text:
After a Fashion
Let us not forget the reason for the season, people … club crawls and parties!
By Stephen MacMillan Moser, Fri., Dec. 21, 2001
Photo By Bob Sherman
THE SOCIAL OLYMPICS ... officially began last Friday. The kick-off was a Christmas party thrown by Gomi, Creatures, and Turntable Records on the corner of W. Mary & S. First. Turntable owner Thomas Hernandez offers much for the serious music collector -- rare and obscure hard house, trance, and hip-hop titles, with great retro dance music on used vinyl, coupled with the vast selection of international CDs. Hernandez's late father founded the beloved Golden Slipper Shoe Repair, also in that same enclave. John & April Lohse were dishing out the drinks at Gomi, spreading holiday cheer. Creatures owner Laura Maxwell had a great spread of holiday refreshments that she made herself -- that's in addition to the wonderful merchandise (shoes by Fluevog and Steve Madden!), and I phoned in my Friday night fashion report to Miss Kitty at Mega 93.3 from Creatures... Then it was off to the annual Chronicle holiday party, held at the American Legion Hall off MoPac (which I refer to simply as "Tara--). This party is always packed, with a staggering assortment of Austin fixtures, copious amounts of food and drink, and of course, the main draw -- the karaoke extravaganza masterminded by Kate Messer, this year featuring a lovely birthday tribute to publisher Nick Barbaro... Then we went to my favorite party so far this season (and, well, honestly, last holiday season too!), Standish Meacham and Steven Salzman's dazzling affair at their swanker-than-swank Castle Hill home. This is the same party I refused to miss last year, even though I could hardly walk due to a back injury; I found myself wondering if the visions of glamour had something to do with my painkillers. The party proved to be equally as glamorous this year, sans pills. Exquisite food, lavish drinks, and divine entertainment (by legendary Margaret Wright) are sure to win Standish and Steven a gold medal. We rubbed shoulders with the esteemed Ann Richards, Nancy Scanlon, architect Jay Farrell, and others too fabulous to mention. One of my favorite guests was noted interior designer Chas. B O'Docharty (aka Carlos) who sidled up to me and said, "So, darling, did you have to crash the party again, or did you get an invitation this time?" Then it was off to Club DeVille (where Emily and Lana treat us like queens), followed by Le Privilege (thanks, Sammy!), Ocean's 11 (bartender Jason is simply one of the best), and, finally, Texture. Needless to say, Saturday night, we were feeling none-too-lovely, but attended the Christmas affair put on by Steve & Emily Wiman, of Uncommon Objects. Our arrival was conspicuous for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the taxi we arrived in, emblazoned with a large ad for Hooters (I told Yellow Cab that I wanted a taxi with Versace on top!). I feared the guests might have expected us to be wearing tight T-shirts tied up under our busts.
BEAUTY BIZ Popular fashion magazine Lucky is dedicated strictly to shopping, and Senior Consulting Editor Gigi Guerra (originally from Fort Worth) has just put together an Austin shopping guide, to be run in March, just in time for SXSW... Speaking of fashion mags, it's hard to pick one up without reading about Botox Treatments -- you know, where they inject you around the brow, eyes, or mouth with minute amounts of a toxin that paralyze you, leaving you looking fresh and youthful and wrinkle-free? Well, I've seen it myself now (no, I didn't have it done ...), and it's amazing, though hard to pinpoint exactly what's different about that person's face; they just look indescribably softer, smoother, and younger. Now, if they only offered it for other body parts ... a "Buttox Treatment," perhaps?
THE SPY GAME Spygirl Christina Klisanin rubbed shoulders with Ani DiFranco at Güero's last week -- standing by her at the entrance, Christina thought, "Could it be?" Sure enough it was, and DiFranco was very sweet and gracious in her acknowledgement. Güero's certainly seems to attract every celebrity who passes through, and there sure are a lot of them lately, aren't there?... Not seen at Güero's, but definitely spotted elsewhere around town, was Eighties anomoly Vanilla Ice, who invited a large conginent of women to meet him at the Chili's on 183. For some reason, a number of local lovelies heeded his call, and I have the names of three of them: Catherine Swanson, Monica Thompson, and Farah Carter. Mr. Ice, known far and wide for his high standards of taste and elegance, invited them all to accompany him to "some club" up in Round Rock. They went. He then decided to turn around and go right back to Austin, at which point he invited Ms. Swanson to dump her cutie pie boyfriend and party down with him at the uh, ultra-swank La Quinta. At one point, fear swept through the writhing throng as some of Austin's finest boys in blue passed by the very ... ahem, fragrantly "hemp-y" Vanilla. Fearing their hero's imminent incarceration, the group breathed a collective sigh of relief as the peace officers merely wished to secure Mr. "Ice-Ice-Baby"'s autograph.
FALLING STARS Omigod, poor Winona Ryder. I love Winona: She's magnificently beautiful, deeply talented, dresses fabulously ... and is in some very hot water after she was arrested at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, where she allegedly tried to shoplift nearly $5,000 worth of merchandise. Apparently there is videotape of the Oscar-nominated actress removing the sensor tags off the merchandise, and when she was arrested, she was reportedly charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs. I think we can safely assume the pills will become a major part of her defense ... that the combination of drugs she had taken for ____ (fill in the blank: stress, depression, kleptomania ...) rendered her unable to make good judgment calls. Fortunately, even if they do send her to the big house for her crimes, she has a divine figure and will look wonderful in stripes.
THE CLAUS THAT REFRESHES Was that Chronicle Art Director Taylor Holland wearing a jolly white beard and cavorting with The Wampus and Oso Serious at Austin's first ever Santacon? The Con, which has been going on in bigger burgs for years now (www.santarchy.com), is a clandestine club crawl that chauffeurs a busload of Santa-suited sots around town to get their drink (among other things) on. Our local lushy Clauses were spied last Saturday at the Poodle Dog Lounge and the Carousel, among other poles of pleasure.
More After a Fashion columns
More After a Fashion
After a Fashion: A Stitch In Time
Fort Lonesome will not be lonely for long
Stephen MacMillan Moser, July 5, 2013
After a Fashion: The Main Event
Your Style Avatar would look great sporting these parasols
Stephen MacMillan Moser, June 28, 2013
Social Olympics, Gomi, Creatures, Turntable Records, Thomas Hernandez, Golden Slipper Shoe Repair, Fluevog, Steve Madden, Miss Kitty, Mega 93.3, American Legion Hall, Kate Messer, Nick Barbaro, Standish Meacham, Steven Salzman, Margaret Wright, Ann Richards, Nancy Scanlon


In purely economic terms, mortgage arrears can pose a risk to the stability of banks and limit households' future access to credit. Moreover, arrears have social ramifications: they reduce aspects of households' well-being and health, and addressing such negative effects can lead to a requirement for higher social spending by governments. It is therefore important to identify the drivers of arrears and design policies to reduce them. We use a European household data-set to analyse what drives arrears. Controlling for household characteristics such as age and education, we find that affordability problems, such as unemployment, low income and high mortgage payments, matter. Households facing the dual trigger of affordability problems and negative equity are more likely to go into longer- term arrears. We also find that households in Cyprus and Greece are particularly prone to miss mortgage payments, while those in the United Kingdom and Belgium are very unlikely to do so. Generally, arrears tend to be higher in poor countries and where investors' rights are poorly protected.


How to check all organic keywords in specific blog post with SEMrush?
Organic traffic is the best traffic for the blog as it is the legitimate traffic. It's difficult to get the organic traffic, so most bloggers find another way like social traffic, direct traffic or email marketing to get more traffic.
In my earlier post, I have discussed everything from how to write an SEO helpful post to get more organic traffic? If you follow all the steps written in that post then definitely your organic traffic will increase.
If your blog is not getting the organic traffic then check out this steps and follow it. Your organic traffic will defiantly increase.
Your blog not getting organic traffic here is why?
In this post, I came with the new trick to find out all the organic keywords present in your written post(must be indexed on Google). Now you will think that how this will help you?
Suppose your strategy is to target two organic keywords per post. That's a good idea but sometimes you don't know, or you are unable to find out the right keywords having more searches on Google and small competition. In this post, I will tell to find all the organic keywords(along with your targeted keywords) present on your particular blog post.
As you know that SEMRUSH keyword research tool (you can use the premium version freely for 15 days) but you can take lots of advantage of it.
Now copy the URL of your post and paste it and check. You will get all the organic keywords present on that post. Here you can find the right keywords for your blog.
Suppose your targeted keywords have 1000 searches per month. When you find all the organic keywords present on your blog post, there is a possibility that you will get some keywords having more than 1000 searches then what's wrong to use these new keywords. I am not saying that change your primary keywords, but at least you can use the new organic keywords or optimize it correctly.
People will call it black hat SEO, but it's not. You are not adding the new keywords to the existing post, but you are using the already present keywords on the post.
Here I will tell you how you can find the right organic keywords for the particular post with the help of SEMRUSH free keyword research tool.
First, open the SEMRUSH and open the organic research section. Put your post URL and click search. You will get all the SEO analytics for that URL.
You will get all the organic keywords present on that post along with your targeted keywords. Here I have targeted Grammarly plugin having monthly searches 110, and the keyword difficulty is 80.
Here I could see another keyword having more searches(590) and little difficulty(71) than my targeted keyword. The keyword is Grammarly free trial.
This is my point if you are unable to find out the right keyword while writing the post then it's a better way to find the right keyword.
The free version of SEMRUSH will allow you to check only ten organic keywords, but that is sufficient to determine one or more keywords.
If you want all the organic keywords and other SEMRUSH features you can upgrade it to the premium version of SEMRUSH. Pricing of SEMRUSH keyword research tool shown below.
The pricing is too high, so as a beginner you can start with the free version. If you are getting sufficient organic traffic, then you can upgrade it.
The organic traffic to your blog is directly proportional to the organic keywords targeted in your blog post. SEMRUSH will help you to find out the right keywords for your blog. If you are not able to find out the keyword during the writing of the post then no problem, you can find out it after indexing of that post.
Follow above all the steps, and you will get the right organic keyword which will defiantly improve your organic traffic.


text:
Private PrivacyAdmin2021-03-29T14:39:35+08:00
CGS-CIMB Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. ("CGS-CIMB") takes your privacy seriously. Please read the following to learn about our Privacy Policy. CGS-CIMB reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time by publishing the new Privacy Policy on the Website (as hereafter defined). This Privacy Policy and the statements outlined herein are not intended to and do not create any contractual or other legal rights in or on behalf of any party.
What this Privacy Policy Covers
This Privacy Policy covers how CGS-CIMB uses the personally identifiable information (the "Personally Identifiable Information") it collects. However, please note that this Privacy Policy only applies to the website at Internet URL. https://www.prosperus.asia (the "Websites") and does not apply to the websites owned and/or operated by third parties.
CGS-CIMB is not responsible for any actions or policies of third party websites which are hyperlinked to and from the Website. You should check the applicable privacy policy of such party before providing Personally Identifiable Information to such websites.
Collection of Personally Identifiable Information
This Privacy Policy covers how CGS-CIMB uses the personally identifiable information (the "Personally Identifiable Information") it collects. CGS-CIMB may and/or may be required to collect and process your Personally Identifiable Information:
when you apply to be a registered user of the Website;
when you visit the web pages on the Website that can be accessed without the need for registration;
when you enter promotions or contests that are available to you without having to be a registered user of the Website; or
when you use the online services available on the Website (the "Online Services").
CGS-CIMB also automatically receives and records information from your browser on our server logs including but not limited to your Internet protocol address, cookie information and the page you requested
CGS-CIMB uses the Personally identifiable Information:
to facilitate your access to the Website or your use of the Online Services;
to customize and personalise the content of the web page that you see;
to fulfill your requests for the Online Services; and
to evaluate your preferences and facilitate future works on the Website.
Your Personally Identifiable Information will not be sold or otherwise transferred to unaffiliated third parties without your approval at the time of collection. At such point of collection, you will have the opportunity to indicate whether you would like to "opt out" of receiving promotional and/or marketing information about other products, services and offerings from CGS-CIMB and/or any third parties.
However, CGS-CIMB reserves the right to contact you regarding matters such as account status, changes to the subscriber agreement and other matters relevant to the Online Services and/or the Personally Identifiable Information collected.
CGS-CIMB also reserves the right to perform statistical analysis of user behavior and characteristics in order to measure interest in and use of the various areas of the site and to inform advertisers of such information as well as the number of users that have been exposed to or clicked on their advertising banners. CGS-CIMB may sell or provide aggregated data from these analysis to third parties.
CGS-CIMB will send Personally Identifiable Information about you to other companies or people when:
We have your consent to share the information;
We need to share your information in order to provide the Online Services or other services that you have requested; and
We are compelled by any law, court order, legal process or regulatory authority to disclose your Personal Identifiable Information to third parties.
Except as provided in paragraph 3.3, CGS-CIMB will not sell or rent your Personally Identifiable Information to anyone.
"Cookies" are small text files a website can use to recognize repeat users, facilitate the user's ongoing access to and use of the website and allow a website to track usage behavior and compile aggregate data that will allow content improvements and targeted advertising. Cookies are not programs that come onto a user's system and damage files. Generally, cookies work by assigning a unique number to the user that has no meaning outside the assigning site.
CGS-CIMB may set and access CGS-CIMB cookies on your computer.
CGS-CIMB allows other companies that are presenting advertisements on some of our pages to set and access their cookies on your computer. The use of cookies by such companies is subject to their own privacy policies, not this one. Advertisers or other companies do not have access to CGS-CIMB's cookies.
If you do not want any information about yourself to be collected through the use of cookies, there is a simple procedure in most browsers that allows you to deny or accept the cookie feature. However, please note that if you do this, certain features (e.g., customized delivery of information) available on the Website may not be available to you.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Chris Mallula 570-847-5808 for more info. Tranquility, privacy and spectacular views of the Susquehanna Valley surround this fabulous home. My favorite things: huge master bedroom with BIG closets and en suite bath, a fantastic, spacious kitchen with granite work surfaces, a bonus room perfect for play, music, exercise or crafts, a sun room that opens to A SALT WATER POOL, a dining room big enough for all your special occasions, sky lights AND a fireplace in the family room, an office with WINDOWS, and BIG windows, windows, windows, everywhere! This move-in ready home sits on 2.2 acres and is in the Lewisburg School District. Schedule your home tour with 24 hr notice, please.


text:
Fortunes that could have been made by ground-floor investing in these tech giants
Investing involves considering a lot of "what ifs." When looking at the meteoric rise of tech stocks, investors wonder about the vast sums of money they could have amassed, if they just saw the opportunity at the time. The five following tech stocks all have enjoyed similar rides to the top, but investing in each would have had different results.
Apple: From Niche Computing To Reinventing Communication
Apple is the most valuable company in the world, soon to be the first trillion-dollar business ever. If you invested $10,000 in the company's initial public offering (IPO) in 1980, you'd have close to $5 million today. The next company is relatively new but has made global financial waves.
Alibaba: China's Global Tech Giant
There once was a time—not very long ago—when China and free market capitalism seemed like an unlikely pair. But, with a population of 1.3 billion and growing, consumers demanded tech services. Alibaba's IPO was held just in 2014, but a $10,000 investment then would be worth $28,240— a 282% increase.
Amazon: The Second Most Valuable Company In The World
Amazon's stock price has been riding high like a rocket ship for several years. The business has revolutionized how we shop and influenced how we consume entertainment. A $10,000 investment in 1997 at its IPO would be worth $11 million today. That'd buy a lot of toilet paper, paperbacks and Amazon Echos.
Google: From Search Engines To Digital Advertising
Now called Alphabet, Google is the search engine, map provider, and home assistant company we all use all the time. Most of Google's revenue comes from advertising, which continues to fuel tech company growth. A $10,000 investment in 2004 would be worth over $400,000 today, a smaller but still insanely good return on investment.
Microsoft: Personal Computing Pioneer
The second oldest IPO on our list, Microsoft helped start the PC revolution in the 1980s. After slumping a bit in 2012—when the company posted its first-ever loss after failing to capitalize on mobile—Microsoft has bounced back as a profitable market leader with its cloud and business services. $10,000 back in 1986 would be worth $14 million today.


Respected. Diligent. Winning. Never Gives Up. Experienced Trial Expert.
Horne Slaton, PLLC, in Scottsdale, Arizona, represents clients in family, commercial, criminal, and appellate litigation. In the commercial context we have successfully represented clients in complex cases involving real estate, construction, breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, homeowners' association duties and professional liability.
The attorneys at Horne Slaton, also have extensive experience before the Arizona Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. In the family law context we have successfully represented clients in complex disputes over multi-million dollar businesses and other high net worth community estate litigation, as well as highly contested custody disputes. In the criminal context we have defended clients in complex felony cases involving white collar fraud as well as a variety of other serious felony charges. Our appellate experience is in all of these areas and we have appealed cases on the state and federal level all the way up to the United States Supreme Court.
Our clients are corporations, companies and individuals in construction, real estate, financial services, technology and other industries. We also represent homeowners building new homes or remodeling homes, and individuals buying real estate or buying or selling businesses. Commercial litigation is a broad area that encompasses a variety of disputes that are resolved in civil courts, on appeal or before administrative agencies. The common skills are the ability to conduct discovery, understand and follow procedures, and present the clients' case in written and oral advocacy. The attorneys at Horne Slaton have decades of combined experience doing just that. We are located at the gateway to Paradise Valley, at the intersection of Lincoln Drive and Scottsdale Road, with one of the best views of Camelback Mountain around, Yet, we serve clients throughout Arizona and even in other states where our expertise is sought out on difficult cases. In cases involving other jurisdictions, when the need arises, we associate pro hac vice (with local counsel), where we are not licensed.
When you are seeking legal representation, you want a sure hand guiding you through the process, confident of success. Experience matters. With decades of combined experience, the attorneys at Horne Slaton have tackled some of the most difficult and complicated cases in construction, real estate, commercial, family, criminal, and appeals.
Our practice also includes complex divorce matters of all types and appeals. Many clients who are going through a divorce do not realize that they are also involved in a complex civil litigation case involving valuation of businesses and real estate and the tracing and identification of assets. With experience in both complex civil litigation and domestic relations, the firm is uniquely able to represent clients in high net worth divorce cases. Sandra leads the Firm's criminal defense practice. If you need an advocate on your side when facing criminal charges, Horne Slaton's attorneys and staff work together to provide an aggressive defense of your legal and constitutional rights.
If you are in need of an aggressive, knowledgeable, fearless, and passionate team, reach out to us to discuss the best overall solutions to the problem you face. Call 480-448-6851 or contact us online.


Of the 50,260 law professionals employed in North Carolina, 3,550 work in Kenansville. Between 2006 and 2010, in Kenansville, there has been a 12% growth in the number of law professionals. As the number of law professionals in Kenansville has increased, overall employment in Kenansville has also increased.
Salaries for law professionals in Kenansville have increased. Kenansville law professionals made $40,269 per year, on average, in 2010. Four years earlier in 2006, the average salary for law professionals in Kenansville was $37,053 per year. This growth is slower than the salary trend for all careers in Kenansville.
Kenansville law professionals earn a median yearly salary of $37,690. The 10% of law professionals in the lowest pay bracket earn less than $25,055 per year, while those in the highest pay bracket earn approximately 137% higher salaries.
On average law professional salaries in Kenansville are lower than salaries earned by their professional counterparts in related professions.
Many of Kenansville's law professionals are graduates of the only accredited law school in the city.
There is one degree and certificate program in law offered by Kenansville's law school.
In 2010 approximately 6 students completed law courses.
We are in the process of collecting data for the number of law faculty, growth in the field of law academia and law faculty salaries in Kenansville. Your anonymous submission of information regarding your career and salary will help us create a valuable career planning database for the benefit of law faculty at the certificate in law, and associates degree in law levels in Kenansville. Once you have submitted your information an outline of the data we have collected up until now will be available for you to view.


Moxy - High-response, high-transparency, and high transparency. Our shield stands up against heavy duty impact allowing you to be a little more daring with your device! Real touch Sensitivity gives a more natural feel that truly provides impeccable touch screen precision for media viewing, scrolling, texting, dialing and gaming.
Your phone will not lose any screen sensitivity. Don't pay hundreds in repair costs. Product features9H hardness, 033mm thickness & 2. 5d anti-chip curved edge: protects your mobile smartphone device from damage caused by scratches, dirt, scuffs, or finger prints. Anti-fingerprint Oleophobic Coating magically resists oils and reduces fingerprint residue.
Apple IPhone 6 / 6s Moxy® Shield TEMPERED Glass Screen Protector Lifetime Warranty + 9H Scratch Resistant + TruTouch Accuracy + Easy Alignment + Grade A Japanese Glass & Clarity 3D Touch Compatible - Thinner protectors offer less durability. Moxy tempered glass protectors have a surface hardness of 9H. Compatible with: iphone 6s - precise laser cut tempered glass made with polished, 2. 5d rounded edges. Package includes: one tempered glass Protector, Dust removal sheet, Alcohol Pad, MicroFiber Cloth, Alignment Stickers.
Electronic Silk Road Corp B074GWQMRS - Esr lifetime warranty★★:esr provides you with professional customer service and the iPhone X screen protector is supported by ESR's Lifetime Warranty. Please note:the screen protector provides the maximum protection for the iPhone Xs and iPhone X's FLAT touchscreen. Specifically designed for the Apple iPhone 5.
8''. Of force and protects your iPhone Xs/X screen from damage. Face id compatible:precisely cut for the iphone Xs/X; creating ZERO interference with Face ID. The space between iphone Xs/X and the screen protector enables the proper space for the installation of most phone cases. Easy installation: the installation frame enables perfect alignment of the protector.
ESR 2-Pack Screen Protector for iPhone Xs/iPhone X, iPhone iPhone Xs/iPhone X Tempered Glass Screen Protector Force Resistant Up to 22 Pounds Case Friendly for iPhone 5.8 inch2017&2018 Release - The cleaning cloth and dust remover give you a bubble and dust free application. 5x stronger:5 times of tempered time, this iPhone Xs/X screen protector can withstand 22lbs.
ImpactStrong i6gunblack - Our products endure an extensive quality assurance program so that every product we sell stands for what we believe in. Impactstrongusa - life style Accessories We believe in giving our customers the best quality cases for their smartphone. Our extreme heavy duty case fits the iphone 6, iphone 6S, features a balance between protection and style, offers a hard exterior for extra durability, and still gives you full access to your phone's best features.
Not only that, but it's shock resistant so even if you have an accident you'll protect your smartphones inner workings. From texting to facetime, and grocery lists to your daily calendar, they keep track of your life. The 4 raised edges with a maximum height of 08 mm protect the back of the case. Impactstrongusa extreme heavy duty cases are always setting the bar for style and stability with our ultra vibrant colors, unique slim designs and made with premium materials.
iPhone 6 / 6s Case, ImpactStrong Heavy Duty Dual Layer Extreme Protection Cover Heavy Duty Case for Apple iPhone 6 / 6s Gun Black - That's why it's more important than ever to keep them looking and working perfectly. They let you connect with family, friends and work all with the touch of a few buttons. Triple-layer protection: the best type of protection for your iPhone 6/6s, period! Constructed out of a "no stretch" soft TPU case + integrated shock absorbing tech + extra hard polycarbonate back plate.
. Easy access ports: ensures ultimate connectivity, buttons, our extra large openings allow easy access to all ports, and camera.


text:
GOP Senators Demand Tillerson Expel Cuban Diplomats Over Attacks
September 15, 2017 Brendan Clarey 9
(Brendan Clarey, Liberty Headlines) Five Republican senators have asked Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to close Cuba's embassy and expel all Cuban diplomats from the United States.
Rex Tillerson/Photo by William Munoz
This comes in the wake of secret sonic attacks that left more than twenty American and Canadian diplomats staying in Cuba with permanent hearing or brain damage.
Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Richard Burr (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and James Lankford (R-OK) all signed a letter asking the Tillerson to retaliate against Cuba for the attacks.
"We write today concerning the injuries sustained by multiple U.S. diplomatic personnel posted to the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba," the letter said. "Our officials and their families have been the targets of unacceptable levels of harassment and 'acoustic' attacks that, in some cases, have caused permanent hearing damage and other significant injuries."
PREVIOUSLY: US Diplomats Seriously Injured by Covert Sonic Device in Cuba
The Senators emphasize the need to protect American diplomats and respond in kind to the attacks.
"The safety of U.S. diplomatic personnel and their families posted overseas remains one of our high priorities and a shared responsibility of those nations that host U.S. diplomatic facilities," the letter continued.
"We urge you to remind the Cuban government of its obligation and to demand that it take verifiable action to remove these threats to our personnel and their families. Furthermore, we ask that you immediately declare all accredited Cuban diplomats in the United States persona non grata and, if Cuba does not take tangible action, close the U.S. Embassy in Havana."
The letter concluded: "Cuba's neglect of its duty to protect our diplomats and their families cannot go unchallenged. We appreciate your attention to this important national security matter and look forward to your timely response."
State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert told Fox News that there are at least 21 diplomats that have been diagnosed with some symptoms of the weapon, and there is a possibility the number might go up.
"They continue to undergo tests," Nauert said, noting that personnel "are able to leave Havana, leave Cuba, and return back home if they wish."
"The investigation into all of this is still underway," she told Fox News. "It is an aggressive investigation that continues, and we will continue doing this until we find out who or what is responsible for this."
Cuban president Raul Castro has denied responsibility for the attacks. Castro spoke with diplomats directly, the AP reported.
The attacks started late last year and were first reported to the Cuban government in February this year, according to the New York Times, but since then more diplomats have been diagnosed with similar symptoms.
The State Department released a vague statement earlier this summer after removing two Cuban diplomats from the Washington embassy in May. Subsequent State Department press briefings revealed that at least 16 Americans were affected by the weapon without pointing any blame at the Cuban government.
"As a general matter, I know that various governments have seen that kind of behavior from the Cuban Government in the past. But again, we're not assigning responsibility at this point. We don't know who the perpetrator was of these incidents," Nauert told reporters in August.
"The investigation is ongoing and we will continue to try to find the source of these incidents and the perpetrator," she said at the time.
Cuban officials have invited the FBI to investigate, a surprising gesture from a historically antagonistic nation, the AP reported.
Tags: Cuba, James Lankford, John Cornyn, Marco Rubio, Raul Castro, Rex Tillerson, Richard Burr, State Department, Tom Cotton


Revised on 7/30/09 to include design info - sorry for the delay!
Hello stampers! I hope you are having a great weekend so far! For today's card, I kept it very simple (for me) and just went with the layout sketch at shown. The only thing I changed was the number of brads on the focal point image.
I am having internet issues so I'll be back later today to give you all the details and measurements for my card. But in the meantime, you can head on over to the Stamping 411 Blog and check out what the other Design Team members created and see the basic set of measurements for this project. I sure to hope you'll play along with us this week! We love to see your creations!
Well, I came back here on Sunday afternoon to revise my post and after spending 20 minutes writing all the details, Blogger had an "unexpected error" and shut down on me. It did not save any of my changes and being more than a little frustrated, I had to "step away from the computer" or it was going out the window - kwim?
Anyway, this card used very basic measurements the Old Olive card base is folded to make a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card. The Whisper White layer is cut at 4" x 5 1/4". The white piece for the focal point is cut at 2" x 2 1/4" (same size as the wood block for the stamp) and the olive layer is cut at 2 1/4" x 2 1/2".
Okay you've convinced me to pull out some Christmas Stamps. I love the new color for a twist. Perfect!


Villa Piccola Siena v Siena, Itálie: Zarezervujte nyní!
Our experience in hospitality will to make you fall in love deeply with our beautiful land.
Our staff, composed by receptionists, guides and experts, is always at disposal to provide you with the best services you might need or require.
Its strategic location makes it possible to easily reach both the art and historical attractions of the town centre and the beautiful Sienese countryside.
Their discreet elegance will make you feel almost at home, making you forget you are staying in a lodge. Every effort has been done to give you this warm feeling of welcome.
In every room it's possible to connect to the Internet with ADSL through a PC station that will allow you, with a special card to be required at the Reception Desk, to use the computer and to navigate as long as you want, for the whole length of your stay.
The service always includes the usage of the lodge private parking and the morning buffet breakfast. Our affiliated restaurant offers the chance of half board or full board with fish and meat traditional Tuscan cuisine plus pizza at lunch and dinner.
Villa Piccola Siena offers every room with a private bathroom with shower, equipped with every modern comfort, such as satellite TV, air conditioning, telephone, safety box and mini bar.


text:
Volume 9, Issue 12
Realist evaluation of UK medical education quality assurance
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8744-930XPaul Crampton1,2,
Leila Mehdizadeh2,
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1932-9925Michael Page3,
Laura Knight2,
Ann Griffin2
1 Health Professions Education Unit, Hull York Medical School, York, UK
2 Research Department for Medical Education, UCL, London, UK
3 Institute for Health Sciences Education, QMUL, London, UK
Correspondence to Professor Ann Griffin; a.griffin{at}ucl.ac.uk
Objectives The aim of the study was to explore what components of the General Medical Council's (GMC) Quality Assurance Framework work, for whom, in what circumstances and how?
Setting UK undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and training.
Participants We conducted interviews with a stratified sample of 36 individuals. This included those who had direct experiences, as well as those with external insights, representing local, national and international organisations within and outside medicine.
Intervention The GMC quality assure education to protect patient and public safety utilising complex intervention components including meeting standards, institutional visits and monitoring performance. However, the context in which these are implemented matters. We undertook an innovative realist evaluation to test an initial programme theory. Data were analysed using framework analysis.
Results Across components of the intervention, we identified key mechanisms, including transparent reporting to promote quality improvement; dialogical feedback; partnership working facilitating interactions between regulators and providers, and role clarity in conducting proportionate interventions appropriate to risk. The GMC's framework was commended for being comprehensive and enabling a broad understanding of an organisation's performance. Unintended consequences included confusion over roles and boundaries in different contexts which often undermined effectiveness.
Conclusions This realist evaluation substantiates the literature and reveals deeper understandings about quality assuring medical education. While standardised approaches are implemented, interventions need to be contextually proportionate. Routine communication is beneficial to verify data, share concerns and check risk; however, ongoing partnership working can foster assurance. The study provides a modified programme theory to explicate how education providers and regulators can work more effectively together to uphold education quality, and ultimately protect public safety. The findings have influenced the GMC's approach to quality assurance which impacts on all medical students and doctors in training.
quality in health care
This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033614
Strengths and limitations of this study
The study is underpinned by a sound team-based reflexive analysis and is the first in-depth realist evaluation of quality assurance in the healthcare context.
The study fills a critical knowledge gap on quality assurance and the findings have influenced the General Medical Council's approach which impacts on all medical students and doctors in training.
To enhance the transferability of our findings, we collected qualitative data from a large number of UK and international based expert stakeholders within and outside medicine.
A limitation is that the study is specific in its UK focus and focuses on the General Medical Council.
Furthermore, the study did not analyse the impact of outcome data (eg, National Training Survey, Care Quality Commission data) to understand links between quality assurance and intervention components.
Healthcare regulators quality assure education and protect public safety utilising complex intervention components including setting standards, institutional visits and monitoring performance. However, the context in which these components are implemented matters.1–3 Within undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and training, the taught curriculum integrates with workplace-based experiential learning. Consequently, education environments range from structured classrooms in university contexts to clinical placements within shifting healthcare structures across primary and secondary care. Therefore, the challenge for regulators is to mediate the quality of education and training across these spaces in order to assure the public that education and training is safe, that all medical students are prepared for practice and that all trainee doctors are fit to practise.
In the UK context, the General Medical Council (GMC) regulator work closely with other organisations to secure its standards, using a three-tier model. The GMC (tier 1, quality assurance (QA)), has an overarching responsibility to hold undergraduate and postgraduate training bodies to account for meeting standards. These bodies (tier 2, quality management) organise, manage, commission and sometimes deliver medical education. They also manage quality in local education providers (LEPs), where students and trainees are placed, such as trusts, health boards, general practices and other clinical settings. The LEPs (tier 3, quality control) have processes to ensure satisfactory clinical placements, and that their organisation provides an appropriate learning environment. Medical Royal Colleges work with the GMC to ensure their curricula and assessments are fit for purpose, inform specialty and postgraduate programme delivery, and have local systems to support training.
The GMC has a multifaceted intervention to examine the quality of medical education and training provision, known as the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF, figure 1). The intervention includes the following components: setting standards, approving education settings, monitoring activities including self-assessment and enhanced monitoring, visits, sharing evidence with other regulators and identifying good practice.4 The QAF operates across the three-tier model that is, between the regulator (eg, GMC), organisational provider bodies (eg, medical schools) and local service delivery organisations (eg, hospitals, general practice).
The intervention: Quality Assurance Framework.
A range of approaches can be implemented to assure education quality, from heavily arbitrated measures to informal uncontrolled processes. Existing education QA research is sparse and tends to come from the field of school-based and higher education.5 6 While exploring the mechanisms of action of school inspections,5 a theory stated that regulatory activities associated with improvement include: setting standards, the provision of feedback, employing a system of sanctions and rewards, monitoring schools by the collection of information and public accountability. However, more research is needed to understand within the healthcare context how QA can protect patients. Despite large amounts of resources dedicated to education QA, there remains a lack of clear evidence. QA takes place within varied and complex social environments. For this reason, the same intervention can impact on individuals, teams and organisations in different ways.7 8 Although there are intended consequences explicit in the QAF design, the implicit underlying drivers of these are not clear.
Specific aim
The study aim was to explore what components of the GMC's QAF work, for whom, in what circumstances and how?
Conceptual framework: realist evaluation
We chose realist methodology because of a focus on four theoretically constructed and inter-related questions: what works, for whom, in what circumstances and how?9–11 This results in generative causation, about how QAF components operate, offering an assessment of whether they work, as well as why. In the results, we explore the complex configuration links between contexts (where, when and with whom the activity takes place), components (different activities applied to assure quality), mechanisms (underlying processes for why the activity is/is not effective) and outcomes (intended and unintended consequences).12 Our methods follow the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards 212 reporting guidelines (for full report, see Griffin et al).13
Initial programme theory
We developed an initial programme theory (figure 2) based on existing literature, the GMC's approach to QA and research team insight (see the Reflexivity section). We positioned the QAF as consisting of various components which we then explored to answer our study aim. Each component triggers multiple responses when applied in certain contexts with underpinning resources. Our programme theory postulated that within undergraduate, postgraduate and LEP contexts, the QAF led to improved quality and protected the public through exploiting regulatory influence, guidance and supporting organisations, leading to compliance, resistance, relationships and empowerment.
Initial programme theory. NHS, National Health Service.
Sampling and recruitment
Stratified purposive sampling was used to test our theory with stakeholders. We targeted those who were familiar with the QAF, labelled in the study as QA partners (QAPs); as well as those with outsider perceptions of how the framework is positioned in society (eg, other regulators) and broader regulation contexts (eg, education). These spanned organisations both inside and outside healthcare, including internationally; collectively labelled as non-QA partners (non-QAPs). See table 1 for the list of QAPs.
Demographic information of the participant organisations
Our realist position acknowledged that stakeholders each had partial knowledge of the intervention, therefore to fully explore research questions we included policy-makers, implementers and recipients.14 Following email invitations, non-responders received two reminders. Aligned to realist evaluation,15 participants were given the opportunity to review project materials prior to participation via a 15 min informational video.
To test our programme theory, we undertook semi-structured interviews to explore underlying processes triggered by QA components (online supplementary file 1). We tested a number of candidate theories to explore the underlying ways in which the intervention was intended to be successful. For example, to test theories on the impact of generalisability and utility,16 we asked: "Some hold the view that organisational self-assessment is not a reliable process, what do you think?", and "What would happen if the medical regulator (GMC) did no organisational visiting?" We designed questions with different foci appropriate to participants,15 for QAPs and non-QAPs. Additionally, researchers probed for reasoning when participants gave limited responses. Interview questions were piloted with a QA manager within our own medical school. Very minor changes were required to enhance clarity, appropriateness and sense-making. All interviews were conducted one-to-one apart from two, where two people from the same organisation were present to provide comprehensive responses. Telephone/Skype interviews were conducted by four members of the team (AG, PC, LM, MP), audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants were geographically dispersed across the world therefore face-to-face interviews were not feasible.
[bmjopen-2019-033614supp001.pdf]
Data were analysed following the stages of framework analysis.17 This approach was followed due to its retroductive inductive-deductive nature to test initial theory while identifying emerging Context, Mechanism and Outcomes (CMOs) configurations. For familiarisation, two researchers each read one transcript and then made notes to identify CMO configurations (Total: 5 researchers × 5 transcripts). All researchers met to discuss similarities and differences across the transcripts including recurrent CMO configurations. We then developed a coding framework, consistently applied to each transcript. Five researchers coded data using NVivo,18 with frequent progress meetings.
Reflexivity
Prior to analysis, individual members completed a written reflexive exercise which highlighted prior dispositions towards the research, and were then discussed collectively. The team consisted of practitioners, academics and researchers from medical and social science background disciplines, with QA knowledge ranging novice-expert.19 Team members were vastly experienced in qualitative methods20 21 and had previously applied a realist lens to understand complex interventions in healthcare education.22
Patient and public involvement
Given the focus on regulator-medical provider interactions in this study, patients and the public were not involved in the design, data collection or data analysis.
Following ethical approval, we conducted interviews with 36 individuals representing 34 different organisations between July and September 2018 (table 1) to produce a considerable amount of data: 35 hours, 27 min. Interviews ranged between 48 and 88 min, mean=63. The sample represented regional, national (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales) and international stakeholders within and outside medicine (figure 3). There were 12 QAPs and 22 non-QAPs, with 27 (79%) of these from the UK and 7 (21%) international, representing Asia, North America and Europe. Participants often held senior roles such as chief executives and quality leads.
Stakeholder groups. QA, quality assurance.
Main findings
We present findings which verify, refute and challenge our initial programme theory (themes 1–4), leading to the development of our modified programme theory. Contexts, mechanisms and outcomes are labelled as [C], [M] and [O], respectively. CMO configurations, resources and responses are identified and illustrated across themes.
Theme 1: quality standards
Standards defined the level at which a provider needs to function to reach certain outcomes, for example, meeting minimum standards. Key mechanisms triggered by co-construction of setting standards included compliance, clarification, flexibility and adherence. Undergraduate and postgraduate QAPs responded to the regulators standards by inclusion in their own policies. The standards also provided QAPs with leverage to push forward changes at institutions:
I think, a very positive element [O], is that it [standards] has allowed UK medical schools [C] within the framework to differ in how they implement that framework…So I think as well as having the rigour of what must be done, it allows for a degree of flexibility [M]. (HealthMedINT1)
We reference them [the standards] in our…internal policies. (QAUG19)
However, the standards had unintended consequences as their presence sometimes created confusion, particularly in the postgraduate context due to lack of clarity. In some instances, organisations had their own standards to assess educational quality, resulting in confusion:
I suspect [postgraduate organisation] ignores them [standards] because they've come up with their own quality framework. (QAPG33)
Our biggest concerns [O] really are not so much the standards as the sort of processes that by which the GMC [C] will check that our curricula are… comply with those standards [M]. And I think on that, you know, looking back now I can see that there was a certain ambiguity [M] in how the GMC were going to approach this and I'm not sure that they ever resolved it as the standards were being developed [O]. (QARC3)
Prescriptive, rigid and inflexible standards prevented providers from being adaptable to need and innovation. For example, standards which focus on particular aspects (eg, student diversity) detracted attention from other areas of need (eg, widening participation). Conversely, less binding standards (eg, not detailing specific teaching methods) triggered mechanisms of ambiguity, openness and flexibility creating too much variation in education across contexts and producing new risks to quality. Misalignment between different quality standards caused frustration. For example, a LEP was deemed to be clinically outstanding but was also found to be inadequate for educational quality by a different regulator. Local pressures were seen to inhibit postgraduate partners' abilities to follow standards, suggesting that in the 'real world', applicability of standards was sometimes questionable:
A lot of LEPs take our students [C], but they [LEPs] can quite readily tell us [medical school] to take them away as well [O], if we're very strict with them about meeting certain standards and certain criteria [M]. (QAUG5)
Theme 2: sanctions and approvals
We identified that organisational culture affects approaches to sanctions, and so an 'acceptable sanction' was contingent on risk. However in different contexts, should supportive measures be inadequate then the most severe sanction of withdrawn approval should remain. The 'ultimate sanction of power' (QAPG28) was regarded to fulfil its intended consequence, that is, to protect patient safety, but also had unintended consequences to reinforce the medical regulator's authority and subsequently motivate providers to address problems. There was a firm belief that a severe sanction should rarely need to be enforced if other QA components (eg, self-assessment) are effective.
It's [sanctions] a bit of a lightning rod situation, but I think it [closing medical school] should remain as the ultimate sanction [O]…If trust management realised for example that they wouldn't lose their trainees as a result of not providing a safe and effective training environment [M]… I think [it would] slip further down their list of priorities [O]. (QARC24)
The effectiveness of regulatory approvals in the undergraduate and postgraduate context varied. In undergraduate contexts, it was described as time-consuming examining both curriculum and staff capabilities. However, in the postgraduate context the process and need for QA was not as clear. Non-QAPs felt that it was important that mechanisms were in place to periodically review approvals. For instance:
[The thoroughness] enabled them [regulator] to make a decision on our suitability to proceed. (QAUG29)
what if the trainee goes for 1 week, but it's only 1 week out of a 1 year placement, do they need to get that site approved? (QAPG12)
We don't link approvals and quality very strongly [C]…we go to the GMC and we say, can we put some doctors here please? And the GMC go, yes. But there's an implication in doing that that because we're asking, we're going to quality manage that particular set of placements [M]. And we do, but not explicitly and not formally [O]. (QAPG16)
Theme 3: collecting information: visits, monitoring and self-assessment
Institutional visits were positioned as a key component as they triggered internal reviews and reflection, subsequently motivating organisations to improve quality. Working collaboratively engendered trust with open and honest dialogue which was considered crucial in effecting change. Meaningful dialogue and collaboration were important and that was achieved through having high quality, 'respected' (EducationINT32) trained visitor teams:
I was prepared to be completely open and honest with the GMC…If [visits] are going to be effective, relationship building is actually more important than what you're doing collecting evidence. (HealthMedUK21)
The QAF includes a range of monitoring data collection processes such as: data from the National Training Survey (NTS); monitoring including enhanced monitoring; self-assessment; and visits. The NTS surveys all doctors in training which facilitated increased transparency, accountability and risk-identification. The resources provided by the survey could lead to invaluable outcomes to examine training differences, make evidence-informed decisions and pinpoint training issues. However, multiple sources of data were sometimes regarded as conflictual, obscuring the overall picture of education quality.
At the moment, they're [GMC] looking [at] trainee burnout [C]. So they're generating all this data at the moment and I don't think they're clear about what they're going to do with it [M], and my concern is they will just dump it on us for us to fix, and I don't think we can [O]. (QAPG10)
The component of requiring self-assessment triggered many different mechanisms in different contexts. For regulators, it generated reflective internally-led processes. The reasons for this were around connectivity between regulators and providers:
[self-assessment] a really fundamental part of what we do, and we place a massive… emphasis on that. (EducationUK17)
this is the way [self-assessment] an institution connects itself with given standards (EducationINT32)
to work constructively with the provider…being the start of a peer review process (HealthNon-MedINT11)
Whereas, for those who were being quality assured, the formality of written self-assessment inhibited open disclosure as it was laborious and seen more as an audit. Validity and reliability was also raised as perceptions of lack of feedback from the regulator also undermined self-assessment.
I think you're more likely to hear genuine issues, genuine things that need to be fixed, if you speak to people informally and off the record (QAPG6)
It [self-assessment] forms part of it[assuring quality] and it's a very strong part of it, but I wouldn't necessarily use it [self-assessment] in isolation (HealthMedUK23)
We are encouraging of institutions identifying challenges [C]. So if an institution is very open and honest [M], even into what might be quite a delicate area, saying this has been a challenge for us [C] and we're working away on it and we're doing the following things. Provided that their plan of action is a good one and that it's being conducted in a timely manner that would be reported on in a positive light [O]. (HealthNonMedUK9)
Theme 4: reporting—accountability, dissemination, good practice
A patient safety outcome response identified from external reporting was to build public confidence. Publicly available outputs fostered accountability to illustrate how providers are low-risk thus requiring less scrutiny. Insufficient reporting and feedback (in terms of timeliness, quantity and quality) fostered outcomes of devaluing time and effort, and subsequent disengagement. Risk context was also important to determine the effectiveness of intervention components. Informal partnerships were highlighted as critical to assuring quality.
I think the transparency in publications are important because it involves or it makes things clear and open to all stakeholders. (QAPG28)
I think what having it public does, is it creates some pressure and accountability [M] on both the accreditor and the accrediting body [C] to focus on the outcomes and to show progress against conditions [O]. (HealthMedINT13)
Working in partnership with regulators was instrumental, it has a significant effect on driving change in trusts (HealthedUK21)
When feedback mechanisms triggered included collaboration and openness, this fostered informal working partnerships leading to a raft of positive outcomes including awareness, sharing knowledge and quality improvement. Rapport over time helped provider's develop trust to report concerns. Here, the positioning of regulator-provider context, moved from accountability quality-checker to collaborative problem-solver. Spreading good practice was contextually variable.
The institution needs to take that genuine look at it, and spend the time genuinely evaluating and genuinely creating action plans…an institution that is good at critical self-reflection will tend to address problems before, or potential problems, before they become actual problems [O]. (EducationUK17)
What works for one school may not work for other [O] …So, you don't want people to blindly be saying oh, let's do that, because that's going to be good practice here [M]… Because education in programs do vary [C] (HealthNon-MedUK18)
Subsequently, motivation reaction was low to implement changes based on other organisations' examples of good practice. Reports were deemed most helpful when they included action plans accessible to lay audiences.
We undertook a realist evaluation to explore UK medical education QA. We found that intervention components support or undermine QA for different organisations, and at different times in undergraduate (for medical students) and postgraduate (for trainees) contexts. In the results we revealed that although interventions were often implemented uniformly in undergraduate and postgraduate contexts, the impact of these varied with some leading to positive and negative outcomes. We tested our initial programme theory (themes 1–4) to develop a modified programme theory.
Across the three-tier model we identified that the undergraduate and postgraduate context were influential. For example, in the undergraduate context, the leverage brokered by the regulator was often associated with directive features enabling local changes. Whereas in the postgraduate context, this power was often lost and diffused across education layers. Predominantly in the postgraduate trainee context, interventions led to unintended consequences (eg, organisation disengagement) if an intervention promoted adherence at the cost of autonomy, subsequently triggering a lack of motivation (theme 1). An underlying mechanism identified to ensure an inclusive approach to QA was partnership working (themes 3–4). In the undergraduate context, provider-regulator engagement was sometimes not present, typically when there was a lack of informal relationships. In theme 3, visits were identified as a component that could better foster partnerships; so long as they were conducted with integrity, meaning and purpose.
Collectively across themes 1–4, the QAF was commended for being comprehensive and enabling a broad understanding of an organisation's performance. Internally-led processes with organisations identifying and addressing their own challenges and deficiencies, when done well, promoted a sense of autonomy and accountability (theme 3). The main unintended QAF consequences fell broadly into two outcomes, those related to the overlap across the three tiers (themes 1–2) and those related to the regulatory burden associated with data-driven approaches with a lack of transparency on why and how data were used (themes 3–4). A blurring of roles and boundaries of multiple organisations between patient safety, medical education and training was identified.
The influence and power of the regulator was continually picked up across the components (themes 1–4) which triggered mechanisms including transparent reporting to promote quality improvement, effective communication, trust and partnership working facilitating interactions between regulators, partners and providers. Proportionate reactions in the face of disclosing and identifying patient safety risks at an early stage were more likely to occur within a positive trusting regulator-provider context underpinned by openness. Likewise, an organisation that self-assessed critically was reported to give regulators confidence in the institution.
Modified programme theory
The findings informed a modified programme theory to explain the underlying processes for the intended and unintended consequences of how the GMC quality assures education in various contexts (figure 4). The modified programme theory conceptualises CMO configurations presented so that components are understood in the ways in which they may lead to positive or negative outcomes. The programme theory broadly conceptualises the differing QAP contexts as having associative or dissociate contextual features. Associative contextual features are exhibited where the QAP demonstrates adherence to the regulator's QAF, either in full or to particular components, triggering positive mechanisms and outcomes. Dissociative contextual features are where there is organisational resistance to imposed external QA triggering negative mechanisms and outcomes. Each of the QAF components can therefore be enacted differently within these different contexts. Across the three-tier model (QA, quality management and quality control), the theory demonstrates that QAF components are enacted differently depending on whether the context has associative or dissociative features, with implications for the mechanisms triggered leading to positive (eg, effecting change, contextual application of standards, partnerships) and/or negative outcomes (limited compliance, resistance, overlap).
Modified programme theory to explain the underlying process for the intended and unintended consequences of QA components. NHS, National Health Service; QA, quality assurance.
Relevance of findings and implications
The findings reinforce the QA literature highlighting trust in fostering effective working relationships to enhance feedback.1 5 We extend this further, and identified that early communication of emerging risks supports quality assurance and enhancement approaches through informal networks. Visits aid communication and build relationships, yet if lost may distance the regulator and undermine opportunities for partnership working. Informal communication provided a safe environment for providers to discuss concerns with the regulator, opposed to formal monitoring acting as a barrier.
Expanding the literature, we demonstrate that context must be considered in order for quality assurance to protect patients.23 Risk is context dependent and was perceived to be tangibly different across undergraduate and postgraduate contexts. Undergraduate medical settings were perceived as low risk and imply opportunities for greater tailoring and focus. The overlaps between quality assurance, quality management and quality control were apparent especially within the postgraduate setting with duplication and confusion of responsibilities. These findings align with a recent systematic review identifying features of failing healthcare organisations including conflicting missions, fragmented accountability and lack of collaboration.1
Collectively, this supports the need to clarify structural quality processes and how organisations are intended to function collaboratively. In the analysis, risk-based visiting positioned the regulator as quality assurer rather than quality enhancer. Equally, effective assurance is often associated with suppressing innovation.24 Moreover, the role of self-assessment24 posed a number of challenges in relation to purpose and autonomy. While institutional self-assessments can positively influence reactions to drive quality improvement, there are issues with validity, reliability and internal quality review.19 24–27
The power of the regulator impacted on the effectiveness of intervention components in multiple ways. The regulatory-burden associated with monitoring activities was considerable and disengagement ensued. Lack of feedback from the regulator was an important aetiological mechanism precipitating the situation. Similarly, negative consequences of approvals including cost, low staff morale, threats to organisation reputation and the suppression of innovation through adhering to standards has been identified.28 29 Without regulators addressing varying risk contexts, the proportionality of QA is imbalanced, leading to negative outcomes with regulators unable to effectively assure quality. Therefore, collectively considering a hybrid model of cyclical plus risk-based visiting may help to build provider relationships and drive improvement while ensuring minimum standards. Collective assurance and relationships should be encouraged so that regulators and providers can tackle issues conjointly. Flexibility in utilising other datasets within any collaborative work is a necessity and a clear stance on organisational remit and particularly boundaries, is anticipated to be a key mechanism in effective joint QA.
Strengths, limitations and future directions
To our knowledge, this is the first robust study on education QA within the healthcare context, synthesising data from stakeholders. The study fills a gap as QA remains expensive, yet its functionality is largely unexplored. The study was conducted by an experienced multidisciplinary research team applying an innovative realist approach, underpinned by a sound team-based analysis. A somewhat surprising omission from our findings is a lack of attention to the mechanism of leadership.1 23 The sample focused on processes rather than delivery perhaps contributing to such omission. Moving forward, there is a need to conduct an economic review and consult with stakeholders into what data could be shared (eg, NTS, Care Quality Commission data) to understand links to intervention components. The findings have influenced the GMC's approach to QA which impacts on all medical students and doctors in training.30
This study used a realist methodology to reveal the intended and unintended consequences of components used by the GMC to quality assure medical education, and elucidated the mechanisms by which both were brought about. While uniform approaches are often in place, interventions need to be contextually tailored. Continuous partnership working can enhance open disclosure to drive up education quality. This research has provided a modified programme theory to explicate how education providers and regulators can work more effectively together to uphold quality, and ultimately protect public safety.
We would like to thank the participants for sharing their insights, the GMC for facilitating recruitment, and Dr Graham Easton and UCL Design team for helping to produce the informational video.
Vaughn VM ,
Saint S ,
Krein SL , et al
. Characteristics of healthcare organisations struggling to improve quality: results from a systematic review of qualitative studies. BMJ Qual Saf 2019;28:74–84.doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2017-007573
General Medical Council
. Promoting excellence, 2019. Available: https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/standards-and-outcomes/promoting-excellence [Accessed 16 Jul 2019].
Vroeijenstijn AI
. Quality assurance in medical education. Acad Med 1995;70:S59–67.doi:10.1097/00001888-199507000-00021
. How we assure quality, 2019. Available: https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/how-we-quality-assure [Accessed 10 Apr 2019].
Jones K ,
Tymms P
. Ofsted's role in promoting school improvement: the mechanisms of the school inspection system in England. Oxf Rev Educ 2014;40:315–30.doi:10.1080/03054985.2014.911726
Westerheijden DF ,
Stensaker B ,
Rosa MJ
, eds. Quality assurance in higher education: Trends in regulation, translation and transformation. Vol. 20. Springer Science & Business Media, 2007.
Haji F ,
Morin M-P ,
Parker K
. Rethinking programme evaluation in health professions education: beyond 'did it work?'. Med Educ 2013;47:342–51.doi:10.1111/medu.12091
Øvretveit J ,
Gustafson D
. Evaluation of quality improvement programmes. BMJ Qual Saf 2002;11:270–5.doi:10.1136/qhc.11.3.270
Pawson R ,
Greenhalgh T ,
Harvey G , et al
. Realist review--a new method of systematic review designed for complex policy interventions. J Health Serv Res Policy 2005;10 Suppl 1:21–34.doi:10.1258/1355819054308530
Pawson R
. The science of evaluation: a realist manifesto. London: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2013.
Jones AC ,
Shipman SA ,
Ogrinc G
. Key characteristics of successful quality improvement curricula in physician education: a realist review. BMJ Qual Saf 2015;24:77–88.doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2014-002846
Wong G ,
Westhorp G ,
Manzano A , et al
. RAMESES II reporting standards for realist evaluations. BMC Med 2016;14:96.doi:10.1186/s12916-016-0643-1
Griffin A ,
Crampton P ,
Mehdizadeh L , et al
. Understanding stakeholder perspectives on the GMC's quality assurance of medical education and training. Final Report, 2018 from. Available: https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/understanding-stakeholder-perspectives-on-the-gmcs-quality-assurance-of-medical-education-and-traini.pdf?la=en&hash=14529235D9E6C99AF9B5EDA82F6848CB34D33396 [Accessed 25 Jul 2019].
Jagosh J ,
Bush PL ,
Salsberg J , et al
. A realist evaluation of community-based participatory research: partnership synergy, trust building and related ripple effects. BMC Public Health 2015;15:725.doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1949-1
Manzano A
. The craft of interviewing in realist evaluation. Evaluation 2016;22:342–60.doi:10.1177/1356389016638615
Keren G ,
De Bruin WB
. On the assessment of decision quality: Considerations regarding utility, conflict and accountability. In: Thinking: psychological perspectives on Reasoning, judgment and decision making, 2003: 347.
Ritchie J ,
Spencer L
. Qualitative data analysis for applied policy research. The qualitative researcher's companion 2002;573:305–29.
QSR International Pty Ltd
. NVivo qualitative data analysis software, 2015.
McKeown A ,
Viney R , et al
. Revalidation and quality assurance: the application of the MUSIQ framework in independent verification visits to healthcare organisations. BMJ Open 2017;7:e014121.doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014121
Knight L ,
McKeown A , et al
. A postgraduate curriculum for integrated care: a qualitative exploration of trainee paediatricians and general practitioners' experiences. BMC Med Educ 2019;19:8.doi:10.1186/s12909-018-1420-y
Rees CE ,
Kent F , et al
. Understanding students' and clinicians' experiences of informal interprofessional workplace learning: an Australian qualitative study. BMJ Open 2018;8:e021238.doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021238
Ajjawi R ,
Crampton PES ,
Rees CE
. What really matters for successful research environments? A realist synthesis. Med Educ 2018;52:936–50.doi:10.1111/medu.13643
Kaplan HC ,
Provost LP ,
Froehle CM , et al
. The model for understanding success in quality (MUSIQ): building a theory of context in healthcare quality improvement. BMJ Qual Saf 2012;21:13–20.doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2011-000010
Lang DW
. Self-Regulation with rules: lessons learned from a new quality assurance process for Ontario. Quality Assurance in Education 2015;23:216–32.
Tackett S ,
Grant J ,
Mmari K
. Designing an evaluation framework for WFME basic standards for medical education. Medical Teacher 2016;38:291–6.
Jones KL ,
Tymms P ,
Kemethofer D , et al
. The unintended consequences of school inspection: the prevalence of inspection side-effects in Austria, the Czech Republic, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. Oxf Rev Educ 2017;43:805–22.doi:10.1080/03054985.2017.1352499
Forrest C
. Inspection and improvement in three further education colleges. Research in Post-Compulsory Education 2015;20:296–314.doi:10.1080/13596748.2015.1063273
de Paor C
. The contribution of professional accreditation to quality assurance in higher education. Quality in Higher Education 2016;22:228–41.doi:10.1080/13538322.2016.1263925
Blouin D ,
Tekian A ,
Kamin C , et al
. The impact of accreditation on medical schools' processes. Med Educ 2018;52:182–91.doi:10.1111/medu.13461
. Council papers, 2019. Available: https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/council-agenda-and-papers-for-meeting-on-27-february-2019_pdf-78924314.pdf [Accessed 17 Jul 2019].
Twitter @DrAnnGriffin
Contributors AG, PC, LM and MP conceived the study design. PC and LM designed study materials and gained ethical approval. All authors collected data, contributed to data analysis. PC wrote the first draft of the manuscript with input from AG, MP, LK and LM. All authors approve the final manuscript.
Funding This study was commissioned by the GMC, project ID: GMC 822. AG was the principal investigator.
Competing interests This study was commissioned by the GMC, project ID: GMC 822. AG was the principal investigator.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Ethics approval This study was registered with UCL's data protection office on 06/06/18 and approved by UCL ethics on
15/06/18, project ID: 6281/003. All participants volunteered to take part and provided written consent.
Data were anonymised with respect to individuals and institutions.
Data availability statement No data are available. We do not have ethical permission to share raw data.
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.


Publications and reports is an advanced search engine that queries the Government of South Australia's Resource and Energy databases for published media.
The media ranges from scanned material to digital photographs and downloadable PDF files.
Note: Over 125 years worth of government and industry geoscientific data is accessible through the main menu Georeference then the Resource and Energy publications and reports tool.
To search publications and reports go to the Main Menu, select Georeference, then Resource and Energy publications and reports. Select the Search option to access the Resource and Energy Georeference Databases.
Step 5: Clicking each of these entries opens a page containing a summary of that publication. If a digital version is available, the document can be downloaded as a PDF.
Note: When a result has an entry within the Image Size (Kb) column, there is a downloadable file associated with it, usually as a PDF.
Not all publications have had digital copies uploaded into the database. An online document request form is available for non-downloadable publications.
A Global Search can be performed within a selection or all of the categories available. Each category is related to a different set of data.
All papers and reports produced by the Department can be found in this category such as MESA Journals, Brochures and Reports.
Publications produced by other South Australian Government agencies or published in external publications.
Search the database for publications and reports on the state's Plan for Accelerating Exploration (PACE).
Plans produced by the Department are located within this category, such as stratigraphic logs or well completion plans.
Photographs and images sourced from Departmental and other publications are located within this category. Full resolution images can be ordered online.
Search for mining, petroleum and geothermal exploration licence reports using company name, envelope or licence number.
Search for specific PEPRS, Tenement Assessment Reports and Environmental Reports amongst other mining reports.
Petroleum and geothermal well complete reports are located within this category.
Note: The AND operator has shorthand "&" and the OR operator has shorthand ",". These notations can be used in searches.


text:
News Coronavirus vaccine black market could threaten Australia
6:00am, May 28, 2021 Updated: 12:40pm, May 28
Coronavirus vaccine black market could threaten Australia
Experts have warned of scams around Australia's vaccine rollout, as fraudsters seek to capitalise on the pandemic. Photo: AAP
Josh Butler Political Editor
Australia could find itself at the mercy of a coronavirus vaccine black market, the Home Affairs department has warned, as rollout delays and brand preference provide fuel for fraud and scams.
Labor has demanded the federal government do more to proactively stamp out "vaccine fraud", with MP Anne Aly noting the black market is already teeming with vaccines and fake vaccine certificates.
"It's inevitable opportunists will continue to try and take advantage of the pandemic in Australia," Dr Aly said.
Vaccine maker Pfizer has also raised concerns of increased fraud around vaccines, with the Attorney-General's department worried about "fake Pfizer".
Dr Aly, a security and counter-terrorism academic before entering politics, was behind the Parliament's Joint Committee on Law Enforcement opening an inquiry into 'vaccine-related fraud and security risks'.
Numerous submissions from the Home Affairs and Attorney-General departments, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and Pfizer have warned that, while vaccine and COVID fraud has thus far been low in Australia, this could change if rollout delays continue.
"The risk of counterfeit vaccines, such as fake Pfizer vaccines, is potentially exacerbated by concerns about the AstraZeneca vaccine," said the Attorney-General's department in one submission.
Home Affairs said vaccine scams were currently – and expected to remain – low, but it was "possible" some people "may seek to acquire specific brands or fast-track their own vaccination".
The ACCC's Scamwatch service received more than 6400 COVID-related scam reports, totalling nearly $10 million in losses, in the past year.
Concerns over certain vaccines, or preferences for others, could lead to vaccine fraud. Photo: AAP
Scamwatch is now specifically warning Australians about vaccine fraud, detailing overseas scams like selling fake vaccine appointments or COVID tests, and even door-to-door fraudsters administering fake vaccines.
The ACCC's submission noted it had received about 50 reports of Australian scams related to vaccinations, an amount that may well increase as the rollout progresses.
Interpol has warned of global criminal trends in the theft of legitimate COVID vaccines, or illegal advertising of fake vaccines.
Dr Aly wants the government to do more to warn Australians of vaccine fraud.
She is fearful that, as vaccine demand increases, scams too may increase if Australians struggle to book an appointment.
"We can't be talking about vaccine safety without also talking about the security of the vaccine rollout," she told The New Daily.
"A targeted advertising campaign to encourage vaccine take up, should also include information about possible vaccine fraud including phishing emails or texts."
In its submission, Pfizer conceded the pandemic created an environment where "there will be an increase in the prevalence of fraud, counterfeit and other illicit activity" around vaccines.
The Attorney-General's department said that sudden changes to the vaccination program, like the overhaul announced to make AstraZeneca the preferred vaccine for over-50s, could create "additional opportunities for fraudsters".
"If not proactively disrupted, vaccine-related scams could undermine the speed and efficacy of Australia's vaccination program," the department said.
Home Affairs' submission said it hadn't intercepted any illicit vaccine shipments entering Australia, but was "closely" monitoring.
The department said it was possible that, as supply of vaccines increases overseas, people may look to order certain brands through an internet black market.
In its submission, the Cyber Security Co-operative Research Centre flagged Australia could be "particularly vulnerable to illegal COVID-19 black markets with one of the world's highest concentrations of dark net drug vendors per capita".
It said there had been a "sharp surge" in COVID scams worldwide since vaccination programs had begun around the world, and flagged an "urgent need" for the Australian government to address online misinformation and fraud.
Roderic Broadhurst, professor at the Australian National University's School of Regulation and Global Governance, said fake vaccines and documents like negative COVID test results were available to buy on many shadowy online marketplaces.
His submission to the inquiry said "supply shortages" were a breeding ground for scams, noting numerous websites purporting to sell leading vaccine candidates were set up to harvest personal information from buyers.
Professor Broadhurst also said such products were being advertised on social media channels like Facebook and WeChat.
Deakin University's Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics said it was "highly likely" that cyber criminals or even "hostile foreign nations" could exploit any disruptions to Australia's vaccine rollout by selling fake vaccines.
"The way vaccines work and the minimal risks associated have not been clearly understood by the general public and extra effort should be undertaken by governments at all levels to educate the public to reduce the spread of misinformation," its submission read.
Other submissions raised concerns about fake 'vaccine passports' and or vaccination proof documents, potentially as anti-vaxxers refuse a jab but wish to access the extra freedoms or travel privileges vaccinated people may potentially enjoy.
The Attorney-General's department said it was working on providing advice on scam risks, and running 'counter-fraud' workshops, but Dr Aly said more needed to be done.
"It's not just about whether the vaccine is safe to take, but also whether the security around vaccine production, storage and supply is sufficiently robust so everyone can have complete confidence," she said.
The inquiry remains ongoing, with plans to hold public hearings.
Australian Politics Coronavirus vaccine
Japanese doctors' union warns of 'Olympic virus' strain


What would a person do with Japanese treasure found in the Philippines? Can you put it in a safety deposit box? Is it hard to sell? Thanks for any input.
Stan's response: I get asked about and invited to participate in projects dealing with Yamashita's treasure nearly every week. It is definitely out there, spread out in many different parcels all over a very large area.
If you are lucky enough to locate one of the parcels, I would speak with a competent Philippean lawyer that knows about treasure hunting law. I would think that you could place it in a safe location within the country, but I don't know if it could legally be removed from the country or not. I mostly specialize in Latin America so I don't know the details with this particular case.


text:
COURAGEOUS BATTLE
Who is The Masked Singer judge Ken Jeong's wife?
David Boroff
TRAN Jeong is a Vietnamese-American family physician and a breast cancer survivor.
She is the wife of actor, comedian and The Masked Singer judge Ken Jeong.
Ken Jeong and his wife Tran Ho attend the East West Players Radiant 51st Anniversary Visionary Awards and silent auction at Hilton Universal City on April 24, 2017 in Universal City, CaliforniaCredit: Getty Images
Who is Ken Jeong's wife?
Tran Jeong is a physician who is married to television star Ken Jeong.
The pair tied the knot in 2004 and they have teen twin daughters - Zooey and Alexa.
They met at Kaiser Permanente, a health care facility in California where both worked as doctors.
Ken Jeong is also a licensed physician.
Tran was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 after she found a lump in her breast while breast feeding their twin daughters.
Ken Jeong and Tran Jeong attend the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2019 in Los AngelesCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Her husband told People magazine in 2019 that Tran was cancer free.
Is Ken Jeong also a doctor?
Jeong worked as a practicing physician until he found fame in Hollywood.
"I was making great money as a physician, but I started doing stand-up at the Laugh Factory and got on a Comedy Central show called Comic Groove in 2002," he wrote in The Hollywood Reporter in 2015.
"Then I auditioned for Knocked Up and got the role of the doctor who delivered Katherine Heigl's baby.
"It was then that Tran, to her everlasting credit, said: 'If you don't pursue acting full time now, you never will. You just did a Judd Apatow movie!'
Ken Jeong in 2016Credit: Getty Images - Getty
"So I quit medicine a year before the movie, which grossed $219 million worldwide, came out. If it had all ended there, I would have been happy.
"But then for three Hangover movies to happen and six Community seasons? That's a lifetime of a career! My parents could not be more happy.
"When I come home now, it's like a shrine of all my newspaper articles and swag."
Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robin Thicke arrive for the Los Angeles premiere of Fox's The Masked Singer season 2 in Beverly Hills on September 10, 2019Credit: Getty Images
What is Ken Jeong's role on The Masked Singer?
Jeong is a judge on the hit Fox show along with Jenny McCarthy, Robin Thicke, and Nicole Scherzinger.
Nick Cannon is the host of the "top-secret" singing competition that features celebrities facing off against each other - while in disguise.
The singers may attempt to throw off the crowd, but some observers might pick up on clues buried throughout the show.
SAY YOU'LL BE THERE
Mel C admits she 'needed help' with 'depression' at height of fame
BYE, BEN
Ben and GF Ana headed for a 'split' after 'huge fights' since living together
RHOD alum Tiffany Hendra shows off HUGE scar from 'skin cancer' surgery
KHLOE CARES
Khloe urges 'listen to no one' as Kim's 'divorce' from Kanye West heats up
A singer is eliminated - and then unmasked - every week.
The upcoming December 2 episode features the final six singers of the season: Popcorn, Sun, Crocodile, Seahorse, Jellyfish, and Mushroom.
The Masked Singer airs Wednesday nights at 8 pm on Fox.


text:
WhatsApp, iMessage face ban in terror crackdown
Published Tue, Jan 13 201511:16 AM EST Updated Wed, Jan 14 20159:16 AM EST
Katy Barnato@profile/view?id=44013563@KatyBarnato
The British Prime Minister has unveiled security measures that could see apps like WhatsApp and iMessage banned, as Europe seeks to ramp up Internet surveillance following last week's terror attacks in Paris.
Following a security meeting on Monday, David Cameron announced plans to combat terrorism by banning online apps that the police cannot read. These could include Snapchat, where messages disappear after they have been read, and those where data is encrypted, such as Apple's iMessage and FaceTime.
"The attacks in Paris once again demonstrated the scale of the terrorist threat that we face and the need to have robust powers through our intelligence and security services and policing to keep our people safe," said Cameron in a speech at an event in Nottingham, England.
"The next government will have to legislate again (on counter-terrorism efforts) in 2016. What I can say is, if I am Prime Minster, I will make sure we do not allow terrorists safe space to communicate with each other."
David Cameron Tweet
Ernest Hilbert, the EMEA head of cyber practise at corporate investigations and risk consultancy Kroll, said it would be impractical for the U.K. government—or any other—to wholesale ban encrypted apps. However, he said the government could legislate for the right to break into those that provided no "back door" means for police or intelligence to garner data from them.
"There is no way that any government—be it U.K., U.S. or Russia—is going to accept that there are types of apps out there that they have no access to," Hilbert told CNBC Tuesday. "There is no encryption that cannot be broken with enough time, energy, effort and resources."
Apple was not immediately available for comment. It states on its website: "Apple has never worked with any government agency from any country to create a 'back door' in any of our products or services. We have also never allowed any government access to our servers. And we never will."
Read MoreTop 5 cybersecurity risks for 2015
Islamic extremists
Cameron's comments marked the latest in a string of efforts by governments across the world to step up security measures after Islamic extremists last week killed 12 people at the Paris offices of satirical newspaper "Charlie Hebdo." Separate attackers also killed another police officer and four hostages seized at a Jewish grocery.
After attending a meeting with world leaders on Sunday in Paris, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced that President Barack Obama would host a security summit in Washington on February 18 to discuss terrorism.
Demonstrators gather in Place de la Republique prior to a mass unity rally to be held in Paris following the recent terrorist attacks.
Christopher Furlong | Getty Images
Last Thursday, French authorities filed a decree to the European Commission declaring emergency measures to block websites deemed to breech laws by inciting terrorism.
"The decree sets out the procedure whereby Internet users may be prevented from accessing…websites inciting or condoning acts of terrorism," said the filing on the European Commission website.
Grounds for declaring a state of emergency included "the increase in reported phenomena of radicalization via Internet usage."
Internet partnership
On Sunday, European leaders, along with representatives from the U.S. and Canada, agreed to create a partnership with Internet providers to report and remove online material associated with extremism.
"We are concerned at the increasingly frequent use of the Internet to fuel hatred and violence, and signal our determination to ensure that the Internet is not abused to this end," the officials said in a joint statement.
"With this in mind, the partnership of the major Internet providers is essential to create the conditions of a swift reporting of material that aims to incite hatred and terror and the condition of its removing, where appropriate/possible."
Signs with the words 'Je Suis Charlie' (I am Charlie) adorn the plinth of the statue of Marianne at the Place de la Republique, on January 11, 2015 in Paris, prior to the start of a huge march.
Joel Saget | Staff | Getty Images
'French Patriot Act'
Back in December 2013, the French Parliament voted for the "Loi de Programmation Militaire," a law that gave the government new surveillance powers and has been described as the "French Patriot Act." This is a reference to the U.S.'s Patriot Act that was introduced following the terror attacks of September 2001 to enhance laws to obstruct terrorism.
The French law allows authorities to request all information relating to service users and the location of devices from Internet-service providers, hosting-service providers and telecoms companies. It also includes the right for the government to use geo-location data for purposes other than fighting terrorism.
Read MoreFrance on alert as 'most wanted' flees
Correction: This article has been edited to reflect that U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder attended a meeting with world leaders on Sunday in Paris, France.


After an extended period of time when the stock market seemed to be moving just straight up, traders have been reminded that volatility is possible and could result in a large and sudden loss. The chart below shows that stock prices rallied for months before declining suddenly.
The rally began in November 2016 and traders enjoyed a market that failed to pull back by as much as 5% until this month. That was a record period of time without a 5% pull back and the fact that it ended suddenly probably should not have been a surprise.
Some old traders like to say that the markets job is to fool the maximum number of traders possible. In this most recent case, the market action lulled at least some traders into a sense of complacency. There seemed to be some traders who believed volatile market action would provide a warning before it occurred.
We know that from the fact that more than $1 billion was invested in VelocityShares Daily Inverse VIX ST ETN (NYSE: XIV), a product designed to increase in value as volatility declined. For an extended period of time, XIV delivered steady gains. But, then it collapsed.
That crash left traders with larger losses. Some experts believe it also contributed to the sell off in the S&P 500.
Hedge funds and other large investors had significant exposure to the volatility market. These markets are based on the Cboe Volatility index, or VIX. Although VIX cannot be traded directly, it can be accessed through exchange traded notes like XIV and other exchange traded products along with futures contracts.
In addition to those products, traders also had access to options on those products and large traders had access to customized derivatives. All told, there may have been trillions of dollars in the volatility markets. The large move created both winners and losers, and they could all be rebalancing.
Funds with large gains could be shifting assets away from volatility trades. They might be buying stocks, or they could be reducing exposure to stocks because they are concerned about additional declines. The same could be said for funds with large losses. They could be adding to or reducing their exposure to stocks.
This creates a volatile situation for all markets but especially for the stock markets. It seems likely that traders will be repositioning their portfolios. But, that is all that appears to be certain. Whether the repositioning will result in buying or selling, on net, is impossible to determine.
But, traders can still find value in knowing that there is likely to be a large amount of trading, even without understanding the likely direction of the trading. They can take a position based on the position that the rebalancing is likely to lead to changes in the price of the major market averages.
That is a tradable market outlook and could be used to open a position that can deliver potential gains with limited risk.
To trade this idea, we could trade options on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSE: SPY). Other index options could also be used but the SPY is among the most liquid markets and likely to be traded with little friction or trading costs.
The straddle can be opened using options expiring on February 23 with an exercise price of $266. The February 23 $266 call is trading at about $3.50. The February 23 $266 put is trading at about $3.25. The total cost to open the trade is about $6.75, before commissions which should be relatively small at a deep discount broker.
The total premiums add up to about 2.5% of the price of SPY. The question is whether or not a move of that size is likely within the next few weeks. Given the current state of the market, it seems to safe to assume that a significant price move is likely. Whether that move is up or down, this trade could profit.
The long straddle is an example of how options are a versatile tool and could meet many of your trading objectives. In this trade, options provide the potential for gains and defined risk that could be lower than owning the stock. This trading strategies should also have a high probability of success.