In order that humanity might enjoy pleasanter and more comfortable living conditions, the past few decades have seen great strides made by science in gaining a better understanding of Nature. Through the many discoveries and improvements made in recent years, our material advancement has been unparalleled in known history, and the future holds promise of even greater improvements in the external elements of our living standards.
On the other hand, while our material progress has been great, our spiritual progress has lagged badly, and the tension, frustration, and unrest so prevalent in the world today reflect this lack of balance. Insufficient understanding of true spiritual principles and the consequent inability to abide by them have resulted in many becoming vulnerable to forces adversely affecting their happiness, sense of security, and peace of mind.
When true spiritual understanding has developed to a point equal to that of our present material advancement, people will have built within themselves a means of defense that hurtful, destructive forces cannot break through. Such understanding will bring the realization that physical and mental suffering is the reaction to causes we have set in motion, and that through the use of potentialities now lying dormant within most of us, we can gradually eliminate suffering and be in position to truly appreciate and enjoy the material blessings that are becoming ever more evident in our lives.
The popularity of publications based on personal mystical and spiritual experiences, inspirational movies and books, plus the increasing number of religious movements all indicate humanity's need for a closer relationship with the Creator. Church attendance and the response to evangelists further demonstrate people's inherent desire to link themselves with that great all-knowing and ever-loving Power and so come to experience a growing sense of well-being and peace.
Yet, the many rapid changes and greater knowledge gained through the unprecedented material progress taking place in recent decades have resulted in countless numbers no longer finding the spiritual satisfaction they crave. While they would like to be receptive to all they hear, they can't accept on the basis of blind belief. They seek a religion based on facts their reasoning minds can accept and which are directly applicable to the problems of their everyday lives. In other words, although they may be unable to define it as such, they feel their faith in God and His operations must be based on a clear and adequate understanding of life and its relationship to the Infinite and all that exists.
Because of the extreme and crucial conditions existing throughout the world in recent years, and the fact that untold numbers crave and need spiritual guidance beyond that previously provided, wise and understanding beings about whom you will learn have supplied the advanced and helpful information contained in the Lemurian Philosophy. This instruction offers not only a realistic and practical presentation of spiritual matters, but incorporated in it are plans for a magnificent program that will culminate in the Kingdom of God — a civilization where all will live and work together in complete harmony and for the greatest good of all.
To bring about a harmonious condition among the peoples of the world is indeed a monumental undertaking; to the average skeptical individual, it would appear to be impossible, particularly in view of present-day circumstances. But as you move through the Lemurian training, the Great Plan will unfold, and as it does, you will come to realize that the long foretold prophecies of a New World are at last in the process of taking form.
As your spiritual comprehension grows, you will come to know that by sincerely and conscientiously using the help being extended through this instruction, you may be of inestimable value in actually bringing about the Kingdom of God here on earth referred to by Christ! And by entering into such activity under the guidance of the Fellowship, life will take on real meaning. What goal could be more glorious — more worthwhile?
That the guidance being extended is a full and complete education in the rules governing life and life's relationships is understandable. Through properly comprehending and using these rules, individuals are empowered to improve themselves and their own way of life. And if we are to arrive at the universal harmony implied by the Kingdom of God, individuals must begin now to learn to create harmony in their relationships with one another — with members of their families as well as their other associates.
Then, with expanding vision, they will work with others of similar understanding and ability to create a larger and ever larger area representative of the Kingdom of God. A civilization is but an aggregate of individuals, so it is individuals who must first learn to create this way of life for themselves and in their own environments. We cannot expect widespread undesirable circumstances to change unless something is first done to correct those in our immediate surroundings.
As with any journey we wish to make, if we do not start by taking the first step, we will remain where we are. Having learned there is a definite procedure leading to the greatest of all goals, it is up to each of us to take that first step and proceed from there. We should do this not merely for the greater satisfaction and happiness it will bring us personally, but because, together, individuals having such understanding and training as the Lemurian Fellowship extends are essential to bringing the brotherhood of all mankind into being.
Regardless of your present conception of the religious life or how beautiful your philosophy may have been, there are still higher concepts and more beautiful truths or facts beyond your present horizon. Remember that the higher we rise, the farther we are able to see.
So approach the matters explained in the Lemurian Philosophy with a tolerant attitude. As you do this, you will discover that not only have you lost nothing, but you've gained far beyond your fondest expectations. Make the material of these lessons a part of your thinking and the principles your way of life. Your ultimate peace of mind, sense of security, and happiness will fully justify the effort required to attain them.
It is not unusual for students to have many questions they'd like answers to, especially at the beginning of their Lemurian study. Each lesson contains new ideas that take time to absorb, and the Fellowship understands this.
With this in mind, we suggest that if you have questions, list them for yourself and set the list aside for awhile. As you move through your study, you'll find that subjects that were introduced briefly in the beginning lessons are enlarged on later. You'll be able to discover for yourself answers to many of your questions. Should there be others that seem urgent, you are welcome to write the Fellowship and we will be glad to respond.
Many who study the Lemurian Philosophy find themselves reading of matters entirely new to them, some appearing strange and almost unbelievable at first. Realizing this, we do not ask or expect the student to accept statements simply because we say they are true; we merely ask that you study with an open mind, rejecting nothing. As you proceed with the lessons and see how all that is discussed fits into place, the truth of anything you now doubt can prove itself to your satisfaction.
Simply because an idea is new to your experience or may appear at variance with your preconceived opinions does not disprove it! Today, as the result of scientific research, we enjoy facilities, benefits, comforts, and recreations that most would have considered impossible just decades ago. Not many years ago, ideas of space travel were considered fantastic and pure science fiction, while splitting atoms for nuclear power was inconceivable, and advances such as mapping the human genome only a concept, while today it is a reality. Yet, with an increasing comprehension of the universe, we are coming to realize more and more how very narrow some of our previous conceptions about it were. And so much that was once regarded as true, we now find was fiction, based on a limited understanding.
Scientists could have done little toward improving our standards of living if they had been unwilling to accept and experiment with the challenges offered by possibilities — to look beyond accepted beliefs and limitations. And as still further scientific discoveries are made, our understanding of many other things will change. Ideas concerning inherent and so far undeveloped abilities of the mind and the evolution of life that at present are recognized by a few, but considered fantastic and improbable by many, in time will also be found to be quite natural and based on reality.
Being universal, the truths you will learn about in this Philosophy are all-embracing, touching on all forms and aspects of life, not only as they pertain to material matters, but to those that are spiritual as well. Since all are closely interrelated and a part of one another, it is difficult to disassociate them; so until students have completed the entire instruction and are in position to blend all they have learned, they cannot have even an approximately true conception of the teachings released through the Lemurian Philosophy.
We appeal to you, for the sake of the benefits that can be yours, to condemn or reject nothing until you have received the entire instruction under the guidance of the Lemurian Fellowship and have access to everything it is possible to give you regarding matters discussed. Be receptive to all that is released and conscientious in applying the principles taught. This is the only way you can prove for yourself the benefits, and experience the improved conditions in your life and affairs that you desire. As you do you will also experience that growing peace of mind all seek.
Since the Lemurian Philosophy is a study of life in all its many phases, it has many ramifications and is so all-embracing that some basis of understanding must be given the student before we can even start. Many phrases, terms, and ideas may be unfamiliar, so before going further, we will explain a few of these so you may more readily proceed step-by-step into the workable and feasible plan the Philosophy sets forth. The following brief explanations will provide essentials for beginning the study, and all will be greatly amplified throughout the rest of the course.
The purpose for existence has always been a question in the mind of the average person, and no doubt, you too have often wondered why we are here and where we are bound. It is inconceivable that we would have been placed here to go through the many trials and tribulations experienced by most people without some good reason back of it all. As a matter of fact, until the nature of that purpose is established and regarded as a goal to strive toward, the lives of most will continue in the more or less haphazard and ineffectual way they have so far, with humanity continuing to endure frustration, discontent, and a gnawing sense of insecurity.
So the first fact to be accepted in the study of the Lemurian Philosophy is that the purpose of human existence is to advance from ignorance concerning ourselves and our potentialities to the point where we are able to consciously control both our environment and our destiny. That the individual may have the information and guidance necessary to consciously strive toward reaching this goal is the purpose for which the Lemurian Philosophy was released.
The second important truth to be accepted is that a proper understanding of natural or universal laws as they directly concern one's well-being is essential to attaining this goal.
As any who have given it a few moments' thought realize, an ordered procedure exists throughout Nature — in the progression of the planets, the seasons, night following day, the ebb and flow of the tides, the growth of plant and animal life, each producing its own species — for all are governed by the laws of Nature. If this were not true, universal confusion would prevail with vast cataclysmic collisions of planetary bodies, and everywhere would be the bewildering, indistinct mingling and intermingling of life — if life could survive the resulting cosmic upheaval. Fortunately, nothing of this kind can occur, for these timeless, self-executing, and immutable laws keep all aspects of Nature in balance.
With recent scientific investigation and experimentation, the term "natural law" is more generally understood and used now, and with the coming of space travel, the same is true of the word "cosmos." This term, as well as the words "cosmic" and "cosmically," are used often throughout the Lemurian Philosophy. Because the cosmos refers to the universe, the words are interchangeable. Natural laws operate universally or cosmically, and in this study, you will often find them referred to as cosmic laws.
Just as the sun sheds its life-giving rays impartially on the good and the bad, the rich, the poor, the ignorant, the intelligent, the innocent and the virtuous, with equal impartiality do cosmic laws act in the lives of all. Since they are as impersonal as the sun and even more inescapable, no one is exempt from their action and reaction. However likely it may seem, none may evade them. It matters not whether we are ignorant of them or deny their existence. They act in our lives regardless.
These laws are not man-made, and no one has the authority or the power to set them aside, for they are the changeless and inviolable laws by which the universe is controlled. Due to their immutable operation, there are no inharmonies and inconsistencies in Nature which, if the full truth regarding it were known, would be recognized as the balanced and perpetually perfect unit it is.
Natural laws act uniformly, controlling all that is, has been, or ever will be, and humans are no more an exception to their operation than a pebble or a planet! Yet, unlike all other forms of Nature known to us, humans alone have the power of self-determination and may adhere to these laws or not. Lacking understanding of cosmic laws and their operation, particularly those related to human affairs, all too many have acted contrary to them. This is why, individually and collectively, humanity has brought about the many unhappy conditions experienced today.
Studying the lessons of the Lemurian Philosophy, you will come to understand how and why it is that misfortune, unhappiness, the hazards of war and other such circumstances are purely man-made and directly due to the failure of individuals to live in accord with these great universal laws. One who completely understood and adhered to all that is explained in this and later lessons concerning cosmic laws could become immune to undesirable conditions, for these are the direct result of people's transgressions of cosmic laws. Peace, health, prosperity, and happiness are the inevitable result of abiding by them. Harmonize with these principles and your life will be a harmonious one; go contrary to them, and you experience inharmony.
Obviously, cosmic laws are God's creation and merely discovered, or perceived, by alert human minds. Through the use you personally make of them you, too, will come more and more to observe their operation. And eventually, you will recognize for yourself that every condition, from your own financial, marital, health, or other personal problem, to the rise and fall of nations, is the result of like thought and action generated by human minds.
Ignorance of cosmic laws over many thousands of years has led to untold violations which have reacted in the lives of all of us until problems have become inseparable from human existence. But as you have learned, the purpose of our existence is to learn to control our environments. To do this, we must learn to handle and ultimately eliminate these problems so we may experience the joy and satisfaction in life intended by our Creator. We can do this in ever greater measure as we learn to understand universal principles and avail ourselves of their beneficial operations. Sufficient numbers trained in their proper use will usher in the New Order of the Ages and the "thousand years of peace" prophesied in the Bible.
Every problem has a definite solution, and you can find the solution to yours in the thoughtful, conscientious study of these lessons. How long it takes to correct each situation depends largely on the extent of the problem, plus your sincerity and earnest effort to comprehend and apply what you are learning. But by applying the necessary principles to your problem, you will come into a working knowledge of some cosmic law.
When you have attained an absolute conviction, through your own experience, that all things are subject to inviolable, immutable laws, you will no longer blindly believe that God is eternal love and personifies absolute, infallible justice, but you will know it through every emergency and under all conditions. Regardless of appearance, you will know that all is well, all is under control — that all is good.
The basic law of Nature is that of "Action and Reaction" or "Cause and Effect." Its operation insures absolute justice, for it holds all life and phenomena in balance. It's also known as the Law of Justice. The following statement defines and explains its operation: For every action, there is a reaction, equal in force but opposite in direction.
By the operation of this unchanging law, everything that has happened or will happen to you is the direct result of an action or thought emanating from you. At the present time, you are surrounded by a set of circumstances that are of your own making. The thought that you are responsible for those of an undesirable nature may shock you for the moment, but the truth of this statement will become increasingly evident as you proceed with this training as will the idea and the means of the definite changes you may bring about.
The Law of Action and Reaction discussed in the next chapter plays an important part in what you will be able to accomplish through your study of this Philosophy. Give it good thought as you move through your daily activities, observing instances of its operation in your affairs.
In time, you will become increasingly aware that there is a continued forward movement throughout all Nature, for progress or advancement is another of the great laws of the universe. You are no exception, for to advance from ignorance of yourself and your potentialities to the point where you are able to consciously control both your environment and your destiny implies that personal progress be made through experience and the use of what is being learned.
Comparatively few have achieved this control, but in the process of attaining it, these individuals have mastered everything that can be learned from life on this physical plane of existence. They have gained such understanding and control of their physical bodies that they are able to prolong their physical existence practically as long as they choose to do so. These are the "perfect" referred to by Paul in his writings. Among them is the Master Jesus. They have progressed to the highest state of human development and, because of their accomplishments and degree of self-control, are known as Masters or Elder Brothers, although they prefer the latter designation.
Of lesser progress are the Adepts who, as the name suggests, have developed marvelous ability along all lines of endeavor, yet have not reached the high standard of perfection attained by the Elder Brothers. Also, there are various "degrees" or measures of progress made by the individual until he or she attains Adeptship. These are known as Initiations.
This is a rather brief outline of the progress to be made as one gains increasing control of self and environment. Yet it gives those who are interested some understanding of the growth possible when an individual begins to cultivate inherent but dormant abilities. It is information not revealed to those who are self-satisfied or who have not indicated a desire to find and work toward a more balanced and satisfactory way of life.
So early in the study, some students may find it difficult to believe there are highly advanced human beings such as Adepts and Elder Brothers who operate on the physical plane. Yet it must be evident that humankind advanced from its beginning primitive and savage state to the present stage of civilization by developing qualities and abilities originally undreamed of. So why should it not be reasonable to believe that, given time, people will develop even greater abilities and evolve or advance to still higher states of being? And that there already are those who have done so?
This may seem inconceivable to many people now, just as primitive people of long ago could not possibly have comprehended the progress humans would make to the present day! But whether or not one believes individuals such as Elder Brothers and Adepts actually exist will not lessen the benefits that can come through understanding and properly using cosmic principles. When you understand these laws and how they operate and then apply them sincerely and conscientiously to yourself and your affairs, environmental improvement and personal progress are inevitable.
To become an Initiate, you must be in control of your life and affairs to some degree. This control is achieved through the proper understanding and use of the natural or cosmic laws established by God for governing the universe and all it contains. To abide by them is to make your life what you want it to be.
Through the Lemurian Philosophy, you are being led step-by-step, lesson by lesson, as your grasp of the material warrants, until you have gained a comprehension of God's incomparable program, when life will take on a truer, fuller meaning than was possible before. Yet the degree of your inner development and your progress toward Initiation depends on your sincerity of purpose and the conscientious use of what you are being taught.
As you move through the study of the Lemurian Philosophy, you will discover that the idea of balance is stressed often, as it applies both to the universe and to the individual. Since a degree of balanced thinking is an important requisite for the First Degree of Lemurian Initiation, the following should help you decide in which direction your thinking is out of balance. Some people are so materialistic that they completely ignore spiritual values, and the needs of fellow human beings. While their extreme practicality enables them to attain the material success desired, many of these individuals experience no real and lasting satisfaction in their accomplishments.
At the other extreme are those who are so idealistically or "religiously" inclined that they lose all sight of material values, their thinking being impractical, unstable, and even fanatical. These individuals are idle visionaries, forever dreaming about impossible Utopias and overlooking completely the fact that we are on this physical plane to make practical use of, benefit from, and glorify God's blessings.
The thinking of all humanity varies between these two extremes, and one of the purposes of the Lemurian Philosophy is to help people bring about a more normal balance between the two. The dreamer must become more practical, and the wholly material-minded must become more idealistic, developing a greater appreciation of spiritual values. A reasonable degree of this balance is essential to attaining the First Degree of Lemurian Initiation.
You should also know something of the historical background of the Lemurian Program. Since much of the following happened long before our present-day recorded history, a lot of it may appear strange and no doubt incredible. So we again encourage you to read with an open mind. In due time, the coordination and logic of the truths revealed throughout the Lemurian Philosophy will convince receptive, thinking students of their authenticity.
Contrary to the opinions of many theologians and scientists, humankind did not set foot on this earth as late as four thousand years before Christ nor as early as several million years before our historical era. The truth lies somewhere between these two extremes. For all practical purposes, let us accept the date for the introduction of humans as one million years ago.
The matter of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden is unrelated to our subject and will be discussed fully in a later lesson. The period we wish to discuss now began 78,000 years ago on the Continent of Mu which once occupied that part of the world now taken up by the Pacific Ocean.
At that time, the human form was much like ours today except that generally, it was not as refined. But the mentality of most had developed very little so that the average individual led a more or less animal-like existence. Still, there were a few among these prehistoric people who used their minds to think and to learn. It was they who discovered it was to the benefit and greater happiness of individuals and families to unite in common endeavor rather than continue as rugged individualists.
Helping the primitive members of their tribe work together in group activities, and with the aid extended them by Divine Beings from the planets Venus and Mercury, these more enterprising and intelligent individuals succeeded in forming a crude but organized society. At the close of the first thousand years of community living, Christ, then known as Melchizedek, appeared to help these people who, having little experience to draw on, could not conceive of the great possibilities of the way of life they had inaugurated.
Guided by this highly advanced Being, they ultimately succeeded in building the first metropolis of all time — the beautiful prehistoric Hamukulia, or City of the Sun. Around it there developed the equally beautiful Mukulian (commonly referred to as Lemurian) Empire, the first and most magnificent civilization ever to come into being on this planet.
Following the example set by Melchizedek who became its first Emperor, this glorious Empire was governed in accord with cosmic law and for this reason, endured for 50,000 years! Contrast this achievement with those of outstanding civilizations of recorded historical times not based on universal laws — none of which has been a world power for more than a few hundred years!
As long as its people abided by cosmic law, the Mukulian Empire prospered so that if these laws had been adhered to permanently, the Kingdom of God would have become manifest, and subsequent history would have been very different from what it is today. Yet, for reasons you will better understand as you get further into the study, some of the Mukulian people deviated from the principles that had made their civilization so great and wonderful. Consequently, at the height of its glory, the Empire began to decline, to be finally destroyed as the result of continuing failure to adhere to universal laws.
Many Mukulians had previously migrated to Atlantis, a body of land then located in the area now occupied by the Atlantic Ocean. Following the period when the Mukulian Empire passed the zenith of its power, the Atlantean civilization was inaugurated. Again the Lords of Venus and Mercury extended Their help in its establishment. Again Christ appeared, this time as Poseidonis. Later, He became the first ruler of Atlantis.
Poseidonis was succeeded by a long line of emperors, with the Atlantean civilization prospering fabulously until many false teachings introduced by corrupt priesthoods brought about its decline and eventual destruction around 8,000 bc. This was the second truly great civilization to digress from the principles responsible for its phenomenal success.
Following the destruction of Atlantis came many other civilizations, but it was not until the advent of Christ, this time using the name of Jesus, that there was any authoritative mention of the great kingdom to come — the Kingdom of God. That it was not yet time to reestablish a society such as the Mukulian Empire had once been is evident from the fact that Christ spoke of the restoration as being in the future.
You will observe that in the formation of both the Mukulian and Atlantean Empires, Christ did not appear until sometime after the civilizations had been inaugurated. By that time, certain erroneous customs and activities which ultimately resulted in their disintegration were already in effect so that neither achieved the wondrous goal mankind must ultimately reach and maintain. To prevent disruptive elements from entering and finally destroying the civilization which is to come, Christ appeared approximately 2,000 years ago and before it was in even a formative stage.
For hundreds of years following His advent, many looked forward hopefully to Christ's "second" coming, believing that the "Kingdom" would then become a reality. As time passed and people became better educated and learned more about the world, less and less thought was given to such a possibility. In today's fast-moving times, with the general relaxation of ethical principles, the widespread instability and uncertainty due to serious world conditions, plus the heartache and misery endured by untold numbers, all too many have come to regard the Kingdom of God here on earth as merely an idealistic and sentimental concept, impossible to realize.
Yet Christ, who has been designated as the Son of God, did not walk the earth as a man and make the supreme sacrifice He did merely to introduce an idealistic concept, impossible of materialization! His purpose in coming when He did was to prepare the way by teaching some of the spiritual or universal principles on which the Kingdom of God will be based. In this way, humanity might be made generally aware of them and what can be the sublime outcome of worldwide understanding and acceptance of them.
Wise and understanding individual that He is, Christ's knowledge of human nature is surpassed only by that of God; so He well knew that the majority followed Him merely because they felt comforted by His gentle words and wished to witness, and benefit from, the "miracles" He performed. He knew that only the very few (His disciples) grasped the fact that He was instructing them in the use of powerful principles which, when properly used and adhered to, would enable individuals to enjoy that elusive but greatest of all blessings — peace of mind.
It stands to reason that Christ also realized that for the Kingdom of God to become a reality, it was necessary that great numbers in many lands become at least familiar with what He taught. For this reason, He entrusted His disciples to go out into the then-known world to preach "the gospel," well knowing that later, others would take up the inspiring task, and His Teachings would spread.
Yet, though there has been no more outstanding character in history than Christ, and no teachings as universally known as His, the masses continue to be as the multitudes of old with all too few actually applying His counsel to themselves. As He told His disciples long ago, ". . . they seeing see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." (Matthew 13:13) Simple as are His Teachings, the same is true today.
Doesn't this statement tell us that we, too, have the potential for performing as remarkable things as He? Yet, there is the limiting phrase, "He that believeth on me . . ." How many have such abiding faith and belief in Christ as to cause them to conscientiously live by what He taught and exemplified? After more than 2,000 years, how many are sufficiently versed in the universal principles He taught to even begin to approximate His accomplishments?
Knowing human nature as He did, Christ was aware that the spread of His Teachings would serve as little more than the introduction to more definite and explanatory instruction to follow at a future time. Nor can there be any doubt that in His great wisdom, He also recognized that the Kingdom of God here on earth would not come about of itself. Beyond question, He knew a well-conceived plan of procedure for its establishment was essential and that enthusiastic, intelligent, and sustained effort on the part of great numbers with the proper understanding of all that would be involved in carrying out this plan would be necessary.
Being what He was, Christ must also have realized that it was of greatest importance that those who were to build and become part of the New Age civilization have more than an average understanding of such principles as He taught. This is the only way they could experience the benefits to be derived from applying them, and the only way they could attain the status of Initiates — a prerequisite for those who will compose its citizenry.
As you thoughtfully study the lessons of the Lemurian Philosophy, it will become ever more apparent to you that Christ's advent 2,000 years ago and the release of this material under conditions as they exist today were according to a divinely inspired plan. Only now is there the growing recognition of the need for a practical, down-to-earth approach to the principles of Christianity — one that is applicable not only to the solution of everyday problems inseparable from life, but helpful in understanding the troubling world conditions affecting us all. Only now are great numbers enlightened and broad-minded enough to be able to accept what could be called the "scientific" approach to Christianity!
Today we live in an age of seeming miracles, enjoying comforts, conveniences and pleasures previously unknown in recorded history. Yet, the security and peace of mind which should enable us to fully appreciate and enjoy them are often lacking. For hundreds of years this appeared to be an individual problem. Now, the insecurity and unhappiness have grown to such magnitude that they have become a universal concern.
It is helpful to understand that the earth is in a time of transition from the old into a new one. During this period there is an upheaval of huge proportions as old forces clash with new ones being established. To many it seems the world is growing more chaotic and troubling, with devastating events both natural and man-made demanding all of the resources people have available in order to cope, with seemingly no end in sight. But there is.
The Great Ones have assured that a new world of thought and action will arise out of the old, and have provided every means for this to happen.
The highly advanced and extremely wise Elder Brothers and Adepts previously mentioned are all working to help bring about the brotherhood of man, or Kingdom of God here on earth. They have united into large groups, or Brotherhoods, each fulfilling some important task essential to making it possible. And to the Lemurian Brotherhood has been delegated the task of coordinating all their efforts to make such a way of life a reality. This Brotherhood first selected as their Direct Emissary one wise and understanding enough to be in complete accord with their ideas and sufficiently advanced to make it possible for them to properly contact him. Through him, they released the instruction which is the Lemurian Philosophy.
Since a mundane channel is essential to disseminating these teachings, they directed their Emissary to establish the Lemurian Fellowship. As the Lemurian Brotherhood's earthly representative, this organization has been charged with the responsibility for instructing aspirants in the correct understanding and application of universal or cosmic laws, and under the guidance of these Great Ones, for supervising the formative steps leading to the manifestation of the Kingdom of God here on earth.


Current Chairman: Per-Arne Lindqvist, Sweden Five of the Cluster instruments (DWP, EFW, STAFF, WBD, and WHISPER) are designed to measure electric and magnetic fields and waves. They have been grouped together to form the Wave Experiment Consortium.
The control and computing brain for the Wave Experiment Consortium (WEC). It provides precise timing that allows correlation studies between the four spacecraft, and has a particle correlator that enables variations in the electron population around the spacecraft to be compared with the wave measurements.
EFW uses electrical sensors on four 42-metre-long wire booms to measure electric fields and waves. Currents generated in each sensor reveal the density of nearby electrons. EFW can take up to 36 000 measurements per second allowing the motion of plasma structures and wave fronts travelling at thousands of kilometres per second to be detected.
A magnetometer that picks up any rapid variations in the magnetic field the spacecraft happens to be passing through. This occurs particularly in regions where the charged particles of the solar wind interact with the magnetosphere.
WBD is designed to provide high-resolution measurements of both electric and magnetic fields in selected frequency bands. WBD listens for radio whistles and hisses from particles that bounce around near Earth's magnetic poles.
WHISPER makes use of radar to measure the density of charged particles in space. Brief radio pulses, sent out through the two 42-metre-long EFW wire booms, trigger oscillations or 'echoes', which are detected after a short delay. In addition, WHISPER monitors natural wave activity in the frequency range 2 to 80 kHz.


Looking for Milford Bail Bonds? Bail Bonds Network helps you find and get in touch with a licensed bail bonds company in Milford, New Jersey. Many Milford NJ bail bonds agents can bail you (or another person) out anytime of the day or night in Milford NJ. At your request, many bail bond agents will come pick you up privately. Installment payment plans are usually available depending on the situation.
Upon arrest anywhere in Hunterdon county, a person is usually processed at the Hunterdon county jail. In order to be released from jail, several steps must occur, including being booked and posting bail. Once the bail amount is decided, a bail bonds agent arrives to post the bond at the local jail. Now the release procedure begins and typically can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to be completed. Even though cash bonds are acceptable, it is normally not frequently done due to financial limitations.


text:
Stowmarket High School is a co-educational secondary school and sixth form located in Stowmarket, Suffolk in England. It was at one time known as Stowmarket Grammar School.

 728 students from school years 7 to 13. This includes a sixth form which has a wide range of subjects available to study.

Previously a community school administered by Suffolk County Council, in September 2018 Stowmarket High School converted to academy status. The school is now sponsored by the Waveney Valley Academies Trust.

Notable former pupils
Diarmaid MacCulloch – Oxford Professor of the History of the Church
Becky Jago – ITV newsreader
Sophie Stanton – actress
Kerry Ellis – actress and singer
Gareth Snell - politician and former MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central

References

External links

Secondary schools in Suffolk
Educational institutions established in 1909
1909 establishments in England
Stowmarket
Academies in Suffolk

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The majority of the time in most database applications is spent trying to get the information back out of the database. After all, you put the data in there to be used. Depending on how much information you're looking to pull out of the database, you can take some short cuts.
The most trival case is retrieving a single item from the database. Usually you've got the key value for some row of the databsae and you only need a single field from it. For example, given the product ID number from a catalog, what is the shipping weight?
Using the example database that you setup just a moment ago, you can select the name of any particular person if you already have the ID. The function call QueryItem returns a scalar value. If there is an error accessing the database, then the error message will be printed out and the PHP script exited.
$name is now set to "Leroy Longrad".
Note: If the SQL statement you use returns more than a single item, only the first item of the first row is returned.
Similar to selecting a single item, many times all you need from the database is a single row of information. If you're printing out a form with a clients information on it, then all you really need is the single row for that particular client.
One useful aspect of the associated arrays in PHP, you also access the information by referencing the column names.
Finally there's the case where you need to loop through many, many rows of the database. You're generating a list, writing a table, or perhaps populating a pull-down menu.
The above code snippet works fine if the initial query only returns one row of data. However if it returns more than one, the $sql->Insert call wipes out the data set that you are the midst of going through with the for() loop.
All of the example code can be found in: select.php.
This page was generated in 0.0032 seconds.


text:
Q: How to Pattern Match complicated patterns? How can I get the output expressed in terms of p1 and p2 instead of exponentials?
gau[x_, v_] := Exp[-(x^2)/(2*v)]/Sqrt[2*Pi*v];
p1[x_] := gau[x - m, B + v]/2 + gau[x + m, B + v]/2;
p2[x_] := gau[x - m, B + v]/2 - gau[x + m, B + v]/2;
Simplify[D[Log[p1[x]], {v, 3}]]

I want to substitute:
Exp[(x+m)^2/(2*(B+v))]/2 + Exp[(x-m)^2/(2*(B+v))]/2 -> p1
Exp[(x+m)^2/(2*(B+v))]/2 - Exp[(x-m)^2/(2*(B+v))]/2 -> p2

but obvious that doesn't work.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Rockport Headliner Harold Lopez-Nussa Forges a Personal Path to Jazz
Features, Festival
Cuban pianist Harold Lopez-Nussa descends from two strong lineages, both of which inform his playing and shape his sound.
One is familial: His father, Ruy Lopez-Nussa, is one of Cuba's most respected percussionists, and his mother is an esteemed piano teacher. His uncle, Ernan Lopez-Nussa, is a keyboardist and recording artist in their home country, and his brother Ruy Adrian is a drummer on the rise. (He's also an admirable piano player. Watch the brothers play a four-handed duet here.)
The other lineage is cultural: Lopez-Nussa was trained in accordance with his country's long tradition of classical music. He began piano lessons at eight years old, first at the Manuel Saumell Elementary School of Music, and later at the Instituto Superior de Artes, where he graduated with a degree in classical music, winning several awards along the way.
From the intersection of these two paths, however, Lopez-Nussa decided to forge his own route. Because for as long as he can remember, he's been obsessed with jazz. A self-taught improviser, he describes having to learn the language of jazz in the gaps between his classical training. It was a challenge, he says, but a challenge he wholeheartedly embraced. "I fell in love with it," he said during a phone interview with JAZZIZ. "It became my life."
And it's within the jazz idiom that Lopez-Nussa's career is flowering. He's a profoundly deep and immeasurably skilled player, and though he'll be the last to admit it – "I don't consider myself a jazz musician," he told JAZZIZ – he ranks easily among today's top jazz pianists. Only 35 years old, he's already recorded seven albums as a leader, including 2016's phenomenal El Viaje and 2013's New Day.
Harold Lopez-Nussa (left), Gaston Joya and Roy Adrian Lopez-Nussa. The trio's new album Un Dia Cualquiera was released June 15 on Mack Avenue Records.
His latest project is the trio album Un Dia Cualquiera, released June 15 on Mack Avenue Records and featuring his brother Ruy on drums and longtime friend Gaston Joya on bass. The album binds the branches of his musical pedigree together — incorporating elements of classical music, Cuban folk, Yoruban ceremonial music and jazz — while at the same time advancing Lopez-Nussa's highly personalized aesthetic.
Lopez-Nussa is currently on a European tour in support of the new album. (He'll be in the United States for the remainder of the summer, including a performance at the Rockport Jazz Festival on August 4.) JAZZIZ spoke to him over the phone from Paris, where he and his trio were scheduled to perform at the vaunted jazz club Sunset Sunside. In the interview, Lopez-Nussa discusses the new album, his experience with jazz music in Cuba, the impact of Yoruba on his playing and his continuing evolution as a musician.
Un Dia Cualquiera means "just another day" in Spanish. What is the significance of that title?
It's just the three of us doing what we do every day. Just another day of our lives, where we share music and try to put some ideas together. We have some fights sometimes (laughs), but we wanted to just show us being ourselves together, playing together just like any other day.
The album features a new trio with your brother Ruy and your good friend Gaston. Bandmates don't get much closer than that.
Yeah, I went to school with Gaston. I'm a little bit older than he is, but he was in the same class with my brother at university and we've known each other for a long, long time. We were playing together in Cuba very often, but this is the first time that we are touring as a trio. And this is our first album as a trio, so this is quite special for me.
The album has great energy. Where did that come from?
We were trying to make it sound live. So the three of us were all in the same room, playing together, trying to make it as live as possible.
You were trained as a classical pianist. How about your bandmates? Do they have classical training?
Yes, that's the same for all three of us. In Cuba, what you learn in school is classical music. So I was trained in classical piano. Gaston was playing classical bass. My brother was trained in classical percussion, like marimba, xylophone, those kinds of things. At the same time we were in school, we were trying to play some jazz together, but we really didn't know how. So we were sharing knowledge, we were sharing music, sharing lessons about background and harmony. And not just with those guys, but with my other friends, too. That's how we learned to play jazz.
What about the native music of Cuba? Was that taught in schools?
We didn't study any Cuban music in school. Well, we studied a little bit of the classical Cuban composers – like Ignacio Cervantes, Manuel Saumell, Ernesto Lecuona – those guys. But you don't learn how to play cha-cha-cha or son. The percussionists might have a class on folkloric music or a course on congas, but nothing for piano or bass players.
But the folk music of Cuba sounds like a major influence on your music. Where'd you pick it up?
Well, I was born in Centro Habana, which was one of the popular neighborhoods for Yoruba [religious ceremonies] in Havana. Every week we had three or four ceremonies of Yoruba. I wasn't into this religion – I'm not a religious person – but even if you are not into the religion, you hear the music. I also had a lot of friends who practiced this religion, and I was able to go with them to many, many ceremonies. It's something very special. When you're in a Yoruba ceremony you feel something very powerful.
Is it still the case that musical schools in Cuba aren't teaching jazz or traditional folk music?
Yes, it's still like that. That's just the way it's built. The problem is that, when you're a teacher in Cuba, you don't really get paid anything. So good musicians don't want to teach in Cuba. It's a really difficult thing.
What was your exposure to American jazz in Cuba?
Well, my family was very musical. My uncle is Ernan Lopez-Nussa, a famous jazz piano player in Cuba. He taught me my first chords in the left hand. Then, you know, trying to listen to the CDs that we were able to get in Cuba, trying to play solos from Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea. And then just sharing things with my friends, really. Asking them, "Hey, have you heard this solo from Herbie Hancock?" And we would try to transcribe the solo together, trying to teach each other things. "How would Herbie voice this B minor 7 chord?" We had to figure these things out on our own.
Credit: Eduardo Rawdriguez/Courtesy the artist
But I remember this as a very unique moment in my life. It was very joyful. Trying to get into this music that was so far away from my background in classical. I fell in love with it. It became my life. I was all about it. I don't know if you'd call what we're doing now "jazz," but I'm in love with improvisation. I get to feel this excitement every night that's always different. Not knowing what's going to happen – that's exciting for me still.
Was making the leap from classical to jazz a challenge for you?
It was very, very hard for me. I'm coming from this framework where you have to play exactly the score that you learn. And then when I was trying to play my first jazz song – I think it was "Autumn Leaves" – I learned the song and when somebody told me I had to improvise I was like, "What? What is that?" I didn't know how to do it. I was scared.
But my family gave me a lot of support. My friends gave me a lot of support as I was learning to do this. And I'm still trying! (laughs)
You mentioned Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, but one of the tracks on your new album is dedicated to Bebo Valdes. What influence did he have on your playing?
Well, I don't know if he has a big influence or not on my playing, but he's someone who really affected me when I heard him. Any time I listened to Bebo's music, I feel something very strong. He has this kind of feeling that moves me. So when we were trying to put the song "Un Matin Cualquiera in Paris" together, something reminded me of Bebo's playing. I was trying to dedicate it to him, his way of playing, his way of transmitting the feeling. It's one of the most important things for me, that ability to touch people with your art.
So it's more about mood or emotion than about actual musical influence.
You're traveling a lot behind this new record. Has the exposure to the cultures of other countries opened your eyes to any new musical styles? Any styles you may want to tackle in future records?
Yeah, that's been wonderful. It's a gift to be able to do this. I was listening two nights ago to two wonderful musicians at a festival in the south of France, one who played the accordion, one who played guitar. They were doing a duet. And I was just falling in love with those guys. And this all thanks to my travels. I was thinking after their concert to maybe even collaborate with one of those guys! I'm glad to have these kinds of opportunities, to travel, to listen, to meet new musicians and cultures. It's something that probably wouldn't have happened to me had I decided to just play at home!
Speaking of recordings, do you have any urge to record in other styles? Straight-ahead jazz? Classical?
Well, I can see myself recording a classical album before I try my hand at a straight-ahead jazz album. I have too much to learn about jazz (laughs). But who knows!
You'll be in the United States next month, playing at the Rockport Jazz Festival on August 4. Have you played that festival before?
I've played there twice. It's a beautiful place.
Learn more about Harold Lopez-Nussa's performance at the Rockport Jazz Festival by visiting the fest's website.
For more information on Nussa's albums and upcoming projects, visit him online.
Tags: Harold Lopez-Nussa, Rockport Jazz Festival
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Soundbites: Fall 2020
Cuban pianist Harold Lopez-Nussa descends from two strong lineages, both of which inform his playing and shape his sound. One is familial: His father, Ruy Lopez-Nussa, is one of Cuba's most respected percussionists, and his mother is an esteemed piano teacher. His uncle, Ernan Lopez-Nussa, is a keyboardist and recording artist in their home country, and his brother Ruy Adrian is a drummer on the rise. (He's also an admirable piano player. Watch the brothers play a four-handed duet here.) The other lineage is cultural: Lopez-Nussa was trained in accordance with his country's long tradition of classical music. He began piano lessons at eight years old, first at the Manuel Saumell Elementary School of Music, and later at the Instituto Superior de Artes, where he graduated with a degree in classical music, winning several awards along the way. From the intersection of these two paths, however, Lopez-Nussa decided to forge his own route. Because for as long as he can remember, he's been obsessed with jazz. A self-taught improviser, he describes having to learn the language of jazz in the gaps between his classical training. It was a challenge, he says, but a challenge he wholeheartedly embraced. "I fell in love with it," he said during a phone interview with JAZZIZ. "It became my life." And it's within the jazz idiom that Lopez-Nussa's career is flowering. He's a profoundly deep and immeasurably skilled player, and though he'll be the last to admit it – "I don't consider myself a jazz musician," he told JAZZIZ – he ranks easily among today's top jazz pianists. Only 35 years old, he's already recorded seven albums as a leader, including 2016's phenomenal El Viaje and 2013's New Day. [caption id="attachment_11495" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Harold Lopez-Nussa (left), Gaston Joya and Roy Adrian Lopez-Nussa. The trio's new album Un Dia Cualquiera was released June 15 on Mack Avenue Records.[/caption] His latest project is the trio album Un Dia Cualquiera, released June 15 on Mack Avenue Records and featuring his brother Ruy on drums and longtime friend Gaston Joya on bass. The album binds the branches of his musical pedigree together — incorporating elements of classical music, Cuban folk, Yoruban ceremonial music and jazz — while at the same time advancing Lopez-Nussa's highly personalized aesthetic. Lopez-Nussa is currently on a European tour in support of the new album. (He'll be in the United States for the remainder of the summer, including a performance at the Rockport Jazz Festival on August 4.) JAZZIZ spoke to him over the phone from Paris, where he and his trio were scheduled to perform at the vaunted jazz club Sunset Sunside. In the interview, Lopez-Nussa discusses the new album, his experience with jazz music in Cuba, the impact of Yoruba on his playing and his continuing evolution as a musician. Un Dia Cualquiera means "just another day" in Spanish. What is the significance of that title? It's just the three of us doing what we do every day. Just another day of our lives, where we share music and try to put some ideas together. We have some fights sometimes (laughs), but we wanted to just show us being ourselves together, playing together just like any other day. The album features a new trio with your brother Ruy and your good friend Gaston. Bandmates don't get much closer than that. Yeah, I went to school with Gaston. I'm a little bit older than he is, but he was in the same class with my brother at university and we've known each other for a long, long time. We were playing together in Cuba very often, but this is the first time that we are touring as a trio. And this is our first album as a trio, so this is quite special for me. The album has great energy. Where did that come from? We were trying to make it sound live. So the three of us were all in the same room, playing together, trying to make it as live as possible. You were trained as a classical pianist. How about your bandmates? Do they have classical training? Yes, that's the same for all three of us. In Cuba, what you learn in school is classical music. So I was trained in classical piano. Gaston was playing classical bass. My brother was trained in classical percussion, like marimba, xylophone, those kinds of things. At the same time we were in school, we were trying to play some jazz together, but we really didn't know how. So we were sharing knowledge, we were sharing music, sharing lessons about background and harmony. And not just with those guys, but with my other friends, too. That's how we learned to play jazz. What about the native music of Cuba? Was that taught in schools? We didn't study any Cuban music in school. Well, we studied a little bit of the classical Cuban composers – like Ignacio Cervantes, Manuel Saumell, Ernesto Lecuona – those guys. But you don't learn how to play cha-cha-cha or son. The percussionists might have a class on folkloric music or a course on congas, but nothing for piano or bass players. But the folk music of Cuba sounds like a major influence on your music. Where'd you pick it up? Well, I was born in Centro Habana, which was one of the popular neighborhoods for Yoruba [religious ceremonies] in Havana. Every week we had three or four ceremonies of Yoruba. I wasn't into this religion – I'm not a religious person – but even if you are not into the religion, you hear the music. I also had a lot of friends who practiced this religion, and I was able to go with them to many, many ceremonies. It's something very special. When you're in a Yoruba ceremony you feel something very powerful. Is it still the case that musical schools in Cuba aren't teaching jazz or traditional folk music? Yes, it's still like that. That's just the way it's built. The problem is that, when you're a teacher in Cuba, you don't really get paid anything. So good musicians don't want to teach in Cuba. It's a really difficult thing. What was your exposure to American jazz in Cuba? Well, my family was very musical. My uncle is Ernan Lopez-Nussa, a famous jazz piano player in Cuba. He taught me my first chords in the left hand. Then, you know, trying to listen to the CDs that we were able to get in Cuba, trying to play solos from Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea. And then just sharing things with my friends, really. Asking them, "Hey, have you heard this solo from Herbie Hancock?" And we would try to transcribe the solo together, trying to teach each other things. "How would Herbie voice this B minor 7 chord?" We had to figure these things out on our own. [caption id="attachment_11499" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: Eduardo Rawdriguez/Courtesy the artist[/caption] But I remember this as a very unique moment in my life. It was very joyful. Trying to get into this music that was so far away from my background in classical. I fell in love with it. It became my life. I was all about it. I don't know if you'd call what we're doing now "jazz," but I'm in love with improvisation. I get to feel this excitement every night that's always different. Not knowing what's going to happen – that's exciting for me still. Was making the leap from classical to jazz a challenge for you?
It was very, very hard for me. I'm coming from this framework where you have to play exactly the score that you learn. And then when I was trying to play my first jazz song – I think it was "Autumn Leaves" – I learned the song and when somebody told me I had to improvise I was like, "What? What is that?" I didn't know how to do it. I was scared.
But my family gave me a lot of support. My friends gave me a lot of support as I was learning to do this. And I'm still trying! (laughs) You mentioned Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, but one of the tracks on your new album is dedicated to Bebo Valdes. What influence did he have on your playing? Well, I don't know if he has a big influence or not on my playing, but he's someone who really affected me when I heard him. Any time I listened to Bebo's music, I feel something very strong. He has this kind of feeling that moves me. So when we were trying to put the song "Un Matin Cualquiera in Paris" together, something reminded me of Bebo's playing. I was trying to dedicate it to him, his way of playing, his way of transmitting the feeling. It's one of the most important things for me, that ability to touch people with your art. So it's more about mood or emotion than about actual musical influence. Definitely. You're traveling a lot behind this new record. Has the exposure to the cultures of other countries opened your eyes to any new musical styles? Any styles you may want to tackle in future records? Yeah, that's been wonderful. It's a gift to be able to do this. I was listening two nights ago to two wonderful musicians at a festival in the south of France, one who played the accordion, one who played guitar. They were doing a duet. And I was just falling in love with those guys. And this all thanks to my travels. I was thinking after their concert to maybe even collaborate with one of those guys! I'm glad to have these kinds of opportunities, to travel, to listen, to meet new musicians and cultures. It's something that probably wouldn't have happened to me had I decided to just play at home! Speaking of recordings, do you have any urge to record in other styles? Straight-ahead jazz? Classical? Well, I can see myself recording a classical album before I try my hand at a straight-ahead jazz album. I have too much to learn about jazz (laughs). But who knows! You'll be in the United States next month, playing at the Rockport Jazz Festival on August 4. Have you played that festival before? I've played there twice. It's a beautiful place. Learn more about Harold Lopez-Nussa's performance at the Rockport Jazz Festival by visiting the fest's website. For more information on Nussa's albums and upcoming projects, visit him online. Like this article? Get more when you subscribe.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
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Schlumberger CEO Paal Kibsgaard commented, "Full-year 2014 revenue of $48.6 billion increased 7% year-on-year and grew for the fifth consecutive year. Performance was driven by North America where revenue grew 16%, while International Area growth of 4% was led by a 10% increase in Middle East & Asia Area revenue. Full-year pretax operating income grew by 13%, with pretax operating margin expanding 113 basis points to 21.8%. International margin expanded by 168 basis points to reach 23.9%, reflecting an incremental operating margin of 69%.
"The strength of these results demonstrated the resiliency of our business portfolio in the face of activity challenges in 2014 in Brazil, Mexico, and China; reduced spending in deepwater, exploration and seismic activity; unrest in Libya and Iraq; international sanctions in Russia; and the accelerating fall in the price of oil toward the end of the year. The combination of these headwinds reduced revenue growth by more than $1 billion, or 2%, yet revenue still increased 7% as a result of strong tailwinds in Argentina, Ecuador, Sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and North America that combined with market share gains, drove overall performance.
"Fourth-quarter results were led by record revenue in North America due to continued efficiency improvements and new technology uptake in pressure pumping land and by the recovery of activity in the US Gulf of Mexico. In the international markets, growth was strongest in the Middle East & Asia Area, driven by record revenue in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, robust activity in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and year-end increases in product and software sales across the Area. Latin America revenue was slightly higher on increased activity in Venezuela and Colombia, but the effect of this was offset by decreased work scope in Mexico due to budget constraints and weather. Europe/CIS/Africa revenue declined significantly, mainly from weakness in the ruble and seasonal activity declines in Russia, although activity was also lower in the Angola, Norway and United Kingdom GeoMarkets as rig counts fell in response to the dramatic fall in oil prices.
"Among the Technologies, the Production Group grew by 5.5% on pressure pumping services in North America while the Reservoir Characterization and Drilling Groups declined sequentially by 2.8% and 3.4%, respectively. The lower Reservoir Characterization Group activity was due to a seasonal decline in marine seismic work while the Drilling Group suffered from currency effects and seasonal declining activity in Russia. As expected, year-end software, product and multiclient license sales of approximately $260 million mainly benefited the Production and Reservoir Characterization Groups but were weaker than usual as customers reduced discretionary spend.
"During the quarter, the forecasts for global GDP softened somewhat while growth is still expected to be 3% in 2015, confirming that the global economic recovery is intact. As a result, demand for oil continues to increase but significantly higher marketed supply has led to a dramatic fall in oil price. As E&P investment falls in response, decline rates will impact oil production capacity, while sharply lower E&P activity will delay supply additions. At the same time, markets for natural gas remain comfortably supplied in North America, while new LNG capacity additions in Asia and weaker demand in Europe are putting pressure on prices in these regions.
"In this uncertain environment, we continue to focus on what we can control. We have already taken a number of actions to restructure and resize our organization that has led us to record a number of charges in the fourth quarter. We are convinced that performance must now be driven by an accelerated change in the way we work through our transformation program. The delivery of new technology that improves the performance of our customers' reservoirs; the increases in efficiency and reliability that reduce overall finding, development and production costs; and the opportunities for growth from more integration—are all significant drivers of our own and our customers' performance. Tangible results have already been recorded and, as we accelerate the benefits of the transformation program across both Technologies and GeoMarkets in 2015, we believe we are well-placed to outperform.
On January 15, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a 25% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.40 per share of outstanding common stock to $0.50 per share, beginning with the dividend payable on April 10, 2015 to stockholders of record on February 11, 2015.
During the quarter, Schlumberger repurchased 12.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $90.22 per share for a total purchase price of $1.1 billion.
On January 6, 2015, Schlumberger, OneSubsea®, a Cameron and Schlumberger joint venture, and Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. announced the execution of definitive agreements for the companies' non-incorporated alliance—formed to develop technologies and deliver equipment and services to optimize the value chain of subsea well intervention systems. The alliance combines the expertise and capabilities of all three companies to provide a unique offering, integrating well-access equipment and control technologies with marine support.
North America fourth-quarter revenue of $4.3 billion increased 2% sequentially—with land revenue up 5%. Land revenue increased both in the US and Western Canada on higher pressure pumping activity, continued efficiency improvement, and higher uptake of new technology—specifically for BroadBand* family of services. Fourth-quarter activity in the US Gulf of Mexico increased by 12% driven by year-end multiclient license sales and resumption of operations after loop current disruptions in the third quarter. Eastern Canada revenue declined sequentially following completion of the season's exploration program and marine seismic activity.
North America pretax operating margin increased 24 basis points (bps) sequentially to reach 19.6% on increased Western Canada activity, continued efficiency gains, increased penetration of new technology, and improved recovery of logistical costs in US land. North America offshore operating margin improved on a better revenue mix from high-margin multiclient license sales.
During the fourth quarter, new technologies helped to meet customer challenges in North American unconventional resource development. These technologies targeted to increased production and more efficient operations enabling customers to lower overall cost in a declining commodity-price market.
In North Dakota, Well Services BroadBand Sequence* fracturing service was deployed for Whiting Petroleum to stimulate a challenging 2,000-ft interval of a horizontal well located at the heel of a cemented 10,000-ft lateral. Following the stimulation treatment, a production profile run by Wireline Flow Scanner* well production logging technology confirmed that the interval stimulated with BroadBand Sequence technology contributed 42% of the total oil production, while the remaining 8,000-ft of the well contributed 58%.
In Oklahoma, Well Services BroadBand Sequence fracturing service was used for Apache Corporation in the stimulation of a horizontal well in the Cottage Grove formation. Apache chose BroadBand technology to ensure adequate wellbore coverage. As a result, initial post-treatment well production exceeded the initial production of two comparable offset wells completed using conventional stimulation methods by 74% and 134% respectively.
Schlumberger Drilling Group technologies were used for Talisman Energy to improve drilling efficiency in horizontal wells in the Marcellus Shale. The Drilling & Measurements PowerDrive Orbit* rotary steerable system with Smith SHARC* high-abrasion-resistance polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits led to higher overall rates of penetration (ROP) than conventional rotary steerable systems, and resulted in an average saving of 1.3 days or $70,000 per well.
In US land, Drilling Group technologies were also deployed for Noble Energy Inc. to improve drilling times on extended-length horizontal wells in the Niobrara unconventional play in the DJ Basin. The combination of PowerDrive vorteX* rotary steerable technology with improved inclination and azimuth control, and Smith customized PDC bits consistently drilled lateral well sections of over 9,500 ft. in a single run. As a result, the customer saved more than 2 days per well by eliminating the need for a dedicated reamer run. In addition, the improved smoothness of the borehole drilled reduced completion assembly run times.
Revenue for the International Areas of $8.2 billion decreased 1% sequentially.
Middle East & Asia Area revenue of $3.1 billion grew 4% sequentially driven by record revenue in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, increased activity in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and year-end product and software sales across the Area.
Revenue in the Latin America Area of $2.1 billion grew by 1% on increased activity in Venezuela and Colombia, offset by decreased work scope in Mexico due to budgetary constraints.
Europe/CIS/Africa Area revenue of $3.1 billion fell 7% due mainly to weakness in the ruble and the seasonal activity decline in Russia. Following the peak summer drilling and exploration campaigns of the previous quarter, customer spending decelerated as oil prices weakened. As a result, rig count reductions led to activity declines in Angola, Norway and the United Kingdom GeoMarkets.
Sequentially, International Area pretax operating margin of 24.2% decreased 33 bps. Middle East & Asia pretax operating margin increased by 71 bps to 28.3% while Latin America decreased 102 bps to 20.9% and Europe/CIS/Africa declined 112 bps to 22.3%. The decline in International Area pretax operating margin was primarily driven by an unfavorable revenue mix in the fourth quarter following the high-margin peak summer drilling and exploration campaigns of the third quarter. Unfavorable currency effects and activity declines in Russia also contributed to margin contraction.
During the quarter, the International Areas saw a number of integration-related highlights.
Statoil awarded Schlumberger a contract for the supply of integrated drilling and well services in the Mariner field on the North Sea UK continental shelf (UKCS). The four-year contract, with options for several four-year extensions, includes options for Bressay, another Statoil-operated field on the UKCS, and will also work as a framework agreement for exploration drilling on the UKCS. The contract features an innovative procurement approach where Schlumberger works as an integral part of the Statoil team delivering all the main drilling and well services including drilling, fluids, cementing, completions and electrical submersible pumps. The scope of work includes a total of 22 drilling and well services and responsibility for logistics support. Drilling is planned to start in 2016.
In Germany, Well Intervention delivered increased efficiency and reliability on the world's first ACTive* coiled-tubing drilling operation in a challenging gas well for Wintershall. The integration of ACTive real-time downhole measurement, Drilling Tools & Remedial Turbodrill* and Smith Kinetic* impregnated PDC bit technologies enabled deepening of the well with a 300% improvement in the ROP compared to conventional coiled-tubing conveyed drilling methods. Also, ACTive* in-well live performance with distributed temperature sensing was used to validate stimulation results and to monitor gas production. In addition, CoilScan* CT pipe inspection technology provided enhanced operational reliability through real-time pipe integrity monitoring.
Offshore Brazil, Drilling Group technologies were deployed for Shell to increase reliability and drilling efficiency in a batch drilling campaign of deepwater development wells. The Drilling & Measurements PowerDrive Xceed* rotary steerable system design underwent engineering customization to drill directional wells more reliably in extremely challenging, high-ROP environments. As a result, in the challenging 17 1/2-in riser-less sections re-designed Xceed technology combined with the XR+ drilling system drilled an unprecedented four wells in a row, over a total distance of 2,600 m, and more than one week below the rotary table. The increased reliability of Xceed technology helped eliminate two planned drillstring trips back to surface, enabling Shell to save two days of rig time. In the 8 1/2-in reservoir sections, the combination of Drilling & Measurements GeoSphere* reservoir mapping-while-drilling service and the well placement services of Petrotechnical Services using the Petrel* E&P software platform, enabled successful mapping of the reservoirs and delivery of high net-to-gross reservoir contact.
In Malaysia, PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd awarded Schlumberger an integrated project management contract for the construction of 10 development wells in the Bokor field. The 18-month contract is expected to be worth $130 million over the contract period, and includes the supply of drilling and completion products and services as well as project management, well engineering, and wellsite supervision. This new contract benefits from lessons learned during construction of 17 wells over the previous phase of the Bokor project, along with the application of integrated Schlumberger drilling and completion technology to improve operational efficiency and reduce total well cost.
Sequentially, Reservoir Characterization Group revenue of $3.1 billion declined 3% primarily due to the seasonal drop in marine seismic activity in the North Sea and Eastern Canada. Wireline revenue also decreased on lower exploration activity in Angola and seasonal activity and currency declines in Russia. These sequential decreases were partially offset by year-end multiclient license and software sales.
Pretax operating margin of 30.9% was 95 bps higher sequentially on a favorable revenue mix from high-margin multiclient license and software sales.
In addition to contract awards during the fourth quarter, new Reservoir Characterization Group technologies helped meet customer challenges in reducing sub-surface risk, characterizing complex reservoirs and improving well production and reservoir recovery.
In Angola, Wireline technologies were deployed on two interval pressure transient tests for ENI Angola, S.p.A. to assess commercial reserves in a deepwater well. The combination of the MDT* modular formation dynamics tester configured with Saturn* 3D radial probe technology and the InSitu Fluid Analyzer* system helped derive zonal permeabilities with a fast turnaround time using InSitu Viscosity* reservoir fluid measurements. In addition, the larger flow area offered by the Saturn elliptical inlet design led to efficient capture and retrieval of reservoir fluid samples and enabled the customer to save 23 days of rig time by eliminating the need for a full drill stem test.
Saturn 3D technology was also deployed for PEMEX to obtain high quality reservoir fluid samples in a deepwater exploration well in multiple laminated turbiditic sequences offshore Mexico. Saturn technology's larger flow area and improved sealing capability led to improvements in operational efficiency with the acquisition of fluid samples in three different intervals at mobilities as low as 0.03 mD/cP, and enabled the customer to save up to 40% in fluid sampling time compared with conventional methods.
In Abu Dhabi, Wireline Flow Scanner well production logging and TuffTRAC* cased-hole services tractor technologies were deployed for ZADCO in a multilateral well to measure the production contribution from each lateral section. The TuffTRAC tractor's modular design allowed access to the main wellbore across complex completion intervals enabling high speed logging along the lateral. This reduced overall conveyance time by 36% compared to conventional methods.
In West Africa, Hess Corporation awarded WesternGeco a second 4D monitor survey using Q-Marine* point-receiver seismic technology over Ceiba, Okume and Oveng fields offshore Equatorial Guinea. This is the third Q-Marine survey acquired over these fields, following the original baseline survey in 2003 and the first 4D monitor survey in 2010.
In the US Gulf of Mexico, a four-vessel crew commenced the customer-funded Revolution X survey in the Garden Banks area. The survey will be acquired using WesternGeco Dual Coil Shooting* multivessel full-azimuth acquisition, Delta* calibrated marine broadband seismic source, and ObliQ* sliding-notch broadband acquisition and imaging technologies for both field development and conventional exploration. Acquisition of the Revolution X survey is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2015.
Sequentially, Drilling Group revenue of $4.7 billion decreased 3% primarily on unfavorable currency effects and activity declines in Russia for Drilling & Measurements and M-I SWACO Technologies. In Mexico, lower Integrated Project Management (IPM) activity due to budgetary constraints also contributed to the decrease.
Pretax operating margin declined 94 bps sequentially to 20.7% mainly due to currency and activity declines in Russia.
During the fourth quarter, new Drilling Group technologies boosted performance through improving drilling efficiency, assuring wellbore integrity and optimizing well placement.
In Australia, Drilling & Measurements GeoSphere* reservoir mapping-while-drilling service was deployed in an infill development drilling campaign consisting of five horizontal development wells and one water injector. In spite of the low resistivity contrast in the reservoir, GeoSphere technology successfully detected multiple resistivity layers, corresponding to different geological interfaces and fluid contacts, at distances in excess of 30 m. In addition, the top of the reservoir was clearly detected, enabling rapid well trajectory adjustments to avoid faults and to deliver maximum reservoir exposure.
Further to optimizing well placement offshore Western Australia, Drilling & Measurements GeoSphere reservoir mapping-while-drilling service was also used to drill horizontal wells with oil columns less than 65-ft thick and horizontal trajectories greater than 8,000 ft. Previously, drilling steerability using conventional directional methods has been a challenge, particularly in the interbedded reservoir. GeoSphere technology enabled the real-time delineation of layers in the reservoir while steering the laterals to achieve maximum contact. As a result, GeoSphere technology delivered timely reservoir-scale information that complemented surface seismic data and helped generate accurate geological cross-sections used to update geological reservoir models.
In Central China, Drilling Group technologies in collaboration with CNPC's CCDC-DPRI were deployed for PetroChina to improve drilling performance and to set a new record in a shale gas well in the Sichuan province's ChangNing block. The combination of Drilling & Measurements PowerDrive Archer* high build rate and PowerDrive vorteX* powered rotary steerable technologies with a Smith PDC bit, customized by the IDEAS* integrated platform, drilled the well in 34 days—31% faster than the previous drilling record.
In the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, Drilling & Measurements PowerDrive Orbit* rotary steerable technology was used for Shell to help improve directional control in the 8 1/2-in section of a challenging HPHT well in the deepwater Onyx field. The newly developed pad design and self-steering automation offered by PowerDrive Orbit technology provided controlled steerability which resulted in well verticality below 0.5º, an order of magnitude better than conventional drilling methods. PowerDrive Orbit technology achieved this performance in a single run, which lasted 283 hours—representing the longest drilling run in the field to date.
In Venezuela, Drilling & Measurements PowerDrive Orbit rotary steerable technology was deployed for PDVSA to improve drilling efficiency in high-angle 8 1/2-in well sections in sandstone reservoirs characterized by cross-interbedded layers of hard and soft rock formations. In the past, conventional drilling methods have been challenged by high downhole temperatures and severe stick and slip conditions. Overall, the PowerDrive Orbit system delivered the required directional control and achieved a 100% increase in ROP compared to conventional drilling methods, saving the customer nearly 9 days of rig time.
In Colombia, Drilling Group technologies were deployed for Equión Energia to provide full directional control while drilling a challenging well in the Mirador formation, characterized by highly abrasive and hard sandstone formations. The combination of customized Drilling & Measurements PowerDrive Xceed rotary steerable technology and a Smith bit with ONYX 360* rolling PDC cutter technology enabled accurate steering through the high-dipping and abrasive formation. As a result of these Drilling Group technologies, 927 ft of the well's 14 3/4-in section was drilled with full directional control, constant ROP, and stable, drilling-free vibration, which had not been possible with conventional drilling methods.
In Western Kazakhstan, Drilling Group technologies were deployed for Zhaikmunai LLP, a member of Nostrum Oil & Gas Group, to drill a challenging 8 ½-in section of a well in the Chinarevskoye field. The combination of StingBlade* conical diamond element and Drilling & Measurements PowerV 675* rotary steerable technologies helped overcome wear in drilling an abrasive carbonate section with up to 40% chert, and achieved a ROP 166% higher than offset wells using conventional drilling methods. As a result, the well section was drilled efficiently and placed optimally, enabling the customer to save six days of drilling time, or approximately $180,000.
Production Group revenue of $5.0 billion increased 5% sequentially. Improved activity in Western Canada, higher uptake of technology specifically for BroadBand services, continued efficiency improvements, and improved logistics in pressure pumping in North America land accounted for the strong sequential revenue growth. Year-end sales of Completions and Artificial Lift products also contributed to the sequential increase.
Pretax operating margin of 18.3% was flat sequentially as pricing pressure, particularly in the US land market, was offset by an improved volume of activity in Western Canada and by improved efficiency, better fleet utilization, and recovery of logistical costs in the North America land markets.
New Production Group technologies helped meet a number of customer challenges during the fourth quarter in driving operational efficiency and accelerating production.
In Kuwait, Well Intervention technologies were used for Kuwait Oil Company in a large matrix stimulation treatment in a horizontal well in the Managish oil field. Coiled tubing deployed Jet Blaster* jetting scale removal technology enabled filter cake removal and delivered a controlled fluid treatment placement in the extended-reach, openhole section of the well. The high-rate, efficient jetting delivered by Jet Blaster technology also enabled filter cake removal in the well's challenging toe section, which led to a three-fold increase in treatment fluid injectivity, and a saving in rig time versus plan. As a result of the intervention, the well's oil production increased significantly compared to offset wells in the same field.
Offshore Congo, Well Services UltraMARINE* high temperature seawater-based fracturing fluid was used for SOCO in the stimulation of a well in the Lidongo field. The post-treatment well test confirmed a 14-fold increase in the well's productivity index compared to the pre-fracture well test, a result which exceeded the customer's expectations.
In Atlantic Canada, IPM performed its first light well intervention operation with well access and control technologies for Suncor Energy in a well offshore Newfoundland, using the capabilities of Helix Well Ops (UK) to provide marine support. This first-of-a-kind operation in Canada relied on experienced local and global resources from the various companies, and delivered the operational objectives through integration across GeoMarkets leveraging Schlumberger wireline and slickline technologies.
In Norway, BP Norge AS awarded Schlumberger a long-term contract for the supply of coiled tubing services for various offshore assets. The eight-year contract, with two optional term extensions of one year each, includes the provision of offshore coiled tubing and pressure pumping equipment and associated services.
In Mexico, PEMEX awarded Schlumberger a three-year coiled tubing and nitrogen services contract valued at approximately $160 million over the contract period, representing the largest award in the Multipackage Tender in the Marine region. The award was based on commercial terms, QHSE performance, and the Schlumberger proven offshore technology track record.
Also in Mexico, Schlumberger was awarded a multiyear contract worth $100 million to perform gas conformance operations in the Marine region, with the proprietary FoamSEAL* technology, placed from a dedicated stimulation vessel.
1) What was the pretax operating income margin and incremental operating margin for the full year 2014?
The pretax operating income margin was 21.8% and the incremental operating margin was 37.2% for the full year 2014.
2) What was the free cash flow as a percentage of income from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests, excluding charges and credits, for the full year 2014?
Free cash flow as a percentage of income from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests, excluding charges and credits, was 84% for the full year 2014.
3) What is the capex guidance for the full year 2015?
Schlumberger capex (excluding multiclient and SPM investments) is expected to be $3.0 billion for 2015. Capex for the full year 2014 was $4.0 billion.
4) What was included in "Interest and other income" for the fourth quarter of 2014?
"Interest and other income" for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $71 million. This amount consisted of earnings of equity method investments of $58 million and interest income of $13 million.
5) How did interest income and interest expense change during the fourth quarter of 2014?
Interest income of $13 million was flat sequentially. Interest expense of $87 million was down $3 million sequentially.
6) What is the difference between the "Pretax operating income" and Schlumberger's consolidated income before taxes?
The difference consists of such items as corporate items (including charges and credits) and interest income and interest expense not allocated to the segments, as well as interest on postretirement medical benefits, stock-based compensation expense and the amortization expense associated with certain intangible assets.
7) What was the effective tax rate (ETR), excluding charges and credits, for the fourth quarter of 2014?
The ETR for the fourth quarter of 2014, excluding charges and credits, was 21.4% as compared to 22.1% for the third quarter of 2014.
The ETR for the fourth quarter of 2014, including charges and credits, was 55.6%. There were no charges or credits recorded during the third quarter of 2014.
8) How many shares of common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and how did this change from the end of the previous quarter?
There were 1.275 billion shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The following table shows the change in the number of shares outstanding from September 30, 2014 to December 31, 2014.
9) What were the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the fourth and third quarters of 2014 and how does this reconcile to the average number of shares outstanding, assuming dilution?
The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the fourth quarter and third quarter of 2014 were 1.282 billion and 1.293 billion, respectively. The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding to the average number of shares outstanding, assuming dilution.
9) What were multiclient sales in the fourth quarter of 2014?
Multiclient sales, including transfer fees, were $194 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 and $93 million in the third quarter of 2014.
10) What do the various charges Schlumberger recorded during the fourth quarter of 2014 relate to?
Due to the expectation of lower exploration spending as a result of lower commodity prices, Schlumberger decided to restructure its WesternGeco marine seismic fleet in order to lower its operating costs. Three previous-generation acquisition vessels with lower towing capacity and higher operating costs will be converted to source vessels allowing for the termination of two third-party source vessel leases and the retirement of two owned source vessels.
As a result of this restructuring, Schlumberger performed an impairment test and determined that the carrying values of certain of its vessels exceeded their respective fair values by $590 million. This impairment charge relates to the six Explorer class vessels which were acquired at a premium in the 2007 purchase of Eastern Echo Holdings Plc. In addition to the $590 million impairment charge relating to these six vessels, Schlumberger also recorded an $85 million impairment charge relating to a seismic intangible asset and $131 million of other charges primarily related to lease termination costs and other seismic assets as a result of the restructuring. Schlumberger did not incur any significant cash expenditures as a result of these charges.
Although the functional currency of Schlumberger's operations in Venezuela is the US dollar, a portion of the transactions are denominated in local currency. Schlumberger has historically applied the official exchange rate of 6.3 Venezuelan Bolivares fuertes per US dollar to remeasure local currency transactions and balances into US dollars. Effective December 31, 2014, Schlumberger concluded that it was appropriate to apply the SICAD II exchange rate of 50 Venezuelan Bolivares fuertes per US dollar as it believes that this rate best represents the economics of Schlumberger's business activity in Venezuela. As a result, Schlumberger recorded a $472 million devaluation charge.
In response to lower commodity pricing and anticipated lower exploration and production spending in 2015, Schlumberger decided to reduce its overall headcount to better align with anticipated activity levels for 2015. Schlumberger recorded a $296 million charge associated with a headcount reduction of approximately 9,000.
Schlumberger determined that, primarily as a result of the recent decline in commodity prices, the carrying value of its investment in an SPM development project in the Eagle Ford Shale was in excess of its fair value. Accordingly, Schlumberger recorded a $199 million impairment charge.


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I'm wondering if anyone has tried using anti-spray wheel brush guards ( tried to post a link but i have too few posts and it wouldn't let me. Google "truck wheel arch brush" to see what I mean ) as an easy way to reduce the wheel-to-well gap and perhaps improve airflow, without having to worry about manufacturing rigid custom gap closers or wheel skirts and allowing for wheel clearances in all scenarios.
It seems to me that depending on the rigidity & brush density it may reduce a lot (if not eliminate) air mixing between the wheel well and passing air and hence improve aero. This would mostly be something that makes sense on trucks (both in the American and Australian sense of the word) looks wise but as we all know some of us don't care too much about looks anyway. Another advantage is that as neither the brushes nor the tyre are likely to be harmed by contact with each other, the design could have closer clearances in the straight-running scenario, perhaps also enhancing aero. Obviously it would still be not as good as full wheel skirts for aero, but a lot easier, and especially in the front.
Has anyone tried it and found whether there is any benefit?
I don't recall ever seeing anyone try it.
Unless it was before 2011.
My vote is for yes they "MAY" help . I havent gotten around to accumulating building, and testing yet most will say not worth the time and $ there only purpose is making water speay into larger droplets..however the AU Co I posted the link for is saying the dust is kept in the well. This means that there is separation of the turbulent air in the well from the turbulent boundary lair flowing down the boddy.
What size wiskers are you thinking.
Compare with hangar door seal sold in 6 ft lengths.
Hucho says that a porous surface cannot support airflow.If there's any difference in pressure across the structure,the air will just pass though it.
Those 4-6" long spray-guards are limber enough to move at their ends. 2-3" bristles might be more rigid and act as a baffle, maintaining a pressure gradient.
But still accommodating ground strikes.
Does a perforated plate pass more air when it is perpendicular or parallel to the direction of air flow?
Depends on hole dencity and thickness..
Airbrakes are perf plate on some jets.
For rigidity a person can zip tie the bristles like a straw broom then leave the last 2" for impact forgiveness. Or even plastidip the upper into a solid surface.
I agree with gumby79,that hole density and plate thickness would matter.
The edges of the holes would make a difference too.
A sharp-edged hole would always have a severe vena contracta flow constriction.
At some degree of 'entry' rounding the vena contracta would be eliminated altogether,with the highest possible flow rate.
At perpendicular flow,the plate itself would have full separation all around it,except at its attachment point.
The holes would flow the most,as the static pressure across the membrane would be greatest.
Parallel with the flow,in free flow,there'd be no flow through the holes,as pressure alongside the plate would be identical.
In asymmetrical,parallel flow,as long as any transverse pressure gradient was present,there would be flow 'though' the plate.