sure convergence as tends to infinity.
Often, there are cases in which positive recurrence is difficult to prove, but we know that the chain has a stationary distribution. In these cases, we can use the following proposition.
Proposition If a Markov chain with a countable state space is irreducible and has a unique stationary distribution , then for any function such that the expected value exists and is finite.
We now analyze the more difficult case in which the state space is infinite and uncountable.
The initial distribution of the chain is a probability measure such that for any event .
Then, we can choose a function called transition kernel and we impose for all and all events .
The transition kernel does not depend on . It is time-homogeneous.
These two choices (of the initial distribution and the transition kernel ) completely determine the distribution of all the terms of the chain.
The distribution of can be derived as follows: where is any event and the integral is a Lebesgue integral with respect to the probability measure .
The concept of stationary distribution is similar to that found above for the cases of a finite and a countable state space.
If, for a given transition kernel , there is an initial distribution such that the distribution of all the terms of the chain is equal to the initial distribution, then is called a stationary distribution of the chain.
Furthermore, we have that satisfies for any .
Thus, is a stationary distribution.
The concept of irreducibility can be generalized to the case of an uncountable state space.
Let and be an event. Define the hitting time where the subscript indicates that the chain is assumed to start from .
A Markov chain is said to be -irreducible if and only if there is a measure such that every state leads to when .
In other words, a chain is said to be -irreducible if and only if there is a positive probability that for any starting state the chain will reach any set having positive measure in finite time.
When dealing with uncountable state spaces, we often use a concept of recurrence, called Harris recurrence, that is even stronger than the concept of positive recurrence introduced in the case of an uncountable state space.
An event is called Harris recurrent if and only if the probability that the chain will return to infinitely often (after having started from a point belonging to ) is equal to .
A Markov chain is called Harris recurrent if and only if it is -irreducible and all the events such that are Harris recurrent.
In the uncountable case, the definition of aperiodicity is slightly more complicated.
A Markov chain is said to have period if its state space can be partitioned into at most mutually exclusive events such that the chain always takes exactly periods to cycle through these events.
A chain is said to be aperiodic if its period is .
Unlike in the finite and countable cases, -irreducibility and Harris recurrence are not sufficient to guarantee the existence and uniqueness of the stationary distribution. Further technical conditions need to be met (see, e.g., Glynn 2013).
Because -irreducibility and Harris recurrence are are not sufficient to guarantee the existence and uniqueness of the stationary distribution, the latter is often directly added among the sufficient conditions for the convergence of the chain to a stationary distribution.
Proposition If a Markov chain with an uncountable state space is -irreducible, Harris recurrent, aperiodic and has a stationary distribution , then converges to .
The convergence of the sequence of probability distributions to the stationary distribution is in total variation norm (a technical detail that we can safely skip here).
In the uncountable case, the following ergodic theorem holds.
Proposition If a Markov chain with an uncountable state space is -irreducible, Harris recurrent and has a stationary distribution , then for any function such that the expected value exists and is finite.
Gilks, W. R., Richardson, S., Spiegelhalter D. (1995) Markov Chain Monte Carlo in Practice, CRC Press.
Glynn, P. W. (2013) Harris recurrence, Stochastic Systems lecture notes, Stanford University.
Hoel, P. G., Port, S. C., Stone, C. J. (1986) Introduction to Stochastic Processes, Waveland Press.
Norris, J. R. (1998) Markov Chains, Cambridge University Press.
Pishro-Nik, H. (2014) Introduction to Probability, Statistics, and Random Processes, Kappa Research, LLC.
Roberts, G. O., Rosenthal, J. S. (2006) Harris recurrence of Metropolis-within-Gibbs and trans-dimensional Markov Chains, The Annals of Applied Probability, Vol. 16, No. 4, 2123-2139.


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Counterfeit gowns can spoil bride's happy day
The information presented on this page was originally released on January 15, 2010. It may not be outdated, but please search our site for more current information. If you plan to quote or reference this information in a publication, please check with the Extension specialist or author before proceeding.
Family, Family Dynamics, Family Financial Management
By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – The Internet may be a great tool for finding wedding gown styles, but it is an unsatisfactory way to buy one because of fashion counterfeiters and fraudulent businesses lurking in cyberspace.
Wanda Cheek, associate professor of apparel, textiles and merchandising in Mississippi State University's School of Human Sciences, is concerned about the burgeoning counterfeit industry. She is currently researching fashion counterfeit and leads many class discussions on the ramifications of this issue.
"Counterfeit fashion can be found in many Mississippi communities and generally includes such items as handbags and jewelry," Cheek said. "It is a big problem for designers, who have invested their time, talent and work to build a reputation in the fashion industry."
Fashion deception has hit the wedding gown industry particularly hard. Counterfeiters steal ideas from designer runway shows and market these copies with sewn-in fake designer labels and hang tags. Copies of designer gown copies, known in the fashion industry as creating knockoffs, are technically not against the law. Branding and identifying the knockoff as an original with labels and tags is illegal, however.
"The dilemma with knockoffs is that consumers can be led to believe they are purchasing the authentic designer gown, and these knockoffs are often of poor quality," Cheek said.
Authentic couture gowns made from silk or other fine fabrics are expensive, and buyers should expect to pay more money for this type of gown and the designer name behind it, Cheek said.
Demand for a particular designer label can be high, and counterfeiters know this. It is relatively easy for counterfeiters to operate overseas factories that churn out remarkable copies of the dresses and the identifying labels.
"Counterfeiters often steal photos of designer gowns and can reproduce the look of the dress," said Christine Barker, a 2006 MSU merchandising graduate. "They lure the bride with the promise of an authentic gown for a thousand dollars less than the normal retail price."
A native of West Point, Barker opened her bridal boutique, Christine's Couture, in Starkville two years ago because the town did not have such a shop. She has witnessed some shoppers come in to sort through the gowns and then try to find a better deal on the Internet.
"If a bride buys a dress from a full service salon, she can take advantage of the fitting, alteration and preparation options available," Barker said. "She does not have these services if she buys a gown on the Internet."
Most of these counterfeit dresses are not made of silk or other fine fabrics, which is why the perpetrators can market the gowns at unbelievable discounts. Sizing may not always be true, either, as designers have individual sizing charts for their dresses.
Brides who are fooled by a counterfeit may think they have found their dream dress at a bargain price, but they really have not. Many brides have been dismayed when they unpack a cheaply-made imitation lacking the fine detailing of handsewn beading, embroidery and lace. The dress may fit wrong or rip when the bride tries it on.
"It is hard to have to scramble at the last minute to replace a wedding gown," Barker said. "A bride's choices can be limited because it takes time to find a satisfactory gown and have it fitted or altered."
Counterfeit operations also have a loophole to escape dissatisfied customers. They do not accept returns and give no address or contact information on their Web sites. The Internet has made it easier to market their goods anonymously to people who are fooled by discounted couture.
There are victims to this crime besides the unsuspecting customer.
"When people buy counterfeit, they should be aware that they weaken the fashion industry and legitimate businesses that depend upon consumer support," Cheek said. "If the price is too good to be true, what they are buying is most likely a fake."
Cheek said she is interested in incorporating anecdotes about people's experiences with fashion counterfeit and fraudulent operators into her research. Contact her at (662) 325-7696.
Released: January 15, 2010
http://www.ext.msstate.edu/news/feature-story/2010/counterfeit-gowns-can-spoil-brides-happy-day


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Copyright Clearance Center Launches Education Continuity License
CCC Partners with 40+ Rightsholders to Authorize New Uses of Existing Learning Materials at No Cost as Educators Cope with Remote Teaching During COVID-19 Crisis
March 24, 2020 – Danvers, Mass. – Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), a leader in advancing copyright, accelerating knowledge, and powering innovation, announces its Education Continuity License to enable creative approaches to remote teaching and distance learning made necessary by the pandemic.
Over the past several days, educators across the U.S. have contacted CCC with questions about using copyrighted content and materials in innovative new ways to support distance learning. In response, CCC is coordinating with its community of rightsholders to authorize the use of their materials at no cost by educators as required by the pandemic during this time of emergency. CCC is not delivering educational materials or content to educators; it offers this new license to authorize U.S. school districts, educators, parents and others to make immediate additional uses of materials that they have previously lawfully acquired.
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As schools and educators quickly shift from in-classroom to in-home teaching, CCC is also providing regularly updated learn-at-home resources links on its homepage from a variety of educational publishers and content providers to help and support teachers and children.
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Rev. In Jin Moon's One Year Anniversary
Second Generation with Rev. In Jin Moon after Sunday Service at the Manhattan Center.
Friday, August 14, 2009, marks both the 44th birthday as well as the one-year anniversary of Rev. In Jin Moon's inauguration as chairperson of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in America.
Rev. Moon, who was educated at Columbia University and Harvard Divinity School, juggles the roles of wife and mother and CEO of New York City's Manhattan Center Studios, as well as the President and CEO of the FFWPU in America.
From personally preparing a meal for 30 STF trainees invited to her house, to visiting 12 regions in six months, to meeting with leaders and staff members of UTS, WFWP, CARP, ACLC and the Witnessing Summit, Reverend Moon's ministry in America has been a whirlwind of activities that have touched the lives and Sunday Services of Unification families.
STF's visit to Rev. In Jin Moon's home
Listening Tour
After sharing her personal experiences with her brothers and sisters and her work with Manhattan Center, Reverend Moon closed her inauguration speech, saying, "I have a lot of work ahead of me, but the most important thing that I would like to do is ask for your input. I would love to be able to have the opportunity to tour the country, to sit down with each and every one of you and listen to your ideas."
She did just that, starting with a town hall meeting in New Jersey. The meetings soon became a listening tour to hear the interests and passions of the Second Generation and the hearts of the First Generation. In Boston in October 2008, Rev. Moon, despite suffering a cold, spent two-and-a-half hours meeting each family.
A week later, she visited the Bay Area Family Church in San Francisco. After introductions, a music performance and a speech, Reverend Moon announced to the 200-plus Second Generation gathered, "Now I would like to meet all of you. Please tell me who you are, what are your dreams and goals, and how you think we should change our church!" A line was formed around the room and the young people shared their backgrounds and interests. Reverend Moon retired to her room a little after midnight.
It was the same in Los Angeles the following month, when Reverend Moon asked all 140 Second Generation members to introduce themselves and their hopes and dreams.
In Seattle in December 2008, she commented on her love for Seattle's Microsoft and Starbucks. She also summarized her efforts to meet and understand America's membership:
As I've traveled the country and have been getting to know all the brothers and sisters, it's been an opportunity for me to do a fact-finding tour of everything that has gone on before, what our membership looks like, what the congregation looks like, what kind of programs they have ongoing. It's been an incredible experience to come face to face with the First Generation that have given so much to the movement.
More rewarding is truly meeting your children, the Second Generation, and getting to put a name to a face and hearing what they would like to do with their lives, their aspiration, their goals. Many are in the process of figuring out their identities, but it's always a treat to hear it from the mouths of the young people, who will be our future.
Tossa Cromwell, who serves as communications officer in Reverend Moon's Communications Department, explained that through her listening tour, Rev. Moon "created a connection between the True Family and all the Blessed Families—First and Second Generation members. Any Blessed Family who wanted to could go up and greet her, shake her hand, talk with her, and take a picture with her. She gave of herself freely and made herself vulnerable."
Kensei Tsubata, who attended the Minnesota visit, shared that he was "inspired by the intimate and sincere sharing of Reverend Moon and her open heart to hear from the youth."
Karen Rogers, who participated in the listening session in Reverend Moon's final tour stop in Texas, reflected, "I felt completely understood and loved by Rev. In Jin Moon and her family. My heart was melted."
Bay area family members with Rev. In Jin Moon.
Lovin' Life Ministries
For those living in the U.S. Northeast, the biggest impact Reverend Moon has made is visible in Lovin' Life Ministries (LLM). According to LLM youth pastor Jaga Gavin, "Regardless of your faith, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, LLM is a place where you can feel the warmth of God's heart through music, an amazing message, and community." In his words, Reverend Moon's vision for LLM is "to create a ministry that we as a church community deserve, and a place where we can come together and be proud." Gavin explained the different aspects of LLM: "It doesn't just happen on Sundays."
In accordance with Reverend Moon's vision, 4 West 43rd Street has been transformed into the Lovin' Life Learning Center (LLLC), which promotes internal and external excellence, a key component of Rev. Moon's vision for Unificationist youth.
Gavin explained that LLM was "raising the bar so that we influence our peers through the way we live our lives. We must live a life of excellence, becoming the best at sports at academics, and in our professions. We need to create a standard of internal and external excellence, making this the norm in high schools and colleges."
On every day of the week, the LLLC has programs on character education, parenting classes, Bible studies, Divine Principle studies, open mike nights, poetry nights, martial arts classes and Project Connect, which, in Gavin's words, is "the LLM spin on small groups. You take what you are passionate about as an individual and build an interest-based small group, and then serve your community through your passion."
In a memo, Gavin explained the external layout plans for the LLLC:
The external design team made up of Jonathan Gullery and Tami Gavin are redesigning and updating the rooms on the main floor under In Jin Nims direction. They have updated the kitchen, which can now feed large groups that come in for different seminars and workshops. We have created a theater/presentation room with an attached lounge which is being used for DP studies, character education seminars and much more while using the lounge as a breakout room. An art gallery is being established to display the art works of our blessed children and young people. The gallery will also be used for ballroom-style dance classes, dinners, and seminars. The two storefront rooms are doing really well. The East storefront is used for open mike nights, poetry reading, bands, yoga classes, and much more. The West storefront is still being worked on. It is currently being used as a lounge for Bible studies and one-day seminars. In the future we are planning on creating a herbal tea shop with health food so that the room will have an organic cafe feel to it. The main lobby and sanctuary have not yet been touched, but they are not being overlooked by any means. The lobby will be totally updated with seating areas, new carpet, lighting, paint, and information/resource kiosks. The sanctuary is currently being used as a large conference hall; lunches and dinners are held there, also martial arts classes and dance classes. In the future it will be transformed into the new youth center where thousands of young people will turn their lives to God.
Gavin's own project is called Weekend Warriors, which includes tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians who serve the community through helping community members in need with how-to workshops and chores around the house.
The other aspect of LLM is the Sunday worship services held at Manhattan Center. The service starts precisely at 10 AM, with the audience counting aloud together with a countdown clock.
Launched on Eastern Sunday, April 12, the first week drew in 1,200 people. While the numbers the following weeks dropped to 800 and 700, according to Gavin, "The numbers have been consistently stepping up. Even in the summertime, when churches experience fewer numbers, we've had 1,000 to 1,200, and the biggest number is 1,370."
Lovin' Life Ministries kick off on Easter Sunday.
Gavin explained, "Pastor In Jin Moon is not scared to talk about certain topics: issues that young Second Generation face in their whole lives and so the service is applicable to people's lives and gives us examples and tools to live a life of excellence in our families, businesses, and workplaces."
For some, like 18-year-old Leilani Owens, the service and the music are the highlights of her week.
Twenty-three-year-old Chris Alan Derflinger has been working with LLM since May 2009, playing the piano and performing for LLM's music ministry. Those in the ministry practice an average of four to six hours for the following day's service.
Derflinger shared, "I have had such amazing experiences working with our music ministry. It is such a blessing to work with such experienced, caring, and talented musicians. In Jin Nim has been so supportive of the arts and is also such a pleasure to work with."
For Derflinger, the opportunity to interact with the True Family has "certainly recharged and revived my own spiritual life." And "playing on a Steinway Grand [piano] weekly and making people ecstatic to come to service through the music has been overwhelming and absolutely worthwhile."
For 21-year-old NewJersey resident Carlo Santelli, "The band and choir really enjoy what they do, and you can see they mean every word of what they sing. I have always felt God through music, and LLM has allowed me to bring that relationship to a whole new level."
Santelli's first experience with the LLM service was "way above and beyond any other church service I had ever attended. The combination of the passionate music, a very sincere MC, and capped off with In Jin nim's love and guidance made for a wonderful experience that made me want to come back for more."
For Gavin, one of the biggest accomplishments has been the consistent attendance of old friends. "Friends I grew up with who have been on the fringes are now coming back and are inspired. They tell me this is what they always wanted church to be, and this is something they can be proud of."
28-year-old Mantoku Kono recounted, "I had not been to church for a number of years, but all the talk about this revolutionary service peaked my interest and I had to go, just once. When the band and choir started their songs, there was an amazing spirit and atmosphere created in the hall. They sang their traditional holy songs, but then followed it up with contemporary Christian and even pop music. I was really inspired that In Jin Nim shared so openly about her experiences. Everything In Jin Nim gave to us that day was amazing. I felt her heart of wanting to love the community glowing, and the support of her staff and family was so solid."
Gavin also recounted stories of "our First Generation members who invited their parents who came to the service; they said this is something they can be proud of."
For Santelli, who is a student at Bergen Community College in northern New Jersey, the draw of Second Generation his age has also been a plus. "BCs my age from all over are also in attendance, making it a great chance to fellowship and catch up with everyone."
Second Generation
In New Jersey's New Jerusalem Church, Reverend Moon spoke to the 500 who gathered, and the mother of five declared, "As the chairperson of America, I feel a heavy responsibility for the church's future. In America, where culture has an absolute influence on people, I will make a lot of investment in the Second Generation, who have various talents and potential, in order to protect youth in America and to prepare a framework for future-oriented mission work."
Speaking to the Second Generation, Rev. Moon stated, "You Second Generation, because of the blessing, you are each hand-crafted by God and each one of you is uniquely special."
Santelli, who makes it a point to get involved with LLM through filming video messages every other week, shared, "I have more hope in the future of our movement. The real key for me has been seeing Preston, Ariana, and all In Jin Nim's children in action. I always feel so much love when I am with them, and I can see how people just love being around them and thus coming to the events and LLM because they are attracted to that love. I have hope in the future of our True Family and our movement!"
After the service, Reverend Moon greets those who have come to the service and takes pictures; then she meets groups of select Second Generation. Gavin explained, "Her heart goes out to Second Generation as she wants to raise up Generation Peace through our generation. She wants to get to know them, their passions, their goals, and push them to excellence in their passions."
Young people are often invited to the New Yorker Hotel's 30th floor for lunch and fellowship, where Reverend Moon speaks to those gathered about her vision. All who are there are then asked to stand up, give their names, and share about their homes, their passions, and their interests. Reverend Moon often gives advice to each person.
Rev. In Jin Moon speaking during Hyo Jin Moon's memorial service.
In her keynote address at her older brother Hyo Jin Moon's one-year memorial service on March 22, 2009, Rev. Moon shared, "I am here to remind you that, in the history of religion, we are a very successful religion, if you think in terms of a founder's lifetime. We still have the founder, and for our movement to be as big and thriving as it is, it's a miracle in and of itself. So it's only going to get better, and it's only going to be more phenomenal and more powerful. There's a whole lot of work that we can do in helping people realize how important each human life is and the wonderful opportunity that God has given us to go on this journey of creating ideal families, working toward one family under God."
Eunha Holdhus, who frequently travels to New York to attend the LLM service, wrote in an e-mail, "I am extremely grateful for In Jin Nim taking initiative here in America. I know she has exactly what it is going to take to change the image of our movement. Because of what she is doing I have absolute hope for the future of our movement. I have absolute hope for my children's future. She is a woman of character, integrity, and poise. I am proud to support her and be a part of what she is doing."
Many other Second Generation echoed similar sentiments. Kono said, "I'm excited about the direction that In Jin Nim is headed towards, I hope to be able to support her more in the future."
On her listening tour, Rev. Moon stated, "I feel that my biggest responsibility is to approach from a mother's perspective. True Father hearkened in the Pacific Rim Era and said this is a time for the women to take on the leadership, to bring a world of peace. And for me, as a student of religion, it's been an incredibly awesome proclamation because 6,000 years of biblical history have not been kind to women. In the process of restoring the position of Eve, it took many thousands of years, many heartaches, and many sacrifices. Truly it is in the personage of True Mother—her constant devotion, dedication, and sacrifice in playing the role of bride and true mother—that I have this opportunity to play the role that I am doing now."
Written by Harumi Kawamura


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Wash and trim the leaves and stalks from the beetroot. Dice the beetroot into cubes and place in a roasting tin, drizzle with olive oil and the thyme - season well.
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(Kitco News) - History repeats itself, said Greg McCoach of The Mining Speculator. The last time we saw merger mania similar to what is happening today was in the early 2000s, and that episode was followed by a gold bull run.
"This is very similar to me, the merger mania that happened in 2000. The dollar was starting to roll over, have problems, the merger mania was going on and all of a sudden we went on one of the best bull market runs in my career as a newsletter writer from 2003 to 2007," McCoach told Kitco News on the sidelines of the Metals Investor Forum in Toronto.


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Built in the style of a Manor House making it one of the most distinctive hotels in Northumberland. Overlooking the Derwent Valley, this beautiful hotel is located within easy reach of Newcastle and Durham. Derwent Manor is set in 20 acres of land and the interior is every bit as impressive as its exterior. Most of the spacious en-suite bedrooms have timber-beamed ceilings and all have one or two double beds. Guinevere's Restaurant, with its huge open fire, serves a range of English and continental cuisine in stylish surroundings, while hearty bar meals can be enjoyed in our Grouse & Claret pub. For the corporate requirements or for social occasions and weddings, the hotel boasts a range of Conference and Banqueting Suites seating up to 300 guests. Leisure Club (opened October 2003) with indoor pool, sauna, spa bath and fitness centre. For modern, professional and friendly service in a grand setting, any visit to Derwent Manor will be a memorable one.
This 14th-century castle offers magnificent comfort, set in a 12-acre woodland estate. Many rooms have luxury features such as four-poster beds and window seats. Langley Castle is perfect for discovering Hadrian's Wall and other attractions local to Langley. With 7-foot (2.1-metre) thick walls, this exclusive castle is a quiet and unique destination in which to be pampered. Enjoy a candlelit dinner in Josephine's Restaurant (1 AA Rosette), serving regional produce, seasonal fish and local game. For a drink, the superb drawing room has stained-glass windows and a log fire. Winner of the One North East tourism awards for 'Best Small Hotel 2006', gaining Silver in the 2007 national finals.
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The Informed Heart [Bruno Bettelheim] on *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Will be shipped from US. Used books may not include companion. THE INFORMED HEART: AUTONOMY IN A MASS AGEMemoir and Study by Bruno Bettelheim, Source for information on The Informed Heart: Autonomy . Buy The Informed Heart: A Study of the Psychological Consequences of Living Under Extreme Fear And Terror New edition by Bruno Bettelheim (ISBN.
His essential premise is that life in the camps over time reduces the prisoners to the psychological equivalent of children.
He wrote about the typical responses to life in the camps, and about those who survived, and some of the reasons they survived. Shopbop Designer Fashion Brands. Overall this was an interesting read, even when I may not have agreed with Bettelheim's opinions. What on earth are Trump's voters thinking or feeling? Jen Padgett Bohle rated it really liked it Aug 14, John Rackham rated it really liked it May 19, See all 3 reviews.
It was the SS that brutally wiped out all trace of humanity in normal human beings, and made them into monsters. Synopsis InBruno Bettelheim was imprisoned in the concentration camps of Dachau and Buchenwald.
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As the author himself experienced the horrors of concentration camps, his work gives more credibility than any other history book taught in school.
In order to keep alive and remain human, he began to analyze his own behaviour and that of everyone around him. Marva W rated it really liked it Nov 11, It is a really important book, not least because it shows that we are none of us immune to our environment.
It is difficult to describe Bettelheim's account of his experiences in Dachau and Buchenwald as typical memoir. Bettelheim sees a relationship between the disturbances of the concentration camp survivors and those of the autistic, or rigidly withdrawn, children whom he describes in The Empty Fortressbecause both have lived through extreme situations.
Freud and Man's Soul: From toBettelheim served as the principal of the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, a residential laboratory for the treatment of disturbed children at the University of Chicago.
His famous Individual and Mass Behaviorfirst published in a scientific periodical and then in pamphlet form, is a study of the human personality under the stress of totalitarian terror and concentration-camp living.
The narrative chapters of The Informed Heart essentially represent a revision of this earlier work. He uses as a main source of evidence the desire by prisoners to have old police uniforms. Most helpful customer reviews on Amazon. Tanya rated it it was amazing Jul 14, Eichmann in Jerusalem Penguin Classics.
Something that he said struck me with a cold force when I was re-reading it recently. No trivia or quizzes yet.
Books by Bruno Bettelheim. Behavior changes to infantile dependence on the aggressor or leads to a state of death in life. See our Returns Policy. I'll cut Bettelheim a little slack for being a product of his generation and culture.
The logical next step, which I don't think he makes, is that the guards were also victims. Because each style has its brunp formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia. Write a customer review. Misha Kazachenko rated it it was amazing Apr 09, Learn more about citation styles Citation styles Encyclopedia. Out of context bettelhim hard to see how the two would really work side-by-side, nettelheim Bettelheim made it work.


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iTunes Music sales down 14 per cent as Apple prepares to 'fold in' Beats Music
By Chris Smith October 24, 2014 8:45 pm BST
Digital music sales from Apple's iTunes Store have dropped by a whopping 13 to 14 per cent since the start of 2014 according to The Wall Street Journal.
Sources 'familiar with the situation' claim there's been a much greater drop-off in sales compared to 2013, when the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry cited revenue from overall downloads had fallen 2.1 per cent.
Sales have continued to plummet as more and more people turn to streaming rather than purchasing music. Services like Spotify offer limited free music on web and mobile, while a £10 a month subscription gives users unlimited access and offline playlists.
In order to stem the bleeding, Apple reportedly plans to fold the Beats Music platform into iTunes next year (/pullqoute) , giving users a paid streaming option and replace some of that lost revenue.
"Apple is rebuilding Beats Music and plans to relaunch it next year as part of iTunes, according to a person familiar with the matter," the Wall Street Journal wrote.
Today's news comes following reports from TechCrunch, which originally brought word of Apple's rumoured plans last month. Following those reports, there was a denial, via tech reporters favoured by Apple, claiming the firm may modify the brand rather than ditch Beats Music altogether.
Bringing Beats Music into the fold would allow Apple to launch a streaming platform with more name recognition and a whopping, built-in customer base of 400 million people.
The company also had the iTunes Radio platform, which allows users to create custom stations, and folding in Beats Music would allow Apple to have downloads, online radio and paid streaming under the same banner.
Earlier this week, reports claimed Apple would slice Beats subscription costs in half in order to compete with the big guns.
Can streaming rescue Apple's music business? Or is it already too far behind Spotify and the rest of the streaming in crowd? Let us know your thoughts below.
Read more: iTunes Radio vs Spotify
Via: Gizmodo
Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He's based in South Florida, USA. …


Such statements display one of the great dangers the protesters are facing: the danger that they will fall in love with themselves, with the nice time they are having in the "occupied" places. Carnivals come cheap – the true test of their worth is what remains the day after, how our normal daily life will be changed. The protesters should fall in love with hard and patient work – they are the beginning, not the end. Their basic message is: the taboo is broken, we do not live in the best possible world; we are allowed, obliged even, to think about alternatives.


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Enforcement Down Under: $6MM+ OFAC settlement with Toll Holdings Limited
By eric9to5 on April 25, 2022 • ( Leave a comment )
Settlement Agreement between the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control and Toll Holdings Limited
The United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today announced a settlement with Toll Holdings Limited ("Toll"), an international freight forwarding and logistics company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Toll agreed to remit $6,131,855 to settle its potential civil liability for 2,958 apparent violations of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, the Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations, and the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations. The apparent violations occurred when Toll originated or received payments through the U.S. financial system involving sanctioned jurisdictions and persons. These payments were in connection with sea, air, and rail shipments conducted by Toll, its affiliates, or suppliers to, from, or through the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, or Syria, or the property or interests in property of an entity on OFAC's list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. The settlement amount reflects OFAC's determination that Toll's apparent violations were non-egregious and voluntarily self-disclosed.
What Toll did
Between approximately January 2013 and February 2019, Toll originated or caused to be received 2,958 payments in connection with sea, air, and rail shipments conducted by Toll, its affiliates, or providers and suppliers to, from, or through the DPRK, Iran, or Syria, and/or involving the property or interests in property of an entity on OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List ("SDN List"). The value of payments related to a designated person or made in connection with a sanctioned jurisdiction totaled approximately $48,409,909. These payments were processed through at least four financial institutions in the United States or foreign branches of financial institutions incorporated in the United States, in apparent violation of OFAC sanctions.
Of the payments, 424 involved Mahan Airlines, designated pursuant to Executive Order ("E.O.") 132241 (accounting for 327 transactions), or Hafiz Darya Shipping Lines Company, designated pursuant to E.O. 138822 (accounting for 97 transactions). The remainder of the transactions — 2,534 funds transfers — comprised payments made for shipments to, from, or transshipping through the DPRK, Iran, or Syria. These payments were generally originated or received by Toll's overseas units, altogether involving 23 different Toll entities across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
In the normal course of operations, Toll businesses would routinely remit and receive payments in settlement of invoices for services performed by Toll for entities within its corporate structure, as well as between Toll and its customers, agents, suppliers, and other outside business partners. Often, Toll initiated or received payments to or from a person for a single shipment settled by one invoice. Toll would also frequently make or receive payments that involved multiple shipments pertaining to a single invoice with a particular affiliate, supplier, or customer, or spread a single shipment charge across several invoices; variations on this basic arrangement were also employed. In these instances, the payment amount associated with the sanctioned country or person was a portion of a larger amount consisting of non-sanctioned country or person payments.
In processing such payments through U.S. financial institutions, Toll failed to adopt or implement policies and controls that prevented it from conducting transactions that involved designated parties or persons in sanctioned jurisdictions. The absence of such policies and controls resulted in part from Toll's rapid expansion over the preceding period without a requisite increase in compliance resources. Beginning in 2007, Toll began to acquire a number of small, local, or regional freight forwarding companies, including in the Asia Pacific region. By 2017, Toll had almost 600 invoicing, data, payment, and other system applications spread across its various business units. While Toll had a sanctions compliance policy in place, its compliance program, personnel, and associated controls failed to keep up with the pace and complexity of its growing operations, including with respect to the risks associated with the use of U.S. financial institutions to make or receive payments related to U.S.-sanctioned jurisdictions and persons.
By or before May 2015, some Toll personnel knew or had reason to know that the subject payments were in potential violation of U.S. sanctions prohibitions. That month, one of Toll's banks (the "Bank") restricted a Toll subsidiary's use of its U.S. dollar account after identifying a U.S. dollar transaction involving Syria. Concerned that the inclusion of this Syrian-related payment would disrupt a separate, large impending internal transfer, a Toll employee at its headquarters' treasury office sent an email instructing employees in Toll's United Arab Emirates and South Korea affiliates to avoid including the names of sanctioned jurisdictions on invoices going forward.
Thereafter, the Bank continued to raise concerns with Toll over its compliance with U.S. sanctions, including potentially violative payments involving U.S. banks. To address these risks, Toll was required to provide supporting documentation to show transactions did not involve a sanctioned interest before the Bank would process funds transfers, and to confirm that its payments did not violate U.S. (and other countries') sanctions regulations. In July 2015, the CEO of one of Toll's operating divisions sent an email to its employees reminding them of its international sanctions compliance obligations. Potentially problematic payments and apparent control deficiencies continued to be a concern of the Bank, however, and in June 2016, after evaluating Toll's controls and deeming them unacceptable, the Bank threatened to terminate its relationship with Toll. To maintain its account, Toll reiterated its commitment to abide by all applicable sanctions laws and requirements and attested to the Bank that Toll did not participate in prohibited transactions with sanctioned jurisdictions.
Effective June 2016, Toll decided to cease all business with U.S.-sanctioned countries, due to ongoing compliance risks. However, despite Toll's compliance office repeatedly instructing business units that Toll must not be involved with any shipments to U.S.-sanctioned countries thereafter, Toll did not implement the compliance policies and procedures necessary to prevent payments involving sanctioned persons through the U.S. financial system. Neither did Toll test whether shipments involved persons located in U.S.-sanctioned countries.
Ultimately, in February 2017, Toll introduced "hard controls" that disabled the country and location codes for ports and cities in sanctioned countries in its freight management system, thereby preventing shipments to or from sanctioned countries. Of the 2,958 payments that caused the apparent violations, 2,853 occurred before Toll implemented these hard controls. Toll subsequently retained an accounting firm to conduct a detailed forensic examination of its payment practices with respect to sanctioned jurisdictions and persons and disclosed its findings to OFAC.
By causing U.S. financial institutions to export financial services to the DPRK, Iran, or Syria, or to transact in property or interests in property of entities on OFAC's SDN List, Toll appears to have violated § 510.212 of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 510; § 542.205 of the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 542; § 560.203 of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 560; § 544.201 of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 544; and § 594.201 of the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 594 (the "Apparent Violations").
Doing the OFAC math
The statutory maximum civil monetary penalty applicable in this matter is $826,431,378. OFAC determined that Toll voluntarily self-disclosed the Apparent Violations and that the Apparent Violations constitute a non-egregious case. Accordingly, under OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines ("Enforcement Guidelines"), 31 C.F.R. Part 501, app. A, the base civil monetary penalty applicable in this matter is $15,329,638, equaling one-half the transaction value for each apparent violation, capped at the lesser of $125,000 for transactions on or before November 2, 2015, and at $153,961 for transactions after November 2, 2015, or one-half of the applicable statutory maximum, per each apparent violation.
The settlement amount of $6,131,855 reflects OFAC's consideration of the General Factors under the Enforcement Guidelines.
OFAC determined the following to be aggravating factors:
(1) Toll acted with reckless disregard for U.S. economic sanctions laws when, over the period of six years, it caused at least 2,958 payments involving shipments from, to, or through sanctioned jurisdictions or the blocked property or an interest in blocked property of entities on the SDN List to be routed through U.S. financial institutions. Toll's pattern of conduct occurred despite an existing company compliance policy to abide by all applicable sanctions laws, and despite multiple warnings from a U.S. financial institution regarding Toll's sanctions compliance risks.
(2) Toll knew or had reason to know of the apparent violations, including as a result of concerns raised by Toll's bank and Toll's business practice of transacting with U.S.-sanctioned persons and its use of the U.S. financial system.
(3) Approximately 14 percent of the apparent violations were for transactions involving entities blocked by OFAC for terrorism or WMD concerns. Toll's activities also facilitated the participation of persons in comprehensively sanctioned jurisdictions in international shipments and business, contrary to U.S. policy objectives.
(4) Toll is a commercially sophisticated company and a major global freight forwarder. Its operations at the time of the apparent violations involved a network of approximately 1,200 agents, franchises, offices, and affiliates, procuring and providing commercial freight services worldwide.
(5) Upon first learning in May 2015 of problematic transactions and its initial engagement with the Bank, Toll did not take immediate or adequate steps to address and stop its processing of transactions with sanctioned interests through the U.S. financial system.
OFAC determined the following to be mitigating factors:
(1) Toll has not received a penalty notice or Finding of Violation from OFAC in the five years
preceding the earliest date of the transactions giving rise to the Apparent Violations.
(2) Toll voluntarily self-disclosed the apparent violations to OFAC and cooperated with OFAC's investigation by conducting a thorough forensic analysis of the transactions giving rise to the apparent violations and submitting detailed information in a well-organized manner, as well as engaging responsively in answering requests for additional information.
(3) Toll ultimately took extensive actions to remedy its compliance gaps, including:
o Conducting a risk-mapping exercise to identify the root causes of the compliance lapses and instituting appropriate remedial measures and targeted controls;
o Developing and implementing an audit plan that has resulted in recommendations and further implementation of changes to its remediation efforts;
o Restructuring its compliance division to address procedural issues and streamline approaches to sanctions screening, and granting elevated sanctions-related responsibilities to its most senior compliance executive;
o Implementing a sanctions compliance training program for all relevant employees, training more than 500 employees across five countries;
o Implementing "hard controls" within its freight management system that disabled the ability to book shipments involving sanctioned jurisdictions;
o Applying its sanctions compliance standards to anyone acting on behalf of Toll, including but not limited to Toll's representatives, consultants, agents, brokers, and subcontractors;
o Risk-based screening of transactions, third parties, and agents with whom Toll does business against its internal sanctions lists, to include the SDN List as well as other less-restricted parties lists; and
o Ending all franchise relationships, as part of a broader risk-mitigation strategy, and introducing enhanced due diligence measures for on-boarding agents, as well as instituting a due diligence screening process where all third parties adhere to the same compliance standards as Toll.
OFAC's Lesson of the Day
This enforcement action highlights the importance of instituting strong internal controls and procedures to govern payments involving affiliates, subsidiaries, agents, or other counterparties when any of them conduct business with sanctioned jurisdictions or persons. Complex payment and invoicing arrangements, while normal business conduct, can pose sanctions risks when linkages to sanctioned jurisdictions or persons are obscured, or when mechanisms to preclude their involvement with U.S. financial institutions are absent or not implemented effectively.
Entities should also respond promptly and fully to address compliance weaknesses when issues first arise, identify their full extent and causes, and implement necessary changes to their compliance programs, practices, and procedures. These changes should reflect the specific gaps identified with respect to the applicable sanctions restrictions. Reminders of established compliance policies alone, may not result in concrete changes to conduct that poses risks of apparent violations.
This action further emphasizes the need for entities to identify and implement measures to mitigate sanctions risks when merging with or acquiring other enterprises. The need for such efforts can be particularly acute when expanding rapidly, including when disparate information technology systems and databases are being integrated across multiple entities. In such cases, the need to adequately resource compliance functions, including compliance personnel and sanctions-related technology and systems, is especially important.
In addition, this case illustrates the care non-U.S. persons should take to avoid prohibited transactions involving sanctioned jurisdictions and persons when their activities rely on the use of U.S. financial institutions or otherwise involve U.S. persons or a U.S. nexus. Non-U.S. persons that seek to conduct business involving U.S. persons or the United States, including processing transactions through the U.S. financial system, should ensure their compliance policies contain measures to prevent violative dealings with sanctioned persons or jurisdictions.
OFAC Notice
Enforcement Action
Categories: Civil Monetary Penalties Enforcement Actions Iranian Sanctions North Korea (DPRK) Sanctions OFAC Updates Syrian Sanctions Terrorism Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation Sanctions
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