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CMA Seek Urgent Action to Tackle Mobile and Broadband Loyalty Penalties
Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 (9:05 am) - Score 966
The Competition and Markets Authority has concluded its "super-complaint" probe into how UK consumers who remain loyal to a broadband ISP or mobile operator often end up paying "significantly more" than new customers. In response they've called for "urgent action" to tackle related issues and protect vulnerable users.
The investigation began in September 2018 after Citizens Advice, which tabled the complaint, claimed customers who stay loyal to their providers were losing out on over £4 billion a year. "It beggars belief that companies in regulated markets can get away with routinely punishing their customers simply for being loyal. The CMA should come up with concrete measures to end this systematic scam," said the organisation's CEO, Gillian Guy.
Many of these issues occur because providers often offer big discounts to new customers, which can last as long as the first contract term (up to 24 months) before coming to an end. Once the discount is over then the price returns to its "normal" post-contract level and this tends to be significantly more expensive. This is a fairly normal practice for any aggressively competitive market.
The problems often begin when customers discover that they often cannot simply re-contract with their provider in order benefit from the same discounts as new subscribers, instead you're stuck paying a much higher price. A savvy consumer may contact their provider in an attempt to haggle for a lower price (Retentions Tips) or switch to a different ISP, but only around 10%+ of broadband users actually do this each year.
Andrea Coscelli, CEO of the CMA, said:
"Our work has uncovered a range of problems which leave people feeling ripped off, let down and frustrated. They shouldn't have to be constantly 'on guard', spending hours searching for or negotiating a good deal, to avoid being trapped into bad value contracts or falling victim to stealth price rises.
Millions of loyal or vulnerable customers are being taken advantage of each year by firms – and end up paying much more than they should do. This must come to an end.
That's why we have today recommended a robust package of reforms. There must be a step change to protect the people being hardest hit, including targeted price caps where necessary.
Together the CMA, regulators and government must act more promptly and powerfully to hold firms to account, stop them exploiting their customers and restore people's trust in markets."
The CMA found that vulnerable people, including the elderly and those on a low income, may be more at risk of paying the "loyalty penalty". It also highlights a number of "damaging practices" that they found are used to "exploit unsuspecting customers."
Examples of Damaging Practices
* Stealth price rises. Imposing "stealth" increases in price on renewal year after year, which can lead to very significant price increases without customers being aware of it.
* Costly exit fees.
* Time-consuming and difficult processes to cancel contracts or switch to new providers (i.e. making it more difficult to leave a contract than it is to sign up).
* Requiring customers to auto-renew or not giving sufficient warning their contract will be rolled over. The CMA said in most markets there should be a choice.
In response the CMA has made a number of general recommendations to tackle these problem areas, as well as several specific ones for the different markets (i.e. cash savings, mortgages, household insurance, mobile phone contracts and broadband). The recommendations aim to "help stop loyal consumers being ripped off" and are being made both to the UK government and regulators (e.g. Ofcom).
CMA General Recommendations
* Using enforcement and regulatory powers to clamp down on harmful practices that stop people getting better deals. The CMA has today opened a consumer law enforcement investigation in the anti-virus software sector. This is a first step and further action may be taken by the CMA and regulators against other companies.
* Setting out clearly the principles businesses across all markets should follow, such as people being able to leave a contract as easily as they enter it. The CMA will also be looking at whether consumer law should also be reinforced.
* Firms should be publicly held to account for charging existing customers much more; regulators should publish the size of the loyalty penalty in key markets and for each supplier on a yearly basis.
* Targeted price caps to protect the people worst hit by the loyalty penalty, such as the vulnerable, where needed.
Recommendations for the Mobile Sector
* We do not consider that providers should continue to charge customers the same rate once they have effectively paid off their handsets at the end of the minimum contract period. This is unfair and must be stopped. We support a requirement on mobile providers to move customers on bundled handset and airtime contracts onto a fairer tariff when their minimum contract period ends. [Recommendation: Ofcom].
* In addition, Ofcom should seek to increase the engagement and awareness of consumers by pushing forward with implementing smart data, supporting the development of innovative intermediaries, and tackling low levels of awareness of SIM-only deals. [Recommendation: Ofcom].
Recommendations for the Broadband Sector
* Loyalty penalty problems in this market must be thoroughly investigated. Ofcom should consider a number of possible pricing interventions including tackling broadband legacy pricing and targeted safeguard caps to protect vulnerable consumers, alongside measures to increase engagement such as the use of smart data and exploring the feasibility of collective switching. [Recommendation: Ofcom].
Ofcom has of course already moved to propose several solutions to the above problem with certain Mobile contracts (here) and on the broadband side they're preparing to require that ISPs should give customers End of Contract Notifications, which among other things will now also include information on the best deals available to them from their provider. Both measures will be introduced later in 2019.
On top of that the telecoms regulator has just launched a new review of broadband pricing to examine whether loyal (existing) and vulnerable ISP customers are being ripped-off (here), which it said would "examine why some customers pay more than others, and whether vulnerable customers need extra protections to ensure they get a good deal." Broadly speaking, Ofcom is already doing what the CMA wants.
Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom's Consumer Group Director, said:
"We welcome the CMA's report, which supports our existing work to protect customers, including our reviews of mobile handset charges and broadband prices, and our plans to require companies to tell people about the best tariffs available when their deal is ending."
At this point we should highlight that most of the problems come from some of the biggest mobile and broadband providers, but that not all ISPs adopt the same model and many smaller providers, which may also offer advanced features (static IP etc.) and better service quality, simply charge a set monthly fee that rarely ever changes. A few providers, such as TalkTalk, also enable existing customers to re-contract on to a lower price point.
Meanwhile one of the simplest changes, which Ofcom will hopefully recommend, is to require that ISPs also place their post-contract prices alongside any discounts. At present there are still a few providers that try to conceal this in the small print. If consumers are made aware of the post-contract pricing then they will be in a better position to compare the longer term costs (we already do this for you in our own ISP Listings).
However the CMA's work doesn't stop at today's conclusion. The competition regulator plans to undertake further work on the loyalty penalty, such as by launching enforcement cases, exploring the feasibility of matching price and survey data and launching a review of the case for changing consumer law in addressing the loyalty penalty.
The CMA said they will provide an update on their progress to the newly established joint government-regulator Consumer Forum, led by the UK Minister for Consumer Affairs, in 6 months' time (late spring 2019).
Full List of General CMA Recommendations
Bolder use of existing enforcement and regulatory powers to tackle harmful business practices. We are launching investigations in the anti-virus software market.
This is a recommendation to regulators and action by the CMA.
Legislative and/or regulatory change may also be needed to effectively tackle these practices and we will be exploring this further, alongside new powers for the CMA to seek substantial fines where law is breached.
This is a recommendation to government.
Publish the size of the loyalty penalty in key markets and for each supplier, through for example an annual joint loyalty penalty report.
This is a recommendation to regulators.
Empower intermediaries to support switching; for example giving a greater role to local consumer-facing advisory organisations, such as Citizens Advice, who could more actively support switching for vulnerable consumers.
Press ahead with the Smart Data Review and rolling this out in those markets such as telecoms, where it has the greatest potential to transform markets.
This is a recommendation to government and regulators.
Capture and share best practice on 'nudge' remedies that have been tested and shown to work or not. Some remedies (such as requiring suppliers to give last year's price on renewal) could be rolled out across markets and potentially strengthened.
This is a recommendation to regulators and the UK Competition Network.
Consider targeted pricing regulations such as limiting price differentials or price caps, alongside other measures where there is clear harm, particularly to protect vulnerable consumers. We also make recommendations about potential pricing interventions to be considered as part of ongoing work in the 5 markets.
This is a recommendation to regulators and the CMA.
Assess the feasibility of matching price data to a recurring, large scale UK survey to improve our understanding of who pays the loyalty penalty across markets, and whether vulnerable consumers are particularly adversely affected.
Tags: Advertising Standards , Internet Law , Ofcom Regulation , Politics
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dragoneast
The everlasting game of whack-a-mole.
One of the more dubious benefits of technology is that it's easier to separate consumers from their money, and overwhelmingly it isn't fraudulent. Thus the preponderance of loyalty "discounts" and prepayments which are often of more benefit to the business than to the consumer. Designed to confuse, if not to mislead. But we have to acknowledge, we are like sheep led to the slaughter, in our eternal addiction to the feelgood factor of the elusive "good (and often too-good-to-be-true) deal", and put bluntly our laziness (what's not to like about "avoiding the hassle"?) The losers have to outnumber the winners. In that respect it has much in common with gambling, another bedrock of our modern society. The bogeyman will be something else next week, or next year.


That's 150 dollars altogether. I'm not quite sure how to describe what happened. He must have told her. I want you to go there. I'll never forget it. Dan asked Linda to take all of her clothes off. Is English harder than Japanese? A woman is walking towards us. You're a naive person. Do you think anyone is watching us?
I went all the way to see her only to find her away from home. The suitcases were ready for loading. He married directly after he left the university. We both were really drunk. I'm not dumb. Development in the technological area goes at lightning speed. I'm looking for the Hilton Hotel. No doubt. She is loved by everybody because she is cheerful. The assistant kept $2.
She uncrossed her legs. I don't belong to them. They just want to talk to him. Who was this book written by? Price needs to go. You should really get one of these. My flight leaves in three hours. They are thirty minutes late according to the planned timetable. Someone has to pay the price. Tommy was highly offended by what Mat had said.
While my wife was shopping in town, I tidied up in the kitchen. There's nothing we can't accomplish. My brother is not yet in school. Let us agree to disagree. Guido is in his office working late. Can someone give me a lift? I didn't ask you to stay with me. Fishing often starts to go with the start of the Ayu season. We walked through thick bushes. He behaves as if he were insane.
Toft gave me some money. "Do you know the smell of death", asked John, shoving his fist under my nose. Those were his exact words. Would you like another piece of pie? They look like a happy family. Marsha said he would talk to Art about what needed to be done. No matter how angry he was, he would never resort to violence. It's not raining yet. Saad was bewildered. In the summer, people go to the seaside.
You seemed happy here. Either stop talking or say something worth hearing. I admire Edmund. He is apt to be late. They ought to have arrived there by this time. What impresses me the most about China is chinese food. Tanaka gave me thirty dollars. All you have to do is write. There were problems. I never really thought about it.
Hartmann wants to become rich. On that very day I met the same person. Who ate the rest of the leftovers? He is capable of teaching French. You are not local people. Vernon has been sedated. Both of the windows were broken. We're working hard on it. Someone wants to join? Finally, he carried out his plan.
Somebody wants to kill me. Jingbai can't really do much else. It's lunchtime! In my hurry I bumped into someone. He's a little pale. No one's asking you to lie. You're telling me. Sicily's summers are hot. There are so many cats over there. We have many customers in the summer.
Chip thinks it would be better not to change dollars into yen at this time. You need to start telling the truth. Marci got in trouble, didn't he? The island was struck by the typhoon. I have a great deal of work to do. Do you see that house? It's mine. How do I open the bonnet? I've been thinking a lot about Judith. The little Fir Tree wished ardently to become greater. It is as impossible for man to demonstrate the existence of God as it would be for even Sherlock Holmes to demonstrate the existence of Arthur Conan Doyle.
I don't eat the apple core. How many people are now living in poverty? She was not sure what to do. We won't be back any time soon. What's your favorite kind of weather? I'm at the hospital. I got struck by lightning. She bought a newspaper. Bush always says the truth. A major had to take command of the division. This design is too inefficient to prototype.


text:
row. Hence the expression for the time that is needed to change row when the robot is located in
a corner is as follows:

[[File:Eq.3.6..JPG|center|300px]]

where t(changerow,corner) is the time needed to change row when the robot is located in a corner (''s'')
and s(changerow) is the vertical displacement the robot should perform to get to the next row (''m'').
edge of the window. The time that this procedure takes is then as follows:

where t(changerow,normal) is the time to change row when the robot is not located in a corner at the
beginning of the motion (''s'').
The last characteristic motion of the window cleaning robot is its turning motion at the end of each
row (see Figure 2.f). This motion is, of course, necessary in all algorithms since remaining stripes
should be wiped away, or because the row is simply not clean yet. It consists out of three phases.
First, moving away a distance s(turn) from the edge of the window to enable the robot to rotate.
Second, a pure rotation over 180° and third, a movement back to the edge of the window (again
over distance s(turn)), but now facing the other side of the window. Hence the equation for the time
of this motion becomes:
The first turn the robot should be able to perform is a pure rotation (Figure 2.a). This motion is very often needed during the robot's cleaning job. To assign a time to the rotation, two parameters should be known: the angle to which the robot is currently heading, the angle to which the robot should head and the rotational speed of the robot when it is rotating. In reality, the robot knows how it is oriented by means of gravity sensors and thus knows the angle to which it is currently heading. Therefore it seems appropriate to use the angle at which the robot is heading in NetLogo as the current angle. The time it takes to perform a pure rotation can then be calculated by means of the following equation:
where t(rotation) is the time it takes to perform a pure rotation (s), w is the angular velocity of the robot (°/s) and Δa is the angle over which the robot should be rotated to face the upper edge of the window (°) (the angle to which the robot should head). The angular velocity of the robot is determined by using its speed and its dimensions:
where v is the speed of the window cleaning robot (m/s) and r(track) is the distance from the center of the robot to one of the crawler tracks. The value v equals 0.1 m/s which is determined by looking at a comparable window cleaning robot (WINDORO) while r(track) is estimated to be 0.09 m.
Another important motion of the window cleaning robot should be performed when it is for example in the upper left corner with its cleaning section headed to the window edge. The robot has to perform the motion that can be seen in Figure 2.b. First, it has to drive backwards to a position where it is able to turn. Since the robot has dimensions of 25 x 25 ""cm"" the distance from the upper edge that is needed to do a rotation can be simply calculated with use of the Pythagorean theorem:
Where s(turn) is the distance from an arbitrary edge of the window that is needed to do a rotation (m), w is the width of the window cleaning robot (m) and h is the height of the window cleaning robot (m). Because the robot moves over an arc, calculating the distance that it travels is very hard analytically. Therefore a MATLAB script has been written to calculate the length of the arch over which the robot is moving numerically. One important decision that has been made in the script is the distance between the edge of the robot and the edge of the window in the starting position. There needs to be a little distance between them in order to allow the robot to turn to move away from the edge. The further the robot moves away from the edge, the more it can turn and the faster it can get away from that edge. This means that the distance between the edge of the window and the robot has a huge influence on the time it takes to move away from that edge, as well as the distance traveled in the direction parallel to that edge. In the script, the distance between the robot and edge of the window is assumed to be 5mm. Running the script with this value yields a traveled distance s(arc,corner) of 0.33 m. Assumed in this calculation is that after making the bend, the robot has an angle of 45° with the vertical. Subsequently, the window cleaning robot has to do a pure rotation over 180° to make sure its cleaning pad will face the right side of the window after the entire movement. To calculate the time that this rotation takes, Equation 3.1 can be used again. Eventually, the robot moves again back to the left upper corner of the window over the same arch as mentioned before.
Hence the following expression for the time of the entire movement is obtained:
where t(turn,corner) is the time it takes to perform the motion depicted in figure 2.b (s) and s(arc,corner) the length of the arc over which the window cleaning robot has to move in this motion (m).
A third motion that the robot should perform is the turn at the top of the window, see Figure 2.c. This motion is needed to orient the robot parallel to the upper edge of the window. Because of this turn, the robot is able to move eventually to the upper left corner. To achieve an expression for the time it takes to perform this motion, the movement is split up into three consecutive phases. The first phase consists of the robot simply driving backwards till it has enough space to do a rotation. This distance can again be calculated with Equation 3.3. The second phase of this motion consists of a pure rotation over 45°. The time this rotation takes can again be calculated with Equation 3.1. In the third and last phase of this particular movement the window cleaning robot should make a turn till it aligns with the upper edge of the window. The length of the arc of this motion is the same as s(arc,corner) which is already determined by using the MATLAB script. Hence the following expression is obtained for the time of the entire movement at the top of the window:
where t(turn,top) is the time that the movement at the top takes (s).
Another characteristic movement of the robot is changing from row to row. Since this movement is dependent on the location of the robot it is split up into two cases. The first movement case is when the robot is located in a corner (see Figure 2.d). The second movement case is when the robot is located anywhere between two corners (see Figure 2.e). In other words it touches only one side edge of the window. The former case will be discussed first. Note that in both cases it is assumed that robot faces the edge of the window that is the furthest away with its cleaning pad.
When the robot is located in a corner, it first has to move out of the corner to create space to perform a turn. It has to travel again the distance s(turn,corner) that is calculated with the MATLAB script as mentioned before. After this bend, the robot makes an angle with vertical of 45°. To move down the robot heading should be perpendicular to the upper edge of the window, so it rotates another 45°. Now it is able to move vertically down to the next row that should be cleaned. The vertical distance s(changerow) of this is also determined by means of the developed MATLAB script and equals 0.2 m. The next part of the motion is again a pure rotation, but now over 90°. After this, the robot's heading is again parallel to the upper edge but in a different row. Hence the expression for the time that is needed to change row when the robot is located in a corner is as follows:
where t(changerow,corner) is the time needed to change row when the robot is located in a corner (s) and s(changerow) is the vertical displacement the robot should perform to get to the next row (m). The second case happens when the robot only touches one of the side edges of the window. The motion that it should perform in that instance is quite simple. First, the robot has to move the distance s(turn) away from the edge to create space to rotate. Next, it rotates over 90° and moves 0.25 m down to go to the row below. After that, it should rotate again 90° to face the other side edge of the window. The time that this procedure takes is then as follows:
where t(changerow,normal) is the time to change row when the robot is not located in a corner at the beginning of the motion (s). The last characteristic motion of the window cleaning robot is its turning motion at the end of each row (see Figure 2.f). This motion is, of course, necessary in all algorithms since remaining stripes should be wiped away, or because the row is simply not clean yet. It consists out of three phases. First, moving away a distance s(turn) from the edge of the window to enable the robot to rotate. Second, a pure rotation over 180° and third, a movement back to the edge of the window (again over distance s(turn)), but now facing the other side of the window. Hence the equation for the time of this motion becomes:

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
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Bankrupt Galleries: A Cautionary Tale
Art galleries too are not recession-proof, but what happens to the stock, the artwork, when they cease trading may be more complicated and certainly is unnerving for the artists involved.
Auctions of liquidated stock from bankrupt companies can be found everywhere in these recessionary days. Tales of bargain purchases, of £30 stereo systems and £20 cameras abound. Art galleries too are not recession-proof, but what happens to the stock, the artwork, when they cease trading may be more complicated and certainly is unnerving for the artists involved. Here's a cautionary tale – recently a ceramicist was delighted when asked to display her work in the studio/shop of an interior designer. It seemed a good idea at the time; an excellent "shop window" for her architectural tile panels and so she placed her artwork with the designer on a sale or return basis. The good idea ended in chaos when the interior designer could not pay his bills and the bailiffs seized goods including the tile panel. The ceramicist knew she wanted her artwork back, but she didn't know if she had any legal rights. The legal position of the artist who exhibits work in a gallery/shop which ceases trading will depend on the contract between the artist and the gallery.
Artist-gallery contracts, oral and written vary from the simplest to the most complicated. The simplest will probably be a sale contract where the gallery buys an artwork outright from the artist. More complicated are "sale or return" (also known as consignment) contracts where the artist loans work to a gallery on the basis that the gallery will either sell it to a third party or will return it to the artist. Yet more complicated are arrangement whereby the artist is paid a retainer (or stipend) to produce work exclusively for a particular gallery. Under both agreements the aim is the same: when, or if, the artwork is sold the artist and gallery will share the proceeds in agreed proportions.
All of these legal relationships will be affected if a gallery goes out of business so what can happen and where does the artist stand if it happens? If a gallery is unable to pay its debts there are a variety of possible outcomes. A creditor can obtain a court order authorising bailiffs to seize and sell property belonging to the gallery; this is what happened to our ceramicist. Where the gallery is a company unable to pay its bills creditors may take action to "wind up" (or liquidate) the company. The liquidator will then be responsible for selling the company's assets, including artworks it owns, and paying the creditors. In certain circumstances an Administrator or Receiver may be appointed by the court, both have the power to run the company and their appointment will not necessarily mean that the company ceases trading. Where does the artist stand in all of this? The answer is simple – it depends on the terms of the contractual agreement (the contract) struck between artist and gallery. In "sale or return" contracts, although the artwork is physically in the hands of the gallery, the artist is still the legal owner and, if she or he can prove it, will be able to get their artwork back. The artwork cannot be sold to pay off the debts of the company. If the gallery has actually bought the artwork outright then, save for copyright and moral rights, the artist will retain no legal rights in the artworks and they can be sold.
The position of the artists paid a retainer (or stipend) may be more complex; much will depend on the terms of the agreement between the gallery and the artist. However it is very unlikely that the gallery will actually own the artwork. The gallery probably paid the artist in return for the (exclusive) right to represent him/her and a share of the price of the artwork when sold; the gallery will not have paid for ownership of the artwork itself. If the gallery does not own the artwork then it cannot be seized by a bailiff.
Where a liquidator has been appointed he/she is likely to have authority to sell artworks created by a gallery artist unless the contract between gallery and artist states otherwise. English law still gives galleries and artists freedom to make legally binding and enforceable contract in any manner they choose. There is no need for lawyers, for red tape or even for the contract to be in writing. Most contracts are oral, or even simply by conduct (e.g. when a car driver puts petrol into his/her car at a self serve petrol pump and then pays). If two consenting adults make an agreement, intending to be legally bound and considered (legal jargon meaning something of value – e.g. the promise to pay the price) it is given that that is enough to create a valid and enforceable contract. A written contract is simply a statement, a '"laundry list" of what the two parties have agreed encapsulating the details, the terms and conditions of their agreement
Many legal problems occur because the parties have not considered the terms and conditions of the contract fully and agreed them; or because the contract was oral and the parties have different memories of what was agreed and neither can confidently prove their version. Time spent in negotiating and writing down the terms and conditions of a contract will save anxiety, confusion and possibly money if a gallery ceases trading or the bailiff seizes the artworks.
Artists placing work with galleries should always have documentary evidence of the agreement. A written contract would be documentary evidence and could take the form of a joint statement, alternatively there could be an exchange of letters. The agreement, and the documentary evidence, should state who owns the artworks; how and when the deal can be terminated (brought to an end). Such simple precautions would really help if bailiffs were to seize artwork or if other disasters were to occur such as the gallery being sold or the gallery owner dying.
Uncertainties and anxieties which arise in the event of a gallery ceasing to trade can be simplified by including two terms in the deal/agreement – an ownership term and a termination term. The ownership term should state that the artist is the owner of the artwork until the full purchase price has been paid. The termination term should say that the deal will automatically end if the gallery ceases trading, becomes insolvent or a liquidator, receiver, administrator or similar official is appointed or where, if the gallery is run by a single proprietor not a company, the proprietor dies or goes bankrupt. Termination clauses like these should also agree that both parties have the right to end the agreement by giving the other notice in writing. Well thought out contracts can save worry and expense. Before committing themselves to a deal artists and galleries must hesitate and negotiate; they must then notate (put the agreement in writing), indelibly communicate the agreement to each other and keep a duplicate copy.
Our ceramicist was lucky. She was able to prove to the bailiffs that the artwork belonged to her and not to the interior designer. If she had not been able to, her tile panel would have become just another item in a bargain basement auction of bankrupt stock.
© Henry Lydiate and Nathalia Berkowitz 1993
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Related External Resources
The Artists Reserved Rights and Transfer and Sale Agreement
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This article is from the Artlaw Archive of Henry Lydiate's columns published in Art Monthly since 1976, and may contain out of date material. The article is for information only, and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Readers should consult a solicitor for legal advice on specific matters. Artists can get free online legal information from Artquest.


text:
Nicholas II
Landmark Joint UK-Russia Exhibit to Show Royals, Crimean War at Queen's Gallery – CURATORS
The exhibition features extensive diplomatic, familial, and historical ties between Britain and Russia's royal houses over three centuries, beginning with Peter the Great's visit to Britain in 1698, and is the first of its kind from the Royal Collection to explore such links.
Commemoration of Last Russian Tsar's Family to Be Held in Washington
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – A tribute to last Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family, who were killed 100 years ago, will be held in Washington on Sunday.
'The Bayonet Went Deep into the Floor': Shocking Details of the Russian Tsar's Family's Final Moments
It's been 100 years since the last Russian monarch, Nicholas II and his family were shot dead in Ekaterinburg. Some circumstances of the Royal family's death, as well as what happened to their remains, are still a mystery. Sputnik has gathered what's known of the tragedy.
Monument to Russian Tsar Nicholas II to Be Unveiled in New York City
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - A monument dedicated to the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II will be unveiled in New York City on Tuesday on the centennial anniversary of his death in 1918, the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) told Sputnik.
US to Be More Sympathetic to Russia After Learning About Romanovs - Metropolitan
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The story of the family of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II may help make Americans more sympathetic towards Russians, the head of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations Metropolitan Hilarion told Sputnik.
Russians Mostly Have Positive Attitude Toward Last Emperor Nicholas II - Poll
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A total of 43 percent of Russians have a positive attitude toward last Emperor Nicholas II, with middle-aged people experiencing this feeling more often than other groups, a fresh poll, timed to centennial of the execution of the Russian Imperial Romanov family, revealed on Monday.
Diary of Last Russian Tsar's Final Days Published in US
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The publication of the book, titled "The Romanovs Under House Arrest: From the 1917 Diary of a Palace Priest," coincides with two anniversaries, including the 150th year since the birth of Nicholas II on May 18, and one century since the last tsar and his family were massacred by the Bolsheviks on July 17.
LISTEN: Leading Historian Talks Sputnik Through Earth-Shattering Events of 1917
The Russian Revolution, which overthrew the Tsar and led to Soviet rule, sent reverberations across the world in 1917 and beyond. Professor Geoffrey Roberts of Ireland's University College Cork, who has written extensively on Soviet history and foreign relations, talks Radio Sputnik through the events of 100 years ago.
Historian: Russia's October Revolution Was Inevitable, Relatively Bloodless
The October Uprising of 1917 became the logical conclusion of the February Revolution, Michael J. Carley, a professor of history at the Universite de Montreal has told Sputnik. According to the academic, the Russian Revolution was inevitable and occurred because evolutionary processes of change to benefit the lives of ordinary people had failed.
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Every fifth contemporary Russian is related to the British Royal House of Windsor, and such a wide spread of the noble genes amongst Russians might be attributed to the extensive blood ties between Imperial Russia's nobility and their European counterparts, and the social chaos entailing the Russian Revolution 100 years ago.
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Old and Fashioned: Nicholas II Vintage Cars on Display in Moscow
The 'First Motors of Russia' exhibition represents cars from Tsar Nicholas II's collection. Nicholas II had the largest car fleet among the European monarchs. His passion was the main reason behind the establishment of His Majesty's Garage in 1907.
February Revolution of 1917: Good Intentions, Tragic Fates?
Nicholas Daniloff, 82, the founder of the School of Journalism at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusets, and a former Moscow correspondent for the magazine US News & World Report, is one of very few Americans who have a personal connection to the February Revolution in Russia.
Flashback to 1917: The Stories of the Russian Revolution
Casting a Glance Back: Major Events in Russia in 2015
The year 2015 for Russia has been marked by a number of key events, whose developments are likely to keep on holding the rapt attention of the public and determine next year's agenda as well.
Year in Review: Highlights of 2015
It's Never Wise to Enter Russia Carrying a Sword – Canadian Academic
Rooted deeply in the past, the Russophobia trend has been used by Western elites to pressure Russia into following their dictates, Canadian academic Michael Jabara Carley told Sputnik, adding that in 1917 the Bolsheviks became in fact the true defenders of Russia's sovereignty and independence.
Russophobia: Western Elite's Old Tool to Pressure Russia into Submission
In an exclusive interview with Sputnik, Professor Michael Jabara Carley of the University of Montreal shared his views on the Russophobia phenomenon, the hidden history of early Soviet-Western relations and US-Russian relations in light of Moscow's Syrian military operation.
An Imperial Mystery: Romanov Family Murder Case Reopened
The Investigative Committee of Russia decided to renew a criminal investigation on the case of the Romanov family's execution, said Vladimir Markin, an official spokesman of the committee.
World War I Eradicated From Public Memory by Bolshevik Government - Historian
World War I marked a tragic turning point in Russian history and yet it has long been a forgotten war,Professor Sergey Mironenko, a Chair of Russia's history of XIX - early XX century from Lomonosov Moscow State University believes.
Museum Dedicated to Russia's Participation in World War I Opens to Public
A museum called "Russia in the Great War" was recently established in Tsarskoye Selo museum-preserve near St. Petersburg.
Russia in World War I
One hundred years ago, on July 28, 1914, one of the biggest and deadliest conflicts in human history - which eventually became known as the World War I – began.
Russian Lawmaker 'Not Pleased' About UK Royal Birth
A Russian lawmaker known for his headline-grabbing outbursts has slammed the birth of a new member of the UK Royal Family, in comments made to journalists on Tuesday.


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Here's a recent article that appeared in the Huffington Post about how the TV series, Nashville dealt with the issue of postpartum depression.
~ by ppdsus on May 21, 2015.
is a licensed clinical psychologist, author and adjunct professor at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago Campus of Argosy University. Dr. Feingold currently practices in the Chicago area.
Her book, Happy Endings, New Beginnings: Navigating Postpartum Disorders (New Horizon Press, 2013) is available at local bookstores or online at: Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com or through newhorizonpressbooks.com.
In her clinical practice, she specializes in the treatment of antepartum and postpartum depression and anxiety disorders, as well as other women's mental health issues related to reproductive function.
A past board president of Depression After Delivery, a nonprofit, Dr. Feingold has been facilitating support groups for antepartum and postpartum women for the past 14 years.


Dear children and teen, kind parents ... welcome to Campo Gulliver, a place where you can enjoy fun and adventurous holidays, to remember and tell! Here you will participate in stays made of small and big things ... Summers and winters of peaceful days in a continuous adventure, sleeping in raised tents or in a typical alpine cabin, near woods and at the foot of the most beautiful mountains! But not only ... participating in the Camp is an opportunity to discover yourself and your abilities better, living together with your peers, companions of adventure, experiences to grow that will help you improve while having fun!
I take this opportunity to thank you for your availability and care for the children you welcome, my son is very happy to participate in the Campo Gulliver and to say that he liked it is simplistic: it is very happy to have done these days with you! Next year we will make sure to let him have another experience with you, because when my son talks about you his soul lights up. Campo Gulliver will always be in the heart of E. and thank you so much, we hope to see you again next year.
I want to thank everyone from the Director, to the cooks, to the educators, for the good and above all profitable work done in the field. My daughter, despite various moments of nostalgia, an element that has always distinguished her from an early age, told of experiences with new friends, with great enthusiasm and above all satisfaction.
I believe that this field, out of the box for the usual holiday, is an important and useful experience for any child and boy.
we are R.'s parents. Tonight we heard him ... he was, to say the least, enthusiastic! We thank you for the wonderful work you are doing ... Congratulations on the organization, the discipline, the punctuality you teach and the imagination. R. told us about the wonderful activities you do together, he was happy and made us happy too. You have all our support and our gratitude!
Best wishes to all of you and good continuation.
Hello Sergio, hello Lucia and all the old wolves that have accompanied E. in this adventure.
Congratulations to all of you, not only have you made him live a new experience, but you have been able to accompany him on his journey of growth. Needless to tell the excitement of E., his eyes and his pride for having learned new things and for having done it ... they say it all !! And why not talk about your eyes? In "telling us" about our son, we have touched your passion and dedication for what you do and, allow me ... this makes the difference !!
I would like to thank all of you for the wonderful experience that you have made to live in V. and I congratulate you for your work: sincerely the Campo Gulliver has satisfied me a lot, so I hope to be able to revive my daughter another experience like this next year. When I asked V. if he would like to come back, he replied "Obviously!", Which says it all. To me personally, this experience has served to reflect on my role as a parent, asking me what they need to learn the kids nowadays, and what is less important.


text:
Q: CSS vertical-align doesn't do anything I am trying to align text at the bottom of a Div and the Middle of a Div.  The CSS attribute
vertical-align:text-bottom; seems to do nothing?
I have 3 divs and would like to center the div xrLabel1 and the other div xrLabel5 to put the text at the bottom.
I have included some sample code.
Thanks
<!DOCTYPE html>

        <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="format.css"/>
        <title></title>

xrLabel2

xrLabel1

xrLabel5

The CSS file format.css
.TopMargin
{
position:absolute;
left:0px;
top:0px;
height:92px;
width:650px;
background-color:#808080;
color:#000000;
}

.xrLabel2
{
position:absolute;
left:225px;
top:17px;
height:67px;
width:99px;
background-color:#FFFFFF;
color:#000000;
text-align:center;
vertical-align:text-middle;
font-family:Times New Roman ;font-size:9.75pt;text-decoration:underline;
}

.xrLabel1
{
position:absolute;
left:367px;
top:8px;
height:75px;
width:99px;
background-color:#FFFFFF;
color:#000000;
text-align:right;
vertical-align:text-bottom;
font-family:Times New Roman ;font-size:9.75pt;text-decoration:underline;
}

.xrLabel5
{
position:absolute;
left:75px;
top:8px;
height:75px;
width:99px;
background-color:#FFFFFF;
color:#000000;
text-align:center;
vertical-align:text-top;
font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:9.75pt;
}

A: Block elements does not support vertical-align as such. You need to set the display attribute to table-cell. Then you can use vertical-align.
http://jsfiddle.net/kuUHV/

A: You need to use display:table on the parent element, and display:table-cell; vertical-align:bottom; for the children. Example here: http://jsfiddle.net/hAScR/

A: You could use text-align:center on the parent element. And a margin-top on the child element.

 #text-align:center

Radom text
 # margin-top:__

Fiddle Demo :)
Note: // Don´t use this for responsive Design - when you resize the window the element will stay on the same spot if the element gets to small.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Everyone needs a friend. Some people want to have a lot of friends, others need one, or two close ones. Sometimes you choose friends, sometimes other people choose you as their friend. Some of us make friends easily, but there are people who are shy, and it is very difficult for them to make friends. Having friends of your own age is important. These friends tend to look at things the same way you do because they have the same fears, interests, options, problems and worries that you do. Your friends can listen and understand how you feel whether you are dealing with a problem at school or at home. Your friends are there when you are feeling down, when you are eager of sharing a happy experience.
Let's talk more about friendship. Our talks and discussions will sure help you to identify the special qualities that you posses as a person, clarify your values, and decide what characteristics to look for in friends. Maybe it will help you in making friends and resolving difficulties when they threaten your friendship.
Have you ever asked yourself this question? Well, if not, it's ok. Let's try it now. As a matter of fact, it is not an easy question to answer. The word friend is hard to define. Maybe because this word means different things for different people. Do you agree? Let's try to describe a friend by saying what he or she does or does not do. Below are some brief descriptions of a friend.
A friend is someone who accepts you.
A friend is someone who needs you.
A friend is someone who can count on you even in bad times.
A friend is someone you can feel close to and can share your feelings with.
A friend is someone you enjoy being with.
Could you write your own answers to the question "What is a friend?"?
Ex.1. Answer the following questions.
1. Why do you think it is important to have friends?
2. How could you show someone else that you would like to become friends?
3. One good way to start is by being interested in someone else. What are some ideas for showing that you are interested?
4. Why would that be better that just coming up to someone and start talking about yourself?
5. What is the difference between being interested in someone and being nosey?
Ex.2. So, you can agree that the best way to make friends is to show sincere interest in other people. People like to be noticed. Someone could find out things about another person by asking questions, noticing what they are doing or wearing, paying attention to skills or talents of other, and making eye contact. What would you prefer? Read the brief description of three characters and write or tell at least 2 ways to show that person that you are interested in getting to know him or her.
1. Alex plays football in the school team. He is from Moldova. His family moved here this year.
2. Mary has a horse and loves to ride. She likes to wear different-looking clothes, and she is always stylish.
3. Max always has good ideas for making up games. He makes everyone laugh and is nice to everyone.
For example: I will offer Alex to play football together after our classes.
I will certainly ask him about his family.
Friendship really starts with you. You should know yourself better and feel good about yourself before you can be a friend to others. How well do you know yourself?
Ex.1. Read the list of adjectives below. Choose adjectives that could be used to describe you most of the time. Making these choices will help you to understand yourself.
Ex. 2. How do you rate as a friend?
To discover what kind of friend you are to the others, mark the answers that best describe you.
1. I keep the promises I make to my friends.
2. I let my friends know how much they mean to me.
3. I am a good listener.
4. I talk over misunderstanding.
5. I apologize when I am wrong.
6. I stick by my friends when they are going through rough periods.
7. I make new students at school feel welcome.
8. I return the things I borrow in good condition.
9. I talk behind my friends' back.
10. I embarrass my friends in front of others.
11. I brag about myself to my friends.
12. I criticize my friends in front of others.
13. I pick on other kids.
14. I do everything in my way.
15. I am always bossy.
To stick by – находиться рядом; to embarrass – приводить в замешательство, ставить в неловкое положение; to brag – хвастать; to pick on (smb.) – приставать, дразнить; to be bossy – командовать.
Ex.3. On a separate sheet of paper, write a two-paragraph description of yourself. In the first paragraph, describe your strengths and some of other qualities you are proud of and glad to possess. In the second paragraph, describe your faults and some characteristics that may make you hard to have as a friend.
Ask a friend to write a brief description of you in which he (she) mentions both strengths and weaknesses. Compare your friend's description of you with your own.
Does your friend see you as you see yourself?
In what way are they different?
Friends come in all ages and sizes. They can be human or animals. They can live close by or far away.
Ex.2. Complete each sentence that tell us what your feeling about friends is.
Examine yourself. What kind of person would you like to have as a friend?
Do you know someone who needs your friendship?
What kind of friends are you? You want people to like you the way you are. Don't pretend to be something you aren't. Instead, be natural, honest, and sincere.
Consider the other person's interests when you are making plans and the other person's feelings when you are talking or listening.
Express your opinions carefully. Don't confront, criticize, or make unflattering comparisons.
Try something new. Don't let fear or failure keep you from signing up for a new activity or accepting a new responsibility. Join a band, club, or team. In groups of this kind, each person is an important part of the whole. Group members depend on one another. By and by, this mutual trust produces lasting friendship.
Often it is easier to get to know someone on a one-to-one basis than it is in a group. Pick a person you would like to know better. Invite this person to spend time with you doing something you would both enjoy, such as watching a movie, playing a game, or just taking a walk. Find time to talk. When you do so, ask about likes and dislikes, interests and experiences. The way to build a friendship is to share feelings, ideas, and experiences.
Ex. 4. What would you advise?
Respond to the problems described below.
1. When my friend Steve and I get together, it seems that we are always end up doing what he wants to do never do what I want to do. How can I get Steve to do what I want?
2. I have a good friend named Helen. We have fun together, but she acts hurt, when I ask someone else to sit with us when we are having our lunch during the break. Although I like Helen very much, I don't enjoy being alone with her all the time. What should I do?
3. My friend Ann is good at math. She brags about her math grades all the time. Math is my worst subject. When I ask Linda for help with my assignment, she belittles me and makes me feel dumb. How can I get her realize that no one is smart in everything?
4. Alex and I get along well when it's just the two of us; but as soon as someone else joins us, it never works out. Alex and the other guy always take sides against me, and that hurts. What should I do when this happens?
5. My friend does not always tell the truth. AS a result, I don't know when to believe him and when not to. I don't want to hurt his feelings, but this bad habit of his is ruining our friendship. What can I do?
6. Maria is my best friend. The other day I told her some very personal things. I asked her not to tell anyone else, and she promised that she wouldn't. I just found out that she had shared everything I told her with some other girls. I am so mad at her! How shall I handle this?
Ex. 5. Friendships have their ups and downs. Even best friends sometimes have misunderstandings and disagree. When things do not go smoothly between you and a close friend, it does not mean that your friendship is over. It simply means that you both need to talk things over and to express your feelings.
Please write some sentences about a time when you and your close friend had a serious disagreement. Tell what you disagreed about and how you resolved your disagreement.
Ex. 6. How well do you know your friend?
Discuss your answers with your best friend to see how accurate they are.
Think about some of your friends and friendships. What changes would you want to make in them? What changes would you like to make in yourself? Check all of the responses that apply.
§ I wish that I had more friends.
§ I wish I that I had different friends.
§ I wish I that I could get along better with my friends.
§ I wish I that I could get to know my friends better.
§ I wish I that I could win back a friend I have lost.
§ I wish I that I did not disagree with my friends so often.
§ I wish I that my friends would treat me better.
§ I wish I that my friends would like me for myself instead of for the things I have and do.
§ I wish I that I did not have to brag about myself and my accomplishments to make people like me.
§ I wish I that my friends were more sensitive to my feelings.
§ I wish I that my friends would take a greater interest in me.
§ I wish I that I could be a leader among my friends.
§ I wish I that I did not have to be the one who always makes the decisions when I am with my friends.


Many of Bruce's writings cover the topic of personal liberation and its connection with flow and freedom.
Some patterns that we set-up are good for the moment, but we have to constantly be aware and tweaking so that we live in the moment. We are growing all the time so what works for us now might not work for us forever, and it's important to have awareness to change and grow. Personal liberation relates to being in a process, living and understanding your authentic self.
Sometimes you have to zoom out of the moment and get an overhead view of a situation to get some perspective.
Bruce said, "I couldn't live by a rigid schedule." The goal is to be happy in the doing. If you're always setting happiness as a goal ahead of you, then it's going to be hard to attain. There's no wrong or right way to this, it's all about your personal liberation.
Observe closely what you normally practice without judgment. Where are you feeling stuck or trapped? Where are you striving and straining to do something? Document where you feel peace of mind, what is happening when you feel that freedom from patterns. If that can be captured and repeated, make time for that on your calendar and dedicate weekly time to create more moments of peace of mind.
This week's #AAHA shout-out goes to Vietnamese-American actor Ian Alexander. Ian's debuts his talents on Netflix's show The OA. His character is Buck Vu, an Asian transgender teen, just like Ian himself. At only 15, the OA is Ian's first acting project, but his performance is outstanding. He got the part because he responded to an online open casting call and he didn't tell his parents until he was asked by casting to fly to New York. Ian's family has lived in Japan, Hawaii, and D.C., and he's always had an interest in the arts and is an advocate for trans rights. We know that especially in the Asian community, it can be challenging to be anything but the "norm," so we want you to know you're awesome Ian! Check out The OA on Netflix, it's great and we love the diverse cast.
Let me first express deep gratitude and admiration to you for carrying on your father's mission and message. What is clear to me is that Bruce had a rare and unique purpose in this life, and I see that part of your gift is to translate and transmit his message to those who could not hear his voice when he was still alive.
I wake up every morning with your father's voice in my ear. Growing up, I considered Bruce Lee nothing less than a superhero, whose mystique and rare power was out of reach because he passed away more than a decade before I was born. Like many who come to know the deeper gifts this incredible man had to offer, I have taken strongly to the observations he made of life, living, and the mystery of the human experience.
I stumbled upon the Bruce Lee Podcast about 2 weeks ago, and - despite owning a start-up business, working a 9-5, being a husband & father, and a committed martial artist - I managed to listen to EVERY episode (some more than once) in this span of time. Your incredible gift has allowed me to tap into Bruce's sacred wisdom and the way in which he engaged with life with so much intention and purpose. As a young man pioneering my path in the world and establishing the foundation for my own legacy, Bruce's teachings have served as a collection of stones making ripples in the lake of my own life and stretching out into the world that I influence each day.
I am a martial artist. I am a healer. I am a mentor to young men. Thanks to your father, I humbly consider myself a philosopher. One who listens deeply, reflects frequently, and shares his version of the way with any whom are attracted to and may benefit from it.
My "Bruce Lee Moment" occurs every morning during my dawn meditation and movement practice. Every 15 minute bike ride to work. Every window of opportunity - however brief - to tap into your father's message and decide how that fits into my own experience. Of all the layers and textures of Bruce that I relate to, the most resonant is his journey of holding and living a massive vision while relishing in the magnificence of my wife and 1 year old son. As I write this, it brings tears to my eyes that his voice found me just when I needed to hear it most. Thank you for being the vessel that carries his gifts forward so that he can continue to be of service the way I imagine he would have liked to long beyond his passing.
I will continue to walk on. I will never give up the vision because I have finally witnessed someone taking it all on, taking it all in, and rising again and again.
Blessings & Deepest Gratitude, Jeddy A.


We've seen numerous announcements of tablet computers in recent weeks, as the R&D labs of the world push out their hastily assembled attempts at competing with Apple's game-changing iPad. But are any of them up to the job?
Last week alone saw ViewSonic, Toshiba and Samsung all officially unveil new models of keyboard-less computer, with a mish-mash of operating systems and screen sizes hoping to somehow build themselves a market in the wake of Apple's market-leading device.
So here's a summary of five of the best tablets out there and on the way this year. Or, to put it another way, the iPad +4.
The closest Android has got to Apple so far, at least in terms of hype and noise prior to its launch. Officially unveiled at IFA this week, the Samsung Galaxy Tab features a 7" screen and the latest 2.2 version of Android at its core.
The internals are the same as those of the Samsung Galaxy S, offering the Cortex A8 processor that won so many fans when in mobile phone format. The hardware feature set closely adheres to Apple's template, but also offering a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for video chat—despite the fact that not many Android apps currently support the feature. Samsung has confirmed the Galaxy Tab has one big advantage over tablets—access to the Android Market.
Much more pocketable than the iPad with only a 7" screen, it's the best Android currently has when looking for a proper iPad competitor. Kat was certainly won over by it at IFA last week.
The current tablet king, thanks to making tablet interfaces fashionable and usable. Apple's tablet is typical of an Apple product—polished and beautifully functional as long as you don't want to do anything outside of Apple's closely controlled world.
Obviously the big winner here is compatibility with standard apps from Apple's App Store, meaning iPad comes with the world's biggest collection of apps and games from day one. Albeit most of them are upscaled, but high-res iPad reworkings are quickly becoming the norm from most top developers.
The hardware is fast and responsive, and although there's no camera, USB connector or Flash support, for casual browsing of your feeds and blogs in Star Trek style there's simply no better option.
The killer feature in the ViewSonic ViewPad 100 is dual-booting capabilities with Windows 7 and Android, so you can kill two birds (cell phone nerd, work use) with one stone.
The rather outdated Android 1.6 isn't going to stand up against Windows 7 very well, though, which makes us think the Android support here is more of a tagged-on feature to help whip up a bit of excitement among Android fanatics. It'll be good to see Android running on an Intel Atom, though.
The main worry here is that the ViewPad 100 is an awkward combination machine, either way too powerful for Android 1.6 or not man enough to operate Windows 7 with ease. And can Android 1.6 really cut it as a tablet OS? ViewSonic had better have one hell of a user interface skin lined up.
Another tablet that clones iPad's winning 10-inch screen size, we expect the Toshiba Folio 100 to operate at lightning speed thanks to the coupling of the next-gen Nvidia Tegra 2 chipset and the optimised Android 2.2 as its OS—so it's also fully Flash-enabled.
You get a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, so you can tell people it's got a front-facing camera. Even if you never, ever, actually use it. Plus there's a mini HDMI port for proper HD media connectivity with your big TV.
Its other connectivity options are plentiful—802.11n Wi-Fi, SD/MMC card support, plus there'll be a 3G version launching in Q1 2011.
Archos is betting its family farm on Android, with a whole heap of Android tablets on the way. The top of the bunch has to be the Archos 7o, the 7" version powered by the impressive ARM Cortex A8.
The media playing history of Archos means you get an over-sized hard drive in here for your massive legacy collection of MP3s, with the Archos 7o capable of housing anything up to a 250GB drive. Android 2.2 is the OS of choice, which ought to be a blisteringly fast experience on the Cortex A8. There's USB and HDMI connectivity, with the 7o able to play 720p HD MP4 files at 30fps.
If you look at this one as a big media player rather than a small tablet, it ought to be a winner. You won't be doing much productive business work on its 800x480 display, but having FroYo on a 7" screen should make it a winner for the Android fans.


What is the best way to improve your figure drawings? Learn and practice drawing the anatomy of the human figure, from muscles to the skeletal structure. Students will work intensely in drawing the body from multiple angles and positions while also exploring line quality and tone.