text:
The European Citizen
Thoughts on the state(s) of the Old Continent.
Europa site
There's a great new site on The Guardian: Europa. It's a joint project with a few other European newspapers to tackle European affairs. Hopefully it will generate some good analysis and debate on what's going on - and help us to debate a bit more across borders. The article on the EU budget is good, though I hope it moves on from the articles on stereotypes to more, well, news.
Definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Posted by Eurocentric at 18:34 2 comments
Labels: blogging, media
The Fiscal Stability Treaty
We've got our new Fiscal Stability Treaty (which you can read here). Frankly, it's hard to know how to approach it, given the fact that I've posted about it when it came out and on the problem it poses for the European left. Not much has changed in terms of the general aims and principles of the compact. Also there's a great summary of the text over at the European Union Law Blog:
"The provisions are intentionally vague in order to avoid any conflict with the enhanced powers of the EU post-Lisbon. The only meaningful instrument is the sui generis infringement procedure in case a participating Member State has failed to apply the automated deficit correction mechanism. However, this procedure is substantially weakened by the fact that Member States, and not the European Commission, must petition the ECJ. This will happen only in extraordinary circumstances and with great unease.
In addition the provisions on economic coordination are totally bland. I fail to understand how these texts may enhance economic policy coordination – they are restating existing opportunities in EU law."
I agree. We already have the Stability and Growth Pact part of the EU treaties, and the "6-pack" of legislation passed at the end of 2011 essentially tightened up the Economic and Monetary Union - which is already having an effect on national politics and budgetary policy in Belgium. Apart from enforcement mechanisms, the treaty offers little that is new: no Eurobonds, no expanded role for the ECB, nothing on investment - coordinated or otherwise - or any firm kind of economic strategy that would back up the vague mentions of growth as a goal. Good thing the treaty has the cumbersome title of "Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union" - if they'd called it a treaty on fiscal union they might as well have tied their credibility up in a bag and drowned it in a well.
This treaty does nothing to address the crisis, and it's only preventative in the sense that it aims to ensure that Member States don't continuously rack up debt. While this might prevent a future Greece/Italy crisis, it would be totally useless in an Irish-style crisis where budgets were balanced or in surplus before the crash and collapse in tax receipts. "Stability" is the key word. The treaty is designed to maintain the stability of a currency union which is made up of members who have joined having met the criteria and stuck to the criteria once inside the club. It does nothing to provide a mechanism for resolving crises, but rather the deficit correction ethos is directed towards isolating any crisis and protecting the stability of the currency union as a whole. It won't work, and it's hard to see how it could be politically attractive without being balanced with more fiscal solidarity - a transfer union. That's not to say that some budget discipline isn't necessary to promote stability in the good times and to build trust between Member States, but without a true fiscal union this trust isn't reciprocated and so the treaty is of questionable political and economic value.
Institutional politics and the UK
It's clear from the treaty that the Commission and ECJ will be involved under the treaty. The European Parliament and national parliaments will be involved via some sort of meeting with representatives of their relevant committees - how this works in practice is simply not mentioned - and the European Parliament president will be invited to talk at some EuroSummits. The President of the EuroSummits (yes, a president will be elected for the same 2.5 years as the European Council presidency currently held by Van Rompuy) will organise the summits (held 2x a year and after European Council summits) and report back to the European Parliament.
Clearly the European Parliament only has a slight consultative role, and it's demands for policies for economic growth have been ignored. Given that it's new president has made fighting for the EP's position under these issues a key part of his presidency, the Parliament might reject the treaty and try to weaken political support for it.
The treaty also leaves Cameron in an odd position. I've written about the strangeness of the British demands regarding the single market before, but we should be clear about one point: nothing in this treaty (or in the possible treaty within the EU) affects the single market legally. If the treaty had have been part of the EU treaty system is wouldn't have changed the single market legally. The British concern for national influence and the financial market is essentially about political and institutional influence.
The UK won't block the use of EU institutions - Cameron has confirmed this, though he points out that he will be on the look out to ensure that there is no abuse that would damage the British national interest. I have no idea what practical policy or action this would refer to as all single market legislation has to be voted on within the EU structures. One possibility would be that the UK would try to ensure that the Eurozone countries didn't discuss single market issues in their meetings, but it would be a bit hard to enforce in practice as ministers and heads of state and government could discuss these issues at the meetings without having them on the official agenda. However, the UK is helped by the fact that EuroSummits will take place after European Council summits, so this limits their potential as a platform for countries to agree and discuss issues in advance without the UK. On the other hand, as it isn't a signatory to the treaty, the UK won't have a right to be involved in the EuroSummits unlike other non-Euro participating countries.
Overall the UK hasn't gained anything by using it's veto,* and hasn't lost out legally from using it either. It's in good will, influence and future participation in negotiations and debates that it has lost. How big of a loss depends on the future of the Fiscal Stability Treaty...
*And using it prematurely at that, given that denying use of the EU treaty system would be a bigger threat later on in negotiations - it's hard not to get the impression that Cameron doesn't know the first thing about the practical aspects of negotiation...
Labels: eurozone, fiscal stability treaty, fiscal union, treaty change, UK
Happy Birthday Bloggingportal.eu!
The EU blog aggregating website Bloggingportal.eu is 3 tomorrow. Since it was launched the number of blogs being aggregated has ballooned to 904, with over 250 posts being generated over the past week. The Euroblogosphere is definitely more vibrant than when Bloggingportal started out, and Bloggingportal is still the top aggregation site for EU blogs - I'm not aware of any others.
I've been a voluntary editor with Bloggingportal for much of the last 3 years (it's been around 2 1/2 years now) - it's only staffed by volunteer Eurobloggers, and it's very much reflected in how the site's operated. The layout and look of the website hasn't changed much, though there's been lots of discussion about changing this and adding functionality, progress has been limited by the voluntary nature of the site, the small number of editors with the magical combination of free time and technical know-how, and the problems with coming up with a way of reconciling the need for a different role structure (at least partially) to make Bloggingportal.eu more useful with the dependence of the site on the motivation and goodwill of sufficient editors.
That said, Bloggingportal has become a focal point in the Euroblogosphere, with the Hungarian Presidency opening the presidency up more to Bloggingportal and the Euroblogosphere in general (when we had launched a blog action against the Hungarian media law), and editor's picks being linked to by the Guardian's CiF Europe site. Perhaps unsurprisingly for bloggers, we've been most successful with doing, well, blogging stuff on Bloggingportal - the "Week in Bloggingportal" posts that summarise what's been going on in the EU according to the editor's picks, and the blogging actions (like the action over the European Citizens' Initiative) are still where there is the most editor engagement and where Bloggingportal positively interacts with the Euroblogosphere.
The scope for positive engagement with the rest of the Euroblogosphere is extremely limited, as we try to remain neutral and to separate out what we do in our blogs (and what we might want to do in common through our blogs) and what is right for Bloggingportal's independent position. (Do you think we've managed to maintain Bloggingportal as a neutral aggregation site for the Euroblogosphere?) But we've also hosted physical events (such as an event in London in December 2010), and represented Bloggingportal at other blogging events. I think these physical meetings are important, particularly given the diverse and geographically spread nature of Euroblogging (though a lot of editors tend to end up in the London-Brussels-Berlin triangle at some point), which would encourage a feeling of community that would help sustain citizen blogging and can build more connections (I agree with Mathew Lowry that specialist blogs will be a fundamental part of a Euroblogosphere, but I think that non-specialist, citizen blogs are the connective tissue between them, or should be).
So we need to be more connective: connecting more blogs and bloggers online through offering a site that provides easy access to specialist Euroblogs and that has some limited level of real world presence that provides a small social boost to those outside the Brussels Bubble. Achieving any of this to even a modest level would require a lot of changes, though, and Bloggingportal changes slowly: it's a bit surprising that the rapidly changing Euroblogosphere hasn't been able to evolve anything better so far, so maybe we can work something out.
What do you want from Bloggingportal.eu? What would make you want to use it more?
Labels: Bloggers, blogging, bloggingportal.eu
A stronger, more active European Parliament?
Martin Schulz, the former leader of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament has been elected the President of the Parliament for 2.5 years.* He's set out his stall for parliamentarianism: that he'll stick up for the EP within the EU's institutional triangle and in the ongoing negotiations for the New Fiscal Compact (acceptance speech [PDF]):
"The intergovernmental agreement on a new fiscal union will be the first test. In the negotiations, representatives of our Parliament initially failed to secure support for their call to combine budgetary discipline with measures to foster growth and employment. But it is just such a sensible compromise that the citizens of Europe want! For this reason as well, we must have a seat at the table at European summits."
So there are two political goals here: for the Parliament's resolution on the fiscal and stability union to be incorporated in some way into the New Fiscal Compact, and for the EP to have a seat at European summits (probably for the EP president who currently only reports on the Parliament's view to the European Council, but is not part of the European Council - while the Commission President is a member). Interestingly, Proinsais de Rossa, an Irish MEP who is stepping down soon, has claimed that the European Parliament might reject the new treaty. This wouldn't block the treaty - it won't be part of the EU treaty system - but it could politically damage the ratification process, especially if Ireland holds a referendum on the pact.
Polscieu has picked up on Schulz's line on first reading agreements - agreements between the Council and Parliament on a draft of legislation so it can be passed quickly. If Schulz's "re-thinking" of the issue leads to fewer first reading agreements, then we're likely to see more parliamentary debates on legislation and a strengthening of the Parliament's political voice and profile. Since the EP is now equal to the Council as a legislator in almost every area (that the EU has competence in) but foreign policy, the loss in profile by first reading agreements is self-inflicted. That's not to say that first reading agreements don't have their place, but it's hard to see why the statistic of 72% of legislation passed by co-decision (now called "ordinary legislative procedure") being decided under such agreements in the last parliament (2004-9) should be repeated again for this parliament.
If Schulz makes progress on all three counts, then the EP's public profile should increase - particularly if the EP gains a bigger role at European summits, given that most of the media attention is focused on these "zero-sum game" events. We'll see what his record is by the next European elections.
*The first 2.5 years of the Parliament presidency was held by Jerzy Buzek (EPP) - the two biggest political groupings traditionally make a pact to share the presidency between them during the life of the Parliament.
Labels: democracy, European Parliament, fiscal union, Martin Schulz, summitry
Debate on Hungary in the European Parliament
Hungary's Prime Minister addressed the European Parliament today in the debate on Hungary's new constitution and Fidesz's actions in power. Earlier, in the debate on the Danish presidency, Danish PM Thorning-Schmidt signaled her support for the Commission's legal action against Hungary, side-stepping the question of using Article 7 TEU against Orban's government if Fidesz doesn't make sufficient changes.
Viktor Orban repeated his defence of the new constitution to the EP: that it was the final part of the transition from Communism to democracy. EPP group leader Daul continued along the same line, agreeing with Orban's assessment that it was part of the transition to democracy, while also signalling support for any changes that might be required under EU law. This is a shameful balancing act by the EPP leadership - both the Hungarian government and the Commission are linked to the European People's Party: Fidesz is part of the EPP and the Commission is dominated by the EPP. Since the legal action that can be taken by the Commission is limited to narrow breaches of EU law, rather than the separate procedure for breaches of the EU's values under Article 7 TEU, Daul is essentially making it known that the EPP in Parliament will block any motion to initiate the Article 7 procedure against Hungary. Zbigniew Ziobro (Europe of Freedom and Democracy group) came out in full support of Orban, denouncing EU interference as interference in a sovereign state, and praising Orban for standing up for Hungary.
Guy Verhofstadt (leader of the liberal ALDE group) attacked the direction of Hungary's government and brought up the issue of Article 7:
"What is necessary is to check the conformity of the Hungarian Constitution and cardinal laws with the European values: democracy, the rule of law, the freedom of religion, the freedom of expression, equality also.
I think, besides the infringement procedures, this House, should take its responsibility.
I call on our colleagues of the LIBE committee to make a report on the basis of article 71 TEU. Stating YES or NO if there is a clear risk of a serious breach of our values. That is what we have to do."
A parliamentary report finding a breach of EU values would be the basis for a reasoned opinion which would be part of an EP motion for an Article 7 action. While Hannes Swoboda, the new leader of the Socialists and Democrats group, was very critical of the Orban government and the authoritarian culture surrounding it (pointing out that if Croatia had adopted the same rules it wouldn't be given EU membership) and mentioned the question of starting the monitoring step for Article 7 (though not as stongly as Verhofstadt). He also urged the EPP to hold Orban to account. Daniel Cohn-Bendit gave an impassioned speech for the Greens against Orban and his line on his government's anti-Stalinist motives.
Since the United Left and European Conservatives and Reformists groups were also critical of Hungary, it might be possible that the Parliament will flex its political muscle by starting the Article 7 procedure. Even if it does, it would take 4/5s of Member States voting for the motion for it to be passed, which is extremely unlikely given the dominance of the EPP in the Council, but such a clear and determined action by the EP would send a powerful political signal and keep this issue in the spotlight.
Labels: Article 7 TEU, democracy, European Parliament, Fidesz, Hungary, Orban
What legal action is the Commission taking against Hungary?
The Commission has announced that it will be taking legal action against Hungary, but only so much can be done under EU law. While people point out that:
"Viktor Orbán's regime combines the extreme centralisation of economic assets (including the expropriation of the private pension funds, of several public foundations and the forthcoming centralisation of the municipal government's assets) and the monopolisation of power in a single party that intends to dominate every aspect of social and private life, turning citizens into subjects. The improvised nature of many of the new laws creates a wide margin for arbitrary decisions that increase dependence and insecurity.
In addition to a frontal attack on civil liberties, the government has redistributed economic assets (particularly through the tax system and investment allocations) in favour of interest groups close to Fidesz and a restricted layer of the well-to-do. This group zealously defends the party's power and executes its guidelines.
At the same time – through the unilateral rewriting of the labour code, the restriction of union action and collective bargaining rights, the radical dismantling of social welfare nets and independent social care institutions – the government exposed the most vulnerable social groups (the poor, the unemployed, Roma, pensioners, sick and handicapped) to the unfolding economic crisis. Life is precarious for those who live on wages and have no reserves or additional revenue."
...the Commission doesn't have the jurisdiction (and neither does the European Court of Justice) to take Orban's government to task over all these issues. The Commission has decided to focus on the areas of the independence of the judiciary, the independence of the central bank, and the independence of Hungary's data protection authorities: probably because the EU legal case is strongest here. Let's look at some of the reasons behind the legal action:
"1) Independence of the national central bank
"The Commission has identified several breaches of primary law, notably breaches of Article 130 TFEU stipulating full independence of the central bank and of Article 127(4) TFEU requiring consultation with the ECB "on any draft legislative provision in its field of competence".
•Article 130 TFEU states that: "neither the ECB, nor national central bodies, from bank … shall seek or take instructions from Community institutions or any government of a Member State or from any other body".
•Article 127(4) TFEU stipulates that "the ECB shall be consulted […] on any draft legislative provision in its field of competence"
Moreover, 14.2 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the ECB as well as Article 4 of Council decision (98/415/EC) on timely consultation of the ECB were not respected. On a number of elements, the Commission has invited the Hungarian authorities to provide clarification.
The infringements identified in the letter of formal notice concern both the MNB law ('Magyar Nemzeti Bank') but also the new constitution.
Under the MNB law, the Minister can participate directly in the meetings of the Monetary Council, offering to the government the possibility to influence the MNB from the inside. Similarly, the agenda of MNB meetings needs to be sent to the government in advance, thus impeding its capacity to hold confidential discussions. Also, changes in the remuneration scheme for the Governor are made again immediately applicable to the incumbent, while they should apply only as of a new term to avoid using salaries to put pressure on the MNB. Finally, the Governor and the members of the Monetary Council have to take an oath (of fidelity to the country and its interests) whose text is problematic given that the Governor of the MNB is also a member of the General Council of the ECB.
The Commission has doubts on the rules of dismissal for the Governor and the members of the Monetary Council which are prone to political interference (even the Parliament can propose to dismiss a member of the Monetary Council) and possible misuse. Also the frequent changes of the institutional framework of the MNB raise doubts, for instance via the increase in the number of Monetary Council members together with the possibility of increasing the number of deputy governors without due consideration of the MNB's needs.
Moreover, a constitutional provision regulates the possible merger of the MNB with the financial supervisory authority. While the merger is not a problem as such, the MNB Governor would become a simple deputy chairman of the new structure, which would structurally encroach on his independence.
2) Independence of the judiciary
The infringement case affecting the judiciary focuses on the new retirement age for judges and prosecutors and relates to Hungary's decision to lower the mandatory retirement age for judges, prosecutors and public notaries from 70 years to the general pensionable age (62 years) as of 1 January 2012.
EU rules on equal treatment in employment (Directive 2000/78/EC) prohibit discrimination at the workplace on grounds of age. Under the case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU, an objective and proportionate justification is needed if a government decides to reduce the retirement age for one group of people and not for others. This principle was affirmed when the Court ruled on 13 September 2011 that prohibiting airline pilots from working after the age of 60 constitutes discrimination on grounds of age.
In Hungary's case, the Commission has not found any objective justification for treating judges and prosecutors differently than other groups, notably at a time when retirement ages across Europe are being progressively increased and not lowered. The situation is even more legally questionable because the government has already communicated to the Commission that it intends to raise the general retirement age to 65.
As regards the independence of the judiciary, the Commission is also asking Hungary for more information regarding new legislation on the organisation of the courts. Under the law, the president of a new National Judicial Office concentrates powers concerning the operational management of the courts, human resources, budget and allocation of cases. There is no longer collegial decision-making of the operational management of the courts or other appropriate safeguards. One person alone now makes all important decision on the judiciary, including as regards the appointment of judges. In addition, the mandate of the former president of the Supreme Court, who was elected for six years in June 2009, was prematurely terminated at the end of 2011. In contrast, other former judges of the Supreme Court continue their mandate as judges of the new Curia, which has replaced the Supreme Court. The Commission expects detailed answers of the Hungarian authorities to be able to decide whether further infringement proceedings are needed.
3) Independence of the data protection supervisory authority
The case on the data protection supervisor relates to Hungary's recent decision to create a new National Agency for Data Protection, replacing the current Data Protection Commissioner's Office as of 1 January 2012. As a result, the six-year term of the Data Protection Commissioner currently in office, who was appointed in 2008, will be prematurely put to an end. There are no interim measures until the term of the current Commissioner's term ends in 2014.The new rules also create the possibility that the prime minister and president could dismiss the new supervisor on arbitrary grounds.
The independence of data protection supervisors is guaranteed under Article 16 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. In addition, EU rules on data protection (Directive 95/46/EC) require Member States to establish a supervisory body to monitor the application of the Directive acting in complete independence. This has been confirmed by the Court of Justice. In its ruling in a case concerning Germany (C-518/07 of 3 March 2010), the Court underlined that data protection supervisory authorities have to remain free from any external influence, including the direct or indirect influence of the state. The mere risk of political influence through state scrutiny is sufficient to hinder the independent performance of the supervisory authority's tasks, the Court ruled."
The outcry over what is going on in Hungary has been very political - in the sense that it's been about the high politics of rights and what makes a fair democracy - and rightly so. The Commission's response reveals the nature of the EU's power when it comes to protecting these key rights: as an organisation of sovereign Member States, the EU can only act where the Member States have contravened EU law. The EU treaties don't define a specific governing structure that Member States have to have, such as a presidential or parliamentary system or how their judiciary is organised (though it does set human rights and democratic tests for candidates to pass before they join), so the points of EU law can be quite narrow. This is especially obvious when it comes to the Commission's action over the judiciary laws - the action focuses on the unfair dismissal of serving judges, rather than the general separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive. The press release references these wider questions and demands answers, but whether or not there will be further legal action depends on whether or not the measures breach EU law.
The Commission (and the EU) is therefore not well placed to become a crusader for liberal democracy in its Member States, so there's a limit to what we can expect. The EU can, however, remove Hungary's EU voting rights via Article 7 TEU as a last resort, but this would require a super-majority. The Commission should investigate the changes to the electoral system and judiciary with an eye to using Article 7 if Hungary refuses to reverse any abuses. While the EU and the Commission's power might be limited (and we need to bear this in mind when Hungary claims it has changed its judicial rules in line with EU requirements), we should demand that all Member States live up to minimum democratic standards if they want to stay in the EU.
Today the European Parliament will be debating the Hungarian situation.
Labels: Article 7 TEU, Commission, data protection, democracy, EU Law, Hungary, judges
Ireland's Euro-diplomacy (and Debate)
Last night's Tonight with Vincent Browne debated the Irish government's (and Taoiseach Enda Kenny's) ability to negotiate in the EU. Key to this was an exchange in the Dáil where Michael Martin (the Leader of the Opposition) questioned Kenny's approach at the December summit for not meeting with David Cameron. Kenny replied that he'd been at the EPP pre-summit meeting in Marseilles, and he'd spoken to him by phone.
It was a very strange point to make - that Kenny was incompetent at negotiations because he didn't meet with Cameron, when it's Cameron who's opted out of the EPP (which controls the Council, Commission and is the largest party in the European Parliament), and that Cameron's own skill in negotiations has been seriously questioned since the December veto. The implication seems to be that a clever Irish premier would have been able to steer the British PM right and keep him in negotiations (though if having the pro-EU Lib Dems and a Deputy with plenty of personal European connections couldn't keep Cameron in negotiations, it's hard to see how Kenny could have).
Much more serious is the sense that the Irish government has no European vision or policy because it's absorbed in questions over the EU/IMF/ECB deal. There has been some debate in the media over Ireland's European direction (including the suggestion that Ireland should consider focusing less on aligning itself with a Britain that's flaky on European issues), but politicians haven't been able (or willing) to take up the debate on what kind of Eurozone/EU they want. This really goes for the opposition as well as the government, because the opposition has been focusing on criticising the government for this lack, while not coming up with much itself.
It's a serious defect in our politics that we've not been willing to have a robust debate on the kind of EU and Euro that we want. Do we want Eurobonds and a transfer union? Would we be willing to be major contributors to other Member States under those same conditions in any future crisis 30 years down the road? If we argue for investment-tempered austerity, we should ask ourselves the question: would we be willing to loan billions to, say, Slovakia, in order to invest in its infrastructure to revive its economy and reduce its deficit? Under what conditions, and with what common political institutions?
Without politicians (and enough citizens) taking up this debate, we'll probably find ourselves voting in a referendum a few months from now on the new fiscal compact, rushing ourselves through a low-quality debate and being asked to decide on a fundamental question of Ireland's European direction...
Labels: eurozone, Ireland, treaty change, UK
Brussels v Brussels: Belgium and the EU clash over the budget
The Commission's scrutiny of Belgium's draft budget has caused a political backlash from PS (PES) government minister Paul Magnette:
""Wie kent Olli Rehn? Wie heeft ooit het gezicht van Olli Rehn gezien? Wie weet waar hij vandaan komt en wat hij heeft gedaan? Niemand. Terwijl hij zegt hoe wij onze economische politiek moeten voeren."
["Who knows who Olli Rehn [Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs] is? Who has seen Olli Rehn's face? Who knows where he comes from and what he's done? Nobody. Yet he tells us how we should conduct our economic policy."]"
This was sparked by the Commission's intervention through its budgetary surveillance role:
"The commission caused a flurry in Belgian political circles over the weekend by warning that the country needed to curb this year's spending. Rehn suggested the government's calculations that the budget deficit for 2012 would be 2.8 percent were too optimistic and asked for a cut of between €1.2 billion and €2 billion.
Belgium eventually settled on freezing €1.3 billion in spending, a move that saw it escape the threat of monetary sanctions on Wednesday (11 January) when the commission assessed the matter."
Although the Commission has given Belgium a clean bill of health for its budget, how far the Commission should influence how Member States stick within the rules remains an issue. It's up to Member States to meet their budget targets, but they're free to do so however they want – it looks like the actual issue here was the credibility of the forecasts that the Belgian government built its budget on. Clearly the forecasts will have to be credible (if Member States could pluck numbers out of thin air or pick and force the Commission to accept them, then the rules would lose much of their force), but the political argument is over the democratic legitimacy of the Commission to involve itself in the sensitive area of national budgets. The Commission has rebutted the argument that it doesn't have the democratic legitimacy to oversee the budgets:
""De regels zijn regels die zijn goedgekeurd door het Europees parlement en door alle lidstaten", reageerde woordvoerder Amadeu Altafaj. "De 3 procent (de grens voor begrotingstekorten, nvdr) is dus geen dictaat van de Europese Commissie."
["The rules are rules passed by the European Parliament and by Member States," said spokesman Amadeu Altafaj. "The 3 procent (the limit for the budget deficit, nvdr) is therefore not a diktat from the European Commission."]"
From the Commission's point of view (and that of its supporters), it is applying the technical criteria set by the Parliament and Council (see three of the "six pact" acts for enforcement here, here and here [all PDFs]). But Magnette's frustration goes further – he says the EU's policies will cause a 15 year long recession, and that the Commission is a bastion of the "right and ultra liberal". The Commission is dominated by the EPP, and it is a very political institution. But what's happened with the "six pack" legislation on budgetary monitoring is that the political and economic assumptions behind the EU's current direction have been enshrined in the technical rules governing the economic union. The Commission can say that it's just applying the rules passed by the Member States and the democratically elected Parliament because, well, that's what's happening. However the Commission proposed these laws and it was politically active in shaping them and guiding them through the Union legislature – if Magnette (or indeed any government ministers or parliamentarians) want to push for different rules or attack the Commission for its political direction, it's better done during the passage of legislation or when building a coalition for new legislation.
Like the new fiscal compact, there's a problem for the left here. For there to be the necessary trust to build an economic union with more solidarity, there needs to be a certain level of discipline: it cannot be a one-sided bargain between those (currently) with deficit problems and the (current) core creditors. Magnette is right that the Commission is highly political (though we should distinguish between its political and technical functions), but those opposed to its political direction need to be equally political back. There needs to be support for Commission proposals for them to pass and the left will need a clearer strategy and narrative if it's to build a coherent and effective opposition. Somehow I don't expect it to be built around Di Rupo's socialist-led government...
And Di Rupo? He distanced himself from Magnette's remarks, citing Belgium's pro-European traditions.
Labels: Belgium, Commission, Di Rupo, eurozone, PES
Shifts on the New Fiscal Compact
The EU Observer has reported some changes in the drafts on the new fiscal compact:
"The role of the EU commission in taking debt sinners to court for not properly transposing the golden rule into national law, an idea introduced in the second draft at the demand of the European Parliament, has also been watered down to the commission "issuing a report" at the demand of another country adhering to the pact.
The power of taking countries to court is instead to reside with countries - a u-turn going back to the first draft - after French worries the commission risks becoming too powerful.
Another watering down of earlier drafts rules out introducing new sanctions for countries that break rules on overall public debt, opting instead to limit such penalties to ballooning budget deficits.
The 'working group' which is pumping out the texts - a mixed bag of member states' officials led by a Luxemburger - kept another EU parliament demand, to enshrine the intergovernmental pact in EU Treaty law in the next five years.
But it also changed the threshold of countries needed to ratify the pact for it to come into force from 15 to 12. In the first draft, the threshold was even lower, at nine countries."
The "golden rule" on deficits will no longer have to be inserted into constitutions, so the final deal could simply require an act of parliament to ensure governments don't spend over a certain limit. This would get around the need for referendums in several Member States, but it could open up political problems in the future if budgets passed by parliaments are being challenged by other EU countries in the courts - a potentially politically toxic situation.
France's position on the Commission's powers is revealing and worrying for the credibility of the pact. Given that it's simply a Stability and Growth Pact Plus, further entrenching the current rules, the institutional and political credibility of the mechanisms actually working was the key problem. Of course, if any contracting country can take another to court, then it's more likely to happen than under the current system which requires a vote in Council. Still, France wants the Commission to be kept away from this position of power because diplomacy could still influence the outcome - and this would be much more advantageous to larger Member States who could throw their weight around more. The potential for differences in treatment echo the complaints from the smaller Member States that France and Germany were among the first to break the Stability and Growth Pact in the last decade. Also, the value of integrating the deal into the current treaties for the European Parliament is questionable if the Commission's role is minimal, since there would be little for the EP to act on.
Finally, setting the minimum number of Member States at 12 for the treaty to come into effect will, if it's in the final draft, have a big effect in the parliamentary votes and referendum campaigns as it ensures that even some Eurozone states could reject it (and stay outside it), and the deal wouldn't be completely stopped. The fear of exclusion (and the effect of this on the economies of the excluded Eurozone States) will make opposing the deal more problematic, and it will be a major feature of the Yes campaigns.
UPDATE: Honor Mahony has written a good blog on the problems these shifts reveal for the future of the negotiations.
Labels: Commission, fiscal union, France
The Orbarony of Hungary
This weekend saw, rightly, a wave of stories about Hungary (see yesterday's Week in Bloggingportal for some blog articles). The new constitution came in for a strong attack by the Party of European Socialists president Sergei Stanishev:
"Hungarian democracy is under siege. The actions of the conservative Fidesz government under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have resulted in an unprecedented attack on basic international democratic standards. It is an extraordinary thing to say in the year 2012, but the cold hard fact is that the European Union could now be said to include a non-democratic state as one of its members.
Now it is a test for European leaders and institutions of their commitment to democratic values when democracy is at stake. It is not a matter of internal policy but rather the question of whether the EU will preserve one of its core values and features. A new constitution has been in place in Hungary since January 1 this year. It contains set of provisions that are an attempt to institutionalise authoritarian rule. The measures have been, accurately, described as a 'constitutional coup'.
The essential point is this: there does not seem to be any end-point to the actions of Fidesz. Their actions indicate a consistent and quickening slide towards authoritarian rule. Those responsible have not listened to rational requests and they have not heeded eloquent calls to respect democracy. Therefore the international community must look at more robust measures."
The PES counts the opposition MSZP party among its members. The changes brought about by the new constitution are:
"- The Constitutional Court has been stripped of its powers
- The government can decide which judges will review which cases
- The supervision of elections is overseen by a new Council of Government party appointees
- A'media board' of government appointees has been given power to decide what constitutes "balanced" media coverage and has been allowed to impose fines which only be appealed after payment
- Tax and fiscal policy, including a new flat tax, can only be changed by a two-thirds majority.
- The government can appoint a deputy governor to the central bank
- Provisions to protect citizens from discrimination based on sexual orientation have been deleted."
The governing Fidesz party is part of the European People's Party, which controls the Commission and the Council of the EU, and is the biggest party in the European Parliament. The Economist has called for the EPP to be tough on its wayward member:
"Mr Orban's fellow centre-right leaders, who include Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Nicolas Sarkozy, have more leverage over him than other European politicians, and therefore a particular responsibility to take him to task. Fidesz is proud to belong to their umbrella group, and the biggest political family within the EU, the European People's Party. Threatening to chuck Mr Orban out of the EPP could be the best way of steering him off the path towards autocracy."
The only communication I can find from the EPP on the issue was this press release, stating that they would support whatever decision the Commission took on the constitution's compatibility with EU law - but this is not simply a matter of compliance with EU legal requirements (though The Economist points out that the Commission should stand firm on the requirement for an independent central bank). This is a question about European values and the standards of democracy that a Member State should be held accountable to. Candidate countries have to measure up to a certain democratic standard: so should current members.
While the EPP may control the Commission and play up its central role in European politics (every press release ends with a note to the editor on the size and influence of the Europarty), but as a political and parliamentary group it seems content to accept the decisions of the Commission and Council - no rebellious backbenchers, these. The press release shows the party trying to have it both ways, stating that they would support technical corrections, but using language supporting Orban's post-Communist narrative of the new constitution:
""The Hungarian Parliament adopted on 18 April 2011 a new constitution that replaced a Stalinist-type constitution, which dated from 1949. Hungary was the only country in Central Europe which could not draft a new fundamental law since the fall of communism. The new constitution has incorporated the Charter of Fundamental Rights and also a new, fairer electoctal system was established which offers the possibility for minorities to be represented in Parliament," said [EPP Leader and EP Group Chairman] Martens and Daul.
"At the same time, we are well aware that the European Commission has raised issues on some pieces of legislation and is currently examining the English and French translations to determine if they comply with EU law. [...] Needless to say, the EPP will back the Commission's recommendations that will ensure Hungary's full compliance with EU law.""
The EU cannot work if we don't stick to our common values: what happens to the trust that cooperation and common rules have to be founded on to work, if we don't feel that some members aren't following the same basic standards? It's an issue that we need to be strong enough to take on. Not only when it comes to Hungary, but for all members.
Labels: constitutional change, democracy, EU, European values, Hungary
"The European Citizen" - Three Today!
The European Citizen has now been going for three years! This year has been the quietest so far on the blog, even if it's been packed full of crises in the real world. Still, some of 2011 in the EU has been reflected here.
First, there was the long-awaited Irish election as the government collapsed over the need to go to the EU and IMF for loans to keep the country running. Along with Stephen Spillane, I helped follow it here and on MSN.ie with a blogging round-up series. The new governing parties have come up with a lot of constitutional reform ideas, and with the new constitutional convention coming up this year, delivery will be a key issue. Internationally, the EU was taken by surprise (like everyone else) by the Arab spring.
In the UK one of the most memorable debates was over prisoners' voting rights and (suggested from some quarters) withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights. I backed the loosing side in the AV referendum in April: British ethusiasm for First Past the Post is still confusing for me, though perhaps I just grew up in a different political atmosphere (Northern Ireland/Ireland), where the (proportional) Single Transferable Vote would have to be pried from voters' cold, dead hands (what voter would want to give up the power proportional representation gave them?). I also blogged about the debate on parliamentary sovereignty in the UK Parliament and what the difference is between a free trade area and the common market. But then it's sometimes hard to understand what kind of Free Trade the Tories believe in...
Citizenship was a big issue legally in the Court of Justice in Luxembourg - with the Zambrano case promising a new approach, before the law was cruelly reversed (if it ever had been changed) in McCarthy. This was probably the most legal I got all year! Old, more political chestnuts returned, like debates on European democracy and the values of referendums on the EU.
Barroso delivered his Commissarial Speech in September, showing just how much the EPP have shifted leftwards (or at least, how far their leaders have) - this was perhaps symbolised by the revival of debate around a Financial Transaction Tax. I also followed the PES and attended their Re:New conference (You can read my posts here, here, and here).
The year's end highlighted the two central questions we'll face this year: how many member states will join together and integrate further (sparked by the UK's veto and it's effects), and what kind of Eurozone do we want - and how will the left respond to the New Fiscal Compact?
This year I hope to be a bit more active - it looks like there'll be plenty to cover.
Hope you've a good 2012!
Labels: blogging, The European Citizen
Send in the Junior Ministers
Given the talk about the UK and the infamous veto and what it means for British diplomacy, it might be worth puzzling over the French use of its Junior Ministers.
French EU Affairs minister Jean Leonetti made a strong prediction for the Financial Transaction Tax being passed this year as France and Germany had decided it:
"He added: "France and Germany have already agreed on it. And I believe the new Italian government, with which we have been in contact, is not opposed. Twenty six out of 27, in fact all the EU countries except Great Britain have no objections to the idea, and except Sweden, which had a bad experiment in this area.""
This obviously will rub the other Member States up the wrong way, but it's not the first time France's junior ministers have mouthed off, and last month saw a big spat between the UK and France over the UK's credit rating. It's an astonishing way to do politics, and you have to wonder at the tactics behind it (or the political control and coherence in the heart of government). Britain might have shot itself in the foot last month, but France would be a fool if it thinks this behaviour won't impact on its diplomatic success.
Labels: diplomacy, France
Hungary for change
Last year when Hungary was taking over the rotating Council presidency, the Fidesz government was bringing in a controversial media law which we launched a blogging action over. Though the law was revised after discussions with the EU, EU law in the area is mostly market-based. This time around the independence of the Hungarian Central Bank is under threat and is the source of a dispute between Hungary and the IMF:
"Hungary, the EU's most indebted eastern member, already saw its credit rating downgraded to junk in December and initiated talks for a standby loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
But the centre-right government led by Viktor Orban has pursued controversial legal changes to some of the country's independent institutions, including the central bank and media bodies, prompting IMF negotiators to walk out of talks.
The laws came into force on 1 January, prompting tens of thousands of people to take to the streets on Monday and repeated warnings from the EU commission that it may take Hungary to court."
The markets haven't reacted well to Hungary's course either:
"The forint fell to 319.4 against the euro, a record low after a gradual depreciation of 20 percent in the last six months, while 10-year bond yields spiked to 10.5 percent, the highest since April 2009."
At the moment Orban's government seems intent on sticking to it's course despite protests and pressure from the EU and IMF - perhaps the plan is to use the bank to print more money to avoid the necessity for the IMF loan. Fidesz's two-thirds majority in the Hungarian parliament allows it to change the constitution, and it's been making full use of the opportunity. Orban has made it clear that he sees these changes as the end-point of Hungary's post-Communist path:
"In Orban's view, the new legal text "marks the end of the country's transition to democracy from Communism" - as he explained in an interview with the Magyar Nemzet newspaper on 24 December.
Foreign journalists are "right when describing what happens in Hungary not just as simple governance, but a regime change," he told the newspaper.
"They say this in a disparaging way but I think this is a compliment. We Hungarians have failed for over a hundred years to show western Europe our own virtues.""
It seems pretty odd to be portraying the rapid expansion of executive power as an anti-Communist evolution, particularly when former Communist dissidents are protesting against Fidesz's constitutional changes. Orban's rhetoric also smacks of Hungarian exceptionalism and is reminiscent of the talk of differing values and rights from the media law debates last year (not that anyone explained how Hungarian rights should differ from those set out in the European Convention on Human Rights or the values in the EU treaties).
As the EU deals mostly with internal market, security and environmental matters, and the Council of Europe's Convention and Court of Human Rights deals with human rights law and standards, the EU isn't well equipped or experienced enough to deal with Member States drifting away from the standards required for membership. Article 7 TEU gives us a nuclear option of sanctioning a Member State who risks breaching the values of the EU, but it would require a four-fifths majority of Member States and a majority in the European Parliament, which is unlikely to be reached (and would need to be focused on the health of Hungary's democracy and media rather than the central bank).
It does raise an interesting question though: what "red lines" should the EU have for Article 7 action, and how much constitutional change can be brought about before the EU starts questioning whether a country is still membership material?
Labels: banking, Council of Europe, Fidesz, human rights, Hungary, media, Orban
What legal action is the Commission taking against...
Brussels v Brussels: Belgium and the EU clash over...
RSS Feed Subscription
European Blawgs
Phantom Sovereignty and the Imaginary Version of International Law
EJIL: Talk!
Protecting the Environment in Non-International Armed Conflicts: Are We There Yet?
UKSC blog
In the Supreme Court w/c 15 July 2019
European Law Blog
The US, China, and Case 311/18 on Standard Contractual Clauses
Information on Involvement of Civil Society and NHRIs in Execution of Judgments Phase
ACELG
The complications of a Brexit delay that runs into the European Parliament elections by Leonard Besselink and Bastian Michel
eutopialaw
The UK Supreme Court and EU law in the Legal Year 2016–2017 – Part 7
europaeuslaw
Twelfth Annual Emile Noël Lecture on the State of the (European) Union at NYU School of Law
Martin Holterman
How to win at Brexit (2)
ECJBlog.com
Case C‑202/13, McCarthy
Ex Tempore | The Irish Supreme Court Blog
Weekly Preview for 30th May 2013
EU Law Blog
Patent Court, National Courts and EU Law: Opinion 1/09
KSLR | European Law
Monetary Law
Some Irish Blogs
Notes On The Front
Be Concerned But Don't Be Afraid
Jason O Mahony
Great TV you're missing: Archer.
cearta.ie
Not archiving the .ie domain, and the death of new politics
Stephen Spillane
I'm Fed Up
Irish Left Review
New Books Worth Reading
East Belfast Diary
Cara Mudah Membuat Kue Semprit Khas Lebaran
Libertas? Nein Danke! Say NO to the New Right Wing
Why is the anti gay irish John Waters such a dribbledy arsed showband loving tool
Semper Idem
How is Ireland doing compared to other EU nations ?
QUB Greens Blog
Keith @ Granite Shavings
Blogging Elsewhere
Slugger O'Toole
Plain Talking
This website uses Google Analytics, which collects information on how users use this website (how long they visit, what pages), but does not collect any personal information that can identify users.
Please note that by using sharing buttons (for example, Facebook or Google+), cookies may be set on your machine by these external websites.
Eurocentric
All opinions expressed here are purely personal. To contact, email at: theeuropeancitizen [at] googlemail [dot] com
The Curious Case of Citizen McCarthy
Citizen Zambrano
Could Fidesz be expelled from the European People's Party?
"But we signed up to a free trade area!"
Are the European Conservatives passing up a great political opportunity?
Liquidating Anglo Irish Bank
Draft EU PNR Directive voted down at Committee Stage
Ireland: Election 2011
Barroso's State of the European Union Speech 2012
Electric Shock: Oettinger finds out that Green energy doesn't attract the most subsidies
"One of my favourite EU blogs at the moment" - Telegraph journalist Bruno Waterfield. (3:10-4:00).
The European Citizen is now on Facebook!
The European Citizen Facebook Page
Ein europäischer Bürger
Europäische Bürgerinitiative und Let Me Vote!
European Bloglist
Europaportalen | Senaste nytt
Med knapp marginal: von der Leyen ny kommissionsordförande
Coulisses de Bruxelles, UE
Présidence de la Commission: « House of cards » à Bruxelles
Jon Worth
Implausible Brexit scenarios
Can the EU Do Strategy?
Jonathan Fryer
Midsommar *****
La Oreja de Europa
Después del Parlamento ahora toca elegir Comisión Europea
Europasionaria
2019 EU elections: historically high turnout & weakening of left-right divide
Steffen's Blog
Campaigning in EU public affairs remains under-utilised
Craig Willy
Best financial planning after the age of 60
A Fistful Of Euros
Stand by for action
Cosmetic Uprise - UK and the EU
Miroir Salle De Bain Alinea
Berlaymonster
EXCLUSIVE: This blog has gone downhill
Gulf Stream Blues
Is it time to kick America out of NATO?
THE HONEYBALL BUZZ
Government must ban the selling of sex through online adverts
Bit more complicated...
EU for US
What is this blog about?
Grahnlaw
EU free trade agreements: implementation and future
Mathew Lowry's Tagsmanian Devil
Happy Birthday BlogActiv, and Bye Bye (for now)
Brussels Blog
Schäublenomics
Joe Litobarski
Britain may end up with more EU red tape after Brexit
Navigating Cyber Threats to Business Competitiveness – A Snapshot
Yellow Stars pro Europe blog
FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT. I'm coming back to this fight to defend our values and Fight Trump!
Sur le chemin de la construction européenne
Le reflux des gauches en Amérique du Sud
Julien Frisch
UK's EU Commissioner: Hill goes, King comes?
Time for a regime change in Frankfurt
The Evil European
Back (again)
Kosmopolito
Overheard in Brussels X: What to do with 40 journalists in Brussels?
MountEUlympus
Possible scenarios for Greece and the Eurozone
EVA EN EUROPA
Rumbo a la Unión genuina
The Euros
Besoin de renfort
EU BLOG
Former MEP - Rock's staunchest supporter in Europe - awarded Freedom of Gibraltar
Nosemonkey's EUtopia
What I've been working on for the past year
EurAmerican
Rethinking Transatlanticism: Toward a New Transatlantic Narrative
Writing for (y)EU
2013 Web Comm Christmas Video
LobbyPlanet
When lobbying meetings range from the obnoxious to the cute
A Sight on European Defence
Syria, U.S.A, France: a football is a game of two halves
England Expects
The Delusions of the Little Known
kattebel's blog
Idealist at heart
Michael Berendt's blog
Five transformative years for Europe
The Conservative Europhile
JEF Netherlands - Exciting Times
the beatroot
Beatroot's predictions for 2012 – Part 1
Central Europe Activ
This time it was not different – bailouts in 2008 and 2011
Stanley's blog
A Remarkable and Unforgettable Man
Gavin Hewitt's Europe
Ooh, Brussels!
The end of summertime?
Errant European
Napoleonic (Traffic) Code vs. Common Law, Common Sense
Eurocrat=European+Technocrat
We are living extraordinary times but...
The rational European
Long live the economic crisis?
Child of Europe Blog
Tony Blair will not become the first EU President
Constitutional Lore
The WHO and the why?
Entangled Alliances
Waltzing Matilda
Europe 27etc
Re:Europa
Protesilaos Stavrou
European Avenue
Media Hound
Federal Union
europe@s
Protesilaos Stavrou on EU affairs
Umar Ahmed
Se former à la communication européenne
A Fistful Of Euros » A Fistful Of Euros
Jan's EUblog
EUphobia
TH!NK ABOUT IT - european blogging competition 2009
EU Blog Portal
European Citizens Consultations
All Blogs Directory


text:
A Bakeshop Mystery
The Bakeshop Mysteries are set in the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where romantic pastry chef, Juliet Montague Capshaw (Jules), has returned home to heal her broken heart and help run her family's artisan bakeshop, Torte. Ellie Alexander's culinary mysteries leave fans hungry for more with their decadent food descriptions, recipes, and a sinister slice of murder.
Books in the Series
Books in this Series
A Cup of Holiday Fear
A Bakeshop Mystery (Volume 10)
Ellie Alexander
It's Christmastime and everyone is heading to Torte, the most cheerful bakery in town. There's no place like home for the homicide…
Ashland, Oregon, looks as pretty as a...
Available 09/24/2019
Live and Let Pie
A Bakeshop Mystery (Volume 9)
Ellie Alexander's Live and Let Pie is the most delicious installment yet in the fantastic Bakeshop Mysteries set in Ashland, OR!
Life is sweet once you...
Till Death Do Us Tart
Torte—the small-town bakeshop no one can resist—is hosting a midsummer night's wedding . . . where merry-making and murder are served up in equal measure. Till Death Do Us Tart is...
Another One Bites the Crust
Torte—the beloved small-town bakeshop run by Jules Capshaw—is set to hit the stage. But who would have guessed that murder would makes a surprise appearance?
It's the role of a...
A Crime of Passion Fruit
Torte—everybody's favorite small-town family bakeshop—is headed for the high seas, where murder is about to make a splash. . .
Jules Capshaw is trying to keep her cool as Torte...
Fudge and Jury
Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bakery where the pastries are delicious…and, now, suspicious.
It's almost spring in Ashland, Oregon, and the town is preparing for...
Caught Bread Handed
Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the oven is heating up as high as the body count…
Jules Capshaw is still chewing over her husband...
On Thin Icing
Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good.
It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for...
A Batter of Life and Death
Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the coffee is hot, the muffins are fresh, and the cakes are definitely to die for...
It's autumn in Ashland, Oregon-'tis...
Meet Your Baker
Welcome to Torte-a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the treats are so good that, sometimes, it's criminal...
After graduating from culinary school, Juliet Capshaw returns to her...
Bakeshop Mysteries, 1-3
Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mysteries will make readers hungry for baked goods with a side of murder. Here together for the first time are the first three books in the series.
Meet Your...
ELLIE ALEXANDER is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she's not coated in flour, you'll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. She is the author of the Bakeshop Mysteries, including Meet Your Baker and A Batter of Life and Death, as well as the Sloan Krause mysteries. You can find her on Facebook to learn more!
Mandy Rager
Author's Twitter
Author's Facebook
Read Author Interview at Bookfrolic

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


If you are wondering how to pay for college, there is no need to worry as there are various financial aid programs that you can benefit from. Paying for college is no more a big issue as there are various government as well as private financial aid programs that are available for the ones who want to pursue college degrees. This money is offered to students on the basis of need as well as merit. You can also get certain funds if you have good credit score.
You can avail financial aid to pay for college purpose in the form of scholarships, grants or student loans. All these programs help paying for college easy by providing you with the much needed funds to pay for tuition and other related expenses. The criteria to avail these financial aids vary. Also, the cover as well as the repayment process of these programs is different.
Scholarships are an answer to students who are wondering how to pay for college. This type of financial assistance is offered to students on the basis of merit or financial need. Schools, government as well as some private organizations offer scholarship programs for students with diverse educational goals. The amount that one gets in the form of scholarship is not required to be returned. This is why it is always one of the best options.
Grants are also free money that is available for students who are looking for Ways to Pay for College. In this case as well, the borrowers do not have to repay the amount. You can avail this financial aid if you demonstrate need or academic excellence.
Student loans are another way that can help you to manage the cost of your college education. These loans are of many types; some are offered by the government while others are given by private lenders. Unlike, scholarships and grants, the amount you get in the form of loans has to be returned.
Q:I am wanting to get student loans paid off as soon as possible. Can you please tell me what are the fee charges of PLUS Loans?
A:It is always great to have an attitude to get student loans paid off, since you need to always consider it an obligation. he Federal PLUS Loans have described fee charges. Origination fee is of 3% and is to be instantly paid by the parents. There are instances when a 1% federal default fee may also be charged. At each of the disbursements, these fee charges are deducted out of the principal amounts.
Q:I have limited resources so can you tell me how do I pay for college?
A:Many students face the same question as to how do I pay for college, but there are many options available that need to be explored. Federal loans offer the best option, as you can easily find the deserving financial assistance through them and the payment terms are also easy with low interest rates. If you are still unable to meet the expenses then private loan options can also be considered.
Q:What are my options when considering how to be paying for college?
A:Students do not need to be worried about Paying For College when they have the federal financial aid program at their disposal. It offers a wide range of loans, grants, scholarships, and work study programs. Students can apply via the FAFSA form and stand eligible for aid. Federal financial aid is based on financial need of the application.


text:
Magazines 2016 Jan - Feb Film crew reports from the frontlines of a Syrian refugee camp: "throughout the suffering, God remai
Film crew reports from the frontlines of a Syrian refugee camp: "throughout the suffering, God remains present, and his presence brings hope."
11 January 2016 By Luke McKee
As the world considers how it will respond to the Syrian crisis, millions of men, women and children remain trapped in a state of chaos, struggling to survive in foreign countries having been forced from theirs.
The Trapped in Transition film team explored the lives of Syrian refugees and made friends along the way.
While Canada plans to sponsor thousands of refugees in the coming months, the sad and heartbreaking reality is that represents less than one percent of the total number of people displaced by the Syrian conflict. Many conversations are focused on bringing refugees West, but what will be our response to be to those left behind?
The plight of these refugees is the focus of the short film, "Trapped in Transition," commissioned by Partners International Canada (PI).
The film shares a beautiful story of partnership as local Lebanese leaders sacrificially serve on the front lines. Their work in the region is done with the larger vision of building the church in the Middle East.
"Trapped in Transition" follows Dany, Robert and Issam, three PI-sponsored local workers helping refugee families who are trying to survive in challenging circumstances. Refugees arriving in Lebanon face inhospitable conditions with minimal support. Whether it is the cramped, barely habitable apartments in the slums of Beirut or the makeshift tents of the Bekaa Valley, it is a life of hardship.
For me and the rest of the film team (Film Director Robert Mentov and Partners International President, Kevin McKay) it was a firsthand look into a crisis that has been ongoing since 2011.
I was devastated to hear the stories of these families. The horrors they have lived through are things I cannot even begin to imagine.
Hearing teenagers speak of being shot at and witnessing beheadings evidenced how dark this world, our world, can truly be.
"Meeting the people that God is working through first-hand was inspiring for me. As we spent time with Robert, Dany and Issam we were amazed and humbled by their courage. In many cases, they are the only source of hope to displaced families. Amongst the tragedy, God's hand is present through the national workers that are bringing light to a region full of darkness.
Their stories give hope to a crisis that is at times overwhelming. The film shows the dramatic ways that God is working in the lives of those in the Middle East.
Robert, a former member of the militia during the Lebanese civil war, has gone from fighting Syrians to serving them. God has taken a life previously filled with violence, transformed it by His unconditional love and now it demonstrates what purposeful service in His name can do. Robert now understands what it means to be loved and seeks to share this with the people that he serves.
For the refugee families we interviewed, unconditional love can appear in the smallest ways. Refugee children have had their childhoods taken from them. Those who live in Beirut are often chased from the streets and confined to small apartments. The simple opportunity to play is something that they do not have. Robert, Dany, Issam and other local workers invited us to attend a weekly program they have established where children can come and play. This is a place where kids can be kids.
As we filmed and participated in the programming, our hearts were full as we noticed the smiles never left the children's faces. Their joy rings out throughout the rented school-house as they engage in a safe community and recapture the fun of childhood.
The connections between displaced families and the workers coming alongside of them are undoubtedly the highlight of the film. Seeing the amazing impacts of these relationships gives hope for the future as families continue to be affected by this crisis. These local workers are committed to the region for the long term; they want to help families rebuild their lives in the fullest sense. You can view the documentary.
Luke McKee is communications coordinator for Partners International Canada (an affiliate organization of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, publisher of Faith Today). Read a Faith Today article and watch a webinar on how your church can help sponsor refugees.


According to Rob Kron, head of advisor education initiatives for BlackRock, Social Security is an important item to consider when you are getting divorced or remarried.
Since 72 percent of unmarried retirees depend on Social Security as their primary source of income it can be a serious consideration for those who are considering divorce. Kron went on to say that "Even divorce attorneys are often not aware of how the Social Security benefit works. People just don't know what they don't know."
In fact, many people going through a divorce make significant financial errors when they don't take social security into consideration. Leslie Walker, the communications director for the Social Security Administration in Richmond, says that "The closer you get to retirement age, the more you need to know the rules." Since social security is taken out of each paycheck it can amount to a significant amount of money that can have, in turn, a significant effect on how you file for divorce.
Have questions about divorce? Contact Cleary & Hammond, LLP to consult with a Los Angeles divorce lawyer.


text:
Winter Appeal
Islamic Giving
Al-Yateem
Ramadan Giving
Funding Futures
Growing Futures (Children)
IR Challenges
Campaign for Change
Our Compliance
info@islamicrelief.org.au
MAKE A SINGLE DONATION
Islamic Relief Australia
Our Annual reports are available for all to view below. In saying that, we are humbled by the trust you put in us as we work to save lives and empower communities across the globe. There is no better measure of our success than the positive impact we are making on those we exist to serve.
From a single project supporting famine-stricken communities in Sudan in 1984 to reaching 9.5 million people in 31 countries in 2019, Islamic Relief and its development programmes have supported 120 million people to date, thanks to the generous support of our donors and partners.
In 2019 Islamic Relief provided a lifeline for 3.4 million people in war-torn Yemen and essential services to 2.3 million in Syria. We also reached communities the world hears little about, like the people of Mali and Niger whose lives and livelihoods have been transformed through our development programmes. And we continued to campaign on issues like gender justice and tackling climate change, which will benefit generations to come.
2020 A Year of Resilience
While 2020 was a year like no other, together with our many partners, volunteers, donors and
staff, Alhamdulillah we continued to make a HUGE positive impact all over the world.
Download Latest Annual Report
2018 Yemen Report
Yemen: Three Years of War
Syria: Seven Years of Crisis
The Need for Justice and Protection for Refugees
Islamic Relief Jordan: Update 2017
Syria Emergency Response Jan-June
Copyright 2021 Islamic Relief Australia. All Rights Reserved. ABN 82 147 006 639
Islamic Relief Australia is an active member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and adheres to the ACFID Code of Conduct
which defines minimum standards of governance, management and accountability of development for non-government organisations (NGOs).
Complaints relating to a breach of the ACFID Code of Conduct can be made to the ACFID Code of Conduct Committee.


text:
QB Caylin Newton, Cam's brother, transferrring to Auburn
Posted: May 22, 2020 / 10:40 PM MDT / Updated: May 22, 2020 / 10:40 PM MDT
AUBURN, Ala. (AP)Former Howard quarterback Caylin Newton, the younger brother of ex-Carolina Panthers starter Cam, says he is transferring to Auburn.
Newton announced his decision on Twitter Friday, following in his brother's footsteps. Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy in 2010 while leading Auburn to the national championship.
The 6-foot, 195-pound Caylin Newton will be eligible immediately as a graduate transfer. He entered the NCAA's transfer portal in October after playing in four games. He will walk on with the Tigers, who are already at their 85-player scholarship limit.
Newton was the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference offensive player of the year after passing for 2,629 yards and rushing for 504 yards.
He was the league's rookie of the year as a freshman.
Auburn returns starting quarterback Bo Nix, but has scant experience behind him.
More NCAA Football Stories
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL draft, while Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave is returning for his senior year.
The teammates announced their decisions Monday on Twitter.
Tennessee fires Pruitt, 9 others for 'serious' NCAA issues
The Tennessee football program is starting over yet again, this time after coach Jeremy Pruitt and nine others were fired Monday for cause when an internal investigation found what the university chancellor called ''serious violations of NCAA rules.''
Chancellor Donde Plowman said Pruitt was responsible for overseeing the program. Tennessee has been conducting an internal investigation since a tip Nov. 13 about alleged recruiting violations.
New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen has agreed in principle to become LSU's next defensive coordinator, a person familiar with the situation said.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Monday because some contractual details were still pending.
Health alert issued for Albuquerque due to blowing dust


60 14 08 41 ?
73 30 08 41 ?
113 27 06 42 ?
- 11 10 42 Spitfire w.b.
218 27 04 45 P-47 Me-262?
220 29 04 45 P-47 Me-262?
221 29 04 45 Mosquito Me-262?
I have a better list, but the reseracher who shared it with me won't allow me to share it with others.
Thanks...whomever that other researcher is, he ought to pass the tally over to Petr Kacha & have him post in on his Experten site!
In the words of the famous Greek Philosopher: "Link?? WHAT link??"
Oskar-Heinz had a number of unconfirmed in his total, which i have as 211. Send me your e.mail address and I'll forward his full list with Date/time/Altitude/Place/Type e.tc.
P.S after a big fall out with goring he had trouble getting his confirmed and was refused the Brilleten seven times because of Gorings intervention!
Johannes, could you share with your list also with me ?
60	14 08 41	?
73	30 08 41	?
90	11 02 42	?
-	11 10 42	Spitfire w.b.
As I remember "The Luftwaffe's Last Hope" book confirm that Bär flew Fw 190D during "Bodenplatte".
"Six Months To Oblivion" reports it as an A-9. Clarification, anyone?


text:
Die Molenfeuer Warnemünde sind zwei kleine Leuchttürme auf der Warnemünder West- und Ostmole. Als Lateralzeichen bezeichnen sie von der Mecklenburger Bucht kommend die Einfahrt in die Unterwarnow.

Geschichte
Die Ansteuerung der Häfen von Warnemünde und Rostock wird seit 1886 durch Leuchtfeuer und Baken bezeichnet. Bereits zehn Jahre später wurde die Hafeneinfahrt, der Neue Strom, für die geplante Eisenbahnfährverbindung nach Dänemark neu gestaltet. Unter der Leitung des Hafenbaudirektors Karl Friedrich Kerner ist die Westmole 1896 um rund 130 Meter verlängert und mit einer Leuchtbake gekennzeichnet worden. Die Ostmole ist zwischen 1897 und 1903 entstanden und erhielt ebenfalls ein Molenfeuer.

 Westmole
Anstelle eines Stahlfachwerkturms ist 1963 ein kleiner Leuchtturm auf der Westmole errichtet worden. Das schwarz-weiße Molenfeuer wurde 1985 durch den heutigen Turm ersetzt und steht jetzt auf dem Gelände der Internationalen Gartenbauausstellung 2003. Das aktive Westmolenfeuer ist ein grün-weißer Stahlturm, der 1998 auf einen neuen Arm des Molenkopfes umgesetzt worden ist.

 Ostmole
Im gleichen Jahr wurde auf der umgebauten und verlängerten Ostmole ein neues Leuchtfeuer errichtet. Der rot-weiße Turm ist nahezu baugleich mit dem Westmolenfeuer. Der alte Leuchtturmkörper des historischen Richtfeuers von 1903 war von 1963 bis 1997 als Molenfeuer aktiv. Der rot-weiße Leuchtturm hatte eine Zeiss-Optik und war zum Meer hin mit dem Rostocker Wappen mit dem Greif verziert. Bis ungefähr 2014 stand der demontierte Turm auf einem freien Gelände nahe dem Werft-Bahnhof in Warnemünde und wurde dann auf einem Werksgelände in Rostock-Bramow zwischengelagert. Um eine Erhaltung des technischen Bauwerks zu sichern erfolgte durch das Wasser- und Schiffahrtsamt Stralsund der Verkauf. Nach fast einjähriger Restauration steht das Molenfeuer an der Werft seit 2019 auf dem Sockelgeschoss des Bistro's DECK 9 und lädt zum Verweilen ein.

Auf der nicht mehr vorhandenen Alten Ostmole von 1903, die seit 1960 wie eine langgestreckte Insel den Neuen Strom, das Fahrwasser von 1903, vom Seekanal, dem Hauptfahrwasser, trennte, stand ein schlanker Stahlturm mit filigran eingefasster Leuchte als Molenfeuer. Die Farbgebung  war zuletzt Schwarz-Rot-Schwarz. Von 1990 bis 1997 stand an dieser Stelle ein moderneres Seezeichen. Das gelbe Molenfeuer wurde 1997, im Zuge der Erweiterung des Seekanals, abgebaut und steht seit 2009 in der Rathenower Havel.

Die beiden Molenfeuer werden vom Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Ostsee betrieben.

 Mittelmole
Mit dem Durchstich der Neuen Warnow 1903 und seiner Erweiterung zum Seekanal 1958 entsteht auf der Warnemünde gegenüberliegenden Uferseite der Warnow die Halbinsel der Mittelmole bis 1962 mit seinem prägnanten rot-weiß gebänderten Turm mit orangefarbenem Licht als Richtfeuer auf dem Nordende.

Galerie
Einige Westmolenfeuer im Laufe der Zeit und das Ostmolenfeuer:

Siehe auch

 Mittelmole Warnemünde. Die Zukunft des Areals zwischen Altem Strom und Neuem Strom im Seebad Warnemünde. Mittelmole (Strukturkonzept-Mittelmole, Abschlussbericht S.23–27, 2011, PDF 12,68 MB)

Weblinks

Einzelnachweise

Warnemunde #Molenfeuer
Verkehrsbauwerk in Rostock
Bauwerk in Warnemünde
Warnemunde #Molenfeuer
Warnemunde #Molenfeuer
Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Stralsund
Turm aus Metall
Erbaut in den 1980er Jahren
Erbaut in den 1990er Jahren
Bauensemble in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Bauensemble in Europa
Verkehrsbauwerk (Ostsee)
Verkehr (Warnemünde)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
support@felixferia.com
Singapore with Malaysia Tour
Home ›Tour Packages ›Singapore with Malaysia Tour
Destination Covered : Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Malaysia
Day 1: Singapore - Adventure Cove Water Park with S.E.A Aquarium
The Singapore and Malaysia Tour starts with your arrival at the Singapore Airport. Enjoy the warm welcome to the Lion City. A tour representative shall be present to attend you and transfer to the hotel in Singapore. Relax and get fresh.
Later in the day proceed to the Adventure Cove Water Park. The adventure park and its enthralling rides gives you an adrenaline rush. Zoom through thrilling waterslides such as South East Asia's first hydro magnetic coaster. The Blu water Bay wave pool is ideal for lots of fun. There rea rides where you can grab a tube and journey down Adventure River. There are almost 14 themed zones including a tropical jungle garden. A cavern in the park is inhabited by the mysterious sea creatures. In the adventure zone one can enjoy the mesmerizing experience to snorkel over a colorful coral reef with 20,000 friendly fishes.
The S.E.A Aquarium is one of the world's largest aquarium. Here visitors can immerse yourself in the magic of life underwater. The aquarium is a supersize window to the ocean. Visit more than 800 species of marine animals. The aquarium is home to magnificent manta rays, enormous goliath groupers, Napoleon wrasse and other gentle giants of the sea. Around 200 sharks also inhabit the cerulean depths.
Recover from the magical allure of the marine world. The evening is at your leisure. The vivacious nightlife of Singapore awaits to be explored. The Clarke Quay is the place to be. The charming diversity makes sure that every visitors is left spellbound. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Singapore - Sands Sky Park and Sentosa Island Tour
Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast at Sands Sky Park at the Marine Bay. Snuggled in the heart of the city, here is a moment worth cherishing a lifetime. The views are spectacular and you will be surely charmed.
After a hearty breakfast, proceed to the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom. Surrounded by verdant tropical foliage, the park showcases the spectacular beauties of Mother Nature. With a great variety of fluttering butterflies and exotic insects, this tamed wilderness is a sure delight to all visitors. There is a golden opportunity to enjoy a truly unique outdoor experience. Activities offered in the lush kingdom is suitable for all ages. Discover ecosystems and species only found in Singapore or Southeast Asia. Next, board the Sky ride and grasp the fantastic panoramic scenery of the city skyline and beautiful coastline.
There's no better way to complete a marvelous day at Sentosa than to take in a spectacular night show set outdoors against the backdrop of an open sea. Wings of Time is an international famed musical and laser light show. Witness an awe-inspiring display of water, laser and fire effects, set to majestic music and a landscape of breathtaking views. The show narrates a tale of friendship and courage. The poignant music will linger with you long time after you leave the dreamlike island. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Singapore.
Day 3: Singapore - Universal Studios Tour
Start the day with a hearty breakfast. After your delicious start, head to the universal studios. In the Universal Studio Tour, go beyond the screen. The real thrill lies in exploring the nuances of the movie making. There are numerous thrilling ride the Movies at Universal Studios Singapore at Resort World Sentosa. Experience innovative rides, shows, and attractions based on your favorite blockbuster films and television series. These include Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle, Shrek 4-D Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure Jurassic Park Rapids Adventures, Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON™ dueling Coasters, and many more.
Recover from the mesmerizing world of movies with an overnight stay in your hotel in Singapore.
Day 4: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur - Night tour with KL Tower Ticket
Pack your bags and enjoy a delicious breakfast in your hotel. After you meal, you will be transferred to Kuala Lumpur. The magical capital of Malaysia awaits with a warm welcome. From the Coach station board your coach to Kuala Lumpur. On arrival avail transfer to the hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Check-in and enjoy the lavish comforts of your room and the hotel.
Kuala Lumpur is the Asian cyber city. The Malaysian capital has a treasure of historic temples and mosques co-existing with state-of-the-art towers and shopping malls. In the evening proceed for the Kuala Lumpur night tour with KL Tower ticket. The views form the PETRONAS towers is simple beyond words can describe.
Return to hotel for overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Day 5: Kuala Lumpur - Full Day Genting Theme Park
After an appetizing breakfast at the hotel, proceed for full day Genting Highlands tour. The Genting highlands are breathtaking. Amidst the natural beauty in the fresh mountain airs about 6,000 feet above sea level, it is Malaysia's luxury holiday resort and a World-Class City of Entertainment. The spectacular vacation spot is surrounded by one of the oldest tropical jungles in the world. Enjoy the numerous indoor amusement rides, casino, cinemas, restaurants and shopping malls. You will not wish to return. The charming allures shall capture your hearts. Overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur hotel.
Day 6: Kuala Lumpur - Half Day Country side & Batu Caves Tour
Start the day with an early morning breakfast. Next, proceed to Half Day country side & Batu Caves Tour. This sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Malaysian Batik Cottage. Here watch how fine Batik garments are made. Next visit to the world's only Royal Selangor Pewter factory. Pewter products are well known worldwide. Here you can buy some rare bargains at the world re-known departmental store. Next highlight of the day is the most exciting stopover, The Batu Caves. The towering limestone outcropping is located just 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. These caves house numerous Hindu shrines. The intriguing Batu Caves is one of the must visit famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Witness the marvel of nature. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7: Depart Kuala Lumpur
Begin the day with a delicious breakfast in the hotel. Your time is at your leisure, until our representative takes you to the airport. You will have all arrangements for a comfortable journey back home. Return home with cherished memories of Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore (12) Port Blair (8) Dubai (7) Kuala Lumpur (7) Manali (6) Shimla (6) Brussels (4) Paris (4) Kochi (4) Amsterdam (4) Alleppey (3) Abu Dhabi (3) Bali (3) Zurich (3) Kovalam (3) New Delhi (3) Male (3) Munnar (3) Trivandrum (2) Chandigarh City (2) Dharamshala (1) Thiruvananthapuram (1) Venice (1) Rome (1) London (1) Kumarakom (1) Amritsar (1) Leh Ladakh (1) Wayanad (1) Florence (1) View More
Beach and Islands (25) Road Trip (1) Valley (7) Hill Station (5) Forts and Palaces (8) Adventure Sports (2) Heritage (4)
Similar Tour Packages for Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Simply Singapore With Malaysia Tour
Destinations Covered : Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Super Singapore Tour
Destinations Covered : Singapore
Made Our Trip Memorable With Singapore And..
INR 52083
Singapore Fly With Us Package
Singapore Malaysia Special Tour
Exotic Malaysia Tour
Destinations Covered : Kuala Lumpur
Home | About Us | Tour Packages | Testimonials | Career | Contact Us | Site Map
All Rights Reserved. Felix Feria (Happy Holidays)


Ask the Flight Surgeon / By MAJ Erik S. Johnson, DO and MAJ Joseph J. Pavelites, MD, PhD, MPH : This issue, instead of answering a specific medical question, let's discuss healthy lifestyle choices.
We often focus so much on our mission and careers that we may forget to develop the habits that make for a long, healthy life. It is understandable that military medicine focuses on readiness of the soldier in their "prime." However, Americans live to about 80 years of age. Even after completing twenty or more years in the service, the military retiree generally has decades of time to enjoy. Many aviators will discuss with their aeromedical provider that they want to be able to spend quality years with family and friends after they have finished their military careers. It can't be overemphasized that the negative effects of poor lifestyle choices generally have the most notable impact after our military service. Therefore, it is wise to spend some time reviewing those choices to see where you can improve your health now and in the future.
The media has made us all aware that so much of our health is in our own hands. We all can make choices that limit our alcohol intake and promote a tobacco-free, physically and mentally active lifestyle fueled by proper nutrition. These foundations of health have a profoundly positive impact on preventing the most likely diseases of later life such as diabetes, heart diseases and many cancers. For example, good nutrition reduces the waistline that, in turn, lowers your chances of getting Type II diabetes, having a heart attack and developing cancers of the colon and breast. The best time to start making changes is now and the good news is that you do not have to make all the changes you need all at once. Small steps in the right direction add up to big, positive results overall.
So, what are some steps you can take?
Eliminate or reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances. This includes reducing or quitting tobacco use (smoke, dip, and chew), tempering alcohol consumption, and being vigilant about what other substances you are exposed to in your environment. While tobacco smoke may be one of the most frequent hazardous exposures occurring both at home and at work, reducing exposure to other chemicals, solvents, dusts (wood and metal), exhaust, and fumes is prudent as well. I recommend reading and following safety labels on products and even familiarizing yourself with the online Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) that more fully describe the risks of common work related and household products.
Increase the quality and quantity of physical activity. This doesn't, necessarily, have to be a formal exercise program directed by a personal trainer. Remember small steps such as going on a walk-break, instead of a coffee break, or taking the stairs instead of an elevator can get your body moving and primed for advancing your exercise routine. It has been shown that just the simple act of routinely putting on your sneakers motivates people to do the next step: using them.
Watch what you eat. Reduce the amount of salt (sodium) and carbohydrates (especially simple sugars) that you consume. Reading nutrition labels often reveals hidden sources of sodium and sugar and gives you the opportunity to make better food choices. Make sure to get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Remember, even healthier choices need to be consumed in the proper amounts. We often over estimate how much an appropriate portion should be.
Maintain a healthy weight for better sleep, more energy and to prevent disease and to decrease the risk of injuries. With roughly two-thirds of Americans having a weight problem, many people have set weight loss as a personal goal. Don't forget that your flight medicine team can help you with your weight loss goals, while also monitoring other measures of health like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Your flight medicine provider often can direct you to resources, like nutrition programs, wellness centers, and recreational activities that you may not be aware of.
Certainly, this is not an exhaustive list of healthy habits and positive lifestyle changes. However, it is a good list of basics that give the best bang for the buck. Remember, there is nothing faddish about good health; just incremental changes that synergistically combine to give yourself a better quality of life now and after your military career.
MAJs Johnson and Pavelites are aeromedical specialist physicians at the United States Army School of Aviation Medicine (USASAM), Fort Rucker, AL.


Consultants work at both child specific, team development and strategic levels with Avocet and Turnstone House. Their influence is carefully integrated into all aspects of the work with children from admissions, assessments, casework planning, bespoke individual interventions, training, and family therapy, to extending our "no limits" thinking and energising our innovation.
Individual therapeutic work with young people is based on a belief that there is a dynamic process operating in which the young person explores at their own pace those issues, past and current, conscious and unconscious, that are affecting their lives in the present. The young people's inner resources are then enabled by the therapeutic process to bring about positive growth and change.
Doctorate in Applied Educational and Child Psychology, MSc., BSc (Hons), C Psychol.
Ben has extensive experience from applying psychology over 32 years in local authority work. He has been involved with school development, policy formulation at senior management level and specialising in the promotion of positive outcomes for looked after children, particularly those in agency or out-county placements. Ben has achieved a Doctorate based on his work with children and young people in care which reflects his interest in the development of a positive sense of self and identity for the young people placed with SES.
Qualified Social Worker (West London Institute). Certificate in Counselling skills – working with children under 12 years. (University of East Anglia). Advocating on behalf of Children and Young People (NYAS). MA Play Therapy (University of Roehampton).
For 11 years Teresa was employed as a Probation Officer in London and East Anglia. Her role involved working with adults and young offenders plus work with families going through the civil courts. She was employed by NYAS for 2 years working as an advocate with children and young people in the care of the Local Authority and those with special needs. Since 1996 Teresa has worked for a children's charity working with children and young people (aged 4 – 18 years) experiencing difficulties due to divorce and separation in their families including those separated from their families and in Local Authority Foster Care. This work is child centred and Play Therapy techniques are used. Teresa has worked for Avocet House since 2010.
Diploma in Systemic Therapy (Roehampton Institute), Certificate in Counselling (Westminster Pastoral Foundation), Certificate in Developing Counselling Skills (Norwich Centre), Diploma in Business Studies (University of Aix-en-Provence/French Institute, London).
For the last 19 years Ursula has been a Systemic Psychotherapist in the NHS (Child and Family Mental Health). She has worked clinically with families and with adults in many different settings including eating disorders, ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders. Ursula supervises and trains professionals who are working in multi-agency contexts with severely distressed and disturbed children and young people where there has been little optimism for change.
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with 13 years experience of working as a Consultant within the NHS. I now dedicate my working life to independent practice. I have experience of managing young people with a wide range of mental health difficulties. Clinically I incorporate my medical and psychiatric training into a whole systems approach to working with children and families, taking into account the many interacting factors that contribute to a young person's difficulties. Specialist areas of interest and expertise include the assessment and management of developmental disorders, family therapy and supporting the mental health needs of Looked After Children. I offer my skills to the courts as an expert witness in private and public law cases. I have extensive experience of clinical leadership, teaching, training, supervision, service and strategic development, both within and across organisations.


text:
HomeTag: Leadership Award
Shobhan Mittal Felicitated at ET Asian Business Leaders Conclave
Greenply's joint managing director and CEO Shobhan Mittal has been conferred Leadership Award at the Economic Times Asian Business Leaders Conclave 2017. Mittal was recognised for his contribution to the Indian wood panel industry at the conclave held in Malaysia last November. Speaking at the award ceremony, Mittal said that the Indian government's focus on


"Thanks for the update. One question. How is the Nexus One as a . . . uh. . . phone? The iPhone does a poor job of holding a signal. Nexus One?"
It seems just OK as a "phone" (quaint concept), but I don't really know who's to blame. The phone itself? The T-Mobile network, which I've used for years (because of international data plans) and which is the initial launch partner for the Nexus One, but which seems to have very shaky coverage in the US? (For instance: barely reaching to my house in DC.) America's unimpressive cell-phone performance in general, relative to most other countries? I dunno. I am hardened to a life of often-dropped calls as part of the repatriation process.


What will a 1 bedroom rental cost in Uptown, Chicago?
Uptown is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Chicago. Depending on the specifics, you should be able to find a 1 BR for 800 - 1000. Uptown also has a lot of studio apartments, which would be a couple hundred less.


text:
Do textbooks have a place in the library?
Ann Mac Kay Snowman
University Libraries - University Park
Journal of Access Services
Snowman, A. M. K. (2017). Do textbooks have a place in the library? Journal of Access Services, 14(2), 43-45. https://doi.org/10.1080/15367967.2017.1309246
Snowman, Ann Mac Kay. / Do textbooks have a place in the library?. In: Journal of Access Services. 2017 ; Vol. 14, No. 2. pp. 43-45.
@article{cdbc2a0750654150843d4caf382c3f9a,
title = "Do textbooks have a place in the library?",
author = "Snowman, {Ann Mac Kay}",
journal = "Journal of Access Services",
Snowman, AMK 2017, 'Do textbooks have a place in the library?', Journal of Access Services, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 43-45. https://doi.org/10.1080/15367967.2017.1309246
Do textbooks have a place in the library? / Snowman, Ann Mac Kay.
In: Journal of Access Services, Vol. 14, No. 2, 03.04.2017, p. 43-45.
T1 - Do textbooks have a place in the library?
AU - Snowman, Ann Mac Kay
JO - Journal of Access Services
JF - Journal of Access Services
Snowman AMK. Do textbooks have a place in the library? Journal of Access Services. 2017 Apr 3;14(2):43-45. https://doi.org/10.1080/15367967.2017.1309246