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Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park
Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park is owned by Lancashire County Council (LCC). The site was reclaimed from a former power station and now contains a number of walking trails, a wildlife pond, a car park and a fence off grassed area rented by the Fylde Coast Model Flying Association (FCMFA). There are two lagoons which have restricted public access, these areas are of highest value to local wildlife. The site can be accessed from the end of Jameson Rd and by pedestrians from the Redrow Harbour Village Windward Ave.
The site is recognised as a Biological Heritage Site due to its ground flora and nesting birds, which include skylarks, grebes, tufted ducks, swans and shoveler ducks. Many herons and a pair of buzzards also visit regularly and it is a popular resting spot for migratory birds.
Fleetwood Town Council (FTC) recognise the benefits of retaining Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park as one of the few large open spaces in the Fleetwood area, and on the 13th March 2018 agreed to work in partnership with LCC for a 12 month pilot period to manage the day to day running of the site with costs shared equally from 1st April 2018. Following the 12 month period the Town Council and LCC will review progress and decide on the long term viability of the Town Council assuming full custodianship. The 12 month working partnership was extended to April 2020 by Town Council & LCC agreement on 29th January.
The aim of both councils is to maintain the site for existing users and further develop it to encourage additional visitors, community events, nature conservation and educational activities.
Photographs courtesy of Rob Callighan and Steven Speed.
reeds Courtesy of Rob Callighan
Courtesy of Rob Callighan
dog in water Courtesy of Rob Callighan
Courtesy of Steven Speed


CHICO, Calif. - Glen Mohs, 83, died June 21, 2013. He was born Dec. 18, 1929, to Frank and Nannie Mohs. He married Faye Hoffman Aug. 13, 1948. She survives. Graveside service 10 a.m. Thursday at Chico Cemetery, Chico, Calif. Services are in care of Newton-Bracewell Funeral Homes, Chico, Calif.


COLUMBIA, Mo. – Spring break signals a time for vacation and a break from the rigor of college academics. Yet, for more than 600 University of Missouri students, the week away from school will be spent doing volunteer service. A total of 592 students will be partnering with organizations in 45 communities across the United States, from Tuba City, Arizona, to New York City. An additional 21 students will participate in international service projects.
Founded in 1991, Mizzou Alternative Breaks sends groups of students on service trips during weekend, Thanksgiving, spring, summer and winter breaks. Participants enter communities with the mindset of "Serve, don't help"— one of the program's guiding principles.
In 2014, Mizzou Alternative Breaks announced a partnership with MU Extension and pledged to bring service trips to all of Missouri's 114 counties by 2020. To date, Mizzou Alternative Breaks has served 97 counties in the state and the city of St. Louis.


C's specialty is colt starting and trailer loading. The Ultimate Equestrian Challenge™ win in January of 2009 was the commutation of over 10 years of intense study of horse behavior and communication and colt starting.
Was to train a horse in two hours and 15 minutes to compete in trail course and walk, trot and lope in both directions.


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Movement conservatives need to get 'right on crime'
There's a notable op ed in the Washington Post today by Newt Gingrich and Pat Nolan, declaring: "We urge conservative legislators to lead the way in addressing an issue often considered off-limits to reform: prisons. Several states have recently shown that they can save on costs without compromising public safety by intelligently reducing their prison populations." They're endorsing the Right on Crime campaign launched last month in D.C. by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, calling for "common-sense left-right agreement on an issue that has kept the parties apart for decades." And they cite Texas' example as one for other conservative states to emulate:
We can no longer afford business as usual with prisons. The criminal justice system is broken, and conservatives must lead the way in fixing it.
Several states have shown that it is possible to cut costs while keeping the public safe. Consider events in Texas, which is known to be tough on crime. Conservative Republicans joined with Democrats in adopting incentive-based funding to strengthen the state's probation system in 2005. Then in 2007, they decided against building more prisons and instead opted to enhance proven community corrections approaches such as drug courts. The reforms are forecast to save $2 billion in prison costs over five years.
The Lone Star State has already redirected much of the money saved into community treatment for the mentally ill and low-level drug addicts. Not only have these reforms reduced Texas's prison population - helping to close the state budget gap - but for the first time there is no waiting list for drug treatment in the state. And crime has dropped 10 percent from 2004, the year before the reforms, through 2009, according to the latest figures available, reaching its lowest annual rate since 1973.
The op ed concludes:
Some people attribute the nation's recent drop in crime to more people being locked up. But the facts show otherwise. While crime fell in nearly every state over the past seven years, some of those with the largest reductions in crime have also lowered their prison population. Compare Florida and New York. Over the past seven years, Florida's incarceration rate has increased 16 percent, while New York's decreased 16 percent. Yet the crime rate in New York has fallen twice as much as Florida's. Put another way, although New York spent less on its prisons, it delivered better public safety.
Americans need to know that we can reform our prison systems to cost less and keep the public safe. We hope conservative leaders across the country will join with us in getting it right on crime.
Labels: ideology
I hope that editorials such as this from prominent conservatives will help start changing some attitudes, but it is hard for people far removed from the situation to really understand. As a religious right-wing conservative myself, one of my greatest frustrations is that so many of my brethren still feel that a law enforcement approach is the best way to deal with substance abuse.
I hope that factors like "Right on Crime" and the budget woes can work together to produce some change.
Yep, drug offenders aren't dangerous at all! Why do I get the feeling that "right on crime" will, in time, become synonymous with "soft on crime."
I see prisons as large, slow moving windmills.
Go get 'em, Don.
Off the topic....
Today's Longview News Journal
Deadly lockup: Young mother's death in jail should prompt review of jail procedures
http://www.news-journal.com/opinion/article_8d8b17f8-1eff-59fa-af03-f203acb8091e.html
The jail had just recently passed a TCJS inspection but after the investigation of this death the jail was deemed to be non-compliant. At least one jailer is being accused of falsifying the log.
I have argued these inspections by TCJS are meaningless as exampled above. Just as soon as that inspector leaves a jail can become non-compliant in many areas.
everyone has a story said...
I just got through doing a 2 yr. state jail sentence for poss. cont. sub. 0.14 of a gram of rock cocaine,street value a staggering 10 dollars.I was arrested April fools day 2006 in Morris co. Tx. In Jan. of 2007. I plea bargained too 2 yrs. probation and fines and court cost (among other fees)totaling to $4200.00 which in turn resulted into $172.00 a month payment to the probation dept.When I was put on probation that day,I walked into the courthouse door and 15 min. later I walked out that same door back to the same thing that was destroying my life and the people I loved.My probation was revoked a year and a half later after I went to my P.O. and told him I was using drugs.The only way out for me was to turn myself in (not easy)I knew I would have to go to jail to get me off drugs because I could not find help anywhere else without admitting that I was using drugs and being revoked anyway "CLUE"(that's another story)and I obviously could not help myself.well I was revoked July 1,2008. I took the stand and begged for treatment,help and mercy of the court too the Judge (Jimmy White).I had to do something being my lawyer was just complaining about being hungry(Jerry Pratt Jr.)It took every once of courage I had to get up there in front of the whole courtroom and beg.When I stood up to be sentenced the Judge said Mr.wells, I'm going to help you, two years of it in Bradshaw state jail(another story)although most in the courtroom thought that to be humorous,I did not. The only thing that got me off of drugs was me.not the court and not Bradshaw state jail that doesn't even have AA program let alone NA.Anyway just thought I would get that off my chest.If you want to see who I am,my e-mail is bandwells@yahoo.com.My name is Joseph R. Wells,I was born in Mt. Pleasent Tx.on 9/12/1958 I'm 52 yrs. old I'm from Ore city.Tx. I have nothing to hide. feel free to use my e-mail to find my facebook and you may discover I'm not that much different from you
kaptinemo said...
It's been said before that when we can no longer afford the "Tough on crime!"/"lock 'em up and throw away the key!" approach, the pols would change the rhetoric. And here it is.
Yepper, 'bout time to cut back on the prison/industrial complex gorging itself at the public trough. And for how many years have drug law reformers been arguing the same point? Long before the latest crop of self-described 'conservatives' have, that's for sure
The fiscal writing was on the wall, five stories high, in big block letters written in red ink, for years. All the way back to the Recession of 1999/2000.
So now that writing is finally being acknowledged...years and years too late, for the damage is done.
We're trillions in the hole, now, and there's not much money left for vitally needed things like social safety net programs like unemployment insurance.
So, now, it really is 'guns or butter' time. And the people want butter, because they can't the eat guns their tax dollars bought during the incarceration orgy.. So the rhetoric changes.
So predictable...
We will always be tough on crime. Criminals will see to it.
ACTUALLY, THAT WAS THE DANIEL UNIT!
Curoshma said...
STOP EXCESSIVE SENTENCES ON AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES
There are 213,000 men/women in these federal prisons. They are over crowded causing unsafe issues for both correctional officiers and themselves. The one size fit all is not working. Reinstate Federal parole and HR1475 "Good Time Bill ". Use the 528 million to train, educate and create jobs for these men/women. Stop building prisons for everybody. Build companies that employee people. Correctional institute what does it mean to correct how do you correct? My name is not Felon or Inmate. When I have served my time the dues have been paid by my youth being taken. Do not hold me hostage the rest of my life. YOU KNOW I CAN NOT GET A JOB OR ATTEND SCHOOL WITH THESE LABELS. Restore my name and human rights. I am a human that live in a society with other humans.
Joe Wells, What a great story.
You have a lot to be proud of.
I wish you the best in your recovery. You can do it. FREE AT LAST !!
To Joseph Wells...
Well said, sir. I was down for 10 years, and it was me who rehabilitated me. TDCJ didn't do anything for me, except feed me and put me to work. It's up to the inmate to rehabilitate themselves, as you have done. My prayers go up for you, that you succeed and achieve your dreams.
W O W!!!!
I was down for 10 years, and it was me who rehabilitated me. TDCJ didn't do anything for me, except feed me and put me to work. It's up to the inmate to rehabilitate themselves.
WHAT AN INCREDIBLY SIMPLE STATEMENT OF FACT!
HISTORY OF PRISONS REPEAT THEMSELVES WITH WORKHOUSES AND INCARCERATION FOR PROFIT. THE CRIES OF THE OPPRESSED
I see that finally common sense is starting to work about prisons when it hits a person's pocket book...The way that things have been set in place was based on greed and not justice...so everything is a debt now rather than prison...for profit...ideologies...especially with all of the injustices that have been on-going for centuries ..it's just that the last few years of an outburst of technological growth have changed the financial landscape so much that it has put a strain on the economy, prisons, jobs, education, etc....so now its time for a common sense approach and for justice to begin to be built on truth...can you believe that its over 60 millions laws on the books in effect...this is like a paper trail on the nation at large because no one can know all of the laws on the books in 10 lifetimes...anyway...it is very helpful to know that people are realizing that a different approach to mass incarceration for non-violent offenses that could have been managed in a more less expensive and efficient way.
titfortat said...
Your statements confuse me Mr. Wells would you please clarify by explaining your position.
Are you saying that probation did not work for you?
Are you saying that incarceration works?
Are you saying that being placed on probation set you up to fail?
Are you saying that probation did not offer help?
It is my opinion and I have stated it here on this blog several times that it is my belief that a straight probation based on recidivism (only) would be beneficial and that more probationers would have a successful outcome. It is my belief that the criminal justice system is a revolving cycle that promotes the incarceration of poor people.
I feel treatment, drug testing, paying probation fees, and keeping required appointments with probation officers places financial and time requirements on probationers that conflict with their ability to work, schedule their day to day lives and pay their bills and that these burdens make it almost impossible to have a successful outcome for those with means and impossible for those without.
I feel that if the reward for successfully completing probation meant not being convicted of another crime while on probation with the final result being that a criminal record is erased gives a real chance for probationers to live a normal life and is a real incentive for them to achieve success.
I feel that while on probation a person's criminal record should remain unblemished with no record of arrest or probation.
I feel that all non-violent offenders should be given the ability to pursue a normal life again without a scarlet letter that follows them till death.
I feel that for those who return to crime the possibility of incarceration and an (extension of the probation period) should be on a graduated scale strictly for the purpose of punishment beginning with spending a couple of weekends in jail, never to exceed a one month sentence and then released and given the opportunity to change their own life circumstances with a strict three strikes and you're out policy.
After a fourth offense (while on probation) repeat offenders have then made the choice of extended incarceration with no possibility of ever receiving probation again and the scarlet letter that comes with having a criminal background.
I feel for those who successfully complete probation, any future criminal conviction should be considered a first offense.
Please respond as I feel the views of those who have gone through the criminal justice system provide insight that is overlooked. If I am wrong in my assessment I would prefer hearing it from someone like you.
titfortat,have you considered running for Governor??I totally agree with everything you said.It actually gave me hope that there is still intelligent life out there. please keep in mind that these opinion's are based on drug related charges and a addiction that had taken over my life(I needed help).as for your first question,it was a complete failure and a waste of time for everyone involved including the court.jumping to your third question,I can't help but think the court knew i would fail as they have seen many like me come before the court and fail.It was obvious I was a addict.I would guess out of the county I was in (morris)9 out of 10 addicts put on probation on drug charges or any other charge failed probation if addicted to a non legal or legal substance.I wouldn't be surprised to find that # is even higher.As bad as I hate to admit this,and this is going too hurt,incarceration was the only answer for me.(OCHH)but not the type the state offered.I had to be removed from society I believe,but not for 2yrs. which I thought was extremely harsh and cruel.Not only to me but to my wife and kids and my family.Although I brought this all on myself and do not blame the state or anyone else. your last question,the help probation offered was to put a financial burden on me I just couldn't bare which carried over to my family.I was already spending just about every penny I made on my drug habit,sad yes, but true.as far as the probation dept. as long as I was making my payments life was good,when I couldn't pay life was not so good.I could go on and on.I'd like to thank 7:18pm and 7:52pm for there words of encouragement and the few mins. they took of there time to make me feel good about myself and to not give up hope that things can get better. And you of course for caring.also to scott for tackling these important issues and the millions of hours of his own time he's invested into this for the betterment of society.it's funny how in Washington there worried about what type of plastic forks they get in the cafeteria and get paid and ya'll do this for free.I was bench warrant back to the county from BRADSHAW to participate in a program that probable saved my life. I will tell you about it if you would like to know.
titfortat,have you considered running for Governor??I totally agree with everything you said.It actually gave me hope that there is still intelligent life out there. please keep in mind that these opinion's are based on drug related charges and a addiction that had taken over my life(I needed help).as for your first question,it was a complete failure and a waste of time for everyone involved including the court.jumping to your third question,I can't help but think the court knew i would fail as they have seen many like me come before the court and fail.It was obvious I was a addict.I would guess out of the county I was in (morris)9 out of 10 addicts put on probation on drug charges or any other charge failed probation if addicted to a non legal or legal substance.I wouldn't be surprised to find that # is even higher.As bad as I hate to admit this,and this is going too hurt,incarceration was the only answer for me.(OCHH)but not the type the state offered.I had to be removed from society I believe,but not for 2yrs. which I thought was extremely harsh and cruel.Although I brought this all on myself and do not blame the state or anyone else. your last question,the help probation offered was to put a financial burden on me I just couldn't bare which carried over to my family.I was already spending just about every penny I made on my drug habit,sad yes, but true.as far as the probation dept. as long as I was making my payments life was good,when I couldn't pay life was not so good.I could go on and on.I'd like to thank 7:18pm and 7:52pm for there words of encouragement and the few mins. they took of there time to make me feel good about myself and to not give up hope that things can get better. And you of course for caring.also to scott for tackling these important issues and the millions of hours of his own time he's invested into this for the betterment of society.I was bench warrant back to the county from BRADSHAW to participate in a program that probable saved my life. I will tell you about it if you would like to know.
You're stating that (A) you felt incarceration was your only option, and (B) you were eventually given treatment which you feel saved you from your own self destruction.
Please be honest to yourself with the answer to my next question.
Do you feel that the inability to meet the requirements of probation contributed in any way to your drug dependency, or do you feel that you would have continued to abuse anyway even if you had been given the ability to have served out a straight probation with no requirements other than (do not commit another crime)?
(A)only because there were no other options available to me nor offered. Incarceration is not the answer. I believe in house treatment of some kind would have saved the state thousands of dollars just on me alone.I don't know what it cost to house a Inmate for two years, but I guess well over 50 thousand dollars if not more.Think about that.what would treatment cost? $2500. I could get a one on one with Dr. Drew of celebrity rehab for half that amount.somebody pinch me,I must be dreaming.
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Picture Paris (2011)
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Build Back Better Act Passes House, Awaiting Senate Approval
On November 19, 2021 the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (BBA). This version of the act is far different from the original. While there still could be changes as the act moves through the Senate, here is a brief overview of what was approved by the House.
Individual Provisions
The original act included an increase to the top rates for both individual tax rates and capital gains rates. The most recent act does not include such an increase bur rather an income tax surcharge. The surcharge is in two-stages and is based on the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of individuals, estates and trusts. A filer that is joint, single, or head of household (HOH) with a MAGI in excess of $10 million ($5 million for those MFS) will be charged an additional 5% tax on that excess. If the MAGI is in excess of $25 million ($12.5 for MFS) an additional 3% will be charged. This applies to tax years beginning after 2021 and applies to estates and trusts with MAGI in excess of $200,000 or $500,000, respectively.
The BBA as proposed will increase the number of those taxpayers impacted by the net investment income tax. Joint filers with income in excess of $500,000 ($400,000 for HOH and single filers; $250,000 for MFS) that are S corporation shareholders, limited partners, or LLC members, regardless of participation in the activity, will now be subject to NIIT of 3.8%.
One other major provision in the bill is expanding the state and local income tax deduction from $10,000 to $80,000 for joint, single, and HOH ($40,000 for MFS). The expansion would be applicable through 2030, the cap would return to $10,000 effective 2031.
Additional individual changes include:
Making the prohibition of excess business losses of non-corporate taxpayers that is applicable through 2026 permanent
Extending child tax credits through 2022 including the refundability of the credit beyond 2022
Extending the earned income tax credit for childless taxpayers through 2022
Various health care credits including extension of the rule that allows the premium tax credit to households whose income exceeds 400% of the poverty line
Electric vehicle tax credit and multiple other green energy credits
Business Provisions
The corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) is back. The corporate AMT was repealed as part of the tax cuts and jobs act, but the BBA is proposing the AMT be effective for tax years beginning after 2022. Basic details include a rate of 15 percent that would be imposed on the corporation's "adjusted financial statement income" for the tax year and reduced by a corporate AMT foreign tax credit. This AMT would apply to businesses with average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion for the three prior tax years.
Other business provisions include but are not limited to:
an excise tax equal to 1 percent on stock repurchases by domestic corporations whose stock is traded on an established securities market (applies to repurchases after 2021)
limitation of the net interest expense allowed as a deduction by specified domestic corporations (applies to tax years beginning after 2022)
treatment of losses as capital losses in the case of worthless securities or partnership interests
International Provisions
Most of the international provisions have not been modified from the original bill. International provisions include but are not limited to:
Reduction of FDII and GILTI Deductions from 37.5% to 21.875% and 50% to 37.5%, respectively
Elimination of the CFC One-month Deferral
Foreign tax credit changes including limitations on the tax credit on a country-by-country basis
Inclusion of GILTI in the income of a shareholder of a CFC (on a country-by-country basis)
Changes to calculating Subpart F income of CFC shareholders if the shareholder is a taxable unit that is a tax resident of the U.S.
Be on the lookout for additional information as we wait for Senate approval. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to your trusted advisor at HLB Gross Collins to get any additional guidance.
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This conference aims to present innovative and creative ethnographic perspectives on the intersection between art, anthropology and contested cultural heritage. One part of the conference will showcase ethnographic work with TRACES: Transmitting Contentious Cultural Heritages with the Arts: From Intervention to Co-Production (EU Horizon 2020 programme, 2016 – 2019, www.tracesproject.eu).
Papers selected through an open call will provide global and post/de-colonial counterpoints to the "European" settings of TRACES and investigate ethnographically and artistically contested cultural heritage (e.g. in museums and heritage institutions, private collections). The purpose of the conference is to open for a critical dialogue with TRACES. Thus, as in our work with TRACES, we are particularly interested in presentations that focus on notions of serendipity, artistic process/production, and relationality in their research with global contested heritage.
Arnd Schneider, Leone Contini, Matei Bellu, Katarzyna Maniak, Blaz Bajic, Aglaja Kempinski, Laura McAtackney.
Christian Sørhaug, Kjartan Fønstelien and Serge von Arx –"Our Gruesome Cultural Heritage" Cultural heritage plays a central role in contemporary efforts at nation building.
Attendance is free (and includes coffee and tea break provisions and reception), and everybody is welcome to attend the conference. BUT we need confirmation of the numbers for our planning, and you have to REGISTER, providing your full contact details and affiliation, with the conference administrator Eline Olafsrud by December 20, 2018 (DEADLINE).


A beautiful hand packed mini Lanson Rose along with a wrapped box of chocolates. Have an evening of pure indulgence or buy and send as a gift.
One of the worlds favourite Rose Champagnes, Lanson Rose is fresh and well balanced, pale pink in colour with aromas of roses and fresh red berrys. The initial taste is well-rounded, fresh, with a prominent soft fruit and good length on the finish.
An assortment of of Belgian Chocolates - floral wrapping may vary.


text:
Shabazz and San Francisco host San Diego | AP Sports activities
San Diego Toreros (7-8, 0-1 WCC) at San Francisco Dons (11-5, 0-1 WCC)
San Francisco; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: San Francisco -10; over/under is 151.5
BOTTOM LINE: San Francisco hosts the San Diego Toreros after Khalil Shabazz scored 23 points in San Francisco's 79-67 loss to the Santa Clara Broncos.
The Dons have gone 7-1 in home games. San Francisco ranks second in the WCC at limiting opponent scoring, giving up 67.4 points while holding opponents to 42.5% shooting.
The toreros are 0-1 in WCC play. San Diego ranks ninth in the WCC with 31.9 rebounds per game led by Eric Williams Jr. averaging 10.4.
The Dons and Toreros meet Saturday for the first time in WCC play this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Shabazz is averaging 15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.4 steals for the Dons. Tyrell Roberts is averaging 14.4 points over the last 10 games for San Francisco.
Seikou Sisoho Jawara is averaging 12.8 points and 3.5 assists for the bullfighters. Williams is averaging 14.2 points over the last 10 games for San Diego.
LAST 10 GAMES: Dons: 5-5, averaging 75.4 points, 32.4 rebounds, 14.0 assists, 7.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 69.0 points per game.
Bullfighters: 3-7, averaging 74.8 points, 30.2 rebounds, 12.5 assists, 6.5 steals and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 43.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.2 points.
For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Data Skrive.
New Bike Lanes Alongside Convoy Avenue May Price Guests Parking and Endurance – NBC 7 San Diego
Colorado State and San Jose State meet in convention showdown
San Francisco Mourns 'Grandpa Vicha', Different Victims of Anti-Asian…
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles NFC Championship Dwell Weblog
Can San Francisco's "child Prop C" tax assist repair baby care?
Former High Chef San Francisco house on the market for $4.4M


This conference is now fully booked. To be added to the waiting list please email enquiries@ptes.org.
The Dormouse Mitigation Conference is a must for anyone involved in dormouse ecology and conservation. You will get updates on best practice for dormouse conservation, hear about current research being undertaken and meet with dormouse ecologists from across the country – all in the magnificent setting of the Natural History Museum!
Catering will be provided by Benugo and includes morning and afternoon refreshments and lunch.
Please note as People's Trust for Endangered Species is not VAT registered VAT is not added to conference tickets.


text:
#DeleteFacebook: Data privacy concerns flood the social network
On March 16, news broke that British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica had gained improper access to data from as many as 50 million Facebook users (an estimate that has since been upped to 87 million).1 That firm and its top executives are now also under fire for alleged violations of U.S. election laws, and Facebook is facing heavy scrutiny of its data security, audit procedures and disclosures. Its stock price is down more than 17% since the issue came to light.2 In our view, the stock's slide reflects three potential threats to Facebook's growth and its bottom line:
1. Potential for regulation and fines.
Congressional committees successfully called on CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify (he appeared before both houses of Congress April 10-11), while several states' attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission have since opened investigations, and representatives like Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mark Warner (D-VA) have drafted legislation that would force additional disclosures from Facebook. Some have estimated that Facebook could face fines in the United States and Europe topping $1 trillion based on regulations like the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)3 and previous U.S. rulings.4
2. Loss of subscribers and/or subscriber data as #DeleteFacebook trends.
These are threats to popularity and usage which, ultimately, impact the company's revenues. One rudimentary indicator of the surge in sentiment is Google Trends data showing a 300% uptick since March 15 in the search term "how to delete facebook".
Source: Google Trends data, as of March 30, 2018
3. Risk from diminished pricing power with advertisers.
Some of the world's largest advertisers have led boycotts, pushed for concessions, and cut digital ad budgets.5
While Russell Investments is a Facebook shareholder through the underlying managers that make up our multi-manager portfolios, we currently maintain a significantly underweight position and our equity portfolios reflect this. Our position is approximately less than half the 1.0% weighting in the MSCI World Index.6
What our managers think
Our active managers are carefully determining whether this is a temporary setback or a major reckoning, and we're actively observing and evaluating this process. Controversial situations like this are a primary means to confirming and appraising the skill of active managers that we rank and hire. As the scene at Facebook unfolded, we solicited commentary from top holders, and we weren't surprised to find that managers' opinions on the return potential of Facebook going forward is divergent.
The difference in views tends to break down along expected lines, primarily short- vs. long-term investment horizons and valuation sensitivity. For instance:
One set of managers acknowledged the risks but remains positive on long-term fundamentals. These managers believe that government regulations tend to favor incumbents, monetary damages are likely to be small and symbolic, Facebook's business is defensible and growth is sustainable, and that the forward price/earnings (P/E) multiple of 16x is attractive for a non-cyclical business.
Another set of managers, also enticed by the growth and dominance of the business, had been more cautious and inclined to trim as Facebook's stock hit all-time highs in January. They are currently working to determine whether the stock's setback and current valuation represent a buying opportunity.
Others, including some with a shorter investment horizon, are avoiding the stock until the regulatory and legal clouds are cleared away.
It's not our role to tell these managers whether they are right or wrong. Rather, we determine whether each active manager's due diligence and ultimate decision reflects what we know and expect from their process and philosophy.
An eye toward ESG
Some of our active managers will apply a responsible investing lens to these issues, and it's an approach that can serve them well. Our research has confirmed that environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors can impact security prices, and the events affecting Facebook are a case in point. Why? We believe the digital security issues plaguing the company amount to a social and governance issue, and some investors are viewing it as a red mark on Facebook's ESG scorecard. To wit, ESG- and socially responsible investment (SRI)-aware funds are stepping back and/or raising their voices in light of the Cambridge Analytica revelations. For example, Nordea Bank has forbidden portfolio managers of its sustainable funds from buying Facebook shares for at least three months.7 And, if it doesn't get out in front of shareholder concerns, we can expect Facebook to face proxy proposals later this year requesting the establishment of a risk oversight committee and increased reporting around content policies and content management.8
Third-party evaluators are also providing their input. Following this incident, Sustainalytics downgraded Facebook's controversy rating, citing "serious questions regarding Facebook's management of its users' data and whether it can balance its considerable privacy commitments and expectations with its commercial approach.9
But this incident, and Sustainalytics' activity around it, also serves to reinforce an observation made by many fundamental and quantitative managers alike: ESG scores may offer very little value in terms of investment timing and stock price predictability. Indeed, Facebook's vulnerability to data privacy risks has been discussed in the media for years10, and yet the stock was up 223% from January 1, 2014 into the beginning of this year.11 In our view, recent downgrades by ESG providers have tended to be a reaction that followed the privacy breach.
Ultimately, Russell Investments believes that a deep understanding of how ESG factors impact security prices is a critical value-add to a skillful investment process. And, we feel that these circumstances serve to validate our approach to evaluating and scoring managers on their approach to ESG.
Why? For starters, we survey every high-interest manager in our universe. In 2017, this included over 250 managers around the world and several hundred products across all asset classes. We follow this up with a qualitative assessment that leverages situations like this—i.e., Why did/didn't you own Facebook, and what risks were identified in pursuit of that decision?—to draw nuanced distinctions between investment manager approaches.
In general, we have observed that many managers are increasingly declaring themselves ESG-friendly by subscribing to third-party data and touting their status as United Nations' Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) signatories, but, in our view, these often appear to serve only as window dressing for greenwashing purposes. Because of this, our manager research process emphasizes qualitative and holistic assessments, which allows us to determine whether managers are both ESG-aware and ESG-effective. There's a difference.
Outlook and watch points
Facebook isn't the first company caught in this kind of controversy, and large data breaches are, unfortunately, nothing new. Equifax, Target and Yahoo suffered similar lapses of security, followed by destruction of market value and consumer trust. In fact, by at least one comparison, Facebook's 17% drop is a modest reaction: Equifax's stock fell 35% during a two-week stretch following news of its privacy breach in September 2017.12 The market seems to be signaling—at least for now—that Facebook's prospects are only temporarily dented by this controversy.
That said, we expect our managers to keep a close eye on the situation and continually validate their investments as the situation and the market changes. These data and privacy-oriented regulatory, social and business issues apply to any data-driven business model, not just the giants like Apple, Twitter and Google. In the case of Facebook, changes in subscriber counts won't tell the full story. Some users will maintain their accounts, but enable restrictions that limit the collection and sharing of their data. This likely means that investment teams that monitor and consider specific indicators of digital ad spending and consumer sentiment (something more sophisticated than the Google Trends chart above) will have an advantage.
Ultimately, we're not expecting an easy resolution to the scandal. After all, consumers and the companies collecting their digital breadcrumbs have competing interests in technology that continue to grow and evolve. In short, we believe that the potential impact of industry trends, market fundamentals and quickly evolving risks creates a multi-dimensional puzzle for Facebook investors, but active managers who carefully consider the risks involved may be well placed to seize upon the opportunity.
1 Ingram, David. "Facebook Says Data Leak Hit 87 Million Users, Widening Privacy Scandal." Reuters, April 4, 2018.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-privacy/facebook-says-data-leak-hits-87-million-users-widening-privacy-scandal-idUSKCN1HB2CM
2 Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/META/history?p=META As of April 9, 2018.
3 Source: https://gdpr.eu/
4 Barry, Emily. "Facebook Could Face Huge Fines in FTC Investigation." MarketWatch, March 26, 2018.
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/facebook-could-face-huge-fines-in-ftc-investigation-2018-03-26
5 Vranica, Suzanne. "Facebook and Google Face Emboldened Antagonists: Big Advertisers." The Wall Street Journal, March 26, 2018.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-and-google-face-emboldened-antagonists-big-advertisers-1521998394
6 Source: MSCI World Index, as of March 30, 2018.
7 Source: https://www.nordea.com/en/news-insights/press-room/press-releases
8 Norton, Leslie. "Facebook Shareholders Force Data Privacy Vote." Barron's, March 24, 2018.
https://www.barrons.com/articles/facebook-shareholders-force-data-privacy-vote-1521852511
9 Source: Sustainalytics, March 26, 2018.
10 Goel, Vindu. "Some Privacy, Please? Facebook, Under Pressure, Gets the Message." The New York Times, May 22, 2014.
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/23/technology/facebook-offers-privacy-checkup-to-all-1-28-billion-users.html
11 Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/FB/history/ As of April 9, 2018.
12 Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/EFX/history
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These views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page. Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment. This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security. Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional. The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual entity. Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk. Although steps can be taken to help reduce risk it cannot be completely removed. They do no not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns. Investments that are allocated across multiple types of securities may be exposed to a variety of risks based on the asset classes, investment styles, market sectors, and size of companies preferred by the investment managers. Investors should consider how the combined risks impact their total investment portfolio and understand that different risks can lead to varying financial consequences, including loss of principal. Please see a prospectus for further details. The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Frank Russell Company is the owner of the Russell trademarks contained in this material and all trademark rights related to the Russell trademarks, which the members of the Russell Investments group of companies are permitted to use under license from Frank Russell Company. The members of the Russell Investments group of companies are not affiliated in any manner with Frank Russell Company or any entity operating under the "FTSE RUSSELL" brand. Copyright © Russell Investments Group LLC 2018. All rights reserved. This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an "as is" basis without warranty. UNI-11260


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TGI Friday! Our weekly round-up of recently published research abstracts | 27 December 2013
From Psychosomatics, 8 December 2013.
Chronic fatigue in adult survivors of childhood cancer: Associated symptoms, neuroendocrine markers and autonomic cardiovascular responses
Bernward Zeller(a), Ellen Ruud(a), Jon Havard Loge(b.c), Adriani Kanellopoulos(a), Hanne Hamre(b), Kristin Godang(d), Vegard Bruun Wyller(a)
a) Department of Pediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
b) National Resource Center for Late Effects after Cancer Treatment, Department of Oncology Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
c) Department of Behavioral Sciences in Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
d) Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Chronic fatigue (CF) is a common late effect after childhoodcancer. Based upon findings among patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), this study explored symptoms, neuroendocrine markers and autonomic cardiovascular responses associated with CFS in childhood cancer survivors.
Long-term survivors of childhood lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia reporting CF were compared to survivors without CF. Data included patient-reported outcomes, clinical examination, head-up tilt test (HUT) and neuroendocrine markers in blood and urine.
Of 102 included survivors, 15 were excluded from comparative analyses due to significant comorbidity or pregnancy. Of the remaining 87 participants (median age 33.0 years, follow-up time 25.2 years), 35 had CF and 52 did not have CF. Compared to non-CF controls, CF cases reported significantly (p<.01) higher frequency of symptoms typical of the chronic fatigue syndrome (muscle and/or joint pain, feeling confused/disoriented) and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction (palpitations, feeling intermittently heat and cold, watery diarrhea). CF cases and controls did not differ regarding autonomic cardiovascular responses to orthostatic stress, but the CF group had lower levels of plasma ACTH (p=.002), and higher levels of urine norepinephrine (p=.017). CONCLUSIONS Survivors with CF reported a high symptom-burden compared to controls. There were few differences between the two groups regarding biomarkers, but slight alterations of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous activity were detected. CF in cancer survivors has features in common with the chronic fatigue syndrome, but further efforts are required to clarify the pathophysiology.
From Psihologijske Teme, December 2013.
Brief report: Writing about chronic fatigue increases somatic complaints
Marko Jelicic(*), Mincke Frederix, Harald Merckelbach
– Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
* Corresponding author. Marko Jelicic, Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. E-mail: m.jelicic@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Participants were instructed to imagine that either they or a friend were suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and were asked to fabricate a story about how CFS affected their own or their friend's daily functioning. Control participants were not given an imagination exercise but were asked to write about their study choice. After the writing exercise, all participants completed the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Participants who had written a story about how CFS symptoms affected daily life (either their own life or that of a friend) had higher scores on the Somatization subscale of the SCL 90 than controls. This finding resembles the misinformation effect documented by memory research, and suggests that elaborative writing about illness, through its symptom-escalating power, has iatrogenic potential.
From International Immunology, published 16 December 2013.
The Role of Adaptive and Innate Immune Cells in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Ekua Weba Brenu(1,2,*), Teilah K. Huth(2), Sharni L. Hardcastle(2), Kirsty Fuller(2), Manprit Kaur(2), Samantha Johnston(2), Sandra B. Ramos(2), Don R. Staines(2,3) and Sonya M. Marshall-Gradisnik(1,2)
1) School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
2) The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
30 Queensland Health, Gold Coast Public Health Unit, Robina, Australia
↵*Corresponding author: Ekua Brenu Contact email: e.brenu@griffith.edu.au Griffith University, Medical Science, 16 High Street, 16 High Street, Southport, Queensland, Australia, 4215, Phone: +61 7 5678 9282
Perturbations in immune processes are a hallmark of a number of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is an inflammatory disorder with possible autoimmune correlates, characterised by reduced Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, elevations in regulatory T cells (Tregs)and dysregulation in cytokine levels.
The purpose of this paper is to examine innate and adaptive immune cell phenotypes and functional characteristics that have not been previously examined in CFS/ME patients. 30 patients with CFS/ME and 25 non-fatigued controls were recruited for this study. Whole blood samples were collected from all participants for the assessment of cell phenotypes, functional properties, receptors, adhesion molecules, antigens and intracellular proteins using flow cytometric protocols.
The cells investigated included NK cells, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, B cells, T cells, γδT cells and Tregs. Significant changes were observed in B cell subsets, Tregs, CD4+CD73+CD39+ T cells, cytotoxic activity, granzyme B, neutrophil antigens, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the CFS/ME patients in comparison to the non-fatigued controls.
Alterations in B cells, Tregs, NK cells and neutrophils suggest significant impairments in immune regulation in CFS/ME and these may have similarities to a number of autoimmune disorders.
From Physical Therapy, e-published 20 December 2013.
Can recovery of peripheral muscle function predict cognitive task performance in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with and without Fibromyalgia?
Kelly Ickmans(1,2,3), Mira Meeus(2,3,4), Margot De Kooning(1,3,5), Luc Lambrecht(6), Nathalie Pattyn(7,8), and Jo Nijs(1,3)
1) Pain in Motion Research Group, Department of Human Physiology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
2) Pain in Motion Research Group, Division of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Department of Health Care Sciences, Artesis University College, Antwerp, Belgium.
3) Pain in Motion Research Group, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.
4) Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.
5) Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp.
6) Private practice of internal medicine, Ghent, Belgium.
7) Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
8) VIPER Research Unit, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium.
* Mailing address: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Medical Campus Jette, Building F-Kine, Laarbeeklaan 103, BE-1090 Brussels, Belgium (jo.nijs@vub.ac.be)
Both good physical and cognitive functioning have a positive influence on the execution of activities of daily living. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as well as patients with fibromyalgia (FM) have marked cognitive deficits. Furthermore, a good physical and functional health status may have a positive impact on a variety of cognitive skills. A link that has already been observed in young and old healthy individuals, but in patients with CFS evidence is limited.
To examine whether recovery of upper limb muscle function could be a significant predictor of cognitive performance in patients with CFS and CFS with comorbid FM. Furthermore, this study determined whether cognitive performance is different in CFS patients with and without comorbid FM.
A case-control design.
Eighteen patients with CFS-only, 30 patients with CFS+FM, and 30 healthy inactive controls were studied. Participants first completed three performance-based cognitive tests designed to assess selective and sustained attention, cognitive inhibition, and working memory capacity. Seven days later, they performed a fatiguing upper limb exercise test with subsequent recovery measures.
Recovery of upper limb muscle function was found to be a significant predictor of cognitive performance in patients with CFS. Patients with CFS+FM, but not patients with CFS-only showed significantly decreased cognitive performance compared with the controls.
The cross-sectional nature of this study does not allow for inferences of causation.
The results suggest that a better physical health status could predict better mental health in patients with CFS. Furthermore, they underline disease heterogeneity, suggesting that reducing this in future research is important to better understand and uncover mechanisms regarding the nature of divers impairments in these patients.
From Neuropsychology, e-published, 23 December 2013.
Cognitive functioning in people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A comparison between subjective and objective measures
Cockshell, Susan J.; Mathias, Jane L.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between subjective and objective assessments of memory and attention in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), using tests that have previously detected deficits in CFS samples and measures of potential confounds.
Fifty people with CFS and 50 healthy controls were compared on subjective (memory and attention symptom severity, Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, Everyday Attention Questionnaires) and objective (California Verbal Learning Test, Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, Stroop task) measures of memory and attention. Fatigue, sleep, depression, and anxiety were also assessed.
The CFS group reported experiencing more cognitive problems than the controls, but the two groups did not differ on the cognitive tests. Scores on the subjective and objective measures were not correlated in either group. Depression was positively correlated with increased severity of cognitive problems in both the CFS and control groups.
There is little evidence for a relationship between subjective and objective measures of cognitive functioning for both people with CFS and healthy controls, which suggests that they may be capturing different constructs. Problems with memory and attention in everyday life are a significant part of CFS. Depression appears to be related to subjective problems but does not fully explain them.


text:
require File.expand_path("../base", __FILE__)

require "vagrant/util/which"

module VagrantPlugins
  module Chef
    module Config
      class ChefClient < Base
        attr_accessor :chef_server_url
        attr_accessor :client_key_path
        attr_accessor :delete_client
        attr_accessor :delete_node
        attr_accessor :encrypted_data_bag_secret_key_path
        attr_accessor :environment
        attr_accessor :validation_key_path
        attr_accessor :validation_client_name

        def initialize
          super

          @chef_server_url                    = UNSET_VALUE
          @client_key_path                    = UNSET_VALUE
          @delete_client                      = UNSET_VALUE
          @delete_node                        = UNSET_VALUE
          @encrypted_data_bag_secret_key_path = UNSET_VALUE
          @environment                        = UNSET_VALUE
          @validation_key_path                = UNSET_VALUE
          @validation_client_name             = UNSET_VALUE
        end

        def encrypted_data_bag_secret=(value)
          puts "DEPRECATION: Chef encrypted_data_bag_secret has no effect anymore."
          puts "Remove this from your Vagrantfile since it'll be removed in the next"
          puts "Vagrant version."
        end

        def finalize!
          super

          @chef_server_url = nil if @chef_server_url == UNSET_VALUE
          @client_key_path        = "/etc/chef/client.pem" if @client_key_path == UNSET_VALUE
          @delete_client = false if @delete_client == UNSET_VALUE
          @delete_node = false if @delete_node == UNSET_VALUE
          @encrypted_data_bag_secret_key_path = nil if @encrypted_data_bag_secret_key_path == UNSET_VALUE
          @environment = nil if @environment == UNSET_VALUE
          @validation_client_name = "chef-validator" if @validation_client_name == UNSET_VALUE
          @validation_key_path = nil if @validation_key_path == UNSET_VALUE
        end

        def validate(machine)
          errors = _detected_errors
          errors.concat(validate_base(machine))
          errors << I18n.t("vagrant.config.chef.server_url_empty") if \
            !chef_server_url || chef_server_url.strip == ""
          errors << I18n.t("vagrant.config.chef.validation_key_path") if \
            !validation_key_path

          if delete_client || delete_node
            if !Vagrant::Util::Which.which("knife")
              errors << I18n.t("vagrant.chef_config_knife_not_found")
            end
          end

          { "chef client provisioner" => errors }
        end
      end
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Dr. Pan's philosophy centers on restoring or improving one's natural appearance, rather than drastic alteration. Through education and instruction, she demonstrates to her patients why she advises certain interventions and the logic behind her thought process. That way, her patients fully understand the recommended procedures.
Her surgical specialties include breast implants / augmentation, breast lift, breast lift with implants, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, breast fat transfer, tummy tucks / abdominoplasty and mommy makeovers. View some before and after images of Dr. Pan's specialties below.
Dr. Pan also specializes in non-invasive treatments such as Ultherapy, Kybella and CoolSculpting as well as injectables such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse.
In addition to providing excellent surgical care, Dr. Pan also feels it is important to research and provide the latest non-invasive aesthetic technologies at Esana.
Since her formative residency years, Dr. Pan has donated her time and efforts to providing plastic surgery to those in need, travelling to such remotely underserved countries including Morocco, Thailand, Colombia, and several times to the Philippines. While there, she performed repairs of cleft lips, burn traumas, and birth defects. For her repeated medical missions, she was awarded the Philippine American Association of Connecticut Service Award "for her untiring and continued support to improve the quality of life of indigent Filipinos" in 2010. She can also be found sponsoring charitable events around the greater New Haven area.
Dr. Deborah Pan is a board-certified female plastic surgeon serving all of greater New Haven and Fairfield counties, and has patients from as far away as New York City to the Boston area. She completed her higher education at the finest institutions, graduating as valedictorian of her high school and going on to attend Harvard University, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and then completed her general surgery and plastic surgery training at Yale University. Since finishing her training, she has dedicated herself to serving the Connecticut population. She founded Esana Plastic Surgery Center & MedSpa in 2006, three years after starting her practice in New Haven.
As the first female plastic surgeon in New Haven, her practice and reputation quickly grew for her outstanding work in breast reconstruction as well as cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. She has won the New Haven Advocate's Readers' Poll for Best Cosmetic Surgeon numerous times, and Esana has also won multiple awards from Connecticut Magazine, New Haven Living Magazine, and the New Haven Advocate. In the past she has also appeared as a guest on WTNH's Connecticut Style, as well as being interviewed by local publications for her opinions on the latest in plastic and reconstructive surgery topics.
Her interests outside of work include: worldwide travel and food, and she can often be found participating in yoga, Pilates, tennis, golf, skiing and paddle boarding. She has been athletic all her life, and tries to maintain a balance of healthy living and work responsibilities.
Always very satisfied with Dr. Davila's work.


text:
Seven talking points: Rashford renaissance, Pepe a work in progress and Ndidi absence hits Leicester hard
Sports Staff
The Independent 13 January 2020
Pepe remains a work in progress
Costing Arsenal a total of £72m, we've yet to see any signs of Nicolas Pepe living up to his eye-watering transfer fee. Much was made of the Ivorian upon his arrival at the Emirates. He'd scored 24 goals in one season for Lille, they said. He's quick. He's a superb dribbler of the ball, capable of ghosting past defenders with ease.
In reality, though, Pepe remains a work in progress. Acclimatising to English football has proven tricky – and today was another reminder of the forward's teething problems. Although he showed his ability in reading the game and finding the space, the final product was missing.
He is a man who constantly seems to be on the verge of losing control, fumbling his way forward as he goes, throwing out erratic, unwieldy legs in the hope of bamboozling his opponents, only to trip over himself or concede possession. The potential is there but Mikel Arteta will know he has other options at his disposal.
Tanganga gamble pays off
Jose Mourinho's tactics against Liverpool on Saturday night may come up short, but the gamble to start defensive wildcard Japhet Tanganga at the back certainly paid off.
There were other moments of rawness – an ill-timed second-half slip almost led to a second goal for Liverpool – but those pale in comparison to all the things he got right. No Tottenham player made more tackles (2). No Tottenham player made more interceptions (2). And only Alderweireld (TEN!) made more than his eight clearances. He even filled in at left back when Mourinho finally ripped down the fortifications and signalled for Érik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso.
His performance was all the more impressive considering the size of the task Mourinho entrusted to him. Perhaps it would have been easier for him to be stationed in between Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sánchez. Instead, he was deployed on the right of the trio, meaning he had to be perpetually aware of Serge Aurier's sorties forward. In despite of the mistakes, it was a performance to be proud of from the young defender.
Victory over Brighton helps heal Everton wounds
A Richarlison goal late in the first half was enough for a 1-0 win over Brighton, securing the Carlo Ancelotti's third win in four Premier League matches since taking over last month.
The result helped, in part, to erase some of the memories of the previous week's humiliation by Liverpool's second string in the FA Cup at Anfield. That led to fans turning up at the training ground wanting to speak to the players, and midfielder Fabian Delph getting dragged into an online argument which, ultimately, led to him being booed when he came on as a second-half substitute.
But a rise to 11th in the table, level on points with Arsenal, has lifted spirits again and Ancelotti will start to work on making his side more consistent.
"This is part of my job to give continuity to the team because I think this team can be competitive with more continuity and more intensity in the game and playing better," he said. "But we have time to work. The fact that we don't have a game in this period during the week can help us to improve quickly."
Rashford renaissance continuing to blossom
He was one of the few players to emerge from the Manchester derby defeat with any credit. In fact, he is one of the few to have enhanced his reputation at all during Manchester United's difficult season to date. But this is becoming the finest campaign of Marcus Rashford's career.
His two goals – the first a smart far-post finish, the second a penalty – not only took this game away from Norwich City, but took him to 14 league goals for the season – his best ever top-flight return. 19 in 30 appearances across all competitions is pretty good going too.
Rashford's tally has been helped by becoming United's undisputed penalty-taker, but it is easy to forget just how sporadic his playing time was until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's arrival. He is not just a regular now, but United's most important player and he is beginning to look like one of the most effective counter-attackers in Europe.
Ndidi absence hits Leicester hard
What a difference one player can make. With Wilfred Ndidi sidelined through injury, Leicester looked lost in their 2-1 defeat by Southampton at the King Power. Without Ndidi acting as a defensive buttress to the hosts' midfield, making those crucial challenges and interceptions in front of the backline, Southampton were given free license to cut through their opponents at will.
"We didn't press the game strong enough, or well enough, and then when we had the ball, we made too many mistakes when we had the ball," Rodgers said after the loss."They played through our midfield too easily and then they get in and get the goal, so a disappointing result for us."
Having struggled for form and results in their last two games, the Foxes will be desperate to sign the Nigerian return to the starting side as soon as possible.
Leicester struggled for structure and shape against Southampton (Getty Images)
Ayew steps up as Zaha fails to hit top form
Far too much reliance is placed on Wilfried Zaha by Crystal Palace, meaning that when he's not at his best, the side often come up short in finding the back of the net. Indeed, there's a reason that only Watford have scored fewer goals in the Premier League this season.
Today it was a case of mixed fortunes for the winger. Although his presence grew as the match approached its conclusion – he almost bagged an assist with a floated ball to the back post on 80 minutes – there were lengthy spells at Selhurst Park where Zaha simply failed to assert himself.
Luckily for him and his teammates, Ayew was on hand to do the dirty work. It was an industrial performance from the forward, whose hard running and reading of the game reaped the rich reward of a second-half equaliser. Palace still need to do more to take the game to their opponents and bring some bite to their attacking play, but on this occasion the home fans will be grateful for Ayew's no-nonsense, hard-working approach.
Norwich sinking without a trace
To succeed as a promoted side, you cannot concede several goals a game. Sheffield United play football which is easy on the eye but are also brilliantly organised and compact when they need to be.
Norwich can thread together fluid, attractive attacking moves too but cannot expect to survive on this defence. United are not a particularly free-scoring side, but Mason Greenwood's goal was the seventh they have put past the Canaries this season.
The away end's chants of "there's only one Daniel Farke" at full time show he retains the support of the fans. Farke appears to be under little internal pressure too. But as it stands, Norwich are only going one way.
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