text:
By financemanager	 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 No Comments
HSBC has launched a lobbying effort to persuade the Chinese language authorities that it isn't liable for the arrest of Huawei's finance director, because the financial institution tries to distance itself from the diplomatic row over China's high telecoms gear maker.
The UK-listed financial institution stepped up engagement with Chinese language officers after the arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei govt who can also be the daughter of the corporate's founder, based on a number of folks briefed on the discussions.
Ms Meng is out on bail in Canada, the place her legal professionals try to cease her extradition to the US to face costs of financial institution and wire fraud in an indictment that additionally alleges that Huawei performed enterprise in Iran in contravention of US sanctions.
HSBC supplied info that helped US prosecutors construct the case towards Ms Meng and Huawei in a transfer that has infuriated executives on the telecoms group, based on folks acquainted with the matter.
John Flint, HSBC's chief govt, and different senior representatives of the financial institution have advised Chinese language officers that it had little alternative however to co-operate with the investigation after the US Division of Justice requested info on its relationship with Huawei in 2017, based on three folks briefed on a number of of the discussions.
In 2017, HSBC was working beneath the supervision of an unbiased monitor appointed by the DoJ in 2012 after the financial institution was fined $1.9bn for breaching sanctions and serving to Mexican drug cartels launder cash.
Mr Flint defended the financial institution's co-operation with the DoJ investigation in a gathering earlier this yr with the Chinese language ambassador to the UK after he was known as to the embassy in London following Ms Meng's arrest, two of the folks stated.
HSBC's chief authorized officer, Stuart Levey — who served as a senior US Treasury division official with duty for monetary crime within the George W Bush and Obama administrations — additionally attended the assembly, they added.
Really helpful
"The Chinese language are very offended on the remedy of [Ms] Meng and have requested us about our position in her prosecution," stated one HSBC insider briefed on the discussions. "We've advised them we had a US monitor, with between 200 and 400 folks contained in the financial institution at any given time, that had entry to every thing: stonewalling the DoJ was not an choice."
One individual advising HSBC described the state of affairs as "extremely delicate" for the financial institution, which generates practically 75 per cent of its earnings in Hong Kong, the autonomous Chinese language territory, and mainland China.
HSBC's nervousness underscores how corporations concern getting caught up within the sparring between Beijing and Washington, particularly after they have adopted progress methods predicated on increasing in China.
In addition to a wholly-owned retail and industrial financial institution and joint ventures in asset administration and insurance coverage in mainland China, HSBC in 2017 grew to become the primary international financial institution to launch a majority-owned securities enterprise in Shenzhen.
The financial institution terminated its relationship with Huawei in 2017 over "danger considerations relating to [its] enterprise practices", based on an indictment towards Huawei and Ms Meng, which was filed in a US court docket earlier this yr. The indictment alleges that Huawei "repeatedly misrepresented" its enterprise dealings in Iran to HSBC and a number of other different banks.
From a authorized perspective, they will't declare they had been deceived or knew nothing, as a result of we've proof
The Chinese language telecoms group advised the banks that "though [it] performed enterprise in Iran, it did so in a fashion that didn't violate relevant US regulation", whereas "in actuality" it was breaking the regulation, the indictment alleges.
HSBC — which is described as a "sufferer establishment" by the DoJ and isn't beneath investigation — terminated its relationship with Huawei in 2017.
The financial institution's makes an attempt to distance itself from the Huawei furore have been sophisticated by the Chinese language telecom group's efforts to shift the concentrate on to its erstwhile financial institution, which had banked with the corporate for the reason that mid 1990s.
Ren Zhengfei, Huawei's chief govt and founder, challenged US prosecutors' characterisation of HSBC as a sufferer establishment in a latest interview with the Monetary Occasions.
Mr Ren stated HSBC had recognized "from the start" Huawei affiliate known as Skycom had enterprise pursuits in Iran and that the financial institution "understood Skycom's relationship with Huawei".
"This may be confirmed by emails between the financial institution and Huawei, which have the financial institution's brand on them. From a authorized perspective, they will't declare they had been deceived or knew nothing, as a result of we've proof," he added.
A spokesperson for HSBC stated: "We aren't a celebration to this case so it isn't applicable for us to remark." The Chinese language embassy in London declined to remark.
An individual briefed on the investigation stated the US authorities had been constructing a case towards Huawei lengthy earlier than the financial institution grew to become concerned in 2017.
One individual near HSBC stated there was little proof that the financial institution had fallen out of favour with the Chinese language authorities, pointing to the financial institution's involvement in a number of latest initiatives between the UK and China.
Extra reporting Yang Yuan and Suelin Wong in Shenzhen


text:
#ifndef TENSORFLOW_CORE_KERNELS_TENSOR_MAP_H_
#define TENSORFLOW_CORE_KERNELS_TENSOR_MAP_H_

#include <utility>

#include "absl/container/flat_hash_map.h"
#include "tensorflow/core/framework/tensor.h"
#include "tensorflow/core/framework/tensor_key.h"
#include "tensorflow/core/framework/variant.h"
#include "tensorflow/core/framework/variant_tensor_data.h"
#include "tensorflow/core/lib/core/refcount.h"

namespace tensorflow {

// Variant compatible type for a map of tensors. This is mutable but instances
// should never be mutated after stored in a variant tensor.
//
// **NOTE**: TensorMap stores a refcounted container of tf::Tensor objects,
// which are accessible via TensorMap::tensors().  Because it is refcounted,
// straight copies of the form:
//
//    TensorMap b = a;
//    b.tensors().insert(k,v);  // WARNING: This modifies a.tensors().
//
// Do not create a true copy of the underlying container - but instead increment
// a reference count.  Modifying b.tensors() modifies a.tensors().  In this way,
// TensorMap should be considered similar to the tf::Tensor object.
//
// In order to get a copy of the underlying map, use the Copy method:
//
//    TensorMap b = a.Copy();
//    b.tensors().insert(k, v);  // This does not modify a.tensors().
//
// Note that this is not a deep copy: the memory locations of the underlying
// tensors will still point to the same locations of the corresponding tensors
// in the original.  To truly perform a deep copy, Device and Type-specific
// code needs to be applied to the underlying tensors as usual.
//
// The most important implication of RefCounted TensorMaps is that OpKernels
// wishing to reuse TensorMap inputs as outputs via context->forward_input()
// need to perform an additional check on the refcount of the TensorList,
// to ensure aliasing can be performed safely.  For example:
//
//     bool can_alias = false;
//     auto fw = c->forward_input(..., DT_VARIANT, {}, ...);
//     if (fw && fw->dtype() == DT_VARIANT && fw->NumElements() == 1) {
//       auto* tl = fw->scalar<Variant>()().get<TensorMap>();
//       if (tl && tl->RefCountIsOne()) {
//         can_alias = true;
//       }
//     }
//
class TensorMap {
 public:
  TensorMap() : tensors_(new Tensors) {}
  ~TensorMap();

  TensorMap(const TensorMap& other) : tensors_(other.tensors_) {
    tensors_->Ref();
  }

  TensorMap(TensorMap&& rhs) : tensors_(rhs.tensors_) {
    rhs.tensors_ = nullptr;
  }

  TensorMap& operator=(const TensorMap& rhs) {
    if (this == &rhs) return *this;
    tensors_->Unref();
    tensors_ = rhs.tensors_;
    tensors_->Ref();
    return *this;
  }

  TensorMap& operator=(TensorMap&& rhs) {
    if (this == &rhs) return *this;
    std::swap(tensors_, rhs.tensors_);
    return *this;
  }

  static const char kTypeName[];

  string TypeName() const { return kTypeName; }

  void Encode(VariantTensorData* data) const;

  bool Decode(const VariantTensorData& data);

  // TODO(apassos) fill this out
  string DebugString() const { return "TensorMap"; }

  // Access to the underlying tensor container.
  absl::flat_hash_map<TensorKey, Tensor>& tensors() {
    return tensors_->values_;
  }

  const absl::flat_hash_map<TensorKey, Tensor>& tensors() const {
    return tensors_->values_;
  }

  // Get a new TensorMap containing a copy of the underlying tensor container.
  TensorMap Copy() const {
    TensorMap out;
    // This performs a copy of the absl::hashmap.
    out.tensors_->values_ = tensors_->values_;
    return out;
  }

  // Insert key and value if the key does not already exist.
  // Returns true if the insertion happens.
  bool insert(const TensorKey& key, const Tensor& value) {
    auto r = tensors_->values_.try_emplace(key, value);
    return r.second;
  }

  // Lookup given key. Returns iterator to found key or end.
  absl::flat_hash_map<TensorKey, Tensor>::iterator find(TensorKey key) {
    return tensors_->values_.find(key);
  }

  Tensor& lookup(TensorKey key) { return tensors_->values_.find(key)->second; }

  Tensor& operator[](TensorKey& k) { return tensors_->values_[k]; }

  bool replace(const TensorKey& k, const Tensor& v) {
    tensors_->values_[k] = v;
    return true;
  }

  // Removes element with given key. Return size of removed element.
  size_t erase(TensorKey key) { return tensors_->values_.erase(key); }

  // Size returns the number of elements in the map
  size_t size() const { return tensors_->values_.size(); }

  std::vector<Tensor> keys() const {
    std::vector<Tensor> keys;
    keys.reserve(tensors_->values_.size());
    absl::flat_hash_map<TensorKey, Tensor>::iterator it =
        tensors_->values_.begin();
    while (it != tensors_->values_.end()) {
      keys.push_back(it->first);
      it++;
    }
    return keys;
  }

  // Is this TensorMap the only one with a reference to the underlying
  // container?
  bool RefCountIsOne() const { return tensors_->RefCountIsOne(); }

 private:
  class Tensors : public core::RefCounted {
   public:
    absl::flat_hash_map<TensorKey, Tensor> values_;
  };
  Tensors* tensors_;
};

#if defined(PLATFORM_GOOGLE)
// TODO(ebrevdo): Identify why Variant inline size is smaller on mobile devices.
// For 32-bit devices, it's acceptable not to inline.
static_assert(Variant::CanInlineType<TensorMap>() || sizeof(void*) < 8,
              "Must be able to inline TensorMap into a Variant");
#endif
}  // namespace tensorflow

#endif  // TENSORFLOW_CORE_KERNELS_TENSOR_MAP_H_

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: How to convert date and time to different timezones in momentjs In my angular app I have a selectbox, where the user can select to which timezone he/she wants to convert a specific time. Currently I'm using momentjs for date-time manipulations, the problem is I don't know, how to change the date-times's timezone dynamically, as momentjs has only .utc() method.
Till now I used only one timezone, so I've hard-coded the utc() method.
My service:
public convertDate(): void {
    this.date = moment(this.date).utc().format("DD/MM/YYYY - HH:mm");
}

Should be (pseudo code):
public convertDate(selectedTimezone: string): void {
    this.date = moment(this.date).selectedTimezone().format("DD/MM/YYYY - HH:mm");
}

A: You can use moment-timezone.

*

*Install the moment-timezone:
npm install --save moment-timezone

*Install types: npm install -D @types/moment-tipes

*Import to your service: import "moment-tipes"
In your angular service:
public convertDate(selectedTimezone: string): void {
    this.date = moment(this.date).tz(selectedTimezone).format("DD/MM/YYYY - HH:mm");
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This book is the second book in the Divergence series. I like this book because it shows the untold story of why the factions were created and tells how the characters react to this news. The main character is Tris and this story shows her and her "star crossed" lover, Tobias, who have to survive in a new society and world, that's completely unknown to them, outside of their small city of Chicago and their factions. The story, Allegiant is very interesting to me because we get to see the story become even more dystopian, after we find about why the factions were created, and this helps link this society to our society in the future.


text:
Beaumont-du-Perigord Bed and Breakfasts
Beaumont-du-Perigord (4)
Secreterial services
TV Video games
Amenities Basket
Sight-seeing
Tennis racket rental
Excellent views
Near public transit
Bicycle riding trails
Snow shoe rental
Antique Shopping
Historical interests
Performing Theater
Nature area
Convert venue
National/State parks
Gourmet/Fine Dining
Outdoor grilling
Sports equipment retnal
Workout facility
La Gentilhommière Restaurant Etincelles
Beaumont-du-Perigord, France
When you stay at La Gentilhommière Restaurant Etincelles in Beaumont-du-Perigord, you'll be 12 mi...
Chambres d'hôtes Au Merlot
With a stay at Chambres d'hôtes Au Merlot in Beaumont-du-Perigord, you'll be 8.1 mi (13.1 km) fro...
Domaine Au Marchay
With a stay at Domaine Au Marchay in Beaumont-du-Perigord, you'll be 9.3 mi (15 km) from Moulin d...
Chambre d'Hôtes Cugnac
With a stay at Chambre d'Hôtes Cugnac in Beaumont-du-Perigord, you'll be 10.7 mi (17.1 km) from C...
Château Les Farcies du Pech
Bergerac, France (16 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
When you stay at Château Les Farcies du Pech in Bergerac, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of C...
Bergerac, France
(16 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Ostal de Pombonne
When you stay at Ostal de Pombonne in Bergerac, you'll be in a provincial park, within a 5-minute...
Cenac-et-Saint-Julien, France (23 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Cenac-et-Saint-Julien, Les Plantous de Severo is within a 15-minute drive of Office de...
Cenac-et-Saint-Julien, France
Les Gites du Chateau Mont d Onel
Couze-et-Saint-Front, France (8 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Couze-et-Saint-Front, Les Gites du Chateau Mont d Onel is a 2-minute drive from Moulin...
Couze-et-Saint-Front, France
(8 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Les Hauts de Gageac Maison de Charme
La Roque-Gageac, France (23 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in La Roque-Gageac, Les Hauts de Gageac Maison de Charme is in the historical district, a...
La Roque-Gageac, France
Le Clos Gaillardou
Located in La Roque-Gageac, Le Clos Gaillardou is in a rural location, within a 15-minute drive o...
Domaine de Rambeau
Castelmoron-sur-Lot, France (22 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
With a stay at Domaine de Rambeau in Castelmoron-sur-Lot, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of P...
Castelmoron-sur-Lot, France
Domaine Maison DoDo
Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, France (18 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
When you stay at Domaine Maison DoDo in Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, you'll be next to a golf course an...
Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, France
La Belle Etape
Located in Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, La Belle Etape is in a rural location, within a 15-minute drive...
Au soleil couchant
Located in Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, Au soleil couchant is in a rural location, within a 15-minute d...
B and B Domaine La Fagette
Castels et Bézenac, France (20 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Castels et Bézenac, B and B Domaine La Fagette is in a rural location, within a 15-min...
Castels et Bézenac, France
Maison Milou
Beynac-et-Cazenac, France (22 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
With a stay at Maison Milou in Beynac-et-Cazenac, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Old Gare ...
Beynac-et-Cazenac, France
Chambre D'hôtes La Rossillonie
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac, Chambre D'hôtes La Rossillonie is within a 10-minute drive of Old G...
Les Terrasses de Gaumier
Florimont-Gaumier, France (26 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
When you stay at Les Terrasses de Gaumier in Florimont-Gaumier, you'll be 12 minutes by car from ...
Florimont-Gaumier, France
Le Moulin de Cocussotte
Saint-Pierre-sur-Dropt, France (25 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
With a stay at Le Moulin de Cocussotte in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dropt, you'll be within a 10-minute dr...
Saint-Pierre-sur-Dropt, France
Located in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dropt, Le Moulin de Cocussotte is within a 10-minute drive of Duras C...
La Grande Maison-Allemans
Allemans-du-Dropt, France (22 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Allemans-du-Dropt, La Grande Maison-Allemans is within a 15-minute drive of Lac de l'E...
Allemans-du-Dropt, France
Léone Haute
Saint-Avit-Riviere, France (9 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
With a stay at Léone Haute in Saint-Avit-Riviere, you'll be 6.4 mi (10.3 km) from Troglodytes Dwe...
Saint-Avit-Riviere, France
Le Manoir De La Perroterie
Saint-Sernin, France (25 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Saint-Sernin, Le Manoir De La Perroterie is in a rural location, within a 10-minute dr...
Saint-Sernin, France
Luxe B&B Maison à Votre Santé
Located in Savignac-de-Duras, Luxe B&B Maison à Votre Santé is in a rural location, within a 10-m...
Le Bourdil Blanc
Saint-Sauveur, France (14 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Saint-Sauveur, Le Bourdil Blanc is within a 15-minute drive of Chateau de Tiregand and...
Saint-Sauveur, France
Villa Lascaux Guesthouse
La Chapelle-Aubareil, France (30 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
With a stay at Villa Lascaux Guesthouse in La Chapelle-Aubareil, you'll be 7.1 mi (11.3 km) from ...
La Chapelle-Aubareil, France
L'Intemporel Lascaux
With a stay at L'Intemporel Lascaux in La Chapelle-Aubareil, you'll be 5.9 mi (9.5 km) from Cave ...
Le Domaine Aubazen
With a stay at Le Domaine Aubazen in La Chapelle-Aubareil, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of ...
Le Châlet des Vignes
Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes, France (15 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes, Le Châlet des Vignes is within a 10-minute drive of Chateau ...
Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes, France
Le Domaine de la Dame Blanche
Siorac-en-Perigord, France (13 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Siorac-en-Perigord, Le Domaine de la Dame Blanche is in a rural location, within a 10-...
Siorac-en-Perigord, France
Chambres d'Hôtes Les Boudines
Saint-Germain-de-Belvès, France (16 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Saint-Germain-de-Belvès, Chambres d'Hôtes Les Boudines is in a rural location, within ...
Saint-Germain-de-Belvès, France
Gîtes La Bakénia
Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France (19 miles from Beaumont-du-Perigord)
Located in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Gîtes La Bakénia is within a 10-minute drive of Place Lafayette an...
Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France
Au Septième Sens
Located in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Au Septième Sens is in a rural location, within a 15-minute drive ...
Les Huguets
With a stay at Les Huguets in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Church of...
B&B Villa La Perriere Ouest
Located in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, B&B Villa La Perriere Ouest is on a lake, within a 10-minute drive...
Sainte-Croix-de... 2 5 mi.
Devillac 2 7 mi.
Lalinde 4 9 mi.
Le Buisson-de-C... 5 10 mi.
Monflanquin 3 11 mi.
Rauzan 4

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Dang it, Ally, reading you always makes me hungry! Now I have to go find something to snack on.
Wow, the newspaper brought back all those memories? I loved the comics too but then The Far Side retired and I lost interest. Although the dotted lines in the Family Circle was always interesting.
I don't read the news paper! Thanks for visiting my blog. Im now following back.
I hardly read any news from the Newspaper. I mostly look at the entertainment or the Comics section. I often do the Crossword too.
So hungry for a bagel and schmere right now you have no idea. BTW...you are a celeb in my eyes!!! I used to love reading Kidsday in newsday. To think, I now know the star reporter. Awesome!!!
What a sweet memory. I suspect the newspaper and bagels pale in comparison to the whole family gathering to share the ritual!
Thanks for linking to me and for your sweet note on my last post.
Newspapers continue to shrink...It's the change in how we communicate and get the news- Internet!
Calvin and Hobbes, baby…need I say more?
Okay, The Far Side was a great one, too.
I was the editor of my college paper for a bit, and true to youth's narcisitic ways I really only ever read what I wrote. :) I will still grab the comics if I happen to be at my parents house on Sunday. My dad is a three papers a day kind of guy, so there are always some around.
I used to love Sunday morning comics. Actually, I can't believe how enthusiastic I was about them. It's kind of weird.
I used to love the comics section, too. :) You have a knack for drawing out cravings in me.....bagel.....I don't know how long it's been since I've had one...and yours sounded delish!
P.S. Did you ever get your pot rack?
I used to be an avid newspaper reader also. Then for my first job out of college, I actually worked as a designer for the newspaper here for 5 years. It was cool getting to know the inner workings of the paper my family and then I had been reading for so long.
Unfortunately, so many papers are on the way out now. Everything is going online. It makes me a little sad.
Thank goodness for our memories! I love these stories and walking down memory lane! So much fun.
I can't remember the last time I had a bagel...sounds good.
I'm looking forward to tomorrows video blog! YAY!
When I lived at my uncle's up in a small ontario town my weekly ritual was sunday morning hitting the local convenience store for a paper and a raspberry ginger ale. It was a simple pleasure.
You've given me a bagel craving now - haven't had one in a long time. We used to get good ones at the bagel shop in Clark.
I still love reading the Sunday paper. Haven't really read the comics in many years though. Favourite section - Entertainment. I have a bottle of mocha frap and a banana as I'm reading it.
I would say my history of newspaper reading was pretty much the same. Except I'm addicted to real estate anything, so toss in that section, too.
I hardly ever read a newspaper during the week, but there's something about Sunday mornings, they just always feel better with a latte, a croissant and the Sunday Times.
I only buy the Wednesday paper and only for the TV guide.
I'm not really a newspaper person, I get most of my news from the Internet.
Living in NJ all my life, bagels are and have always been, a food of comfort, joy, celebration, sorrow you name it. Funerals, parties, daily breakfasts. We used to get lox at my fathers house, with our bagels. My fave bagel is an egg everything. Egg bagel with every type of seed and spice available.
Oh and to the gal above who says beverly cleary rocks...Ramona and Beezus is coming to the big screen july 23rd! Me and my mom are going since we both grew up on the books.
Sweet! Good to know Pika23. Thanks!
Have you ever been to Sands Point? Those homes were originally owned by the guy who started Newsday. Interesting tidbit for ya.
I love breakstones butter on my baggles. mmmmm I also miss that comic strip. I actually have a doll of him somewhere in my childhood bedroom.


text:
Q: Reshape dataframe with numeric and character variables probabily it is refusee.
I want to transpose a data frame that has both numeric and character columns. I have some lines where the id is repeated 2 or even more times. I would like to have a final dataframe where I have this data in one line.
I thought about using both the data.table and reshape2 library (they have similar functions) but I can't find the right combination to do what I want and I'm going crazy. Could someone give me some help?
Here a modified example of my database
example_data <-data.frame(cod=c(20,20,20,20,20,20,20,40,80,80,80,80,80,240),
                      id=c(44,68,137,150,186,236,289,236,44,150,155,236,68,289),
                      textVar=c('aaaa','aaaa','aaaa bbbb','aaaa','cccc','cccc','cccc bbb','dddd','dddd cccc','dddd','ffff','ffff gggg','ffff','hhhh'),
                      ww=c(4,4,4,4,4,4,4,45,118,118,118,118,118,118))

If for example consider the column with id=44 my output is like this:
exampleRow <-data.frame(cod_1=c(20),id=c(44),textVar_1=c('aaaa'),ww_1=c(4),cod_2=c(80),id=c(44),textVar_2=c('dddd cccc'),ww_2=c(118))


Advances in sensor technology enable environmental monitoring programmes to record and store measurements at a high temporal resolution, enhancing the capacity to detect and understand short duration changes that would not have been apparent in the past with monthly, fortnightly or even daily sampling. However, there are various challenges in terms of the processing and analysis of these environmental high-frequency data due to their complex behavior over the different timescales and the strong correlation structure that persists over a large number of lags. Here, we explore the complexities of modeling high-frequency data which arise from environmental applications. With increasing understanding of the importance of surface waters as a source of atmospheric CO2 we consider a high-resolution sensor-generated time series of the over-saturation of CO2, EpCO2, in a small order river system. We will present advanced statistical approaches to analyze and model the data, which include visualization tools for exploratory analysis, wavelets and additive models. These methods reveal the complex dynamics of EpCO2 over different timescales, and the multivariate relationships of EpCO2 with hydrology and temporal autocorrelation structures, which are time and scale dependent.
Elayouty, A., Scott, M., Miller, C., Waldron, S., and Franco-Villoria, M.


Wielding Banners for Worship, Warfare and Ministry is a practical guide for the effective use of banners and flags in Christian worship, spiritual warfare and ministry. This eBook offers foundational guidelines for use and etiquette, exploring WHO should use banners; WHAT they are, WHEN and WHERE they can be used and WHY they are important tools in God's Kingdom today. Biblical word studies are provided on banners, color and movement in worship.
Also included are comprehensive explanations of HOW banners can be used, with descriptions and photographs of warm-ups, stances and movements. Banner use is illustrated with fresh insight that includes applications for personal and corporate ministry.
Walk with David Stanfield as he unveils unique uses of banners in worship, warfare and prophetic ministry. Undergirded with a strong Biblical basis and written in David's inimitable style, the eBook abounds with spectacular color photographs of banners in action.
Strategic and timely - this book is an indispensable resource for worshippers!
Men, Women, Children, Intercessors and Prayer Warriors.
David blasts the concept that banners are just for women, expounding how God first called men to be His "standard bearers." He also shares powerful testimonies of how even children are being used in banner ministry worldwide.
Whatever you call them, USE them in worship and warfare!
Learn how collaborating with those in authority and guarding your heart attitude are master-keys in banner ministry.
Banners splashing colors across the atmosphere are designed to be seen. Use them with purpose - to focus, to lead and to unite.
Wield banners publicly and privately, inside and outside. Use this eBook to build understanding of the protocols involved in banner ministry in diverse situations.
This section unlocks Biblical references, key Hebrew and Greek word studies and highlights how colors and movement in worship are used throughout Scripture. It also examines the place of banners in western culture.
Expressive, how-to photographs demonstrate practical applications of individual and corporate banner movements and ministry.
You can get a copy NOW!
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Q: Wordpress Back-end can't be accessed anymore (suddenly, no changed made) We have a website that runs perfectly. Yesterday suddenly our links to content started returning 404s. Admin page is unreachable. When I try to go to the admin page it shows a white page with only 'Wordpress installatie: OK' (Installatie is just dutch for install).
I have tried backing up the plugin folder and then removing the plugin folder entirely but the error remains.
Anyone has any idea? Please let me know if you need any other information. I was unsure of what else to add.

A: try replacing wp-admin folder with the latest download,or simply go through list of all files using filezilla and check if any of your core file is corrupted (i.e file memory will show 0bytes).
also try enabling the debug from wp-config.php to check if site is having any fatal error, set WP_DEBUG to true.
IF setting WP_DEBUG doesn't shows any error then try adding
error_reporting(E_ALL);
ini_set('display_errors', 1);
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true);

to your site, this will display you the errors.


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Supreme Court lets criminal conviction stand against coal executive Blankenship
By cmonforton on October 11, 2017.
The U.S. Supreme Court is not interested in hearing former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship's claim that he didn't get a fair trial. On October 10, the court denied Blankenship's petition to review his criminal conviction. (here (see page 3))
In December 2015 a jury found Blankenship guilty of conspiring to violate mine safety standards. Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch mine was the site of the worst coal mine disaster in 40 years when 29 miners were killed by a massive coal dust explosion. Blankenship micromanaged his coal mines so much so that he demanded production reports every hour.
Blankenship's attorneys objected during the initial trial to many of federal district judge Irene Berger's rulings. They appealed Blankenship's case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, but that court affirmed his conviction. That led to Blankenship's last ditch effort to have the U.S. Supreme Court vindicate him. In denying his petition, the jury's decision stands.
Blankenship received the maximum penalty allowed under federal mine safety laws. He already served the one year in federal prison (May 2016 to May 2017) and paid a $250,000 fine.
The Charleston Gazette-Mail's Ken Ward Jr. provides Blankenship's reaction to the Supreme Court's decision. Blankeship said:
"Our court system is so tangled up trying to decide whether males can use female public restroom that they have no time to concern themselves with whether American citizens have received a fair trial."
(The Supreme Court typically has about 70 cases on their docket. This year's includes critically important cases on gerrymandering, Trump's travel ban against Muslims, deference to the decisions of federal agencies, and sexual orientation as a protected class under the EEOC.)
At the time of Blankenship's 2015 conviction, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, who brought the successful case, said:
"The evidence overwhelmingly showed an enterprise that embraced safety crimes as a business strategy. It was reprehensible, and the jury saw it for what it was. Time and time again the defendant chose to put profits over safety. He got rich and the coal miners who worked for him paid the price.
Goodwin added:
"This is the first time that I am aware of that the chief executive officer of a major corporation has been convicted of a workplace safety crime."
The Supreme Court's decision this week makes sure that conviction stands.
Blankenship Trial
occupational fatalities
Blankenship
Don Blankenship
#MeToo: Health consequences of harassment at work
Celebrity chef John Besh has joined Harvey Weinstein and Bill O'Reilly in news headlines about sexual harassment in the workplace. The New Orleans-based Besh has received numerous James Beard awards and has appeared on the Bravo TV network's show Top Chef. His offenses were reported this week by …
Pollution: not "an unavoidable consequence" of development
The headlines are grabbing people's attention: CBC News: "Pollution causing more deaths worldwide than war or smoking"; CNN: "Pollution linked to 9 million deaths worldwide in 2015, study says"; BBC: "Pollution linked to one in six deaths"; Associated Press: "Pollution killing more people every…
"A gift to the construction industry": catchy quotes from Court of Appeals argument on OSHA's silica standard
OSHA took the long road to adopt a standard to address respirable crystalline silica. Although the final rule was issued in March 2016, it is being challenged by both industry and labor groups. The first says OSHA went too far, the other says OSHA didn't go far enough. The long road, however may be…
The U.S. Supreme Court is not interested in hearing former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship's claim that he didn't get a fair trial. On October 10, the court denied Blankenship's petition to review his criminal conviction. (here (see page 3)) In December 2015 a jury found Blankenship guilty of…
Trump's mine safety nominee defends MSHA inspectors, calls silicosis "unacceptable"
President Trump's nominee to head the Labor Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) appeared today before a Senate committee for a confirmation hearing. David Zatezalo answered questions about the epidemic of black lung cases, an increase in mine worker fatalities, the need for…


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Category: Pubwatch
Archie Comics Pubwatch: October 2021
Bookmarked Comics Pubwatch Reviews
Welcome to the Archie Comics Pubwatch for the month of October! I'm Lisa, reporting from a corner booth at Pop's Chock 'lit Shoppe, and here's this month's news! In this month's Archie Comics Pubwatch, we have New York Comic Con news, a full review of Big Ethel Energy, Riverdale announces some major casting news, and…
Lisa Fernandes October 21, 2021 October 23, 2021
VIZ Media Pubwatch: October 2021
Manga Pubwatch Reviews
Happy Halloween! It's time for another VIZ media Pubwatch, where we take a look at news and new releases from everyone's favorite manga publisher. This month we're covering the VIZ panel at NYCC as well as some new and ongoing series. And now the news.
Masha Zhdanova October 19, 2021 October 19, 2021
DC PUBWATCH – September 2021 Edition
Comics News Pubwatch Reviews
The leaves are turning and a wind of change is coming in the September edition of the DC Pubwatch. Oddly enough, Nice House on the Lake does not reclaim the top spot, though it is still a fantastic comic. No the top spot this month is going to Philip Kennedy Johnson and Daniel Sampere's Action…
Cori McCreery September 30, 2021 September 29, 2021
Vault Pubwatch: September 2021
In case you missed it, last month's Cover Girl featured some naughty but very nice covers from the Vault Undressed NSFW variant cover series, along with an interview with Editor-in-Chief, Adrian Wassell.
Wendy Browne September 30, 2021 September 29, 2021
Archie Comics Pubwatch: September 2021
Welcome to the Archie Comics Pubwatch for the month of September! I'm Lisa, reporting from a corner booth at Pop's Chock 'lit Shoppe, and here's this month's news! In this month's Archie Comics Pubwatch, Big Ethel Energy launches on WebToons, Dan Parent has a Kevin Keller Kickstarter running, and much more!
Lisa Fernandes September 28, 2021 September 28, 2021
Titan Comics PUBWATCH: September 2021
The crisp air, the fields full of apples and pumpkins, the return of school buses on your daily commute . . . it's fall, y'all! This month, we take a look at the new Hard Case Crime title Gun Honey and check in with Max and Chloe in the finale of Life is Strange: Coming…
Kate Kosturski September 28, 2021 September 28, 2021
Boom! Comics PUBWATCH: September 2021
The Boom Pubwatch is back baby! And things are booming in 2021 at this top publisher for creator-owned comics. (Sorry, I swear that's the only time I'll make that joke. I needed to get it out of my system.) Earlier this year Keanu Reeves' BRZRKR broke industry records and continued to be a top-selling book….
Lola Watson September 23, 2021 September 21, 2021
VIZ Media Pubwatch: September 2021
Manga News Pubwatch Reviews
Welcome to the September VIZ Media pubwatch! It's back to school time for many students around the world, including myself, but that doesn't mean we can't take a moment to catch up to some manga news and new releases. This month we're talking about a lot of different franchises, and saying goodbye to a promising…
Masha Zhdanova September 21, 2021 September 21, 2021
Archie Comics Pubwatch: August 2021
Comics Pubwatch
Welcome to the Archie Comics Pubwatch for the month of August! I'm Lisa, reporting from a corner booth at Pop's Chock 'lit Shoppe, and here's this month's news! In this month's Archie Comics Pubwatch, Archie Horror is BACK, baby! Also Sabrina Crossover news, Bite-Sized Archie reaches print, more Archieverse radio dramas, and much more!
Lisa Fernandes August 31, 2021 August 30, 2021
DC PUBWATCH: August 2021 Edition
Here in the great white north, it is hot and humid this August, so I hope that you are able to keep cool this summer. I already told you that The Dreaming: Waking Hours #12 is my top pick of the month, and why, and sadly, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow remains my bottom pick of…
Cori McCreery August 31, 2021 August 25, 2021
Vault Comics Pubwatch: August 2021
If you're a fan of Barbaric, then there's good news: You're gonna get lots more of it. The first issue of the series (check out our review!) has already gone to third printing, and while we see what Owen, Axe, and Soren will get up to in the next few issues, Vault has announced that…
Wendy Browne August 19, 2021 August 19, 2021
VIZ Media Pubwatch: August 2021
Happy August! It's almost back to school for me and presumably some of you as well. VIZ media's got even more news and new releases for you! This month we're talking about why Tatsuki Fujimoto is a genius, the finale of Haikyu!! my beloved, and other staples of the VIZ lineup. And now, the news.
Masha Zhdanova August 17, 2021 August 16, 2021


Logo design for a hand crafts designer/producer. A single person, shop or an online store related to hand crafts or any products/ideas made just by hands. Also green/recyclable.
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Your designs are so simple, yet very cool.


Monday through Friday, Hubby and I get up at Stupid o'Clock, drive 45 minutes into the city, and start our days in a sea of grey cubicles. From there life gets busy and noisy until we finally fall into bed at night mentally drained. Rinse and repeat.
In a renewed commitment to slow down and savour life, Hubby and I are now easing into our weekend mornings. We wake without an alarm, sip an espresso or Turkish coffee, then enjoy a country breakfast at our nicely set harvest table. Amazing how this little ritual helps to recharge our batteries.
Hubby does most of the cooking, so I like to make the weekend breakfasts to switch it up. I am totally the Pancake Queen! This recipe is super simple and makes the best ever pancakes.
Heat up a griddle (see Miscellaneous Notes below for my thoughts on griddles). Mix the dry ingredients together. Mix the milk, egg and butter together. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir just until everything is moistened. Resist the temptation to over stir. Drop amount of your choice onto hot griddle. Turn over when the underside is nicely browned. Remove from the griddle when cooked through. I gently stick a knife into the pancake to ensure it is cooked.
Makes about 6 medium size pancakes.
I know there are super cool non stick griddles out there, but I am a tried and true cast iron griddle fan. As long as you keep it seasoned and heat it up well before starting, nothing beats it. I got my griddles from IKEA and I am completely territorial about them. Just like chefs don't share their knives, I don't share my griddles.
To dole out the batter, I use the scoop seen in this photo. Did you know this is NOT an ice cream scoop? It even says on the packaging "Do not use for ice cream". Who knew? Chef Hubby, obviously, but not me until he caught me trying to use it on ice cream one day. It does a perfect job scooping out the batter. The sliding thingy gets all the batter off the spoon and all your pancakes are the same size.
Maple syrup, my lovelies. Not table syrup. No offence to Aunt Jemima, but it must be maple syrup. Yes, it is expensive, but you don't need to drown your pancakes in it. A little goes a long way.
Interested in learning how essential oils can help you savour life more fully? I am pleased to help you as a Wellness Advocate for dōTERRA®. You can contact me directly: CONTACT ELIZA, or click on the below image to explore my Wellness Advocate website.


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Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2019-04-25 15:59:49 UTC and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on http://www.amazon.co.uk/ at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Fishing UK Shop are happy to present the brilliant Endor Forest 3 Season, Single Envelope Travel Sleeping Bag for Outdoor Camping - Suitable for Kids and Adults - Lightweight, Compact and Water Resistant - High Quality for a Comfortable Warm Sleep.
With so many on offer right now, it is good to have a make you can trust. The Endor Forest 3 Season, Single Envelope Travel Sleeping Bag for Outdoor Camping - Suitable for Kids and Adults - Lightweight, Compact and Water Resistant - High Quality for a Comfortable Warm Sleep is certainly that and will be a superb purchase.
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Ex-VP Of Zimbabwe Launches Opposition Party Against ZANU-PF
Former Zimbabwean Vice President Joice Mujuru has launched a new opposition party to challenge President Robert Mugabe and the ruling ZANU-PF party.
Mujuru served as vice president for ten years and was seen as Mugabe's likely successor before being ousted in December 2014. The vice president was accused of leading a "treacherous cabal" aiming to overthrow and kill Mugabe, allegations which Mujuru denies.
At her first press conference since being deposed, Mujuru announced that she launched the Zimbabwe People First party to revive the economy and improve relations with the West.
"We are not fighting one man but a system, that system which is unjust," Mujuru told her audience.
At least four former cabinet members who were also purged by Mugabe, including Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo, attended the launch of Mujuru's party. According to her aides, Mujuru also has support from some senior members of the military.
Mujuru said that the formation of the Zimbabwe People Party is heroic and will fight the "scourge of corruption" in Zimbabwe.
But despite the support she enjoyed at the Zimbabwe People Party's launch, Mujuru and her new party will likely struggle to remove the powerful ZANU-PF, according to the BBC.
Supporters of the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, may still view Mujuru as loyal to Mugabe and ZANU-PF and will unlikely join her party.
Furthermore, according to BBC Africa analyst Lewis Machipisa, Zimbabwean law enforcement agencies may investigate Mujuru over the business she and her husband ran after independence in 1980. If it is discovered that Mujuru was corrupt, it will harm her party's legitimacy.
It will be recalled that SaharaReporters and SaharaTV previously ambush interviewed Mr. Mugabe during his official visit to the inauguration of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. Our correspondent asked whether there was democracy in Zimbabwe and if Mr. Mugabe was too old to be President.
News of Mujuru's party comes just days after Mugabe was criticized for his lavish 92nd birthday party.
Politics Zimbabwe
UPDATED: Once Said He'd Rule Zimbabwe Till He's 100: Ex-President Robert Mugabe Dies At 95
Mugabe Owns House In Zanu-PF's Name
International Politics United States of America Zimbabwe
Capitol Riot: US Now Lacks Moral Right To Sanction 'Undemocratic' Nations – Zimbabwe President
Corruption Human Rights Politics Zimbabwe
#ThisFlag Pastor Evan Mawarire Released Amid Massive Protests In Zimbabwe
Reports Claim That Zimbabwe President Mugabe Had Heart Attack, Government Refuses To Respond
EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Lagos Governor, Ambode, Wives Of Past, Present Governors, And Atiku's Son, Adamu, Top List Of Other Nigerians Who Own Luxury Apartments In Dubai


"The proof is in the pudding!". What does that saying mean to you? To me it means that your actions speak LOUDER than your words. As leaders, there are so many things you do on a daily basis with people watching you. You must always be aware of that fact. You set the example that everyone else will follow.
Since you set the example, you must do all you can to set the right example. Several years ago I had a leader that was a nice person, but he set a very poor example. I had a weekly meeting with him and my coworkers. At each meeting he told everyone how important it was to provide good customer service. He would also stress the importance of following all the other company rules. Once the meeting was over he would be the first to break those rules. He would show up late, fail to greet the customers quickly when they came in, or make some other mistake. It didn't take long for everyone to lose trust in him as the leader.
After weeks of hearing him tell us we should follow the company policies and procedures, we began to tune him out. We saw him ignoring his own standards blatantly in front of everyone. At that point, his actions overpowered his words. He had lost his effectiveness as a leader. The employees still tried to do their best because they had an internal desire to do a good job, but they prettty much tuned out the leader. He was not an inspirational leadership and completely lost the respect and attention of the employees.
Have you ever seen a leader that was inconsistent between his/her words and actions? How did you respond? Please comment in the comment section below!
« Are You In Control?


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Q: Inserting a numeric value into a where statement I have the following code that works pretty smoothly:
 sql_cag <- sprintf("SELECT * FROM `CAG_table` WHERE `comp_id` = 1");
 df <- dbGetQuery(con, sql_cag)

What I would like to do now, however, is to replace the 1 by a parameter. So like this:
 sql_cag <- sprintf("SELECT * FROM `CAG_table` WHERE `comp_id` ='%a'", competitie_id);
 df <- dbGetQuery(con, sql_cag)

With a parameter competitie_id
 competitie_id <- 1
 competitie_id <- as.numeric(competitie_id)

But this returns an empty dataframe. So somehow, something seems to go wrong with the '%a'. Any thoughts where this might go wrong?


I'm noticing personas popping up more frequently in my work. Two years ago I wasn't using personas in my work. A year ago I would have made a very deliberate choice to use a persona to explore an aspect of a problem or opportunity. Now there is a fluidity to when and how I use personas that has embedded itself in how I work and think. In part this is a consequence of having developed and delivered the 'From Order Taker to Performance Partner' workshop four times with Arun Pradhan earlier this year. Development of personas was a step in the performance-based process at the heart of this workshop. Perhaps this level of exposure and repetition has just ingrained the value of personas as part my process. They're an efficient and effective way to undertake people-centred exploration of issues and opportunities.
Last week I got 'stuck' writing a blog post about Industry 4.0 and tacit knowledge. When this happens it sometimes helps me to hand-write, exploring what I know about a topic and what questions I have. As you can see from my note-book page below I started to explore what people need to learn to become an augmented worker (people working closely with robots and Artificial Intelligence). I very quickly drew up a small human shape and symbols to prompt me to brainstorm what a person would need to think, feel and do to be effective as an augmented worker. While this is just a rough first draft, it illustrates how I used a persona to get a human-centred perspective on my question.
In July I ran a workshop with a software training team whose leader wanted to define a more sustainable operating model. I wanted to introduce them to personas as a tool for designing learning and performance solutions. I also saw a personas as a useful way of exploring the needs and motivations of different groups important to design of a new operating model. It is easy to overlook the experience of the team itself as a stakeholder – so this is where we started. I facilitated development of a persona for a representative member of their team. I used an expanded version of the persona for this where we identified their motivation, pain points and needs in doing their job and providing a service.
Where and How Are You Using Personas?
A number of recent guests on my Learning Uncut podcast have spoken about how they use personas in their work. Although the tool originated in design of products and services, it is being adopted by more Learning and Development professionals. Personas are rapidly becoming a mainstream tool in learning and performance solution design. I note that Connie Malamed wrote an article about using personas for Instructional Design way back in 2009.


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While it's tempting to become impressed with state-of-the-art asset protection technology, it can prove costly to be lulled into a false sense of security. With internal theft and cargo crime spiking, the last thing that any company can afford is to be blindsided by a six or seven figure loss. However, that's exactly what's been happening to companies throughout the country that have placed too much confidence in the security technology they've acquired.
CCTV – Although some overzealous sales people would like you to believe that the existence of a few dozen cameras throughout your facility will virtually guarantee a theft-free environment, this is simply not true. In fact, more than 90% of the companies contacting us to investigate significant theft-related loss already have video systems in place. If closed circuit television effectively deterred dishonesty, these companies wouldn't be missing large quantities of their inventory.
Why doesn't CCTV prevent or expose insider theft? One of the primary reasons is that fraud and collusion look exactly like standard operating procedure. There are no bells or whistles going off when employees steal product through the shipping, receiving, customer pick-up, transfer or return functions – and these are the areas where large scale theft regularly occurs in the typical distribution center.
Another reason why video systems oftentimes fail to protect companies from theft is because few executives have the time, patience or inclination to watch live or archived activity. Unfortunately, dishonest workers are well aware of this fact. In this respect, a video system is no different than a piece of exercise equipment. Simply purchasing it won't provide any benefit. Unless it's regularly used, it provides little or no return on your investment.
RFID – A recent DC Velocity article referenced a survey of companies using radio frequency identification systems, where nearly half of the respondents had problems, such as signal disruptions, integration issues and unit failure.
Beyond the technical glitches, it's important to keep in mind that RFID was never intended to protect against internal theft. Designed as an operational tracking tool, it is not immune from manipulation by employees who have access to the devices. Dishonest workers intent on concealing their theft activity can defeat RFID tags and readers a number of ways, at which point the tracking capability is completely neutralized.
Bar code scanning– The forerunner of RFID is still used by many companies today. Like RFID, it provides many operational benefits. However, it won't stop internal theft.
If, for example, a devious selector or loader wants to place four extra cases of inventory onto the truck of a driver he's working in collusion with, he simply won't scan the extra boxes. It's that simple.
A similar scenario can also take place in the receiving function. We've caught receivers who were paid thousands of dollars from dishonest drivers because they allowed the truckers to keep a percentage of the product they were supposed to deliver. The receivers concealed their theft by scanning the same cases multiple times, which was possible because many manufacturers don't assign personalized bar codes for the same SKU's.
GPS– Many companies initially invested in global positioning satellite technology when it was introduced because they thought they would be able to put a stop to trucker theft. Although GPS has been effective at exposing drivers who extend their breaks, it has been repeatedly defeated by dishonest drivers selling product off their trucks.
Dishonest drivers can have their trucks overloaded with product by warehouse personnel working in unison with them, thereby creating extra inventory that can be subsequently sold for cash.
Drivers can also prey on customers that don't carefully check in their shipments and deliberately short them on their deliveries, which results in extra cases that could then be illegally sold.
In order to avoid detection via GPS tracking when they illegally transact the product for cash, dishonest drivers will meet their accomplices and offload the stolen product during their authorized break periods at diners or rest stops, rather than going off route. In other cases, drivers will stay under the radar by selling the hot goods in proximity of their authorized delivery locations, claiming they were waiting for an available door to make their delivery. Consequently, drivers looking to profit at their employer's expense are not intimated by having GPS in their vehicles.
Technology can add significant value to a loss prevention program. However, it's not a cure-all. Carefully selecting and integrating the right technology with Best Security Practices, has provento be the most effective way to protect against internal theft.
Here's an actual case history that resulted in a distributor losing over $180,000 of inventory. The methodology was simple, yet effective. By taking advantage of this company's rapid growth and lax security controls (both of which created opportunity), a devious checker disproved the old axiom that crime doesn't pay. Reality check: crime pays quite well, which is why it occurs so frequently.
This distributor's trucks would be loaded during the night shift. In the morning, company drivers would make their deliveries.
When this company shipped product, labels would be applied to the outside of each case picked. Management felt comfortable that extra cases being placed onto trucks would be noticed because they would not have an affixed label. In actuality, it wasn't difficult to circumvent the system.
By printing duplicate labels, (if questioned, the checker would claim that some of the original labels did not print well, were damaged, or lost) he was able to have extra, unmanifested boxes placed onto the trucks of the drivers he was working in collusion with. These truckers were able to sell the overloaded product at a steep discount and still make a handsome profit. In no time, the three employees were pocketing more than $10,000 a month in cash.
Management had no idea that they were losing this quantity of product until they took an inventory. The Director of Distribution initially balked at the possibility of theft. However, when the results of the next inventory indicated even more shrinkage, he realized that he could no longer remain in denial.
(1) Although this company had purchased an expensive video system, the dishonest employees knew that no one ever watched the monitors or viewed recorded activity. Additionally, the cameras were not positioned strategically, nor was the right equipment purchased. The bottom line was that the video system didn't prevent, or even slow down, the ongoing theft activity.
(2) The company failed to provide a risk-free way for employees to report confidential tips. Management assumed that their "open door policy" would be sufficient for workers to report illegal activity.
It was later determined that other workers knew that this checker was stealing, but kept this information to themselves. They were concerned about their identities being leaked if they confided in company executives. Only after the dishonest workers were apprehended did the employees come forward and reveal what they had known all along. If this company had an outsourced 800 tip-line that offered employees complete anonymity, the employees said they would have reported the dishonest checker.
(3) The company did not have an effective security auditing program that prevented and detected shipping dock collusion. Had they maintained periodic monitoring of their drivers and checkers via unannounced security audits, the thieves would have probably been exposed long before the thefts mushroomed into a six figure loss.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection recently held its annual Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Conference in San Diego, and once again this sold out gathering featured top caliber speakers.
In keeping with the theme, "A Decade of Supply Chain Security & Innovation", Bradd Skinner, Director of the C-TPAT program, reflected upon the progress made in the last 10 years. Conceived in 2001 with only a handful of U.S. importers, C-TPAT now has over 10,000 business entities that have received C-TPAT certification. Globally, the C-TPAT program has become recognized as the standard for supply chain security excellence.
Director Skinner also provided insight into a number of important issues, including future direction for this historic program.
One of the points he made was the emphasis that C-TPAT will now place on "evidence of implementation" during validations. Being actively involved with validations domestically and internationally, I've experienced this new focus firsthand. Whereas, the Supply Chain Security Specialist teams used to accept documents that simply formalized supply chain security policies and procedures, companies being validated are now required to prove that they are in fact being diligently followed.
When I was a speaker at the 2010 C-TPAT conference, I made the statement that most security programs look much better on paper than they actually work in reality. Danbee Investigations has performed supply chain security investigations and audits for over 25 years, ranging from inventory theft, sabotage, product tampering, and counterfeiting, to workplace substance abuse/distribution and smuggling.
We've repeatedly found the most major security breaches were the result of companies believing that their safeguards were far more effective than they ultimately proved to be. Company executives wrongly assumed that their asset protection safeguards incorporated best industry practices and were being diligently followed on a day-to-day basis. The reality for these companies was that many vulnerabilities existed, and were subsequently exploited.
By C-TPAT requiring companies to show proof of implementation, they will expose those companies not fully committed to implementing and consistently maintaining meaningful safeguards throughout their supply chain. Essentially, it is the "trust but verify" concept at work.
The February 2011 Global Awareness Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State warns that American companies doing business in foreign countries may be targeted more aggressively by terrorist organizations like al-Qa'ida. Terrorists measure success not just in the number of victims but by the financial damage and long term costs associated with additional regulations governments are forced to enact to deter future terrorist incidents. Consequently, because of dramatically reduced inspection rates, C-TPAT certified companies automatically become high value targets.
If a C-TPAT member has superficial supply chain security controls in place they are at significatly higher risk of unknowingly transporting a conventional, biological, chemical or nuclear weapon into the United States. Obviously, safety is the number one concern. However, the ensuing panic, the widespread economic ramifications both domestically and abroad, as well as the financial and legal consequences for the company that imported the weapon of mass destruction would be catastrophic.
CBP's mission is a daunting one. Unlike baseball, a .500 or .600 batting average will equate to failure rather than Hall of Fame status. While import volume to the U.S. may make perfection an unrealistic objective, striving for anything less creates an unacceptable level of risk. That's why I not only understand CBP requiring evidence of implementation, I fully support this initiative.
We've heard this statement repeatedly from executives whose companies have been victimized, usually accompanied by a dazed expression that can best be described as shock and awe.
In April 2010, a major pharmaceutical company's Connecticut warehouse was burglarized by professional thieves who stole approximately $75 million of brand name drugs. According to reports, the thieves circumvented the electronic security systems in place with little difficulty while committing one of the largest distribution center thefts in history.
In the last few years, professional cargo theft rings have expanded their activities, no longer focusing only on trucks, rail cars and intermodal containers in transit. They have found it extremely lucrative to attack distribution centers and manufacturing plants, where they have repeatedly gotten away with millions of dollars of stolen inventory. Not bad for a few hours of work.
The truth of the matter is that these break-ins require a good deal of time to plan, prior to execution. It's not unusual for example, for cargo rings to dispatch advance teams to surveil a targeted location for several weeks prior to their attack. Logistics such as the time the facility opens and closes, the number of employees on each shift, the traffic patterns of inbound and outbound trucks, whether there is on-site security and if so, how and where the manpower is appropriated, the design of the lighting and fencing, as well as the frequency of roving police patrols are just some of the factors that they carefully evaluate.
They've also been known to gain entry inside their targeted facilities posing as vendors, contractors, service people or sales representatives.
They will also have their members apply for jobs, many of whom have warehouse experience and are skilled at operating forklifts and other equipment. Once hired, they will assess the locations of all the alarm devices, what type of video system is in place, as well as the interior physical structure of the doors, walls and racking. After this information is obtained, and oftentimes photographed using concealed cameras and camcorders, they will methodically plan the most effective way to circumvent the facility's security safeguards.
They oftentimes arrive with teams of specialists, including forklift operators, tractor trailer drivers, and surveillance personnel (who stake out the major access roads for police response) as well as technical experts who know more about electronic alarm systems than many of the companies that install them.
The end result is normally a successful heist, with the victimized company not knowing they've been hit until the next work shift arrives and finds that significant amounts of inventory have vanished.
Most of the companies that find their alarm systems disconnected, the video recorders missing, and several trailer loads of inventory stolen are shocked, not just by the financial loss, but by the speed and efficiency of the perpetrators.
While most victimized companies are amazed by the ingenuity and ease in which their security controls were defeated, the reality is that the professionals have been using the same methods for several years. Disconnecting phone and power lines, cutting through doors, (rather than prying them open and activating the alarm system's magnetic contacts), and entering via the roof or wall vents, are standard operating procedure and pose little difficulty for these pros.
While there are always new, innovative methods, such as installing concealed wireless video cameras outside a building that will record employees entering their alarm codes into the lobby keypad, the professionals tend to use the same techniques that have historically been very effective for them.
To appreciate why electronic intrusion detection and video systems have been consistently compromised, it's necessary to understand two realities about the alarm industry.
The first is that most of the sales reps that design intrusion detection and video systems have very little, if any, direct knowledge of how these professional thieves operate. While this may seem illogical, it's none the less true.
Danbee Investigations has investigated over $100 million dollars worth of thefts by professional crime organizations. When we're asked to conduct a post-theft investigation, we meet with representatives from the security system provider who designed and installed the facility's electronic protective systems. During these discussions, we typically ask these sales representatives if they're familiar with the professional thieves and their standard operating practices, i.e., how they defeat high-tech security systems. Ninety-nine out of 100 times, their response is, "No." However, these same sales reps are the ones that distribution company executives typically rely upon to select the right technology, strategically position all the protective devices, and then properly program these systems.
Another reality is that alarm companies have minimal legal or financial responsibility for losses sustained by their customers. Regardless of whether for example, the wrong devices were selected, or if the central station operator failed to properly respond to an activation, alarm vendors have limited liability. If you doubt this, read the small print in your contract and you'll probably find not one, but two or three causes that stipulate this.
Considering the limited understanding that many security system sales representatives possess, businesses should be wary about relying on a vendor to design their electronic protection. There is a significant difference between having your security systems designed by a salesman and an independent security consultant.
Once the exclusive domain of established organized crime families, dozens of new cargo theft rings have sprung up across the United States in the last ten years. In some parts of the country, law enforcement officials are overwhelmed and simply unable to keep up with the case load.
As reported in a 2010 Wall Street Journal article, law enforcement agencies and insurance companies are both reporting increases in cargo theft activity. Chubb Corporation, a major insurance company based in N.J., reported that insurance claims and data from other sources showed cargo thefts in 2009 increased 6.6% from 2008, and were up 23% from 2007.
•	They are so confident in their ability to be successful that the product is oftentimes sold before the truck thefts or distribution center break-ins have even taken place.
•	They have been known to infiltrate their members into companies posing as employees, vendors and contract labor, which has proven to be an excellent source of inside intelligence for them.
•	It's not unusual for them to conduct surveillance on a targeted DC or to follow trucks for extensive periods of time before striking.
•	They are extremely familiar with almost every variety of GPS, including where the antennas are concealed. Consequently, they can have most GPS units disabled within minutes.
•	They frequently conduct surveillance at truck stops commonly used by drivers looking for targets.
•	They have been known to lease warehouses in various parts of the country with interior loading docks to safely conceal the trucks they steal and store goods.
1. If your safeguards look considerably better on paper than they work in reality, your company faces the risk of having illegal narcotics or a weapon of mass destruction smuggled into the United States via one of your shipments.
2. The other risk you face is that when C-TPAT inspectors validate your foreign suppliers and logistics providers, they may find your controls woefully inadequate and lower your tier level or even remove you from the C-TPAT program.
If you want to protect your import shipments from theft, smuggling and terrorism, you'll need to have a diligent auditing process in place. Aside from it being a C-TPAT requirement, it's also one of the most critical components of your security program.
One of the primary objectives when performing a comprehensive security audit is to separate fact from fiction.
Prior to conducting one of our C-TPAT compliance audits at a foreign distribution center, we had been assured that all their security controls were being diligently followed and our client's product was extremely well protected.
Prior to our arrival, this consolidator had informed us that they had complete video coverage throughout their facility, tight control over inbound and outbound goods and that our clients' product was always kept in a highly secured segregated area.
We found that their digital hard drive was much too small, only archiving recorded video for 7 days – an inadequate period of time in the event that a post event investigation was required in the future.
We also exposed loopholes with their cargo handling practices. Inbound truck security seals for example, were being removed by anyone working on the receiving dock rather than by more senior personnel (which is what their policy called for). Consequently, we found that many workers did not take the time to verify that the seal number on an arriving truck matched the manifest (another major policy violation).
We also found that the seals used on outbound trucks were left exposed in an open box on the shipping dock, fully accessible to all employees, vendors and outside truckers. Because the shipping crew didn't use seals in numerical sequence, these exposed seals could have been stolen and then reattached to a truck's cargo doors after a driver left their facility.
Insofar as our client's product being segregated "in a highly secured area", we observed that the fencing was only 8' high and had no ceiling to protect against employees simply climbing over it. We also found that the keypad code to this area hadn't been changed in nearly nine months and was known to most of the workforce (including those without clearance to this area). Additionally, we determined that the alarm system was only being armed at the end of each workday, even when there was no work being performed in this area for hours at a time.
These issues, as well as an array of other security loopholes that were exposed, were promptly addressed and remedied. However, had this audit not been performed, our client's risk factor would have remained unnecessarily high.
Training is another important component, yet it's frequently not provided when an on site assessment is performed. During a recent C-TPAT training program we conducted for a foreign manufacturer, we asked if anyone knew whether bolt seals could be circumvented. Ninety percent of those in attendance responded that it was impossible to manipulate them. The problem here is that bolt seals can in fact be circumvented a number of ways and if those responsible for seal integrity think they're foolproof, they'll never recognize and expose breaches when they do occur.
When evaluating the quality of a foreign site's security program, it's' also important to avoid "getting lost in the translation." Because C-TPAT focuses on imports, working with foreign companies is commonplace.
Cultural differences and language barriers can result in misleading responses and faulty conclusions. It's for this reason that we deliberately ask the same questions several times (although they are worded differently) in our supply chain security questionnaires sent out to foreign suppliers and logistics providers. When respondents answer yes on page one and no on page five to the same question, we know that they either didn't understand what we were asking or weren't providing us with accurate responses.
It's also a good idea to confirm questionnaire responses through follow up e-mails and conference calls. More often than not, we receive feedback that differs from many of the original answers that were provided to us.
Is it a case of some foreign firms wanting to look more secure than they really are for their U.S. based customers? Or, did the respondents have different interpretations of words or phrases, resulting in inaccurate feedback?
Whatever the reason, you can't afford to be inadvertently or deliberately misled if you want to know that your supply chain is in fact as secure as it needs to be.
Last week I attended the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism annual conference in Anaheim, California. This much anticipated event sold out within hours of being announced on the Customs & Border Protection website.
This annual conference not only provides certified member companies with the opportunity to learn about the state of the program and interact with senior government officials, but also receive a briefing about changes that will be taking place with the C-TPAT program.
The roster of speakers was impressive, and included David Aguilar, the acting Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Bradd Skinner, Director of the C-TPAT program, Kevin Weeks, Director of Field Operations for CBP's Los Angeles office, as well as Richard Dinucci, CBP's Director of Cargo Control. Director Skinner discussed an array of topics, including the C-TPAT program's growth, up 7.8% in 2009 and expected to exceed 10,000 member companies this year.
Conference sessions also featured speakers from the private sector, who provided insight from the industry perspective.
I was asked to give a presentation on "Tools, Technologies and Processes – Innovative Industry Solutions to Security Challenges." I focused on areas within the foreign supply chain where we have uncovered significant risk and gave specific examples of why many corporate security programs look much better on paper than they actually operate on a day-to-day basis. I also explained several of the most important safeguards of a world class supply chain asset protection program, including how to design state-of-the-art intrusion detection and video systems, as well as how to get the most from GPS tracking technology and cargo security Best Practices.
There is no question that the C-TPAT program has become respected worldwide, with many countries developing their own supply chain security programs modeled on C-TPAT standards. Other countries like Japan, Canada and Jordan have already entered into mutual recognition programs with the United States, which is beneficial for the government as well as the trade community.
I believe that C-TPAT is a critical component of our homeland security efforts. This government–industry cooperative program proves that when these two sectors work together effectively towards a common objective, very significant results can be achieved.
Today, I participated as a guest speaker for the 2010 Supply Chain Security Webinar.
This program focused on strategies for minimizing supply chain security risk, a growing concern for manufacturers, distributors, and transportation companies. Along with myself, experts from Cisco, Powers International, Customs & Trade Solutions, Accenture, as well as the National Custom Brokers & Forwarders Association and the Air Forwarders Association gave presentations.
My session was entitled, "Are Your Profits Quietly Being Stolen – What Every Supply Chain Company Should Know." One of the areas I focused on was seven of the biggest myths about distribution center security. I explained why, for example, common misconceptions such as "If we sustain a theft due to a faulty intrusion detection system, our alarm company will be responsible" and "Our camera system will keep our workers honest" have caused companies significant loss.
I also explained some of the essential components of a successful loss prevention program and why it's so important to realistically assess your safeguards so you can uncover weaknesses before others have the opportunity to exploit them.
One of the ever present concerns for logistics executives is collusion between inside personnel and truckers. With cargo crime estimated between $20-40 billion a year, companies are eager to learn which methods and technologies can effectively prevent and detect this type of criminal activity. As a result, I made it a point to provide some proactive solutions that have dramatically reduced this costly problem for many of our clients.
It's estimated that the cost of business crime in the United States now exceeds $100 billion a year and is responsible for nearly 1/3 of all corporate bankruptcies. In a survey taken by a national accounting firm, nearly 25% of the respondents reported that theft related losses in their respective firms exceeded $1 million.
Most wholesalers, consolidators, freight forwarders and distributors that find themselves victimized by internal theft share a common denominator: They have usually committed one or more of what I refer to as The 7 Deadly Sins of Logistics Security.
Is your company guilty of making any of these costly mistakes?
1. Are you relying on safeguards that simply don't work?
Ask most executives how they protect their inventory and they'll answer "alarms, guards and closed circuit television." If these security solutions are effective, then why is it that so many companies that sustain loss have these controls in place?
Alarms are designed to protect against break and entry, not theft committed by insiders – which is how inventory loss usually occurs. Most uniformed guards are not adequately trained to recognize internal theft and collusion. Closed circuit television will only be effective if it has been strategically designed and consistently monitored, which is typically not the case.
2. Do you make it easy for dock personnel to work in collusion with truckers?
Because they don't know how to prevent internal theft, many companies inadvertently make it too easy for drivers to work in unison with shippers, receivers, checkers and loaders. These theft schemes are silent, with no bells or whistles going off to alert anyone that they are taking place, which is why they oftentimes add up to a small fortune.
3. Is your company too reactive?
A large percentage of companies that incur shrinkage do little to prevent it from happening in the first place. By the time they decide to take action, they've already incurred a substantial loss and the missing inventory is never recovered.
It's been repeatedly proven that preventing loss is far less expensive then reacting to it.
4. Do you have an efficient way for concerned employees to report security problems?
A confidential hotline can be an invaluable tool to learn about individual theft, collusion, fraud, workplace substance abuse, arson, product tampering, harassment or discrimination. Yet, many companies still rely on methods of communication that don't work for security sensitive issues like these, such as open door policies or in-house tiplines. As a result, employees who become aware of unethical or illegal activity tend to remain silent.
In order for a tipline program to be successful it should be outsourced so workers can speak to people who won't recognize their voices. Employees are more likely to confide in someone outside their company, rather than using an in-house system for tips.
Equally important, callers should never have to provide their name. The best response comes when you offer complete anonymity. The way we accomplish this with the Danbee Hotline for example, is to provide every caller with a code number, which is one reason why we've received information that has exposed millions of dollars of losses.
5. Are you checking your checkers?
Too many companies have made the mistake of not keeping their checkers accountable. Because of this lack of oversight, a percentage of checkers become negligent or dishonest over time, and that's when companies can rack up substantial losses.
One effective way to control the accuracy and integrity of your checkers is by having loss prevention audits regularly performed. These can be done numerous ways.
One method would be to have a security representative arrive (without any advance notification) during the time your trucks are being loaded, select one (or several) and reconcile the product found on the trucks to the shipping manifests.
Another technique would be having surprise audits performed on your trucks as drivers begin their route deliveries. We refer to these as non-covert surveillances. By having an investigator meet a driver at their first stop and performing a verification of each piece delivered throughout the course of the day, you will uncover product that has been over-loaded.
Both of these security techniques are excellent ways to not only detect collusion or gross negligence, but they will also prevent it from taking place.
6. Does your company effectively weed out on-the-job substance abusers and distributors?
Nearly 90% of all employee drug users either deal or steal to support their addiction. As many distribution executives have learned, if you have a drug problem inside your company, you can expect to have a theft problem as well.
Two of the best ways to identify drug users and distributors on your payroll is through the use of a tipline program or by inserting an undercover investigator into your operation.
7. Do you provide meaningful training for your key personnel?
All too often, losses occur because managers and supervisors are not educated on how to recognize the subtle, ingenious ways that theft takes place in a distribution center. Keep in mind that much of this theft and collusion looks exactly like standard operating procedure. The reality is that if your key people don't know what they're looking for, they probably won't see it.
A 9/11 Reality Check: Is Your Supply Chain Really Secure & C-TPAT Compliant?
During a recent trip to mainland China, I inspected the security at a large manufacturing complex on behalf of a client. Prior to my arrival, I had been advised by one of their U.S. based Vice Presidents that he was confident I would not find anything lacking because they had just undergone "an official" supply chain security audit by a local compliance company who gave them an outstanding evaluation.
After conducting my assessment of this facility, I advised their on site management team that their security policies, procedures and technology were not even close to being C-TPAT compliant. I explained for example, that their personnel were not conducting proper container inspections prior to loading exports destined for the States, and that their finished goods department (which consisted of a building without doors), had product staged for hours at a time with no monitoring of any kind. They also were not bothering to place security seals on their loaded export containers until they reached the Hong Kong border (a two hour trip from their site). Consequently, their U.S. bound shipments, as well as the containers they used, had no real chain of custody.
They asked me to read the report they had received from this compliance company and give them my thoughts. I pointed out an array of observations and conclusions in the report that were factually inaccurate. They agreed that the report had limited value and admitted that the people who conducted the audit didn't appear to know much about supply chain security. The weaknesses I had uncovered they said, were not examined or discussed during that audit. Yet, they were advised that they were successfully meeting C-TPAT criteria and awarded with an excellent numerical rating.
Is this an uncommon occurrence? Unfortunately, it's not. After the C-TPAT program came into existence, it didn't take long for a number of companies with little or no core competency in asset protection to magically transform themselves into supply chain security experts overnight. Despite the fact that they possessed scant knowledge of security technology and many had never conducted investigations into inventory theft, cargo crime, sabotage, fraud, smuggling or workplace substance abuse, these "experts" began aggressively advertising to overseas companies, promising them C-TPAT complaint security programs.
Some have even taken it a step further. During an audit at a Hong Kong consolidator, the general manager took me into his private office and proudly displayed their C-TPAT membership certificate hanging on the wall. When I asked if his company had any presence in the United States he replied no. Upon closer examination of his certificate, it was apparent that the certificate had not been produced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Motivated by the opportunity to turn a quick dollar, a number of firms continue to prey on uninformed companies who have a sincere desire to either join the C-TPAT program or become C-TPAT compliant.
This problem transcends how I personally regard the ethics of these firms guilty of misrepresentation. Far more important are the significant risks that are created by companies that are performing superficial audits and providing bogus certifications.
Experts agree that the most vulnerable links in the supply chain are usually found on foreign soil. These are the likely places where terrorists will attempt to smuggle a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon inside a carton, pallet, container or trailer, which will then be sent to the United States. This is why Customs and Border Protection sends out C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialists who perform foreign validations every three years.
While these formal validations serve an important purpose, they typically only provide CBP with a very limited glimpse of an importer's supply chain. The C-TPAT representatives may only have the opportunity to evaluate less than 10% of an importers entire network.
As previously stated, these validations only take place once every three years, a time frame where a company's security program can easily develop gaping holes.
Plus, the C-TPAT validation team will always provide advance notice when they will be arriving and what facilities they intend to inspect. Consequently, when they are on site they may not be seeing a true representation of how the protective safeguards really operate on a day to day basis.
This is why CBP mandates that C-TPAT certified companies must conduct comprehensive self assessments of their supply chain security. These audits should identify weaknesses, recommend solutions to strengthen those areas that are vulnerable, as well as provide awareness training for key personnel. These audits should also result in detailed action plans, complete with time tables for completion of the needed remedial work.
However, when these audits consist of little more than individuals with questionable experience and expertise merely "pencil-whipping" generic checklists, this process becomes little more than a meaningless exercise.
Despite having significant vulnerabilities in their asset protection controls, after receiving these superficial audit reports and bogus certifications, foreign companies oftentimes then operate under the assumption that their supply chains are extremely secure. This false sense of security can be compared to wearing a defective bullet proof vest that won't stop a 38 caliber round. While you may feel well protected, when actually tested the consequences could prove catastrophic.
U.S. importers cannot afford to rely on cosmetic, ineffective security programs. The first time their supply chain is victimized may not only lead to the suspension or revocation of C-TPAT membership, but could also result in significant financial loss, irreparable harm to their reputation, and most concerning, the opportunity for another major act of terrorism inside the United States. As we reflect on 9/11, let us remain committed to never allowing history to repeat itself.


text:
James M. Polehna
jim-polehna-603b2512/
James (Jim) Polehna is senior vice president and corporate secretary of Kelly®, a global provider of workforce solutions, always thinking about what's next in the story of work, connecting talented people to companies in need of their skills and designing talent strategies that help businesses embrace the value of all workers and workstyles.
Jim was appointed to his current position in 2017. He is currently responsible for investor relations, corporate governance, and executive compensation.
In his capacity as corporate secretary, Jim is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the company's governance framework, including compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements affecting the company and its board of directors. He has responsibility to implement all decisions made by the board. Jim manages corporate disclosure and compliance with state corporation laws, the stock exchange listing standards, and SEC reporting and compliance.
With respect to his investor relations role, Jim serves as the key point of contact for the investment community and is responsible for the development and execution of Kelly's IR strategy and policy implementation in addition to providing market feedback to management and the board. He oversees the company's annual report to shareholders, the proxy statement, quarterly financial communications, and other financial briefing materials.
Jim also manages the company's executive compensation function, including all aspects of senior officer compensation and philosophy, meeting materials and discussions with the compensation committee of the company's board of directors, and oversight of the compensation discussion and analysis portion of the company's annual proxy statement.
Prior to his current role, Jim was vice president and corporate secretary for Kelly. He joined the company in 2001 as director and assistant secretary, and successfully launched the company's first investor relations program. During his tenure with the company, he has also had responsibility for Public Relations and Corporate Communications. Previously, Jim was vice president and assistant secretary of Citizens Banking Corporation for 20 years and was an adjunct professor for Baker College's MBA program on the topics of business management and strategic planning.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree and his MBA from the University of Michigan. Jim serves on the board of directors of the Citizens Research Council and is a member of the Global Investor Relations Executive Council of the Conference Board. He is also a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Detroit Economic Club, the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI), and the Society of Corporate Secretaries & Governance Professionals.


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TRAINING FOR A CAUSE the week of January 14th.
Train with us and support Midcoast Humane and the amazing work that they do for our 4-legged friends.
AND support a great cause at the same time!
Midcoast Humane recently joined the two animal shelters in Brunswick and Edgecomb into one bigger and better organization who provides care to 3,500 animals every year!
Did you know that it costs $20 per animal per DAY to run Midcoast Humane?
MidCoast Humane provides veterinary care and enrichment to these animals, giving them a second chance to live amazing lives, eventually sharing all of the love that they have to give with their adoption families.
They support our community in so many incredible ways. They are about more than the animals. They are about community, and through their various programs they help our community to be better.
They provide a number of services including education in the areas of obedience classes, feral cat programs, and school visits to promote humane treatment of animals to kids.
They also support the community through their Pet Therapy programs, provide foster care for at risk animals, and provide food for animals to a variety of local food banks so that people facing hunger don't need to make the choice between feeding themselves or their pets.
The work that Midcoast Humane does means so much to me! I have always been an animal lover, and I wish I could take them all into my home to give them great lives. But the job is so much bigger than that.
I am so excited to have this opportunity to support Midcoast Humane and their work through this event.
I hope that you can join us and contribute to this great cause while also doing a little something for yourself! Giving to a great cause AND participating in a training session is sure to make you feel AMAZING!
Training for a Cause sessions are open to the public.
Join one of 20+ training sessions the week of January 14th to support Midcoast Humane.
$20 cash donation, which is enough to support an animal's care for one day.
Our Training for a Cause sessions are 50 minutes in length and will combine both strength and conditioning exercises. The trainer will take you through a warm up at the beginning of the training session to ensure that your body is prepared for a great workout and you feel great.
These training sessions are appropriate for all levels. Our trainers will meet you where you are. If you have any questions or concerns PLEASE do not hesitate to talk to the trainer before the training session.
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your training time so that you can sign in, and we have time to answer any questions that you may have.
I hope you can join us for a Training for a Cause Session!
The Wilcox Team is excited for the opportunity to meet you!
If you have any questions about our Training for a Cause sessions please feel free to email me at allison@wilcoxwellnessfitness.com.
Hi! My name is Allison Hopkins and I am the owner of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness in Brunswick, ME. I am excited to bring WILCOX to Brunswick and share in my passion for living a great life through health and fitness.