THIRTY-SIX BOILERMAKERS from the United States and Canada attended the 60th annual School for Workers Summer Institute in Madison, Wisconsin, August 14-25. Over the two-week period, the institute offered Basic and Advanced courses. Participants received training from SFW professors as well as International staff on topics geared to a broad understanding of the Labor Movement and skills that are essential to union leadership development. Both courses were held at the Madison Concourse Hotel, located between the university and the state capitol square.
Basic Class coursework included unions and society, administering the labor agreement, collective bargaining, the National Labor Relations Act, workers and the global economy, the Family and Medical Leave Act, health and safety, and labor history. Classes taught by Boilermaker staff included political action, health and safety, Boilermaker history, communication skills, and structure of the Boilermaker union.
The Advanced Class is designed for those who have completed the Basic Class. Advanced participants study common sense economics, communication skills, problem solving and grievance handling, grievance arbitration, workers and the global economy, health care bargaining, labor and IBB history, building the union and membership mobilization, and framing and delivering a message.
Guest speaker Rep. Mark Pocan (D-2nd Wisconsin) visited the Advanced Class to discuss the current gridlock in Washington D.C., noting political rancor is making it difficult to get any legislation passed. As a member of the Education and Workforce Committee, Pocan also voiced his commitment to fighting any legislation that would negatively affect working Americans and unions.
Members attending the Basic Class included: Local 11 (East Helena, Montana), Susanne Donahue; Local 19 (Philadelphia), Alex Biddy, Daniel Houck and John King; Local 108 (Birmingham, Alabama), Lewis Chase and Ernest Johnson; Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta), Mitchell Gagne and Stennie Noel; Local 344 (Ridgecrest, California), Anthony Arndt and Melissa Baxter; Local 580 (Halifax, Nova Scotia), Herbert Barron; Local 650 (Lake City, Minnesota), Dale Adler and Pam Breuer; Local 696 (Marinette, Wisconsin) Lawrence Alger, Alan Archambault, Dakota Lueskow and Joe Napier; Local D27 (Independence, Missouri), David Coin and Steven Rouse; Local D93 (Humboldt, Kansas), John Hill, Josh Meigs and Rodney Sigg; Local D239 (Three Forks, Montana), Seth McCauley and Tyler Oehmcke; Local D414 (Pryor, Oklahoma), Chris Lampson and Jacob Miller; and IR Billy Staggs.
Members attending the Advanced Class included Local 11 (Helena, Montana), Matt Simpson; Local 108 (Birmingham, Alabama), Austin Wolverton; Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta), Trevor Loren and Victoria White; Local 344 (Ridgecrest, California), Yordan Artigas, Charles Hale, Nancy Jordan and Ross Weiler; and Local 580 (Halifax, Nova Scotia), Anthony Brown.


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Mechanical Engineering Books
[PDF] CAD/CAM/CIM By P. Radhakrishnan, S. Subramanyam Book Free Download
Download CAD/CAM/CIM By P. Radhakrishnan, S. Subramanyam – This new edition of CAD/CAM/CIM has incorporated a few additions to provide the readers information on some of the recent developments. The technology maturity level of CIM has advanced with more and more sophistication and reliability in computer hardware and software. The concept of 'design anywhere and build anywhere' has made manufacturing truly global. This edition gives a more detailed account of the core technologies-geometric modeling and CNC machine tools.
The emphasis of this book is on integrated automation for product development. The book gives a detailed coverage of product development philosophies, computer graphics, computer hardware, operating systems, finite element modeling and analysis, database management, Computer aided process planning, PLC, ERP, robots, computer aided quality control, computer networking, collaborative design, graphic standards, CIM models, FMS, simulation and modeling and shop floor data collection. This book is written for mechanical and manufacturing engineers and students at undergraduate and post graduate levels.
CAD/CAM/CIM By P. Radhakrishnan, S. Subramanyam – PDF Free Download
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Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Product Development Through CIM
Principles of Computer Graphics
Operating Systems and Environments
Geometric Modeling Techniques
Finite Element Modeling and Analysis in CIM
CIM Data Base and Data Base Management Systems
Computer Aided Process Planning
Planning of Resources for Manufacturing Through Information Systems
Manufacturing Automation
CNC Machine Tools
Robots in Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Computer Aided Quality Control
Fundamentals of Networking
Collaborative Engineering
CIM Models
Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Shop Floor Data Collection Systems
Simulation in Manufacturing
Dr. P Radhakrishnan has about three decades of experience in design, consultancy and teaching of CIM. A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Government Engineering College, Trichur, Dr. Radhakrishnan did his post graduate studies in mechanical engineering at IIT, Madras. He was awarded PhD from Madras University for his research at PSG College of Technology. He was Professor of Mechanical Engineering at PSG College of Technology, Head of CAD/CAM Centre, and later Principal. He was the Vice-Chancellor of VIT University and is presently Director of PSG Institute of Advanced Studies.
Dr. S Subramanyan, former Principal, PSG College of Technology, former Registrar and former Vice Chancellor, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore had his education at PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore; Imperial College, London; and University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester, UK. He had been a post doctoral Fellow at the University of Kingston and University of Alberta in Canada. He had been on the faculty of PSG College of Technology from 1959 to 1994. He has considerable experience in teaching subjects related to Thermal Engineering including Heat Transfer. He has served as an Adviser for several leading engineering institutions.
Dr. Venkitaswamy Raju, presently, Vice Chancellor of VIT University was earlier Dean of the School of Engineering Technology at, Farmingdale College, SUNY. His expertise is in computer integrated manufacturing, having spearheaded the development of CIM program and electronic automation at RIT, Rochester in the capacity of Professor of Manufacturing Technology. He later served on the faculty of Purdue University and Florida A & M University.
DOWNLOAD – CAD/CAM/CIM By P. Radhakrishnan, S. Subramanyam – Free Download PDF
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Two Revolutionary Guard Officers Killed In a Clash In Northwestern Iran
File - Iranian Kurdish Peshmerga, members of the Iranian Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP-Iran), take part in routine military exercise in Koya, 100 kms east of Irbil, October 22, 2017
Reports from Iran indicate that two members of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, IRGC have been killed in a clash with armed elements in northwestern Iran.
The incident happened in the region of Maku in West Azerbaijan province bordering Turkey and also close to Iraqi Kurdistan.
Maku's governor Hassan Abbasi told Iranian media that two junior officers of IRGC were killed in the clash and another soldier wounded.
In recent months there have been multiple clashes in western Iran close to the Iraqi and Turkish borders between armed groups and Iranian armed forces. In most cases the armed groups are Kurdish insurgents with bases in Iraq. Some demand independence for Kurdish-populated regions of Iran.
Multiple clashed were reported also in early July between Kurdish insurgents and the IRGC.
It is not clear if in this case Kurdish groups were involved. In addition to Iranian Kurdish organizations, the Kurdish PKK has also clashed with Iranian forces.
Iranian officials in the past have blamed the activities of armed groups on "global arrogance", a reference to the United States in the Islamic Republic jargon.


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namespace Cocur\Chain\Link;

class PushTest extends \PHPUnit\Framework\TestCase
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     */
    public function pushPushesElementOntoTheEnd(): void
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Tim Bradbury/Getty Images
Patriots owner Robert Kraft enters not guilty plea, requests jury trial
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has entered a not guilty plea to two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution and has requested a jury trial, according to court documents filed Tuesday. The latter part is an interesting one, as Kraft's legal team had originally requested a non-jury trial, according to late-February court documents.
The 77-year-old Kraft also waived his right to an arraignment in Florida, according to the documents.
It's the latest development in what's become an embarrassing saga for the billionaire owner of the league's most successful team, and comes after a statement released by Kraft on Saturday afternoon.
"I am truly sorry. I know I have disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold us to a higher standard," Kraft's statement read in part. "Throughout my life, I have always tried to do the right thing. The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being. I have extraordinary respect for women; my morals and soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as a partner for 50 years."
Maintaining his innocence throughout the ordeal, and with his team doing their part to avoid any videos becoming public, Kraft has already rejected a reported plea deal that would have seen him admit guilt in the incident.
patriots,


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Waterstones RoW Release Event ( Nov. 18, 2020 )
#1 Nov. 18, 2020 Share Copy
Questioner
Do you have any specific inspirations for spanreeds?
Like most things in my books, you can ask me what my writerly inspiration is, and what my worldbuilding explanation is. And let me explain that.
Writerly inspiration for spanreeds is me acknowledging that I wanted to have a society that acted more like a post-Industrial Revolution society (or very close to it) than a Medieval society. And there's lots of ways to do this. Fantasy worlds do not have to progress socially the same way that we progressed. A lot of people want to tie technology to social progression, which you don't have to do. You don't necessarily have to say "people from the Industrial Revolution in our world acted this way; therefore people in this world…" You just don't have to do that.
But there are certain technological revolutions that happened that do form a technological basis for some of these things. For instance, trade was very essential to the expanding political entity that was a world economy. We needed people to at least be travelling consistently to Asia before that could happen. And I really think a lot of what makes people act the way we do, perhaps, in some of our societies is this kind of mass communication.
And I didn't want to be there yet, but I wanted to give a way that news and ideas could travel around the world in a consistent way on Roshar, to make the continent feel like a single entity. Because otherwise, I would probably have to tell the story as not a worldwide story. You just can't travel, and ideas can't move fast enough. Even if you look back at Roman times; Roman times took place in a fairly small geographical area, and even that, it was really hard for them to know what was happening. And you would have to spend months and months getting information that was then months and months out of date. And there's a lot of sitting around and waiting in those cultures for things to happen, even with having the Mediterranean to sail around and bring this information. I just wanted information to move fast, both culturally and narratively. And so I said, "I've gotta find a way to do this. I did it with Seons in Elantris; I need find a way to do something similar to that on Roshar."
Real-world inspiration, if there is one, is an auto-pen. Where authors can have a little machine sign books for them; it moves on its own. I've never used one, but politicians use them quite a bit. When you get that hand-signed letter when you've donated whatever to whatever political party. That hand-signed letter was probably machine-signed with a real pen, rather than hand-signed by the individual.
#inspirations #spanreeds
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Archive for category: Finance
Developing Countries, Finance, Global Poverty, Poverty Reduction
How Fiscal Policy can Reduce Poverty
In developing nations, as well as nations recovering from a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, fiscal policy is an instrumental tool in revitalizing the economy and alleviating poverty levels. The policies are more than simply "good" or "bad" economics as they are key indicators of a nation's true political priorities.
In low and middle-income nations, foreign aid and debt relief are invaluable in uplifting their economies. On the other hand, the contributions cannot be fully effective without an effective fiscal system. According to the United Nations, a good fiscal policy centered around poverty reduction, reconstruction and growth will focus on raising the growth rate and fostering lasting economic stability.
Rising Growth Rate
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) emphasizes that "economic growth is the single most important factor influencing poverty, citing a recent study of 80 countries that revealed that the income of the bottom one-fifth of the population increased in exact proportion with the overall growth of the economy as measured by per capita GDP. In countries recovering from crises, a rising growth rate is one of the most effective ways for an economy to bounce back.
Key Fiscal Policies that Can Promote Economic Growth
Shifting Government Spending Away from Subsidies: The World Bank categorizes subsidies as a short-term solution and has indicated that they are typically politically popular because the benefits distribute widely. On the other hand, the World Bank reported that "about half of spending on energy subsidies go to the richest 20%," as they tend to consume more energy and receive more benefits, leaving the lower-income households with little to show.
Investment in Cash Transfers as an Alternative to Subsidies: There is increasing data showing that direct cash transfers are a better solution to important long-run investments within households, such as education. These transfers are more beneficial to the bottom 40% and can stimulate economic activity within communities, and indirectly increase government revenue in both the short and long-term through higher tax revenue.
Implementing a Progressive Tax Structure: A progressive tax structure enables governments to increase welfare benefits, such as unemployment, food stamps and housing benefits to the poor. Tax revenue sources do not change rapidly and improved progressivity in personal income tax, corporate, property, health and carbon taxes offer feasible ways to raise revenue without worsening conditions for the poor. Furthermore, nations may consider indirect taxation, as some of the above methods may not be as effective due to the informality of work in certain economies. Progressive tax structures are most effective in upper-middle-income countries.
Having a National Minimum Wage: National Minimum Wages directly benefit the lowest-paid workers in an economy and reduce wage inequality. A universal basic income (UBI), wherein all citizens receive a weekly benefit to ensure a minimum income guarantee may also be effective.
Prioritizing spending with long-term impacts is vital in creating a self-sustaining economy that alleviates poverty. Good policies will vary in different country contexts while acting with the future in mind even in crises, despite the fact that the benefits will come to fruition later. Below are some fiscal concepts to stabilize a nation after a crisis and to better prepare for any future challenges.
Debt management is essential to maintain the "fiscal space" for crisis recovery and stabilization. Regulatory reform for financial markets, debt transparency and the implementation of a common blueprint for debt relief and restructuring are useful tools for properly managing national debt.
There are many elements that can equip countries with a strategic plan for an unknown future crisis. First, expanding the reach of automatic stabilizers, such as employment guarantee schemes in nations with a large informal sector, in case of crisis. Setting up adaptive cash transfer programs that can be scaled up when necessary is also a good preparatory measure.
Research and improved data, particularly on the costs and ramifications of certain policy implementations, are essential to maximizing the effectiveness of these policies. Long-term evaluations and research can provide decent indications of long-term outcomes, which is important in deciding which policies are best for unique country circumstances.
In developing economies, a focus on education and diversification of the economy from agriculture to manufacturing fosters a more independent and stable economy. Increased government spending on education cultivates a higher-skilled workforce, and a push towards manufacturing pushes economic development, though proper skills and infrastructure are necessary to accomplish this.
Fiscal policy shaped around economic growth and the reduction of inequality has the potential to make great strides toward minimizing poverty. There are limits to the types and degrees of these policies in each country. Therefore, other national policy reforms implemented in tandem with economic policies lead to the best outcome in stimulating growth. Regardless of fiscal policy, foreign aid and international cooperation are invaluable in reducing poverty levels in low-income nations and around the globe.
– Carly Ryan Brister
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Jennifer Philipp https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Jennifer Philipp2022-11-29 01:30:032022-11-24 10:41:59How Fiscal Policy can Reduce Poverty
Finance, Global Poverty, Money
How the G8 Action Plan Will Tackle Money Laundering
At the G8 summit in 2013 that took place in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, the leaders of the eight nations committed to a number of measures aimed at preventing the use of businesses and legal arrangements that promote money laundering, tax avoidance and tax evasion, including the G8 Action Plan.
Financial Crime and Poverty
Between April and July 2021, when the rest of the globe was in upheaval, billionaires' wealth surged by 27.5%, even during a pandemic. Reliable estimates indicate that between $20 billion to $40 billion is stolen annually from developing nations, undermining economic growth and depriving those who need public services the most.
According to a U.N. panel study asking for a global crackdown, systematic tax violations, corruption and money laundering are keeping billions of people around the world impoverished. It claimed that up to 10% of the world's wealth may be stashed away in offshore jurisdictions at a time when governments are facing mounting budgetary difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inequality. According to a panel of international presidents, governors of central banks and representatives of business and civil society, criminals launder up to 2.7% of the global GDP annually.
The Impact of Transfer Mispricing and Money Laundering on Poverty
According to the OECD, annual tax haven losses in developing nations could be three times greater than annual foreign aid inflows. As an illustration, through transfer mispricing, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sold state-owned mines for an incredibly cheap price to anonymous "shell" corporations in the Virgin Islands, only to be sold on to major listed businesses at their market price. Such transactions cost the DRC $1.35 billion USD, which is double the nation's budget for health and education in a place where 71.3% of the population currently lives in poverty.
Developing nations thus lack the public resources that would give people access to food, healthcare and education to help them escape poverty. Money laundering, on the other hand, has detrimental effects on the economies of developing countries through escalating crime and corruption, lowering foreign investment, weakening financial institutions, compromising the economy and private sector, thwarting efforts at privatization and losing tax revenue. All of the effects are the bricks shaping the foundations of poverty.
G8 Actions Against Financial Crimes
The G8 Action Plan calls for greater disclosure of a company's ownership and financial details, particularly when it comes to shell corporations that help launder money from questionable sources. The nations vowed to pursue laws that can undergo robust enforcement and have support from "effective, appropriate and deterrent sanctions."
Now that nations have made the promises that the declaration outlined, each nation will publish a national action plan outlining the specific steps to take. The G8 Action Plan supports the following key concepts that are essential to the openness of ownership and management of businesses and legal structures, subject to our varied constitutional situations and the recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be the most effective.
G8 Financial Crime Principles
Companies should have adequate, accurate and up-to-date basic information, including knowledge of who controls, owns and benefits from them.
Onshore law enforcement, tax administrations and other relevant authorities, including, if necessary, financial intelligence units, shall have access to information on the beneficial ownership of firms. Countries should take steps to make it easier for financial institutions and other regulated firms to get information about a company's beneficial ownership.
Trustees of explicit trusts should be aware of the trust's beneficial owners, including its settlor and beneficiaries. Law enforcement, tax agencies and other pertinent entities, such as financial intelligence units as necessary, should have access to this information.
In order to reduce the risks to which their anti-money laundering and combating the funding of terrorism system is subject, authorities should recognize them and put in place effective and proportional measures. It is important to tell the appropriate authorities, enterprises that are subject to regulation and other jurisdictions about the findings of the risk assessments.
It is important to prevent the abuse of financial tools and specific shareholding arrangements that may impede transparency, such as bearer shares and nominee shareholders and directors.
Nations should place effective anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements on financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions, including trust and company service providers, in order to identify and confirm the beneficial ownership of their clients.
Companies, financial institutions and other regulated organizations shall be subject to effective, appropriate and deterrent fines if they fail to uphold their respective commitments, particularly those relating to client due diligence.
To counteract the misuse of businesses and legal arrangements for illegal conduct, national authorities should collaborate successfully inside their own countries and across international boundaries. Upon requests from international counterparts, countries should make sure that their relevant authorities can quickly, helpfully and effectively give information on basic companies and beneficial ownership.
G8's agenda has enhanced the opportunity to advance the plan that will address illicit finance at the Lough Erne Summit despite the fact that the effects would take time to materialize. The G8's ability to cooperate in order to launch ground-breaking international projects will determine the degree of success, though. Enhancing financial transparency, good governance, information exchange and accountability must be the main goals of these projects because doing so will significantly reduce the likelihood of criminals being able to access the global financial system.
– Karisma Maran
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Jennifer Philipp https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Jennifer Philipp2022-11-25 01:30:002022-11-24 00:19:13How the G8 Action Plan Will Tackle Money Laundering
Finance, Global Poverty, Italy
UniCredit's Financial Assistance
There is an impending financial crisis in Italy due to rising energy costs in Europe. Energy costs are causing rising prices and inflation rates, and the Italian bank UniCredit announced in early September that it was initiating up to €8 billion ($9.3 billion) in measures aimed at halting the economic downturn. Along with the promised measures, UniCredit's financial assistance will offer 400,000 homeowners the opportunity to refinance mortgages.
Rising Energy Prices and Inflation in Italy
UniCredit has taken these steps because Italy is fighting soaring prices and climbing inflation rates. The rising prices are due to the energy crisis tearing through Europe as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Italy is one of the more Russian gas-reliant nations in Europe, second only to Germany. By the end of 2022, it is estimated that Italy will be spending €100 billion ($99.5 billion) on its natural gas imports. Because Italy imports at least three-quarters of its power, the country is likely to suffer economically as the European energy crisis worsens.
The limits Russia has implemented on its oil and natural gas exports have forced nations to pay incredibly high prices for the resources. The limited exports are due to the conflict in Ukraine. Sanctions on Russian oil have caused an overwhelming increase in oil prices. The latest issue to add to the rising oil costs is the closure of Nord Stream 1, one of Russia's primary pipelines throughout Europe. The reasoning has been that there was a potential leak in the pipeline, but there has been no progress in repairing the leak nor have any estimates been given on its reopening. The closure has left Russia downsizing its exports, resulting in gas prices in Europe increasing by 28%. These increased costs are causing many European currencies to lose value and inflation rates to rise.
Italy's inflation rate in August had increased by 8.4% over the year before, which marked a 37-year high. Higher inflation tends to lead to less output and production, which Italians have witnessed already. A decrease in output results in a decrease in minimum wages, effectively sliding many workers into poverty. UniCredit is fighting to avoid any increase in Italian poverty, which is why UniCredit's measures could not have come at a better time.
Mortgage Payments and Poverty in Italy
UniCredit's financial assistance comes when Italian mortgage rates are rising, with recently established mortgages more expensive than in previous years. Mortgages with variable rates are suffering from the pressures on the housing market and are increasing so companies and banks are able to keep pace with inflation and the market. If homeowners cannot keep pace with the rising rates or high mortgages, they will likely default on their loans, and the banks could repossess their homes.
In 2020, economic activity dropped. As activity decreased, and before the government disbursed subsidies or the economy shifted to work-from-home economic activity, there were fears of being unable to pay one's mortgage. According to a survey taken in the spring of 2020, 65% said they would probably be alright. However, a third of the respondents said they would definitely or most likely have difficulty paying their mortgages. This fear has not entirely gone away.
Extreme poverty followed many Italians like a shadow due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By mid-2022, 5.6 million Italian people were in absolute poverty. UniCredit's measures may help to keep that number from increasing.
UniCredit's issuing of €8 billion in new loans to cover energy costs and pausing payments will allow millions to re-navigate their finances before surging energy bills and new force them into poverty. A three-month break means enough time to properly refinance a mortgage and get it back in order before payments re-commence. UniCredit's goal is to help its Italian customers navigate the rising inflation and energy costs, keep customers unburdened from their mortgages and keep the economy working smoothly.
Pauses, more formally called "forbearances," in mortgage payments have several upsides. The critical thing to remember is that even though the payments are temporarily suspended, there is still an obligation to pay the loans. The homeowner does not need to make mortgage payments during the window of the forbearance but must make them later – usually after the closure of the initial mortgage payment window.
UniCredit's financial assistance is coming at a crucial time, as the limited gas exports and mounting energy bills are beginning to cause panic in Europe. The Italian government has responded by releasing its stimulus packages earlier in 2022 to generate financial stability for its citizens. In conjunction with UniCredit's work, the two can help keep Italians out of poverty by creating an economic flow that Italy has struggled to achieve since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Clara Mulvihill
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Jennifer Philipp https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Jennifer Philipp2022-10-29 01:30:232022-10-24 08:51:58UniCredit's Financial Assistance
Development, Economy, Finance, Global Poverty, Health, Venezuela
Curbing Inflation in Venezuela
Inflation is one of the most significant problems in the world right now, as the global inflation rate rises to 6.7% in 2022, almost double the average of the last decade. This is a consequence of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Venezuela, which is one of the most in-need countries in South America has finally come out of one of the longest bouts of hyperinflation in the world after 12 consecutive months of the inflation rate rising below 50%, however, three in four people in the country still lived below the poverty line in 2021. The United States and other major players can still do a lot to help the country and curbing inflation in Venezuela is one of the many solutions necessary to improve poverty and economic stability in the country.
Mounting Challenges in Venezuela
In 2016, Venezuela entered a streak of hyperinflation which is when the rate of inflation increases by more than 50% for 12 consecutive months. In 2022, Venezuela has been able to pull itself out of this downward slide pretty simply. The country ramped up printing money in 2016, which became a real issue at the end of 2017 and caused the recent inflation. This has even been a problem in the United States because innately the more currency circulating, the less each piece of currency will be worth. That, along with deficit spending created one of the worst inflation crises in the world.
The solution to this problem appeared to be just as simple as the cause because as soon as the central government of Venezuela decided to stop printing so much money, the inflation rate eased. Although inflation has been on the decline, poverty has still been on the uptick rising to 76% in 2020. Even though these two statistics would seem to be contradictory there are reasons why simply curbing the inflation in Venezuela is not the end all be all.
Curbing inflation in Venezuela is only the first step in a long line in order to help the situation in the country. In June 2022, the U.S. announced more than $314 million in aid to help stabilize Venezuela and the rest of that South American region.
These funds will go to multiple countries and aim to improve education and provide COVID-19 relief along with aid for other basic human needs. These funds will also go toward an effort to help potential migrants leaving the country, fleeing in an attempt to find better financial stability. They will also improve access to health care, which has been a challenge for people to access in Venezuela. As many as 5.4 million people have left the country in 2022 because of the unstable economy.
These funds ensure these people can have safe and productive new lives after leaving the country. Venezuelans will receive access to life-saving humanitarian programs like emergency shelters and obtain health care which has been difficult to access because of Venezuela's own health care system. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provided health care to more than 100,000 Venezuelans between 2020 and 2022, and since 2017, the U.S. has donated nearly $2 billion in total to Venezuela and the surrounding region. The humanitarian aid provided to the country has already done a lot to improve the lives of those living there and those attempting to leave. Curbing inflation in Venezuela is a step in the right direction.
The inflation crisis is severely affecting the entire world including Venezuela. People are having to leave the countries they call home in search of refuge and the possibility of a better life. A person's displacement is a life-altering event that can change how they live forever. As more and more countries join in the fight to help Venezuela, hope exists that it will have a bright future.
– Alexander Peterson
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Saiesha https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Saiesha2022-08-17 01:30:532022-08-18 01:18:09Curbing Inflation in Venezuela
Development, Finance, Global Poverty, Health
Cash Transfers in Government Policy
In recent years, humanitarian organizations have recognized cash transfers as an effective way to pull children and families out of poverty. In the early 2000s, just a few UNICEF country offices experimented with cash transfer initiatives to reduce child poverty. After a few years, these initial projects and several cash transfer programs implemented by UNICEF in Latin America showed promising results. For this reason, cash transfers form an integral part of UNICEF's Framework. In fact, as of 2015, more than 70 countries globally are implementing cash transfer programs. These programs show the importance of including cash transfers in government policy.
Conditional Cash Transfer Initiatives
Cash transfers prove to be a simple and efficient way to provide low-income families with access to food rather than providing the food itself. Research shows that families struggling to make ends meet will likely spend cash transfers on pure necessities. However, critics still remain concerned over the misuse of cash transfers given to poorer families.
This is why cash transfer programs often rely on pre-agreed conditions. For example, for a family to be a beneficiary of a cash transfer program, they must agree to send their children for regular health checkups and must ensure school attendance.
In a study conducted by Bastagli et al. (2016), monitoring and assessing 56 cash transfer programs across 30 countries, households noted significant positive impacts from cash transfer programs. In a vast majority of cases, cash transfers led to an increase in household food expenditure, a reduction in the poverty rate and a positive local economic impact.
The Hidden Benefits
Despite the effectiveness of cash transfers in pulling people out of poverty, governments rarely use these programs or do not at all. Why? The short answer would be politics. Voters are not likely to vote for a party that requires higher tax payments from individual citizens but is far more likely to support a "free-school lunch" project. That is because to the average citizen, free lunches to low-income children do not feel like a cost coming from their own pocket while a cash transfer does.
Further, many fail to consider that cash transfers address financial limitations to basic social services, such as education and health care, and thereby, are able to reduce multidimensional child poverty. For many, the cost of school supplies, stationery, health service costs and prescription fees is not within the realm of what is financially possible.
An evaluation of cash transfer programs finds that 13 out of 20 reporting studies note a rise in school attendance rates. Furthermore, nine out of 15 reporting studies witnessed a rise in beneficiaries' utilization of health care services.
Argentina's Cash Transfer Program
In 2009, the Argentinian government implemented the Universal Child Allowance (AUH) Programme, a conditional cash transfer program with the goal of breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty. The program targets individuals younger than 18 who reside in financially unstable households, including households facing unemployment or households headed by workers in the informal economy sector.
The individual that qualifies for the program will receive 80% of a specific allowance monthly. The individual will receive the remaining 20% and future payouts on the condition that they satisfy certain school attendance requirements and attend health check-up appointments. By 2018, the program had benefited 3.9 million children since its implementation, equating to 0.6% of the nation's GDP.
In agreement with the importance of cash transfer programs, the chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, Alison Garnham, has argued that countries should ensure a "minimum layer of protection" via free school meals and sufficient cash transfers in government policy as a part of a long-term poverty reduction campaign.
– Pauline Luetzenkirchen
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Saiesha https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Saiesha2022-08-09 07:30:562022-08-13 00:12:50Cash Transfers in Government Policy
5 Facts about the World's Unbanked Population
In 2017, the World Bank reported 1.7 billion "unbanked" adults, meaning these individuals did not have "an account at a financial institution or through a mobile money provider." Although there remain unbanked individuals in developed countries, most of the unbanked population lives in developing countries. Furthermore, there is a strong link between lacking financial inclusion and living in poverty.
In 2020, the Inclusion Foundation discovered that in the United Kingdom, being unbanked leads to costs of up to £500 annually as these individuals "miss out on discounts reserved for those who pay bills by direct debit." Additionally, the financial services that institutions offer, such as tools for saving, insurance and credit, are important instruments that help people rise out of poverty and advance financially.
Women account for most of the unbanked. In 2017, about 980 million women did not have a bank account, making up "56% of all unbanked adults globally." Even in countries with a small percentage of unbanked individuals, women account for most of the unbanked. For example, in Kenya, "where only about a fifth of adults are unbanked, about two-thirds of them are women." In both India and China, females account for close to 60% of unbanked adults. According to a 2012 World Bank article, the gap grows larger among those in poverty, where women who make less than $2 a day are 28% less likely than men to have an account. Melinda Gates, the co-chair of the Gates Foundation, said that "Financial tools for savings, insurance, payments, and credit are a vital need for poor people, especially women, and can help families and whole communities lift themselves out of poverty."
China and India have the largest unbanked populations. About 225 million adults in China did not have a bank account in 2017 — the largest unbanked population in a single country. India came in second with 190 million, followed by Pakistan with 100 million and Indonesia with 95 million unbanked people. These four countries, along with Nigeria, Bangladesh and Mexico, accounted for close to 50% of the globe's unbanked population in 2017.
People remain unbanked for specific reasons. The 2017 Global Findex survey asked those without bank accounts why they choose not to open one. The most common reason provided, with about two-thirds of respondents citing this reason, was simply lack of money. Coming in second, 30% of unbanked adults said they did not need an account. About 26% stated that accounts are too expensive and 26% also stated an account is not necessary because a family member already has an account. Other reasons include distance, documentation requirements, distrust in the financial system and religious concerns.
Providing banking services could lift people out of poverty. World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick said that "Providing financial services to the 2.5 billion people who are 'unbanked' could boost economic growth and opportunity for the world's [impoverished]." He stated further that "harnessing the power of financial services can really help people to pay for schooling, save for a home or start a small business that can provide jobs for others." In fact, research shows that "the more [impoverished] people are banking today, the more they are banking on their future[s]."
Technology as a potential solution. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a nonprofit organization that fights poverty, disease and inequality around the world. One of the focuses of the Foundation is to reach unbanked populations with solutions to improve financial inclusion so that "people around the globe can build security and prosperity for themselves." Its strategy is to promote the development of digital payment systems, which can allow for digital or mobile access to financial services without a bank account. This will also allow more women access to financial services, advancing gender equality. The Gates Foundation is currently supporting mobile money platforms in developing countries to increase financial inclusion for the unbanked. For example, in 2010, the Foundation granted $10 million to ShoreBank International to build a highly scalable electronic banking platform in Bangladesh to promote the financial inclusion of low-income people. In 2018, the Gates Foundation invested $3 million in Jordan's Mobile Money for Resilience platform, which will economically empower refugees and impoverished people in the nation.
While for many, banking services seem readily accessible and almost a fact of life, for others, the inability to access such services stunts their growth opportunities. By increasing financial inclusion, institutions can help people help themselves.
– Rachael So
Photo: Unsplash
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Saiesha https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Saiesha2022-06-03 07:30:282022-06-01 06:16:485 Facts about the World's Unbanked Population
Finance, Global Poverty, Senegal, Women, Women and Female Empowerment
The Financial Inclusion of Women in Senegal
Despite making some considerable progress in areas of political representation and educational enrolment, women in Senegal still have many challenges to surmount. Women in Senegal make up the majority of the population — 51% in 2020 — yet about 33% of employed Senegalese females 15 and older live "below the international poverty line." In comparison, this rate stands at about 27% for males in the same category, a 6% lower rate. The financial inclusion of women in Senegal increases the likelihood of them rising out of poverty.
Gender Issues Women in Senegal Face
In an interview with The Borgen Project, retired U.N. Women regional director (West Africa), Cecile Mukarubuga, says that "in addition to a lack of education, [women face] structural barriers [such as] negative social norms that claim that women can't make decisions or own property or assets." Outdated gender norms see little place for women in Senegal outside household duties. Although women's participation in the workforce is increasing as the years' pass, standing at 40% in 2019, most women's employment does not extend beyond the informal sector. In addition, men in this sector earn "82.9% more than women."
Gender violence, female genital mutilation, underage marriage and cultural perceptions serve as significant hindrances to women's autonomy and development and also impact their overall well-being and standing in society. According to a 2018 UNICEF report, in Senegal, 1.6 million girls and women faced childhood marriages. While there are laws and policies in place that protect women from violence, cultural traditions that value men and see a specific place for women hold more societal weight.
An example of this is the practice of female genital mutilation, which can lead to severe health complications or even death among girls and women in Senegal. Even though Senegal declared the practice illegal as early as 1999, the practice continues as it is a deeply entrenched cultural tradition. According to UNICEF data, "one in four women" between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced female genital mutilation in Senegal.
Financial Inclusion of Women in Senegal
In a world of gender inequality, financial inclusion can enhance women's economic agency by equipping them with financial services and products that may improve their economic standing. This includes ensuring women have greater control of economic assets as well as equal access to opportunities and financial resources, such as bank accounts, inheritance, insurance and credit programs.
These financial resources are essential in ensuring women in Senegal are able to break poverty cycles. "For the short term, the best strategy would be to advocate for financial institutions to design financial products and services that meet the needs and capacity of women," Mukarubuga says. However, she also notes that, first, "there's a need to transform mindsets and change mentalities."
Whether these advantages materialize as expanding small businesses, managing cash flow or even increasing assets, financial inclusion and opportunities would activate the untapped economic potential of Senegalese women, even setting the stage for them to be a part of the economic decisions in the household. Financial inclusion means families can look beyond "survival mode" and properly plan for their futures. "Women need a security net because when they do get a loan, most use it to feed their children or meet basic needs, so there is a need to adjust the supporting strategy to the most vulnerable women," notes Mukarubuga.
United Nations Capital Development Fund
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) aims to address gender inequality in Senegal and increase the financial inclusion of women in Senegal. Primarily working with girls and women 10 years and older, the UNCDF looks to improve "awareness of, access to, use of and control over appropriate financial products and services." Additionally, the organization works to address the socio-cultural environment in hopes of improving the agency of women and girls. In this way, the UNCDF strengthens female "economic empowerment and participation" in Senegal, which play an essential role in their ability to rise out of poverty.
The UNCDF runs various empowerment programs covering areas such as agriculture, digital finance and business management. In 2014, through a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, UNCDF launched a Mobile Money for the Poor Programme(MM4p) that works to address the lack of digital financial inclusion in West Africa. The program was particularly successful in Senegal. From 2014 to 2020, the digital financial inclusion rate rose "from 13% to 29%." In 2016 alone, women accounted for 10% of digital finance users in Senegal. The program also helped people set up digital wallets and connected local businesses to the digital payment service.
While the financial inclusion of women in Senegal is not an all-encompassing solution to dissolving the complex gender inequality issues within the nation, it serves as an empowerment tool to help women progress in society. The financial inclusion of women in Senegal stands as a potential pathway out of poverty for the nation's female population.
– Owen Mutiganda
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Jennifer Philipp https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Jennifer Philipp2022-02-10 01:30:392022-02-01 07:00:30The Financial Inclusion of Women in Senegal
Africa, Development, Development Projects, Finance, Global Poverty
How AFR is Improving Rwanda's Financial Sector
Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) is a nonprofit that began in 2010. It aims to stimulate the economy by increasing the use of financial services. AFR addresses the barriers that restrict financial sector service to the low-income population, with hopes to bring sustainable change and financial inclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted their poverty levels and economy drastically, making AFR critical to recovery. Here is some information about Rwanda and how AFR is improving Rwanda's financial sector.
Poverty in Rwanda
Poverty is not new for Rwandans, since it is one of the poorest countries in the world with 56.5% of the population living on less than $1.90 a day. However, this was before the COVID-19 pandemic which brought this percentage higher. The World Bank explained that "the overall increase in the poverty headcount is 5.7 percentage points, indicating an estimated additional 625,500 people falling into poverty."
The harsh reality of the pandemic hit Rwanda hard, making foreign aid more important than before. The unfortunate aspect of the situation is the step back from previous successful progress.
How AFR Works
Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) aims to help boost Rwanda's financial sector, which is essential for its growth. It implements phases, each lasting five years with specific goals and targets to achieve. Each phase consists of Micro, Meso and Macro level achievements which all aid Rwandans in poverty.
Between 2010 and 2015, almost 1 million people in Rwanda were able to access and use financial services thanks to AFR and its partnership with other institutions. During the second phase, between 2016 and 2020, AFR partnered with the public and private sector and implemented interventions and allowed the access and use of financial services to around 2.5 million people in Rwanda. Its work speaks for itself and with more phases to come, Rwanda has a loyal and strong team fighting on its behalf.
AFR's Objectives
AFR's objectives are clear and demonstrate the importance of their job.
"Increase access to financial services for poor rural and urban people and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs);"
"Improve the livelihoods of poor people through reduced vulnerability to shocks, increased income and employment creation;"
"Provide funding and technical assistance to the public sector/private sector and/or civil society recipients in order to promote, and achieve, the objectives set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and"
"Carry on all other such things that are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above."
AFR upholds values of respect, integrity, collaboration, responsibility, quality and value for money. Its mission and vision are to bring inclusivity and diversity to Rwanda's financial sector. This could bring sustainability and resilience to the economy and people.
Rwanda's Future
Although the pandemic brought setbacks to Rwanda's development, its previous progress brings hope for the future. Rwanda continues to have one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Africa. By 2035, Rwanda hopes to gain Middle Income Country Status and High Income Country status by 2050.
The pandemic resulted in Rwanda's first recession since 1994, which is extremely impressive for this country. Not to mention, its economic growth brought immense improvement in living standards, "with a two-thirds drop in child mortality and near-universal primary school enrollment," according to the World Bank.
Organizations like AFR grow every day in strength and number, so expect great improvement in years to come. Rwanda could return to making the progress it started over 20 years ago and the benefits could continue to improve life for Rwandans.
– Anna Montgomery
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Jennifer Philipp https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Jennifer Philipp2022-01-29 07:30:452022-01-18 14:10:32How AFR is Improving Rwanda's Financial Sector
Development, Digital Advancement, Digital banking, Economy, Finance, Financial Literacy, Global Poverty
GoodDollar Promotes Universal Basic Income
GoodDollar is both the name of an Israeli cryptocurrency and a not-for-profit company launched in 2020. Cryptocurrency is an immaterial system of money that has secure coding. Additionally, people can exchange it virtually and governments do not control it. Yoni Assia is the mind behind the GoodDollar project and coin (G$), the virtual currency that intends to democratize the economy by working to promote universal basic income and reduce inequality. Universal basic income (UBI) is "a periodic cash allowance given to all citizens… to provide them with a standard of living above the poverty line." Here is some information about how GoodDollar promotes universal basic income (UBI).
GoodDollar's Mission
According to Forbes, 80% of the population owns only 6% of the world's wealth, while the remaining 20% owns the rest. Against this unfair backdrop, GoodDollar is a potential game-changer through how it promotes universal basic income.
Yoni Assia believes that "too many underprivileged people are locked out of opportunities that could take them out of poverty, including access to capital markets and digital work opportunities. Therefore, the GoodDollar project aims to alleviate that by fostering financial inclusion and empowerment around the world." The creator of GoodDollar is also the founder of eToro, a social trading company and platform, which is responsible for investing $1 million in the new cryptocurrency.
How GoodDollar Works
GoodDollar can benefit anyone who signs up and creates an account (a wallet). For that, people need to record a short video to ensure that they are real humans, not bots, and they can complete the entire sign-up process in less than 5 minutes. There are two groups of users, claimers and supporters. Claimers are people who benefit from free digital cash (G$) without the need to invest any amount, being allowed to claim it every day and use it to pay for goods, services and exchange it with friends. Up to now, 255,000 claimants have received G$180 million, totaling more than $20,000. Supporters are both companies or regular people that believe in the UBI cause and fund a mechanism that generates interest (the DeFi — decentralized finance, protocol).
Interest generates in a blockchain, a kind of extremely safe digital information record system, and becomes the reserve of G$ coins to that undergoes distribution among claimers and supporters. The supporters benefit not only from the interest generated by their initial staked amount, but also the interest generated on top of the previous interest rate. Currently, only small businesses accept G$ coins, and they are not very valuable. However, as more people join the GoodDollar movement, its value will rise.
Hope for GoodDollar's Growth
"Inequality plagues the world. Let's solve for it in our future," is a statement on GoodDollar's website. The company is still in its early stages, but getting ready to release version 2.0 of the GoodDollar protocol. In the first year of the second version, it plans to distribute around $47,000 worth of G$. AI Multiple's review on GoodDollar points out that, to grow and make a real difference in its users' lives, GoodDollar needs to have more supporters and a G$ reserve that grows "faster than the number of claimers."
The more people use this cryptocurrency, the more valuable it will become. If "a public figure sheds a light on it via their social media platforms or accepts it as a payment method for a business product or service, that could boost its popularity."
A Promising Future
The Forbes article discusses how basic income distribution could help to reduce the financial inequality that the pandemic exacerbated, and the GoodDollar team has been working hard to make it a reality someday. While the future of the project depends on a combination of factors, blockchain solutions like GoodDollar are undeniably promising and revolutionary economic models.
Tal Oron, GoodDollar project director, hopes that within a few years, "GoodDollar [will distribute] $2 a day per person, and, together, as a global community, without government support, raise hundreds of millions of people above the poverty line." The way that GoodDollar promotes universal basic income will only benefit people globally.
– Iasmine Oliveira
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Kim Thelwell https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Kim Thelwell2021-11-03 01:30:472021-11-01 15:29:56GoodDollar Promotes Universal Basic Income
Cryptocurrency, Finance, Financial Inclusion, Global Poverty, Senegal
How Akon is Using Akoin to Help African Entrepreneurs
Young entrepreneurs in Africa face unique obstacles when starting their own businesses, which prolongs Africa's development. Akon, the multi-platinum-selling singer and recording artist, is originally from Senegal in Africa. Therefore, he has a deep understanding of the economic strife facing Africa due to inflation and financial instability. On top of this, about 350 million adults in sub-Saharan Africa remain unbanked, equivalent to 17% of the world's total unbanked. Akon aims to change this by introducing the Akoin cryptocurrency.
Why Akoin?
Akon is using blockchain technology to help African entrepreneurs. He seeks to provide them with the tools necessary to overcome the difficulty of working between more than 40 currencies across 54 African countries by uniting currencies. With the Akoin cryptocurrency, seamless transfers within and across borders could be possible.
In the early months of 2021, the youth of Senegal took to the streets to protest the economic instability and unemployment facing their generation, highlighting the need for a new economic recovery plan. Although the economy in Senegal has grown in recent years, the growth has not always meant growth in jobs for young adults.
Akon is aggressively seeking to reach his goal of implementing Akoin in Africa because "[i]t brings the power back to the people and brings the security back into the currency system." The singer-turned-social rights advocate seeks to implement Akoin as a form of payment to provide users access to a suite of business tools. Additionally, the construction of Akon City has been approved by the Senegalese government. Construction will take an estimated 10 years with the cost of this futuristic city being an estimated $6 billion, supported by Akon and other investors.
Akoin, the African cryptocurrency token, is part of a decentralized exchange ecosystem that allows users to trade tokens and other cryptocurrencies between each other or major exchanges. After making this technology accessible to emerging entrepreneurs and helping them with the extensive paperwork required by banks when starting a new business, Akon could strengthen the African economy with a stronger infrastructure for startups.
Unlike other cryptocurrencies, Akoin is specific to Africa and seeks to provide optimal support as a transaction medium in otherwise hard-to-reach areas. One major obstacle to the African adoption of cryptocurrency as tender is government uneasiness. Signs show that the wariness of another legal tender remains, potentially due to a lack of public knowledge and the possible insecurity that comes with blockchain technology's anonymity.
Looking Foward
With Africa awaiting a crypto boom, Akon makes the clarification that Akoin does not necessarily need to be deemed legal tender, only an "alternative financial solutio[n]." According to Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics firm, South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria are ranked among world leaders in peer-to-peer crypto transactions. Mwale Technological and Medical City have beta-tested the transaction platform. More than 2,000 merchants utilized the technology as the "sole currency and payment processor."
Hope remains for the Senegalese government's adoption of Akoin. Leaders of the African cryptocurrency scene are hopeful for more African countries to adopt and primarily benefit from the plethora of crypto applications.
– Melanie Goldsmith
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg 0 0 Kim Thelwell https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg Kim Thelwell2021-09-23 01:30:372021-09-21 02:18:19How Akon is Using Akoin to Help African Entrepreneurs


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Home International Sudan, Qatar Agree on US$4 bn Deal
Sudan, Qatar Agree on US$4 bn Deal
Sudan and Qatar have agreed to a partnership worth US$ 4 billion to develop and manage Suakin Port in eastern Sudan on the Red Sea. Sudan has been deprived of foreign investment in its Red Sea ports and terminals due to the economic sanctions on the country while many state and private funds for strategic and commercial reasons invested huge amounts of money in the profitable marine terminal management in different countries in the region.
The deal was announced by the Sudanese Minister of Transport, Roads and Bridges Makkawi Mohamed Awad in a joint press conference held in Port Sudan with the Qatari Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti.
"Qatar and Sudan have agreed on a new joint partnership for full rehabilitation and management of the port of Suakin as that the signing ceremony will be in Khartoum tomorrow," Awad said.
He further said that the project will be completed by 2020 and will cost four billion dollars, of which 500 million dollars will cover the first phase. Qatar will fund the project but Sudan will hold 51% of its shares while Qatar will get 49%.
He disclosed that the deal has been reached after four meetings held in Doha and Khartoum to discuss plans to modernize the seaport and to make it one of the strategic facilities in the country.
The project includes a free zone and besides the seaport infrastructure.
The minister didn't say the term of the agreement but generally such concessions awarded for a period between 20 and 50 years. However, in some countries freehold deals are possible.
Awad said his ministry plans to develop the infrastructure of Sudanese seaports to keep pace with the development of maritime transport industry, adding they will work with international companies specialized in the seaports management.
In similar deals with foreign countries or private companies, the parties establish a separation of port authority from the port operator. The latter focuses on profitable commercial services while the former works on policy and regulations.
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A cold cool tomato soup is refreshing, nutritious, tastes divine and great for a hot summer day. This is a very tasty soup.
This is a one bowl serving so if you are making it for two, double the recipe.
In a blender or food processor blend all ingredients, until smooth.
Add veggie salt or Spike Seasoning to taste.
Now enjoy your cool tomato soup.
Borscht with a Difference – This tasty soup can be eaten hot or cold.
Watermelon Soup – Here is another soup that is cooling like the Cool Tomato Soup . This makes a tasty meal for a hot day.


Vector - Vintage sport vehicle vector logo isolated on dark background. Premium quality classic car logotype tee-shirt emblem illustration.
Blue sport car silhouette with reflection on black background. Vector illustration.


Join us for a Coffee Connection at Salty Crab! Our hosts will provide coffee and breakfast goodies as we network with a beachfront view. This event is open to the public and FREE of charge. Non-members can attend one coffee connection to come and learn more about our Chamber.
Be aware that Salty Crab has no parking on site. You can park at Lynn Hall Park, under the bridge or along Old San Carlos Blvd. for $2-3 an hour.
Located directly on the beach, it's the perfect place to grab some great food, a cold beer, all while digging your toes in the sand. With a fresh new look, and a killer menu, we're sure that the Salty Crab Bar & Grill will be your new home away from home. Come on in and see for yourself.


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Tag Archives: quarantine
Hey, did you hear the story about the teacher who dumped her sick kid into the trunk of her car so she wouldn't get infected?
This is true! And it could only happen in Texas! Sandra Beam is facing child endangerment charges for placing her 13-year-old son in the trunk of her car, after he tested positive for COVID-19. Her reasoning? She didn't want to get infected herself!
Her decision prompted her suspension from the Cypress-Fairbanks school district and a felony charge of child endangerment. She was jailed, but managed to post a USD 1,500 bond. As of now, it's not known whether or not she has an attorney.
The 41-year-old teacher is highly-regarded among her peers and has received a slew of support from the community where she has been described as kind and genuine. Think about it though: the witch placed her own son into the trunk of her car so she wouldn't get sick.
Here's a bright idea: WHERE A MASK!
Here's another bright idea: as punishment, dump home-girl into the trunk of that same car with a bottle of water and a cell phone and park it by a sewage plant for 12 hours.
Filed under Curiosities
Tagged as car trunk, child endangerment, COVID-19, cruelty, Cypress-Fairbanks school district, face mask, illness, influenza, pandemics, quarantine, Sandra Beam, stupidity, Texas
Worst Quotes of the Week – January 15, 2022
"Florida has become the escape hatch for those chafing under authoritarian, arbitrary and seemingly never-ending mandates and restrictions."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in his State of the State address, during which he mocked COVID-19 restrictions
"First thing I'm going to do, we've already asked to preserve all those records. The answer could be very clear, why did the Democrats when they created January 6, pick and choose which Republicans can be on, disallowing never before in history individuals that I selected as minority leader? Why did the chair of this committee say the speaker is off-limits. Why did the speaker not allow the information from the sergeant of arms, that communication with the speaker? They're is two main questions you want on January 6. Why was the Capitol so ill-prepared that day, and how do we make sure it never happens again. You cannot answer any of those questions without getting that communication and we will get it, Sean, so we can get the answers."
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, U.S. House Minority Leader, complaining about appointments to the January 6 Commission
"Many people witnessed people in their community dying from COVID and that made them think life can be short and you'd better live now rather than postpone until a later date. That has helped Rolls-Royce."
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce, explaining how the COVID-19 pandemic has been good for his company
Müller-Ötvös added, "It is very much due to Covid that the entire luxury business is booming worldwide. People couldn't travel a lot, they couldn't invest a lot into luxury services … and there is quite a lot of money accumulated that is spent on luxury goods."
Tagged as COVID-19, face mask, Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, illness, influenza, January 6 riots, pandemics, quarantine, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Rolls-Royce, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, U.S. House of Representatives, vaccine, wealth, wealth gap
Best Quotes of the Week – January 15, 2022
"A turning point in this nation's history."
President Joe Biden, describing the upcoming consideration of voting-rights bills in Congress
Biden added, "Will we choose democracy over autocracy, light over shadows, justice over injustice?"
"The last time we had a committee, [Senator Paul] was accusing me of being responsible for the death of four to five million people, which is really irresponsible. And I say, 'Why is he doing that?' There are two reasons that's really bad. The first is it distracts from what we're all trying to do here today, is get our arms around the epidemic and the pandemic that we're dealing with, not something imaginary. Number two — what happens when he gets out and accuses me of things that are completely untrue is that all of a sudden, that kindles the crazies out there and I have…threats upon my life, harassment of my family…with obscene phone calls because people are lying about me. Now I guess you could say, well, that's the way it goes, I can take the hit. Well, it makes a difference, because as some of you may know, just about three or four weeks ago on December 21st, a person was arrested who was on their way from Sacramento to Washington, D.C., at a speed stop in Iowa…The police asked him where he was going, and he was going to Washington, D.C. to kill Dr. Fauci. And they found in his car an AR-15, and multiple magazines of ammunition, because he thinks that maybe I'm killing people."
Dr. Anthony Fauci, during a hostile exchange with Sen. Rand Paul at a U.S. Senate hearing on the ongoing battle over COVID-19 restrictions, mask mandates and vaccines
Fauci added (while holding up a printout of Paul's website), "So I ask myself, 'Why would Senator [Rand Paul] want to do this?' So, go to Rand Paul's website, and you see 'Fire Dr. Fauci' with a little box that says, 'Contribute here.' You can do $5, $10, $20, $100. So you are making a catastrophic epidemic for your political gain."
"Somebody with the degree and the seriousness of the psychological disorders he has does not get better without any kind of therapeutic intervention."
Mary Trump, about her infamous uncle, Donald Trump
Regarding his loss in the 2020 presidential election, Mary noted, "He probably suffered the greatest narcissistic injury of his life in 2020. And regardless of how many lies he tells himself or other people, he is a loser. But it will certainly start to peel people away from him. Not the cult. But the 74 million people who voted for him weren't all in the cult. They just don't pay attention."
Tagged as COVID-19, Donald Trump, Dr. Anthony Fauci, face mask, illness, influenza, Mary Trump, pandemics, President Joe Biden, quarantine, Sen. Rand Paul, U.S. Senate, vaccine, voting, voting rights
Strained
On September 1, several new laws went into effect here in Texas – 666 to be exact; a number that surely makes evangelicals tremble. Some, like Senate Bill 968, which bans "vaccine passports", became law immediately when Gov. Greg Abbott signed them in June. Others, such as House Bill 2730, which deals with eminent domain, go into effect January 1, 2022.
Overall, it appears that some of them are designed to oppress the basic human and constitutional rights of certain groups. The Texas State Legislature meets every two years and, in 2019, their principal goal was to loosen gun restrictions even more than they already were. Those of us who aren't obsessed with firearms (meaning we don't suffer from Pencil-Penis Syndrome) wondered how much more lax these rules could become. Stupidity never ceases to amaze me, and conservatives in the Texas State House always deliver.
This year's session, though, has raised eyebrows and tempers across the nation – and mainly because of two of those 666 laws in particular. One deals with voting and the other with abortion. Abortion has always been an open wound for social and religious conservatives. To them it's worse than the growing economic inequalities in the country, the prescription drug epidemic, or the fact that so many children in the U.S. live in poverty. Pro-life conservatives are "pro-life" – up to the time that baby is born. Once it pops out of the placental oven, it's pretty much on its own.
Known as the "fetal heartbeat" bill, it is the most ardent assault upon reproductive freedom since the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. It bans abortions no matter the circumstance (including rape, incest and danger to the mother's life) after the sixth week of pregnancy, which is usually before most women learn they're pregnant. It bears that moniker because an embryonic heartbeat allegedly can be detected at the sixth week. In reality, the heart hasn't developed by that point; only the muscles that eventually will become the heart have formed. The term is misleading. The sound of a heartbeat is generated by the opening and closing of the heart valves. Those valves haven't formed yet at 6 weeks. When someone detects this so-called "fetal heartbeat", it's the sound generated by the ultrasound machine. But self-righteous conservatives in the Texas State Legislature don't see it that way. It doesn't conform to their narrow view of reality. In other words, a group of (mostly male) politicians have decided they know more about human development and reproductive health care than actual medical professionals.
But the "fetal heartbeat" law goes even further – allowing anyone who assists in an abortion after that sixth week to be held liable as a criminal accessory and sued for up to $10,000. This isn't aimed strictly at those in the medical industry. Giving a woman a ride to an abortion clinic, for example, opens them to criminal charges under this law; which means cab drivers are subject. Perhaps comforting a woman after the abortion could be considered criminal. Would a plumber who repairs water pipes in a women's health clinic be deemed a criminal? It's not the state that would bring the charges; the $10,000 penalty is for any individual who files suit under the law. Thus, if someone is upset (gets their feelings hurt) because of an abortion, they're entitled for up to $10,000 compensation.
I'm upset there's so much stupidity in the world. Where's my financial compensation?
Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a blow to abortion rights when it refused to take up the new Texas law for consideration. Previously, it's overturned similar laws passed by other states. But for the past few years, conservatives have been pushing these draconian measures for the mere sake of having the High Court review the Roe v. Wade decision and ultimately overturn it. The Court's refusal to examine this Texas law is a blatant nod to right-wing extremists who feel divinely appointed to control other people's lives.
The other new law gaining notoriety is Senate Bill 1, which targets the voting process. SB 1 limits the early voting period and bans 24-hour and drive-through voting. The drive-through voting idea was proposed last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 elections. Perhaps the most alarming feature of this law is that it allows poll watchers greater access. Voter intimidation is not just rude; it's felonious. But don't tell that to Abbott and the rest of the Republican mafia in Texas who symbolize ongoing efforts by conservatives nationwide to undermine the right to vote – the very genesis of democratic societies. It's something we've tried to instill in other countries, such as…well, Iraq and Afghanistan. But, just like the World War II generation moved Heaven and Earth to stop fascism in Europe, yet did nothing to end it here in the U.S., conservatives want people in developing nations to be able to vote in clean and fair elections – without putting the same amount of effort at home.
Like most of the nation, Texas is still in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic with a resurgence of infections and increasing hospitalizations. This past February the Texas power grid system almost completely collapsed with the onset of Winter Storm Uri. Scores of people died. Much of the rest of the state's infrastructure – mostly roads and bridges – are in dire need of repair or replacement. And, of course, all those children in Texas and across the nation who are uninsured…doesn't pro-life also mean taking care of them?
The new gaggle of laws has a few other gems – good and bad. HB 1535 allows people to utilize marijuana for medicinal purposes. SB 224 simplifies access to the Supplemental Assistance Program for older and disabled citizens; individuals can forgo the normally required interviews and have a shortened application process. Now this measure is what I would deem pro-life!
On the other hand, we have HB 2497, which establishes an "1836 Project" committee produce educational materials dedicated to Texas history. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo launched Texas' separation from México. It's in contrast to the "1619 Project", which examines U.S. history from the arrival of enslaved Africans.
Moreover, HB 3979 limits teachers from discussing current events and systemic racism in class. The bill also prevents students from receiving class credit for participating in civic engagement and – wait for it – bans teaching of the aforementioned "1619 Project".
I attribute these social studies bills as efforts by White conservatives to undermine the true history of the United States; that Native Americans were more civilized and intellectual than many realize; that the "founding fathers" weren't devout Christians; and that the Civil War really was about keeping an entire race of people enslaved and not states' rights. Like the presidency of Donald Trump, it's a strike back against decades of progressive thought and ambition.
I never know what to think of these right-wing fools in elected office. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to put up that sign on my front lawn offering free rides to abortion clinics.
Tagged as 1619 Project, 1836 Project, abortion, civil rights, COVID-19, Donald Trump, education, face mask, Greg Abbott, guns, illness, influenza, marijuana, pandemics, power lines, quarantine, Texas, Texas history, U.S. Civil War, U.S. Supreme Court, vaccine, voting, Winter Storm Uri
Best Quotes of the Week – May 22, 2021
"Holy crap. Perhaps a U.S. Senator shouldn't suggest that the Russian military is better than the American military that protected him from an insurrection he helped foment?"
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, responding to a Tweet by Sen. Ted Cruz criticizing the U.S. military's diversity endeavors
"We can't even imagine the thinking behind Gov. Abbott's callous decision to strip the remaining federal unemployment insurance benefits out of the pockets of Texas working families. If he took the time or had any interest in understanding the challenges working people face, Gov. Abbott would see clearly that folks across Texas desperately need these funds as they try to navigate their way through the economic carnage of the pandemic."
Rick Levy, president of the Texas AFL-CIO, reacting to Gov. Abbott's decision to opt out of federal unemployment benefits extensions
"The Big Pharma fairy tale is one of groundbreaking R&D that justifies astronomical prices. But the pharma reality is that you spend most of your company's money making money for yourself and your shareholders."
Rep. Katie Porter, to Richard Gonzalez, CEO of pharmaceutical giant AbbVie, about increasingly high costs for prescription drugs
During the U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing, Porter also declared, "You lie to patients when you charge them twice as much for an unimproved drug, and then you lie to policymakers when you tell us that R&D justifies those price increases."
Gonzalez's 2020 total compensation topped USD 24 million.
Tagged as AbbVie, AFL-CIO, COVID-19, economic inequality, economy, employment, Gov. Greg Abbott, illness, influenza, medicine, pandemics, pharmaceuticals, prescription drugs, quarantine, Rep. Katie Porter, Richard Gonzalez, Rick Levy, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ted Cruz, Texas, U.S. military, unemployment, work
Worst Quotes of the Week – April 17, 2021
"We had 15 days to slow the spread turn into one year of lost liberty. What metrics, what measures, what has to happen before Americans get more freedoms?"
Rep. Jim Jordan, to Dr. Anthony Fauci before the Coronavirus Select Subcommittee
"If you hate cops just because they're cops, and you don't know anything about them, then next time you get in trouble, just call a crackhead."
Sen. John Kennedy, commenting on recent police shootings
Tagged as coronavirus, COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci, illness, influenza, law enforcement, masks, pandemics, police, police brutality, police shootings, quarantine, Rep. Jim Jordan, Sen. John Kennedy
Best Quotes of the Week – April 17, 2021
"You're indicating liberty and freedom. I look at it as a public health measure to prevent people from dying and going to the hospital."
Dr. Anthony Fauci, to Rep. Jim Jordan, during a Coronavirus Select Subcommittee hearing
"You need to respect the chair and shut your mouth!"
Rep. Maxine Waters to Rep. Jim Jordan after his hostile exchange with Dr. Fauci before the Coronavirus Select Subcommittee
Tagged as coronavirus, COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci, illness, influenza, masks, pandemics, quarantine, Rep. Jim Jordan, Rep. Maxine Waters
"When a group of sad, disenfranchised people who have been left out of the modern economy show up at your office, you don't have to listen to their complaints. Not for a second. Why would you?"
Tucker Carlson, in a mocking rant about the January 6 Capitol Hill riots
April 6 marked exactly three months since the event. Carlson added: "For those of you are not good at dates or don't have calendars, this is the day that we pause to remember the White supremacist QAnon insurrection, that came so very close to toppling our government and ending this democracy forever."
"We have a major under-incarceration problem in America. And it's only getting worse."
Sen. Tom Cotton, presenting his solution to rising crime in the U.S.
The U.S. has approximately 2.3 million people incarcerated, or roughly 698 people per every 100,000; the highest rate in the developed world.
"They simply let me use it as a security retreat because they knew the threat that I was under. And I was basically under presidential threat without presidential security in terms of the number of threats I was getting."
Wayne LaPierre, executive vice-president of the National Rifle Association, describing how he often sought refuge on a friend's yacht after notable mass shootings
LaPierre made the revelation in a deposition during the NRA's bankruptcy hearing.
"When I see people walking outside, often alone with no one anywhere near them, wearing a mask, my primary reactions are disappointment and sadness. I am disappointed because I expected better from my fellow Americans. I never thought most Americans would be governed by irrational fears and unquestioning obedience to authority. I have come to realize that I had a somewhat romanticized view of my countrymen."
Dennis Prager, expressing frustration that so many people continue to wear masks
He also declared: "If you wear a mask, you do so in the belief that you are protecting yourself (and others) from COVID-19. So, then, why do you care if I don't wear a mask?"
Tagged as COVID-19, crime, Dennis Prager, domestic terrorism, face mask, gun violence, guns, illness, incarceration, influenza, January 6 riots, medicine, National Rifle Association, pandemics, prisons, quarantine, science, Sen. Tom Cotton, Tucker Carlson, vaccine, Wayne LaPierre
Tweet of the Week – March 20, 2021
Gratitude has been a difficulty in the last year.
All of us have faced challenges being limited by draconian restrictions.
I am grateful for the chance to serve my nation & grateful in knowing strength is developed in adversity.
What's one thing you're grateful for today?
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) March 16, 2021
Rep. Lauren Boebert
Tagged as COVID-19, face mask, gratitude, illness, influenza, pandemics, quarantine, Rep. Lauren Boebert, vaccine
Best Quotes of the Week – March 6, 2021
"Abbott has purposefully injected a new infection into the state in the form of irresponsible policies that will promote unnecessary infection, hospitalization and death."
Dr. Kavita Patel, on the announcement by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to reopen the state 100% to retailers, restaurants and other businesses, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
"The Republican Party's biggest problem is that too many people of color are exercising their right to vote. The party's solution is a massive push for voter suppression that would make old-time Jim Crow segregationists proud."
Eugene Robinson, in a Washington Post editorial
"I think a lot of us assumed that we were the dominant gene – if only because the country was changing so much – that out of its own self-interest the party would have to change. We saw the dark side. We thought it was a recessive gene. And I don't know any conclusion to come to except that we were wrong."
Stuart Stevens, on MSNBC's "The 11th Hour with Brian Williams" 03/03/21
Tagged as 11th Hour with Brian Williams, COVID-19, Dr. Kavita Patel, economy, Eugene Robinson, Gov. Greg Abbott, illness, influenza, pandemics, quarantine, Republican Party, segregation, Stuart Stevens, Texas, voter suppression, voting, voting rights


text:
Federal states likely to witness water wars: Experts
Water experts here warned today that conflicts may occur between federal states if there is unequal sharing of water resources.
Addressing a programme, they said the national water policy should be revised to ensure water rights in the changed context.
"The new constitution may have to incorporate provisions of defined institutional roles of national, regional and local government institutions in relation to water resources management," said senior engineer Nanda Kishor Agrawal.
He said the role of stakeholders of federal states within the river basin has been considered vital in decision-making process of water allocation, benefit sharing, planning, development and management.
Ajaya Dixit, chairperson of the Neal Water Conservation Foundation, said there should be coordination among local, provincial and central governments for maximum utility of water resources.
"An area of agreement must be developed, through a long and extended course of homework so as to enable state governments to utilise water. Through judicious sharing of water resources, they can also prevent confrontations," he said. Former secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources Surya Nath Upadhyaya said, "We should be aware that unequal distribution of water resources can trigger conflicts among the states."
Dr Madhav Sah of the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum warned that problems might crop up if federal states are not formed without ensuring judicious distribution of water.
He said most of treaties and agreements on sharing of water resources between Nepal and India have put the southern region of the country on the receiving end. "The people of Madhes might have to fight against the central government as well as the Indian authorities on issues related to sharing of water resources," he said.
Bishnu Bhandari, chief technical adviser of the IUCN, said there should be equitable access to use of wetland resources and that the government should be careful to manage benefit-sharing.
Wetland policy should be revised and there must be strengthening of capacity at all levels, he said.
Meanwhile, Indian water expert Ramaswamy R Iyer said that conflict among states over water
becomes unavoidable when the states demand more water than they have.
He attended the programme to share experience of managing water resources in India.


text:
« Mantle's Regretful Career Finish
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Mickey Mantle's Heartbroken Valedictory
Retiring Mickey Mantle (L) and Yankees Manager Ralph Houk
Associated Press Coverage of Mantle's Retirement Conference
As It Appeared in The Joplin (MO) Globe
MICKEY CALLS IT A CAREER WITH YANKEES
Slugger Retires After 18 Seasons
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP) – Mickey Mantle, at a loss for words, announced his retirement from baseball Saturday before a packed news conference at the New York Yankees' spring training hotel.
Mike Burke, president of the Yankees, introduced Mantle to reporters, saying that the veteran star "had reached a firm conclusion, and I think its best he tell it to you himself."
Then Mantle, dressed in a dark blue turtleneck, light blue slacks and checked sports jacket, stepped to the rostrum. But instead of saying anything, Mickey said, "I'm open for questions."
The first one, of course, was what had he decided.
"I'm not going to play baseball anymore; that's all I know," he said slowly. "I can't play anymore. I don't hit the ball anymore when I need to. I can't steal when I need to, I can't score from second when I need to."
Mantle said he had talked his situation over with Ralph Houk, manager of the Yankees, Friday night and Burke Saturday morning. "We decided this would be best for me and for the club," said Mantle, who most of his 18-year career, was one of the most feared sluggers in baseball.
Mantle said he reached the decision after talking with both Houk and Burke.
"Ralph said if he was me, and at this point he wasn't wasn't sure what to do, he'd probably call it off right now and that's what I'm doing," the outfielder turned first baseman said.
Mantle said his outside business interests, which include a chain of country kitchens and clothing stores, also helped him reach a decision.
"I have to appear at all the kitchen openings and there are about 45 sold right now," he explained.
Mantle said he had no current plans to remain with the Yankee organization. "But Mike told me if I ever wanted a job, it was available."
Mantle said he was disappointed he was not a lifetime .300 hitter. He finished at .298."But I'm very proud of my 18 World Series homers," he added.
Mantle said his wife was very happy with his decision.
"She's been asking me to quit for three years," Mickey related. "I'm planning to get out to the ball park now and then, but I won't put on a uniform."
In a prepared text, Mantle said:
"I never wanted to embarrass myself on the field or hurt the club in any way or give the fans anything less than they are entitled to expect from me. I'm not sure I can play well enough to satisfy myself.
"Last fall I still thought I might play another year if I felt well enough in spring training. As the months passed I felt more sure in my own mind that now was the time to end my career as a ballplayer."
Houk said: "We all know Mantle would have played on any ball team I managed as long as he wanted to and I think we all know that the game is losing a super star."
Burke said Mantle's future with the Yankee organization "would depend solely on how much time he has to give. Right now we have left it that he will have a relationship with us and we will have a relationship with him."
Burke's prepared statement said:
"This is a sad but inevitable day. We are losing a truly magnificent Yankee and baseball will sorely miss this one of a kind athlete.
"We would have liked him to play another season, of course. Ralph (Houk) and Lee (MacPhail) and I all thought he could make an important contribution on the field and to the spirit of our young club. But we also felt very firmly that this was Mickey's decision to make and that we must be sympathetic to his situation."
Asked if the Yankees would retire No. 7, Burke said "Yes."
Mantle came up to the Yankees in 1951 – the same year another center fielder, Willie Mays, arrived in New York with the Giants. The Oklahoman's freshman year wasn't nearly as successful as the ones that followed. He batted just .267 in 96 games and spent half the season in the minors.
But his 13 home runs and 65 runs batted in were the clue to the latent power that Mantle possessed. It was a power that would eventually make him one of the most feared hitters in baseball.
It was in the 1951 World Series against Mays and the Giants that Mantle suffered his first serious knee injury. He tripped over a drainage opening in the Yankee Stadium outfield in the second game had to be carried off the field in a stretcher.
But Mantle came back in 1952, replacing Joe DiMaggio, who had retired, and batting .311 with 23 home runs and 87 RBI. He had nine more .300 seasons, including five straight from 1954 through 1958.
His raw power sent home runs soaring record distances and when he powered one off Washington's Chuck Stobbs in 1955, an ambitious press agent measured it at 565 feet. That was the start of the tape measure home run.
Mantle won the triple crown in 1956, batting .353 with 52 homers and 130 RBI. He was named the American League's Most Valuable Player that season and again the next year when he raised his average to .365. He also won the MVP award in 1962.
In 1961, he staged an exciting battle with teammate Roger Maris for the home run crown. Maris finished with 61 that year and Mantle had 54, the highest single season total of his career.
He finished his career with 536 home runs – third on the all time list behind Babe Ruth and Mays. He had 1,509 runs batted in and a .298 career average which was pulled down by .245 and .237 figures in his last two years.
Mantle played in 2,401 games as a Yankee – more than any man in the club's history. But he never played an entire season. The closest he came was in 1960 and 1961 when he missed just one game each year.
His legs were always tender and, after 16 seasons as an outfielder, Mantle was moved to first base in 1967 in an effort to remove the stress on his legs. He played 144 games in each of the last two seasons – more than any he had managed in any year since 1961.
Mantle played in 12 World Series with the Yankees and holds Series records with 18 home runs, 42 runs scored, 40 runs batted in, 123 total bases, 26 long (extra base) hits, 43 walks, and 54 strikeouts.
He also played in 16 All Star games.
~ AP, The Joplin Globe, Sunday, March 2, 1969, Section C, Page 1.
Tags: Mickey Mantle's Heartbroken Valedictory
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