text:
Q: How to make inactive multiple line R code in a script I do have a long R script and I don't want to delete a part of this R script. Is there any way to avoid running this multiple line R code in the script or should I need to insert # at the beginning of each of these lines?
I don't want to run this whole below code but want to run the code which follow it?
   alpha = 0.01
    sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3 = resTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3[which(resTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$padj < alpha), ]
    sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3 = cbind(as(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3, "data.frame"), as(tax_table(physeq6Genus)[rownames(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3), ], "matrix"))
    head(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3)
    dim(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3)

    library("ggplot2")
    theme_set(theme_bw())
    scale_fill_discrete <- function(palname = "Set1", ...) {
        scale_fill_brewer(palette = palname, ...)
    }
    # Phylum order
    x = tapply(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$log2FoldChange, sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$Phylum, function(x) max(x))
    x = sort(x, TRUE)
    sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$Phylum = factor(as.character(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$Phylum), levels=names(x))
    # Genus order
    x = tapply(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$log2FoldChange, sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$Genus, function(x) max(x))
    x = sort(x, TRUE)
    sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$Genus = factor(as.character(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3$Genus), levels=names(x))

    pdf("DESeq2-Soil-batch1-DEG-T1_vs_T3_pval.01.pdf", width = 8, height = 6);
    ggplot(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3, aes(x=Genus, y=log2FoldChange, color=Phylum)) + geom_point(size=6)+theme(axis.text.x = element_text(angle = -90, hjust = 0, vjust=0.5))
    dev.off();

    write.csv(sigtabresTreatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3,"sigResult-Treatment6Genus_T1_vs_T3")

###############
Further R code that needs to run

###########

Many thanks
Yogesh


The BSGS field trip group in the volcanic landscape near Caniço, at the extreme east of the island of Madeira. The superficial resemblance to the familiar granite cliffs of Lands End or maybe parts of the limestone cliffs of the Dorset Jurassic coast is because all are shaped primarily by water erosion: these spectacular cliffs in mid-Atlantic are the results of relatively recent volcanism.
Snow on the Langdale Pikes, the Old Man of Coniston and other Lakeland peaks around Lake Windermere. A November hike from seeing the luminous dawn mist over the water from Bowness-on-Windermere via a circular route up to the classic viewpoint of Orrest Head (238 m.). for a view of the dark clouds further north and the coming sunset down the valley towards the sea at Morecombe Bay.
Hike with the BSGS in to the clouds on the PR1 path.down from the Pico do Areeiro (1818 m.). Madeira is a volcanic island but this area is described as resulting from water erosion, it is not thought to be a volcanic caldera. We'd hoped to see from above the huge Paredão valley systems that we had viewed earlier from the Miradouro da Eira do Serrado (1095 m.) but the clouds had intensified. Nonetheless, we hiked down nearly 300 m. altitude to cross a narrow ridge path not much wider than Striding Edge on Helvellyn or Crib Goch on Snowdon.
La Chenalette, Grand St. Bernard pass, 2850 m.


text:
Home » News » BoI's intervention to creative industry hits N2bn
BoI's intervention to creative industry hits N2bn
By Naomi Uzor
The Bank of Industry (BoI) has unveiled plans for members of the Nigerian Creative Industry to access its facilities, as intervention fund to the sector hits N2 billion.
Speaking during a visit to the set of a film by Kunle Afolayan at the weekend, Managing Director, BoI, Rasheed Olaoluwa, said seven projects are presently accessing the bank's facilities and another ten are at different stages of loan approval. He explained that the bank has restructured its operations to improve access to its services, adding that the peculiarity of each sector is being considered for loan disbursements.
According to him, the bank has relaxed its criteria to aid access to the facilities adding that viable distribution channels are equally being financed to aid loan repayment as well as mitigate default by stakeholders. He added that the bank, in line with its mandate had developed a special product tagged, "BoI NollyFund", under which Nigeria's leading movie producers will receive financial support to produce international quality films and screen them through various platforms of movie distribution available both in Nigeria and internationally.
He said: "To support this process and ensure that only commercially viable scripts with good story-lines benefit from the scheme, the Bank did set up a NollyFund Implementation Advisory Group to advise the institution on loan approval to the creative industry."
"The Group's mandate is to critically review all the film scripts and associated budgets submitted to BoI by movie producers and make technical recommendations to BoI management for final credit appraisal and subsequent approval in line with the Bank's credit policy. The visit to Kunle
Afolayan's set for the production of his new movie, 'The C.E.O', is part of the bank's activities in assessing the utilisation of the facility approved for a project. It is the same way when we visit factories to see how funds were utilised.
"NollyFund had an initial programme limit of N1.0billion and a single obligor limit of N50million for individual loans. However, over N2 billion has been accessed so far by the industry. Kunle Afolayan is the first person to access the fund, while others are underway".
On his part, Movie Producer, Kunle Afolayan commended the bank for improving access to the facility, noting that the project wouldn't have started without funding from the bank.
"The BoI initiative for the creative industry should be encouraged. We had applied for facility some few back but we got denied. With the restructuring of the loan processes, we have been able to access the funds easily, while the innovative approach to financing by the bank is highly commendable," he added.
BoI partners insurance companies to indemnify MSMEs' loan facilities
Enugu State, BOI launch N1bn MSME intervention fund
How to get loan from BoI (2)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Dennis Mecham by Shalee Cooper
Dennis Mecham is one of Utah's most prominent photographers. His space on Pierpont functions as photography studio, work space, and fine art gallery. Mecham is one of the original occupants of the studios at Pierpont and remained there when many tenants, fearing an immanent demise of the building, left three years ago. Mecham and others on Pierpont look like they'll be staying a little longer as their leases have been extanded another year. To view more of his hand- printed selenium-toned and split-toned prints visit www.dennismecham.com.
Feature: On the Spot
Salt Lake's Scott Renshaw
Scott Renshaw relocated to Salt Lake City from Northern California in 1997. He has been at Salt Lake City Weekly for 10 years as a film and theater critic, the last seven years as Arts & Entertainment Editor.
What hangs above your mantel?
Nothing at the moment. But other wall space is devoted to a photo of a Southern Utah slot canyon, a quilt created by my mother-in-law, and a print of a Frank Lloyd Wright building in Chicago.
An advance copy of the new young-adult novel by local author Sara Zarr, "Once Was Lost." This is why I love my job.
What is the most memorable exhibit you've seen recently?
My ability to get out to Gallery Stroll's has been sporadic over the summer. I loved "Branded and on Display" at Salt Lake Art Center, and I'm also a big fan of Zane Lancaster's work.
Want to Help 15 Bytes?
We're looking for volunteers to help us in the following areas.
Publicity: We're looking for someone who travels frequently across the state, or along the Wasatch Front, to help us distribute publicity materials and help spread the word.
Fundraising: Do you like sales, or enjoy supporting the causes you believe in? We're looking for someone who can approach local businesses about getting underwriting ads in the pages of 15 Bytes or otherwise sponsoring our programming.
What does it pay? Well, none of that filthy lucre stuff, but we do provide glory and good company. And occassionaly a pair of tickets to the symphony or arts festival. Contact us at editor@artistsofutah.org to help.
15 Bytes: About Us
Tom Alder recently left a 30-year mortgage banking career to become a partner in Williams Fine Art where he specializes in early Utah art. In December, he received his MA from the University of Utah in art history and wrote his thesis about Henri Moser. He serves various boards in the cultural community.
Analisa Coats Bacall received her MA in art history from the University of Utah. She is interested in contemporary art and now lives in New York where she is pursuing a PhD in Art History.
Ehren Clark received his BA in Modern and Contemporary Art History and Critcism at the University of Utah and an MA in the art of the Renaissance at the University of Reading, UK. He currently writes for the The City Weekly, as well as being published in other journals in Utah.
Shalee Cooper, who holds a BFA in photography from the University of Utah, has curated multiple international photography exhibitions. She is an associate instructor at the University of Utah, an art consultant at Alpine Art and the photo editor for 15 Bytes.
Sheryl Gillilan received her B.A. in Psychology from Lewis and Clark College, and Masters in both Social Services and Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College. She is an award-winning quilt artist and the Assistant Director for Art Access.
John Hughes is an award-winning artist and teacher who has been painting the landscape both in and out of the studio since 1983. He maintains a studio in Taylorsville and teaches students in private workshops and in a course at Salt Lake Community College.
John McCallum is a graphic artist, designer, musician/composer, photographer, and videographer living in Ogden. In addition to creating websites for many local artists, John is currently Director of Multimedia for NACD, an international organization devoted to helping children. He attended the University of Utah Music Department and is currently working on his first solo album. He filmed interviews for the new Artists of Utah film, WORK ZONE.
Annabelle Numaguchi is a part-time potter, free-lance writer and stay-at-home mother. After a peripatetic life that has had her reside in faraway places, including a two-year stint with the Peace Corps in Agadir, Morocco, she settled in Moab, Utah in 2000. She continues to sink her roots in the rust red soil, enjoying the magnificent landscapes and the surfeit of talented artists who come to interpret them.
Kimberly Rock received a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Utah in 1998. A life-long art fanatic, Kimberly lives with her daughter, Anna, in Holladay.
Shawn Rossiter successfully dropped out of a Masters Program in Comparative Literature to become a painter. In 2001 he founded Artists of Utah and is the editor of 15 Bytes.
Geoff Wichert has degrees in critical writing and creative nonfiction. He teaches writing at Snow College, where he also taught Art History for six years. His profile of Kate Starling will appear in the Winter issue of Wasatch Journal.
15 Bytes is published monthly by Artists of Utah, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization located in Salt Lake City Utah. The opinions expressed in these articles are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of 15 Bytes or Artists of Utah. Our editions are published monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. Our deadline for submissions is the last Wednesday of the preceeding month.
Writers and photographers who contribute material to 15 Bytes are members of the visual arts community who volunteer their time. Please contact the editor if you have an idea for an article or feature, or if you would like to volunteer your time to the organization.
Materials may be mailed to:
Editor: Shawn Rossiter
Assitant Editor: Laura Durham
Photo Editor: Shalee Cooper
Contributing Editor: Geoff Wichert
Mixed Media: Terrece Beesley
You can contact 15 Bytes at editor@artistsofutah.org
In order to pay for the editing and layout of this ezine, Artists of Utah relies on contributions from individual members of the community. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, mail your check to the address above or else use this link, to make a contribution using your credit card or paypal account:


text:
Meals for All
NEXT Level -Men's Transitional Housing
SENIOR Level -Men's Permanent Housing
Individual Volunteer
Sunday Breakfast Farm
IRA Distributions
Giving Society
David, Angel, and Steven
Helping the HUNGRY, Homeless and Hurting
The authentic Christian community at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission allows friendship to bloom, especially for Angel, Steven, and David. These three men are now housemates living in southwest Philadelphia and first met at the Mission. Steven shared, "We all came to Sunday Breakfast because we knew it was the best shelter in Philly. The staff cares about you".
Angel is a man in his mid-50s who does not mince words. Originally from the Lansdale area, he struggled with homelessness throughout his adult life. After trying for more than a year to connect with services in his area, he came to Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. "I hoped I'd finally find a place that would accept me and help me; I was tired of being homeless," Angel shared without hesitation. When he arrived at the Mission in January 2020, he met David.
In his late 50s, David came to the Mission because of strained relationships with his family. David and Angel became fast friends who made their minds up to get an apartment together and find a way out of homelessness as quickly as possible. Six weeks later, Steven came to Sunday Breakfast after being incarcerated. Steven first met Angel because their beds were across from one another in the shelter. Unlike David and Angel, Steven is stoic and quiet. They grew their friendship while taking long walks, for exercise, around Center City.
"I was humbled by my time at Sunday Breakfast and they brought Jesus into my life." David
were committed to not staying in a shelter for long. They began meeting with Kelly, the Mission's Case Manager, to find an apartment together. Immediately, they faced a new reality; the world was in a health crisis. There were no programs, services, or resources available to help them as the world around them shut down. "We realized that we would have to be patient, stay engaged, and keep encouraged if we wanted to improve our lives," David said, reflecting on the last year.
"I was humbled by my time at Sunday Breakfast," David continued, "and they brought Jesus into my life." David, Angel, and Stephen waited, and they focused on growing their faith and began attending church every Sunday hosted at the Mission.
The Homeless Service Team, concerned about these older adults' health in a group setting like the Mission, worked diligently to get all three men placed in the City's Safe Space program as soon as possible. All three men were accepted into this program shortly after it opened. They moved to the hotel shelter in August 2020, a move made possible by the relationship built by our Homeless Services Team with the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services. Between August and January, finding a permanent place to call home was the three friends' primary focus.
On January 22, 2021, David, Angel, and Steven moved into a three-bedroom home in Southwest Philadelphia. As the self-proclaimed planner, Steven coordinates monthly house meetings between the men. "We get together every month, share encouragement, and then address anything that we need to work on together," David said proudly.
Each man is grateful for the fresh start that they have. "We are working hard to be able to do it on our own," Angel said while we were standing in their front yard.
These unlikely friends now have a safe, affordable, and stable place to call home because of your support. They have the stability of their own home and a Christian community that supports them. Thank you!
Maggie Estes
John and Mr. Jesse
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission has ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless and disadvantaged in the Philadelphia area since 1878.
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
302 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
info@sundaybreakfast.org
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission is a certified 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization
© Copyright Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission All rights reserved. | Design: Griflan | Photos: Susan Nam


Publish by in Category decorating ideas at June 8th, 2018. Tagged with painted dining room chairs. painted dining room chairs ideas. painted dining room chairs in log home. painted dining room chairs pinterest. printed dining room chair covers. printed dining room chair slipcovers. printed dining room chairs. printed upholstered dining room chairs.
Printed Dining Room Chairs have 50 picture of decorating ideas, it's including Printed Dining Room Chairs Amazing Plantoburo Com Decorating Ideas 1. Printed Dining Room Chairs Far Fetched 136 Best Animal Print Images On Pinterest Prints Regarding Decorating Ideas 2. Printed Dining Room Chairs Cool Amazing 51 For Your Table And Chair Decorating Ideas 3. Printed Dining Room Chairs Incredible Animal Print Vanity Decorating Ideas 4. Printed Dining Room Chairs Incredible Animal Print Foter Decorating Ideas 5.


text:
KL Sticky Header Menu Icon
The Myths of Medicinal Ivory
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSend EmailMoreComment
Support KCET
Tending Nature
"Tending Nature" shines a light on the environmental knowledge of indigenous peoples across California by exploring how the state's Native peoples have actively shaped and tended the land for millennia.
More Traditional Knowledge
Has Episodes
Comedy and Drama
Vera is an experienced and brilliant murder investigator in the North East England county of Northumberland.
Watch New Episodes of Detective Series "Vera"
News and Public Affairs
SoCal Connected
KCET's weekly news documentary series investigates and reports on the issues that affect Southern California, from the economy to the environment.
Find Airtimes
Lost L.A.
"Lost LA" brings SoCal history to life by marrying archival materials with innovative forms of documentary storytelling.
New Season of 'Lost LA'
This season features six half-hour episodes showcasing a collection of short films from schools across Southern California, including, winners in the categories of Documentary, Narrative and Animation.
While most of us are sleeping, nearly 15 million Americans are heading off to work. "Nightshift" immerses viewers in the diverse experiences of five of those workers.
Amanpour and Company
Artbound Presents Studio A
BBC World News America
Blue Sky Metropolis
Border Blaster
Broken Bread
California Coastal Trail
Cinema Series
Dodgers Stories
Earth Focus
KCET Must See Movies
LA Foodways
Link Voices
Lost LA
Retro Report
Rick Steves' Europe
SoCal Wanderer
The Migrant Kitchen
Thou Shalt Not Kill
Variety Studio: Actors On Actors
January 17, 2020 – PBS NewsHour Full Episode
california's gold
California's Gold with Huell Howser
Huell Gushes Over Sturgeon's Mill
Huell visits a lumbermill... or is it a working museum?
Huell Searches for the 'Crookedest' Street in the World
A small section of Vermont Street in the Potrero Hill section of San Francisco is just miles away from the more famous Lombard Street. Which street is crookeder?
The impeachment trial of President Trump begins with solemn ceremony in the Senate, as new evidence appears.
Huell Spends the Day at Angel Stadium with the Baseball Sod Crew
Spend the day with Huell at Angel's Stadium as he meets up with the good folks at West Coast Turf and learns all about the grass that they install at venues all over California.
Donate: (866) 523-8200
Prefer to donate by phone?
The Myths of Medicinal Ivory | KCET
Pin on PinterestShare on LinkedIn
Photo:rod_waddington/Flickr/Creative Commons License
I don't remember much from my first trip to Thailand, except being in a room full of elephant products with a swarm of Chinese tourists. Perhaps it was because there was such a stark contrast in excitement levels between the rest of the room and me. My family, along with the busload of Chinese folks, had anticipated this visit for days. As a middle schooler at the time, I had no idea why people were so wired and ready to spend.
There were notebooks and purses made with elephant skin. And then there was the "white gold," the elaborate statues made of ivory. My parents gawked at a two-foot-long tusk with seven miniature elephants carved into it, linked together by their trunks and pulling, as if for dear life, on an engraved tree.
Elephant tusks have always been prized by the Chinese. China is the world's largest importer of smuggled tusks. The art of carving ivory dates back to the Shang Dynasty (1800 BCE - 1100 BCE) and later, during the Zhou Dynasty (1100 BCE - 256 BCE), when craftsmen were divided into eight groups according to the materials used. Ivory was one of eight, along with pearl, jade, stone, wood, metal, leather, and feather. According to the New York Times, in 2006, the Chinese government added ivory carving to its official Intangible Cultural Heritage register, along with opera, kung fu, and acupuncture. Today, China is the biggest market, followed by the United States. According to Traffic, a wildlife trade monitoring network, every day, an average of two Chinese nationals are arrested for smuggling it.
An estimated 30,000 or more elephants a year are killed for the trade. In February, China imposed a one year moratorium on the good and in the United States, the trade is coming close to a complete ban.
While it's mostly sold as jewelry or in statue form, ivory is also used as a Chinese medicinal ingredient. There are stories of emperors who believed ivory chopsticks would change color upon contact with poisoned food. Tusk powder is said to have detoxifying properties, giving skin a luminous glow when consumed. If you search ivory powder in Chinese, you might come across a list of the "healing" properties of the powder. "Clear heat and relieve convulsions, remove toxicity and promote tissue regernation [sic]," the site reads. "Epilepsy, convulsions, sores and boils, sore throat, anal fistula, consumptive fever."
On another site written in Chinese, the anti-epileptic powers of ivory are emphasized. The tusks have a good amount of calcium phosphate, it reads. It can be used as an anti-convulsant and to help heal sore throats.
Like most Chinese medicine, it's usually paired with other ingredients as a treatment. On that same website, there's an excerpt from a book called Y?xué Rùmén, a Chinese medicine textbook that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. There's a recipe to cure ulcers in there. The ingredients: ivory, turtle shell, and hedgehog skin. Ground it all up, it instructs, and shape it into a pill no larger than a cherry.
If you search patents, you'll find more modern formulas for ivory powder in China. In 2000, a patent was granted for a pill to supposedly relieve osteoporosis. The ingredients: angelica, Achyranthes (a medicinal plant), complanatus (a type of snail), and ivory. In 2006, a patent for pure ivory pills was granted to cure bone tuberculosis.
More troubling is this patent for hyperostosis, or excessive bone growth, that was filed in 2009:
"The invention relates to a traditional Chinese medicine for treating hyperosteogeny, which is characterized in that the contents of raw materials are as follows: 20-40 g of radix achyranthis bidentatae, 20-40 g of radix angelicae pubescentis, 20-40 g of tribulus terrestris L., 20-40 g of ivory powder and 20-40 g of root of common peony; all raw materials are grinded [sic] into 27 parts, 27 goose eggs are used, a small hole is dug on each goose egg, one third of the content of each goose egg is poured out, the machine power is added in the goose eggs to stir uniformly, the goose eggs are cooked by steam in a boiler; and a patient eats one goose egg before sleep every day. The invention has advantages of low cost of raw materials and good effect for treating hyperosteogeny, thereby reducing the financial burden of the patient."
That patent ended up being rejected.
Ivory in Chinese medicine form isn't popular in the United States. I asked my family's Chinese medicine doctor about ivory in medicine and she said she never heard of a case like that in her life. "We do use buffalo horns," she said, and promptly sent me a link to a site that explains the benefits. It's different though -- buffalo and even rhino horns (which are illegal) are made out of keratin, a protein found in hair and fingernails.
Ivory can still be found in Los Angeles, mostly as statues and as jewelry. In California, it is illegal to sell ivory that has been brought to the U.S. after 1977, but many people are still doing it under the table. It's easy to buy -- you just have to know where to go. Kristie Hang, a freelance journalist in L.A. working on an investigative piece on ivory, did just that.
"I went to several Los Angeles stores under the guise of looking for a birthday gift for my grandmother," she says. "I told them that I needed to shoot cell phone video of the ivory to show my mom to get her sign off on the gift. One of the stores went into the back room and got out a shoe box." Inside was an ivory necklace for sale for $290.
According to a 2014 study, L.A. and San Francisco have the largest ivory markets in the U.S. The study found, within a span of a month, over 1,250 ivory items offered for sale by 107 vendors in California, with 777 items and 77 vendors in L.A. and well over 473 ivory items and 30 vendors in San Francisco.
Photo:pbarry/Flickr/Creative Commons License
Last month, China announced a one-year moratorium on the import of ivory carvings after years of international pressure. But critics say that's not enough. In January, China crushed a pile of tusks reportedly weighing over six tons, but some of the crushed ivory powder was reportedly "preserved." Speculation was that it would be used for traditional Chinese medicine.
Does ivory used in the form of Chinese medicine actually work?
It all depends on who you ask.
"Perhaps the greatest damage that has come to [traditional Chinese medicine] in the past few hundred years as traditional remedies are being prescribed for ailments they were never meant to treat. Things like rhinoceros horn and elephant tusk are being prescribed for infertility as a [traditional Chinese medicine] cure, despite that this actually goes against the tradition," writes China Change, a news blog on Chinese issues.
It all comes down to this: ivory is a status symbol, embedded into Chinese tradition with a value that is driven higher by its rarity. To change the mind of the Chinese, it's all about awareness.
Steps towards this have already been taken. Former NBA player Yao Ming, for example, has spoken out against the ivory trade and is a wildlife activist of sorts appearing in numerous commercials against ivory and shark's fin soup.
Actor Jackie Chan, too, has been outspoken against the trade. The campaigns seem to be working. According to WildAid, in 2014, there was a 51.5% increase in those who believed that elephant poaching is a problem.
In my family, that awareness has definitely hit.
"Who eats that?" my Chinese father responded incredulously when I asked him about eating ivory powder. "Elephants are like pandas now. Almost extinct. No one eats pandas."
No. At least, not anymore.
Support the Articles you Love
We are dedicated to providing you with articles like this one. Show your support with a tax-deductible contribution to KCET. After all, public media is meant for the public. It belongs to all of us.
Pati's Mexican Table
Recipe: Texas Caviar
Learn how to prepare Texas Caviar from "Pati's Mexican Table."
Artists Re-imagine 'Utopia' at the Huntington
"Beside the Edge of the World," a multimedia, interdisciplinary art exhibition at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens explores and unearths ideas of "utopia" through the lens of three artists.
Artists Re-imagine Thomas More's 'Utopia' at the Huntington
Seven Must-See Historical Objects That Still Resonate Today
History may have happened yesterday, but a look at these objects from the past shows that it still holds power even today.
Seven Historical Objects from the Huntington Collections That Still Resonate Today
Ticket Giveaway: Arsenic and Old Lace
Enter to win tickets to a performance of "Arsenic and Old Lace" at La Mirada Theatre.
@food
@foodslider
@ivory
FIND KCET USING YOUR ZIP CODE
KCET-HD
KCETLINK
PBS-SOCAL
NHK-WORLD
Get the free PBS App
AMAZON-FIRE-TV
SAMSUNG-SMART-TV
About KCET
Membership and Support Gifts
Don't miss out on KCET.org's events, stories, breaking news, shows, and new recipes.
Sign up for our Newsletters: Click Here
Public Media Group of Southern California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
FCC Public Inspection File | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
© 2019 - Public Media Group of Southern California


Woo hoo! Today marks 8 months on the mission! Parabéns para mim!
This week was full of highs and lows. And isn't it great how when we have those lows, we know there has got to be something great ahead. And the highs seem so much better and more glorious when you have a bad day to compare it with. Hooray for opposition!
One of the highlights of the week, making and eating heavenly cookies. Our stove didn't work, but we got a new one and I made cookies for a district meeting! Our district is so so good. There are four other elders and they´re just so querido! And my companions, oh my love just grows for them everyday. So much fun wandering around, searching for the elect, teaching people, sharing the lovely blessings of the gospel.
My love and testimony of the gospel grows everyday too. How can all of this not be true? It just makes so much sense and it's all so perfect.
Been reading general conference talks this week. Love love love.
I love you all muitos and am praying lots and lots for you all! OBrigada for the mail and prayers! Tchau! Bye buddy hope you find your dad!


text:
Learn To Invest
ASX Market Report Overseas Market Report YMW Issue 01 Newsletter Archive Research Archive Rating Changes Current Ratings Analyst Searches Corporate Calendar Upcoming Dividends Upcoming Floats Stock Screener ASX300 News Digest Our Research Methodology Model Income Portfolio Best Stock Ideas
LICs
Research Archive Research Methodology Latest Prices Monthly LIC Reports
Credit Research Archive Credit Monthly Credit Latest Prices
All Analyst Reports Star Ratings Limitations KiwiSaver Reports Fund Screener About our Categories Funds FAQ
Research Archive Research Methodology Latest Prices Performance Table Model Portfolio Guide
Portfolio Portfolio Help Stock Screener Alerting Tool Analyst stock searches Fund Screener
Stocks Credit Funds ETFs SMSFs Learn
News Stocks Special Reports Funds ETFs Features SMSFs Learn
Advertise Company News Company Site Glossary Help Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
Early super access, drawdown, deeming measures: what the emergency stimulus means for you
Emma Rapaport | 24 Mar 2020Text size |
The federal government announced on Saturday the second round of its stimulus package to cope with the economic and social upheaval caused by the coronavirus.
Measures to assist Australians suffering hardship include: early release of superannuation; temporary reduction of superannuation minimum drawdown rates; and reduction in social security deeming rates.
1. Temporarily reduce superannuation minimum drawdown rates: The minimum pension requirements for 2019/20 and 2020/21 will be re-set to half the normal rates.
2. Reducing social security deeming rates: Reducing the social security deeming rates 50 per cent for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 income years.
3. Early release of superannuation: Special access to existing superannuation balances will be available to those who have experienced significant reductions in their income or are unemployed or who have been retrenched.
While the measures have received broad support from the financial services industry, including the SMSF Association and the Financial Services Council, some have expressed concern that the early release measure could present a liquidity problem for major funds.
"This comes at a time where the rush to cash has seen equity and debt investment asset values contract," says Jonathan Steffanoni, a partner at QMV Solutions, a consultancy firm.
"The sudden and acute economic contraction has been, and may become chronic, and continue to be severe.
"While typically long-term investors, the increased demand for benefits will require that superannuation funds closely monitor liquidity of cash reserves - and possibly adjust asset allocations and sell down some assets in a market which will realise potentially significant capital losses."
Industry Super Australia (ISA) says ealy access should be "approached with extremem caution" and be "the last report" for financial stressed Australians. ISA analysis shows a30-year-old who accesses $20,000 from super now could lose about $100,000 when they hit retirement and a 40-year-old could lose more than $63,000.
"Members should tread carefully and only think about cracking open their super after they've taken up the extra cash support on offer from the government," ISA chief executive Bernie Dean says.
"Members need to know that taking your super now is like selling a house at the bottom of the market- you'll lose money you would probably claw back overtime"
To help understand what the new measures mean for you, we've reached out to two SMSF specialists - Liam Shorte, SMSF specialist advisor at Verante Financial Planning and The SMSF Coach and Lyn Formica, head of SMSF technical and education services at Heffron Consulting – for their expertise.
1. Temporary reduction in minimum drawdown requirements
Lyn Formica, head of SMSF technical and education services, Heffron Consulting
Similar to the approach taken in the 2008/09 Global Financial Crisis, the minimum drawdown requirements for account based pensions and similar products will be temporarily reduced by 50 per cent for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 years.
The revised rates for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 years will be as follows:
At first glance this appears counterintuitive – all other measures in the announcement were about putting more money in people's hands. The policy rationale is that one very obvious consequence of the current situation is that investment markets have fallen considerably and continue to do so. Many superannuation pension recipients will have been concerned about selling assets to make pension payments when their fund (or pension account in a large fund) did not have enough cash to make the payments. This measure will mean that those who don't need additional income will not be required to take it out of their fund – potentially relieving some pressure to sell assets.
Whilst we are yet to see the amending legislation, we expect this change will work as follows:
What type of pensions will qualify for the reduced drawdown rates?
The Government's Fact Sheet says that the reduction will apply to account-based pensions and similar products. We expect the Government means:
account-based pensions (including transition to retirement income streams),
allocated pensions (including transition to retirement pensions), and
market linked pensions (also commonly called term allocated pensions).
We do not expect the relief to apply to lifetime or life expectancy pensions.
Will all superannuation funds (including SMSFs) offer the reduced drawdown rates?
We expect all superannuation funds, including SMSFs, will be able to take advantage of the reduced drawdown rates. However, there may be some SMSFs with very prescriptive minimum pension rules in their governing rules/trust deed. Funds in this position would need to amend their trust deed to take advantage of the 50 per cent reduction.
How will the 50 per cent reduction affect pensioners who have already drawn an amount equivalent to their reduced amount before the announcement?
These pensioners will not be required to draw any further pension payments before 30 June 2020.
If a pensioner has already drawn more than their reduced minimum, can they return the surplus pension payments to the fund?
No, there will not be a mechanism to return surplus pension payments. It may, however, be possible for some clients to recontribute the surplus (if they are eligible to contribute and the amount will be within their contribution caps).
What if a pensioner had say elected to treat all payments from their SMSF as pension payments up to their minimum and then lump sums from their accumulation account? How would payments taken before today be treated?
In our view, payments should be processed accordingly to the rules which applied at the time of the payment.
For example, before 1 July 2019, Craig instructed his fund to treat any payment he took from the superannuation fund as follows:
firstly, a pension payment (up to the minimum payment amount) and then
a lump sum from his accumulation account once the minimum had been met.
Craig's minimum for the 2019/20 was originally $40,000 (ie $1m x 4 per cent). He took a payment of $45,000 on 1 March 2020. His reduced minimum is now $20,000. How should the $45,000 be treated?
On the basis of the election he made for the 2019/20 year, the first $40,000 will be a pension payment and the remaining $5,000 will be a lump sum from his accumulation account.
Example provided by Liam Shorte, Verante Financial Planning
Example – 50 per cent reduced minimum pension options
Jenny (66) has an account based pension from her Self Managed Super Fund – The Morrison Pension Fund. The balance of her pension at 1 July 2019 was $800,000, which requires her to take a minimum pension payment for the 2019/20 financial year of 5 per cent ($40,000). Her husband Scotty is still working but will have a large pension on retirement.
Thanks to the Stimulus Package Part #2 she can take a 50 per cent reduced minimum pension for 2019-20, meaning that Jenny is only required to draw down $20,000 before 30 June 2020. As Jenny still needs the income and usually takes her pension every month so has already taken $30,000 for the year. There is still room to use a strategy and benefit. Jenny can now stop the monthly payments for April-June and take a Partial Lump Sum Commutation of $10,000 to cover her income needs but this will now reduce her Transfer Balance Account by $10,000 as well freeing up the ability to add more to pension phase at a later date (such as on the death of Scotty)
If as of 1 July 2020 Jenny's Pension account has dropped to $600,000 as a result of the impact of the coronavirus on financial markets, Jenny's now has the option to do some planning for 2020/21 financial year as well. Based on the 1 July balance Jenny's 50 per cent reduced minimum pension for the 2020-21 financial year is calculated at $$15,000 or $600,000 x 2.5 per cent. So, she can take the $15,000 via monthly pension payments of $1,250 and her remaining income needs for the year of $25,000 via combination of one or more Partial Lump Sum Commutations during the 2020/21 year. Plan ahead with your adviser to document this properly.
The result of this change is that Jenny can still meet her income needs but will be able to free up some of her Transfer Balance Cap for future use.
2. Changes to social security deeming rates
Liam Shorte, SMSF specialist advisor, Verante Financial Planning and The SMSF Coach
In Stimulus Package #2 the government approved new lower Deeming Rates for Centrelink/DVA income tested benefits. The measure is a further 0.25 per cent drop in Lower Rate to 0.25 per cent and the Higher Rate to 2.25 per cent.
On 12 March, the Government had already announced a 0.5 percentage point reduction in both the upper and lower social security deeming rates. The Government will now reduce these rates by another 0.25 percentage points.
As of 1 May 2020, the upper deeming rate will be 2.25 per cent and the lower deeming rate will be 0.25 per cent. The reductions reflect the low interest rate environment and its impact on the income from savings. The change will benefit around 900,000 income support recipients, including around 565,000 Age Pensioners who will, on average receive around $105 more of the Age Pension in the first full year the reduced rates apply.
What are the new deeming rates?
3. Temporary early access to superannuation
As a general rule, preserved superannuation benefits may only be accessed in lump sum form once members turn 65 or reach their preservation age and retire (or satisfy some other condition of release such as permanent incapacity, terminal illness etc). However, in times of financial distress, there are some circumstances under which members may be able to bypass these rules and access their super earlier.
Unfortunately the current rules which allow access to those suffering from "severe financial hardship" or qualify on "compassionate grounds" are very narrow and release has only been available under very limited circumstances.
The Government has today announced a quite significant, but temporary, extension to these rules. A copy of their Fact Sheet can be found here.
Who is eligible for the new rules?
A new opportunity for early release will be available to individuals who:
are unemployed, or
are eligible to receive a Job Seeker Payment (previously known as Newstart Allowance), youth allowance for job seekers, parenting payment, special benefit or Farm Household Allowance, or
on or after 1 January 2020:
were made redundant, or
had their working hours reduced by 20 per cent or more, or
for sole traders, their business was suspended or there was a reduction in their turnover of 20 per cent or more.
Further information is needed in relation to how this 20 per cent reduction is to be determined, but it appears it will be by comparing current hours/turnover with the average for the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019.
Importantly, there is no requirement that the individual is already receiving Commonwealth income support payments and there is no waiting period. The payment can be requested immediately once the new rules come into effect (see below).
There are no income or assets tests. Even someone with a very high salary who remains employed and has other assets could access this payment as long as their salary has been reduced by 20% after 1 January 2020. While they might choose not to, many could well do so if their superannuation is more easily accessed in cash than other assets and if their reduced income is not sufficient to meet living costs that cannot be adjusted quickly to reflect their new situation (eg large mortgage payments, rent etc).
How much will be available?
Eligible individuals will be able to access up to $10,000 before 1 July 2020. A further amount of up to $10,000 will be available from 1 July 2020 but only for approximately three months after that time (exact timing to depend on the passage of legislation).
Only one payment will be permitted in each financial year.
How do individuals apply for the new payment?
To access benefits held in funds other than SMSFs, the process will be as follows:
Individuals will be able to apply directly to the ATO via their myGov account.
Once the ATO has processed the application and confirmed the individual's eligibility, they will provide both the individual and their superannuation fund with a determination.
On the basis of that determination, the fund will then make payment to the individual.
The Fact Sheet describes this measure as targeting those who have suffered a loss of income due to Covid-19 but there is no indication whether one of the questions that will be asked by the ATO in the relevant application will be whether the reduction in income relates to this specific event.
Individuals do not need to apply directly to their superannuation fund. However, it would be wise to double check that the fund has the right bank account details and proof of identity documents to ensure that the money can be paid quickly.
While we understand the eligibility rules for SMSF members will be the same as for members of non-SMSFs, separate arrangements are being made and there may be a different process to follow when moneys are to be released from an SMSF. Further guidance on the application process for SMSF members is to be made available on the ATO website in due course.
When will amounts be available?
Applications will be able to be made from mid-April 2020. However it is not yet clear how long it will take for the ATO to process an application and for the fund to make payment to the individual.
Note that anyone who simply withdraws money from their SMSF now, or even after mid April but does not follow the right process, will be subject to the usual rules. This could be substantial tax and other penalties – it is vital to wait until the new rules are in place.
How will these payments be taxed?
Amounts released under this new ground for early release will be paid tax free and will not affect Centrelink or Veterans' Affairs payment eligibility.
This is unusual – currently amounts released on compassionate grounds or on the basis of severe financial hardship are taxed which can mean up to 20 per cent + medicare for many people.
What if the individual is already receiving income from their superannuation fund from a transition to retirement income stream?
Many people in this position will not need to access the new payment – they will simply increase their transition to retirement income stream payments if they need more income to supplement a reduced salary. However, transition to retirement income streams have anupper limit on pension payments (10 per cent) of the pension balance at the previous 1 July). Someone needing more than this amount who meets the criteria above could apply for one of these payments.
'Deeming' debate here to stay: what it means for you
Brace for super cap increase, SMSF trustees warned
How much can retirees spend and not run out of money?
Emma Rapaport is an editor for Morningstar.com.au
This is a financial news article to be used for non-commercial purposes and is not intended to provide financial advice of any kind. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to the opinions or recommendations of Morningstar as a result of using different assumptions and criteria.
© 2021 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither Morningstar, its affiliates, nor the content providers guarantee the data or content contained herein to be accurate, complete or timely nor will they have any liability for its use or distribution. This information is to be used for personal, non-commercial purposes only. No reproduction is permitted without the prior written consent of Morningstar. Any general advice or 'class service' have been prepared by Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), or its Authorised Representatives, and/or Morningstar Research Ltd, subsidiaries of Morningstar, Inc, without reference to your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please refer to our Financial Services Guide (FSG) for more information at www.morningstar.com.au/s/fsg.pdf. Our publications, ratings and products should be viewed as an additional investment resource, not as your sole source of information. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product's future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a licensed financial adviser. Some material is copyright and published under licence from ASX Operations Pty Ltd ACN 004 523 782. The article is current as at date of publication.


You've assessed your needs, done your research, and determined that the most impactful way to use HAVA funds is to procure a new Voter Registration System—now it's time to write your application. The EAC has released guidelines on the logistical information that must be included in this document, which will also be used to inform all U.S. citizens, Congress, and other election stakeholders of how your state will utilize funds received.
We've developed a useful resource to assist in writing your grant application. After all, talking and writing about VRS security is a daily practice at Everyone Counts! Please download this list of talking points to assist with developing the 2-3 page narrative section of the HAVA grant application, and let us know if we can provide further guidance.