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HRB 92 - IRS Final Rules – IRC Sections 6055 and 6056; and, HHS Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2015
Released March 14, 2014I Download as a PDF
March 14, 2014 --
IRS Final Rules – IRC Sections 6055 and 6056
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes some new annual reporting requirements, the specific objective of which is to inform the IRS and individuals about who has access to minimum essential coverage (MEC), and when an employer shared responsibility assessment might be owed. In addition, these requirements are intended to facilitate the determination about who is eligible for premium assistance.
As background, individuals who fall below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and do not have access to MEC that meets the minimum value and affordability standards may be entitled to premium assistance in the form of an advance tax credit available only for purchase of coverage through the marketplace. To help the IRS know who is offered MEC, IRC Section 6055 requires insurers, self-funded plans and other providers of MEC to report certain information to the IRS. Of particular interest to employers is the newly added IRC Section 6056 reporting requirement. This requirement obligates employers subject to the employer shared responsibility rules of the ACA, specifically employers employing 50 or more employees (known as "applicable large employer" or "ALE"), to report certain information annually to the IRS, as well as provide related benefit statements to employees.
The IRS issued proposed regulations on these reporting requirements six months ago (see CBIZ Health Reform Bulletin, Information Reporting by Employers on Health Coverage and Reporting of Minimum Essential Coverage, 9/18/13).
Final IRS regulations on both IRC Sections 6055 and 6056 reporting were published on March 10, 2014, together with a Fact Sheet. These regulations are effective March 10, 2014 and apply to calendar years beginning after December 31, 2014.
IRC Section 6056 Reporting
Section 6056 requires employers to report to the IRS information about their compliance with the employer shared responsibility provisions, including the type of health care coverage they offer to their employees. In addition, employers are required to furnish related benefit statements to employees to assist them in determining whether they can claim a premium tax credit on their tax return.
The IRS Form 1095-C (employee statement) and a Form 1094-C (transmittal) are the proposed designated forms to be used for Section 6056 reporting. The type of information to be reported includes:
Name, address and employer ID of the ALE;
Name and telephone number of a contact for ALE;
The calendar year for which the report is filed. Note, the reports are based on calendar years, not plan years;
Reporting on a calendar month basis of the following:
Certification as to whether the ALE's full-time employees and their dependents, including spouses, are given an opportunity to enroll in MEC,
The number of FTEs employed by ALE,
The months for which MEC was offered, and
The employee's share of the monthly premium for single health coverage that meets minimum value;
The name, address and taxpayer ID number for each full-time employee offered coverage.
It is important to note that to avoid the risk of an IRC Section 4980H penalty (the employer shared responsibility penalty), the ALE is obligated to offer MEC to the employee and dependents (biological and adopted children only) through the month of their 26th birthday. This notwithstanding, the Section 6056 reporting requirement obligates the employer to report on whether coverage is offered to spouses.
Alternative Reporting Methods
The final regulations provide for two alternative reporting methodologies for satisfying the IRC Section 6056 reporting in 2015. They are:
Certification of Qualifying Offer. In this method, the ALE certifies on the Form 1095-C (or other IRS designated form) that it made a qualifying offer of MEC to its full-time employees and their spouses and dependents for all months during the year at a cost under 9.5% of the single federal poverty line (approx $1,100 for 2015). Either a copy of the form filed with the IRS or similar document would then be used to satisfy the related benefit statement disclosure to participants.
Option to report without separate identification of full-time employees. If the ALE offers MEC that meets the affordability standard to at least 98% of its employees and their dependents, the ALE is not required to separately identify its full-time employees or report the total number of its full-time employees on the Section 6056 return for the reporting year.
Timing of filing. The report is required to be filed with the IRS no later than February 28th of each year (or March 31st of each year if filed electronically), reflecting information for the previous calendar year.
Benefit Statements to Employees
Full-time employees must be furnished with a written statement derived from information contained in the employer's report. This can be accomplished by providing a copy of the Form 1095-C or other IRS designated form. The statement would include the employee's name and address, his/her Social Security number, and a code indicating that an offer of coverage for all 12 months of calendar year or the specific months for which coverage is offered has, in fact, been made. These benefits statements must be provided annually by January 31st and are based on prior calendar plan year information.
Manner of Distribution. These benefit statements may be provided in paper or electronically. The paper version is required to be mailed to the full-time employee's last known permanent address or, if no permanent address is known, to the employee's temporary address. These statements may be provided electronically or by posting to a website, as long as the electronic distribution standards contained in the regulations are followed.
Insurers, self-funded plans and other providers of MEC are required to report certain information to the IRS, known as IRC Section 6055 Reporting. The type of information required to be reported to the IRS on the Form 1095-B (or other IRS designated form) includes the following information for each calendar year:
Name, address, and EIN for the person required to file the return;
Name, address, and TIN, or date of birth of each individual covered under the policy or program; and
For each covered individual, the months for which the individual was enrolled in coverage and entitled to receive benefits.
In addition, information returns reporting MEC provided to an individual under an insured group health plan must report:
Name, address, and EIN of the employer sponsoring the plan; and
Whether the coverage is a qualified health plan enrolled in through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) and the SHOP's unique identifier.
Timing of filing. The report is required to be filed with the IRS no later than February 28th of each year (or March 31st of each year, if filed electronically), reflecting information for the previous calendar year.
Employers submitting a Section 6055 return must furnish the same information to all individuals named in the return, together with the contact phone number of the individual filing the return and the policy number. This can be accomplished by providing a copy of the Form 1095-B, or similar substitute statement as prescribed by the IRS. These benefit statements must be provided annually by January 31st and are based on prior calendar plan year information. These statements may be provided electronically, as long as the electronic distribution standards contained in the regulations are followed.
Combined 6055/6056 Streamline Reporting
The final regulations provide a combined streamline reporting process, particularly for ALEs offering self-funded plans that would be subject to both Code Sections 6055 and 6056 requirements. While the IRS has not formally released the designated forms for accomplishing these reporting requirements yet, the final regulations indicated that an ALE sponsor of a self-insured plan who is subject to both IRC Sections 6055 and 6056 reporting requirements would complete both sections of IRS Form 1095-C. An ALE sponsoring an insured plan will also utilize the Form 1095-C, but need only complete the relevant information required by Section 6056 since it is the insurer who files information to satisfy its Section 6055 obligation.
While employers are encouraged to file the Section 6056 report for the 2014 calendar year, it is not obligatory until the 2015 calendar year, due in the first quarter of 2016. Employers should begin thinking about how to design a system that captures the relevant data. The IRS reporting forms referred to in this document have not been issued yet; they are expected to be available in the near future.
If an employer is interested in the alternative reporting process, the employer should work toward ensuring that affordability standard it uses is the single federal poverty line limit; or, it offers coverage to at least 98% of its full-time employees.
HHS Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2015
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued its 2015 Benefit and Payment Parameters on March 11, 2014. These uniform standards are intended for health insurers and the marketplace to ensure health coverage options for consumers, as well as provide planning guidance for insurers and employers. Following are highlights of these standards:
2015 Cost-sharing Limitations. Following are the deductible and out-of-pocket limits that can be imposed by plans:
Deductible (only applicable to small insured plans offered in/outside Marketplace)
$2,050 for single coverage
$4,100 for coverage for more than one
Out-of-pocket (applicable to insured plans offered via the Marketplace, and insured and self-funded plans offered outside Marketplace)
$13,200 for coverage for more than one
Transitional Reinsurance Fee. The goal of a transitional reinsurance program is to stabilize premiums in the individual market due to anticipated immediate enrollment of higher risk individuals. The reinsurance money would be used to offset the expenses of the newly eligible individuals. For 2014, the contribution rate is $5.25 per covered life per month, or approximately $63, annually. The annual reinsurance contribution rate to be collected in 2015 is $44 per enrollee. Virtually, all-sized health plans, whether insured or self-funded are subject to the fees. Self-funded, self-administered plans are exempt from the transition reinsurance fee for the 2015 and 2016 reporting year. This is expected to have very limited application in that most self-funded plans engage the services of a third party administrator.
Federal Exchange User Fees. To support the functions of federally-facilitated marketplaces (FF-marketplace), participating insurers offering a plan through a FF-marketplace are required to remit a user fee to HHS each month. In 2015, the federal user fee remains at 3.5% of premium revenue of insurers who participate in the FF-marketplace.
Open Enrollment Period for 2015. The annual open enrollment period for the 2015 benefit year through the Marketplace is November 15, 2014 through February 15, 2015.


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Home / Saint Search / St Francis of Assisi
St Francis of Assisi
Century: 12th Century, 13th Century
Patronage: animals, environment, ecology, Italy, merchants, stowaways, cub scouts,
Feast Day: October 4th
Born in 1181 or 1182 to a well-to-do merchant family, the life of St. Francis is the very stuff to which the already canonized Catholic saints aspire! A lover of life as a young man, a big spender, well-dressed, more play than work, St. Francis freely used his money to indulge himself, although never to the destructive extremes of debauchery. He contemplated a military career after having been taken prisoner in a civil strife; he even purchased a stead, armor and regal clothing. However, he ultimately turned from this venture after his conscience was struck by two things: the sight of a poor man and a deterring dream. The encounter with poverty and the enlightening dream began a series of on-going moments in St. Francis life where God spoke to him, cryptically nudging him to a life of holiness. The voice was so persistent, convincing and endearing that those who knew St. Francis noticed the distraction of their friend and swore he was he had fallen in love.
Slowly he began selling his possessions to increase his giving to the poor, and he devoted more time to prayer. The scene that lead to St. Francis' vocation is nothing less than storybook-amazing. One morning while at prayer he heard the Crucifix say, "Francis, go and repair my house, which you see is falling down." Of course, St. Francis thought God was speaking of the local church building in disrepair, so he took a load of clothe from his father's storehouse, loaded it up on a horse and sold both the clothe and the horse to give the earnings to the Church! Needless to say, this upset his father, who beat him violently for the charitable action—literally dragged him home from the Church and locked him in chains in his room! However, St. Francis' mother took pity on him, unshackling the poor boy, who immediately ran back toward the Church. Yet he was intercepted by his father, who warned him that he would be disinherited if he did not return home, as well as return the money for the clothe and horse. St. Francis, stubbornly went to the Church.
At this point, the local bishop heard of the disruption caused within the wealthy family and called for St. Francis to appear before him. Having heard of how the money was obtained which St. Francis donated to the Church, he asked that St. Francis return the money to his father, as he was afraid the contribution was not freely given by the owner. It was at this point that St. Francis declared, "The clothes I wear are also his. I'll give them back." At this he stripped naked and became the wayfaring holy man whom we have all briefly glimpsed in reading.
From begging for alms, to preaching the word, to praying mystically, the escapades of St. Francis range from his kindness to animals and God's creatures, to his battling temptation and impurity by rolling in snow and thorn-bushes. A man visited by Christ Crucified, he suffered the Church's first recorded stigmata—which is celebrated by its own feast day on Sept. 17. St. Francis, too, was a celebrated diplomat whose answer to the Holy Lands was to convert the Sultan, as opposed to fight the Crusades. A contemporary of St. Dominic and St. Clare, this man's witness to the Faith shone to and saved the world. Upon his death he requested to be buried in a cemetery for criminals. However, this request was denied.
Volumes have been written on this man. G.K. Chesterton writes a moving account. St. Bonaventure's writings demonstrate a heroic admiration. Plenty of Catholics and non-Catholics continue to be fascinated by the holy character. Indeed, perhaps the most accurate description of St. Francis is from the opening paragraph for his feast-day (Oct. 4) in Butler's Lives of the Saints: "It has been said of St. Francis that he entered into glory in his lifetime, and that he is the one saint whom all succeeding generations have agreed in canonizing. This over-statement has sufficient truth in it to provoke another namely, that he is the one saint whom, in our day, all non-Catholics have agreed in canonizing. He captured the imagination of his time by presenting poverty, chastity and obedience in the terms of the troubadours and courts of love, and that of a more complex age by his extraordinary simplicity. Religious and social cranks of all sorts have appealed to him for justification, and he has completely won the hearts of the sentimental" (Butler, iv, 22).
Practical Take-Away: St. Francis & the New Evangelization
The witness of St. Francis continues to speak to the world. The Faithful should reflect upon his life and discover his unreserved literalness and total dedication to the Gospel. Many people admire St. Francis today for his animal-love, or his environmental stewardship. Indeed, such was the man. But he was also a peacemaker. He was also poor, chaste and obedient. He was a man of God, following Christ's own heart. That is precisely where it is difficult to get a handle on St. Francis, especially in light of ourselves. In an article by G.K. Chesterton, St. Francis is accurately described as "the happiest of the sons of men." St. Francis' joy, is what bears witness to the world. People love St. Francis—even when they fail to recognize Christ accurately! His joy was contagious…IS contagious! Chesterton, however, seeks to discover where the joy comes from: "Yet this man undoubtedly founded his whole polity on the negation of what we think the most imperious necessities; in his three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, he denied to himself and those he loved most, property, love, and liberty." Wow! Christians derive their name from a willingness to follow Christ. Sometimes in our abstract, rationalizations we make the Cross a cinch to tote around. But not when it is St. Francis' literalness calls us out. Before we can follow Christ, are we willing to follow His underling; the servant before the Master?! It would serve us well to follow St. Francis even into the places that we fear to tread. St. Francis took the leaps that we now face—with all the same uncertainties and questions. But he had Faith. Do you? Then what are you waiting for? The time for cafeteria Catholics has ended. Do we admire St. Francis, the whole man, the saint?—or do we simply want to do the things we like about him and avoid the things that scare us? Cafeteria or Catholic? Your answer holds the key to the New Evangelization!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Before you can begin to use this headset, you will have to charge it (aprox. 4 hours) via the included USB cable. Once the LED on the USB connection on the headset turns green, you're ready to rock. The setup for the Vengeance 2000 headset is extremely straight forward. Attaching the USB transmitter either directly to a USB connector in the back of your system or via the included USB extension cable, my Windows 7 system automatically installed the drivers. At this point the headset is functional, and you "could" stop there, but if you want to enjoy the 7.1 surround support with this headset, you will need to visit the Corsair site to download the latest drivers (at the time of this writing was version 1.7). With the Corsair drivers installed, not only do you get the 7.1 surround support (via the integrated CMedia Xear), but you also get a control panel that offers additional settings.
With the headset connected and the Corsair drivers installed, let's take a look at the control panel. Inside the control panel are various settings that can be configured that can, in some cases, dramatically change the sound production depending on what you are listening too. Starting off, there is a fully functional equalizer that allows for granular manipulation of the individual sound frequencies. If this is too intimidating, Corsair has several preset "Profiles" that can be selected which target key usage areas (audio, gaming, and movies). Below the equalizer section is the Surround section. There are three settings here that essentially manipulate the strength of the emulated 7.1 surround effect. On the left are slide controls for sound and mic volume. Finally, in the top left is a "Bypass" button that allows you to turn off the Xear support and run the Vengeance 2000 headset in stereo only mode.


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Rutger Bregman on Progressive Economics
Dutch historian Rutger Bregman became a viral sensation taking on the billionaires at Davos.
In conversation with Guardian columnist and former editor of the Spectator, Matthew D'Ancona, he joined How To Academy to present a bold, farsighted and realistic vision of a better world.
From Universal Basic Income to Open Borders, his ideas for an achievable utopian society offer an urgently needed shot of big thinking into the stagnant politics of the present.
Rutger Bregman is one of Europe's most prominent young thinkers. He has published four books on history, philosophy and economics, and has twice been nominated for the prestigious European Press Prize. >>
Matthew d'Ancona
Matthew d'Ancona is an editor at Tortoise Media and an award-winning columnist. He writes for the GUARDIAN, EVENING STANDARD and GQ. >>
Slavoj Žižek Vs Will Self
Philosopher Slavoj Žižek has been called the most dangerous thinker in the West. The writer Will Self puts that statement to the test.
Yuval Noah Harari and Natalie Portman
The award-winning actress Natalie Portman joins the bestselling historian Yuval Noah Harari for a conversation about the future.
Peter Frankopan and Akala on China
Historian Peter Frankopan meets the hip-hop artist and social entrepreneur Akala to explore China's ascendency to major global power.
Madeleine Albright On Fascism
Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright joins BBC's Emily Maitlis to discuss fascism, populism and the political state of the world.
Rutger Bregman is one of Europe's most prominent young thinkers. He has published four books on history, philosophy and economics, and has twice been nominated for the prestigious European Press Prize. The Dutch edition of Utopia for Realists became an international bestseller and has been translated into 28 languages and is sold in 31 territories. Rutger now has over 100K followers on Twitter.
Matthew d'Ancona is an editor at Tortoise Media and an award-winning columnist. He writes for the Guardian, London Evening Standard and GQ. He was previously editor of the Spectator and founding editor-in-chief of Drugstore Culture. His most recent book, Post-Truth: The New War on Truth and How to Fight Back, received global acclaim.


Because baby's don't come with instructions.
Your baby will also learn how to deal with being afraid or sad or angry, with feeling hungry or cold. They will learn how to get up and try again after a fall or disappointment. They will learn how to reach out to help someone else.
Fortunately, the things your child needs most from you in these first five years are free and easy. Show your little one how much you love him or her by taking time to talk, play, laugh, sing, read, rhyme, dance, and tell stories together. Your love and these activities provide the stimulation a young child's brain needs to develop; they provide the foundation for learning.
The Kit for New Parents offers many tools to help you and your baby make the most of these next five years. You'll find expert advice and local resources, plus some gifts to enjoy with your child.


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Q: prolog length predefined list In prolog,I have a rule that calculate the length of a list. I am wondering if my list is predefined what do I do?
for example, in the base I have
list1[1,2,3,4,3,5,8].

longueur([],0).
longueur([_|Y],N) :- longueur(Y,M), N is M+1.

And in prolog I enter longueur(list1,N). I keep geting false.

A: longueur(list1,N). is false because list1 is not a list, and so does not match with any of the two rules of longueur/2 that you wrote.
To get it to work, this is what you would do:
?- list1(X), longueur(X,L).
X = [1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 5, 8],
L = 7.

If you want longueur/2 to work with list1 as argument, and with list1([1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]). as fact, you should create a predicate like longueur_depuis_atome/2:
longueur_depuis_atome(A, L) :-
    call(A, X),
    longueur(X, L).

Then:
?- longueur_depuis_atome(list1,L).
L = 7.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This photo makes me smile for a number of reasons, both stylistically and personally.
1. This was adventure time with the cousins.
2. I've captured the moment Eliza realized there was a barbed wire line crossing the river and Eden is blissfully unaware.
3. I love the catchlights glistening off the water.
4. I almost discarded this photograph. In color there were too many distractions, but in b/w it works so much better. For me, it's a great capture of youth.
I love learning about the photograph's background story.
Inflatables and barbed wire do not mix well together. Fine b&w photo documenting a day of great adventure.
Your photo is full of life and youth!
Gorgeous B & W image.
They are having great fun! Nice picture!
That looks so much fun! The photo works well.
What a beautiful photo! I love the movement in it, and I think it works very well as a B & W shot.
Thank you for sharing it with us at Photo Friday!
My name is Brooke and we've discovered that living the life of an expat has its privileges! We LOVE to travel and after 5 years in Germany we moved to Saudi Arabia. Join us as we discover new parts of the world.
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Zero Tolerance for Workplace Violence
Key Component of Workplace Safety
Workplace safety is one of those better-safe-than-sorry areas of management where prevention is critical. Although an organization's hiring and supervision policies appear to preclude violent behavior in the workplace, early intervention helps prevent more serious acts. Instituting a zero tolerance for workplace violence policy sends a clear message to all involved that in your nonprofit there are consequences for violent actions.
In 2006, an estimated 2 million U.S. employees were physically or verbally abused in the workplace.
58% of senior managers have been threatened by an employee.
Addressing Threats
For the most part, the people who live in the nonprofit world — employees, volunteers, donors, clients, participants and attendees — are well meaning folk who bring an inspired mission to life. Occasionally, a handful of people — through their words and actions — strike fear in the hearts of a nonprofit's employees. For example:
The recently terminated employee who shouts, "I will get you for this!" as he is being escorted out of the building;
The parent of a child who has been removed from the nonprofit's programs due to repeated misbehavior who sends an e-mail to the executive director promising to "make your life hell for what you've done to my kid"; or
The anonymous caller who leaves a message on the nonprofit's answering machine expressing rage at the nonprofit's selection of a controversial political figure as the keynote speaker at its upcoming annual conference.
OSHA Standards
There are currently no specific standards for workplace violence.
Section 5(2)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees." Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act."
Note: 24 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. The Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Virgin Islands plans cover public sector (state & local government) employment only. For the most part these states adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some states have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies. (See www.osha.gov for links to state plans.)
The organization needs to interpret and address threats against specific people or the nonprofit. Staff members need to discern an "empty threat" from one that is serious. They need to know when a threat should be reported to law enforcement or when to obtain outside help addressing threats.
Evaluating Threats
Determining which threat to take seriously, which is just venting or which is a hoax is part experience, part intuition and part luck. Your nonprofit can create policies that put people on notice that threats will not be tolerated.
Defining Workplace Violence
Perception is reality. For instance, one person's perceived teasing may be another person's perceived threat. Defining what the organization considers "violent" behavior alleviates most misunderstanding. The organization's policies should spell out in clear and simple language what the organization considers violent behavior and what consequences will ensue if the policies are broken. See the two examples that follow.
[Name of Nonprofit] prohibits disrupting, interfering, or preventing normal work functions or activities; making physical or verbal threats; or endangering the health or safety of any individual.
Disruptive behaviors include yelling, using profanity, waving arms or fists, verbally abusing others, and refusing reasonable requests for identification.
Threatening behavior includes physical actions short of actual contact or injury (moving aggressively into another's personal space), general oral or written threats to people or property ("You better watch your back." "I'll get you."), and implied threats ("You'll be sorry." "This isn't over.").
Violent behavior includes any physical assault, with or without weapons; behavior that a reasonable person would interpret as being potentially violent (throwing things, pounding one's fist on a desk or door, or destroying property), or specific threats to inflict physical harm (a threat to shoot a specific person: "I'm going to shoot you, Eustis.").
Sample language prohibiting workplace violence
The safety of [name of nonprofit]'s employees, clients, and visitors is an important concern to the organization. Threats, threatening behavior or acts of violence against employees, clients, visitors or others while on [name of nonprofit]'s property, conducting business or receiving services from [name of nonprofit] won't be tolerated. Violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action, possible dismissal, and criminal prosecution as appropriate.
Blogs Gone Wrong
Q. Can you discipline or terminate an employee for bad-mouthing your nonprofit in a blog or e-mail?
A. Yes – While a disciplined or terminated employee might believe that your actions violate their First Amendment right to freedom of speech, remember that the First Amendment to the Constitution limits governmental action; it does not restrict private employers' behavior. You can and should discipline an employee or volunteer who disparages your nonprofit in a blog. Harsher discipline and in most cases termination is appropriate for a staff member or volunteer who makes a threat of violence in a personal blog.
Threat of a Lawsuit
In some cases an angry employee, volunteer or client may threaten to sue the nonprofit. At a minimum, make a record of the threat and file a note indicating the statement made, and date and time in the appropriate file in your office (e.g. personnel, volunteer, client, vendor, unknown person file). Even before the nonprofit is threatened, speak to the organization's insurance advisor (broker or agent) about whether your particular insurance providers want threats of litigation reported as "incidents" under your current policies. This differs on a company-to-company basis. Some companies prefer to receive notice of incidents so that they can decide whether any assistance or intervention on their part will potentially ward off the threatened litigation. Others prefer that their insureds only report formal lawsuits or other claims for money damages.
Source: Workplace Safety Is No Accident: An Employer's Online Toolkit to Protect Employees and Volunteers.
Any person who engages in violent or threatening behavior on [name of nonprofit's] property or who uses any electronic means to make a threat against a staff member, volunteer or consumer of the nonprofit shall be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits, and shall remain off [name of nonprofit's] premises pending the outcome of an investigation. Subsequent to the investigation, [name of nonprofit] will respond appropriately. This response may include, but isn't limited to, suspension and/or termination of any business relationship, reassignment of job duties, suspension or termination of employment, and/or the pursuit of criminal prosecution of the person or persons involved.
Handling Threats
In addition to policies, the nonprofit can create procedures to tell employees and volunteers how they are expected to handle specific threats. As an example, the policy reads:
"No bomb threat or arson threat call should be taken as a joke or disregarded. Treat all such calls as real threats to safety and immediately contact the Security Department. This includes threats of death or bodily injury.
The procedures include:
Call the Security officer or department at extension xxxx immediately. Sound the fire alarm and evacuate the building immediately pursuant to the procedure for a fire evacuation.
Notify the police in the case of a bomb threat or the fire department in the case of a fire threat.
No one can reenter the building until authorized by the appropriate police and/or fire authorities.
Threats of death or bodily injury should be reported to the Security officer or department immediately."
Post procedures in the workplace closest to where the threat of violence might occur; for a bomb threat, the mailroom might be the logical place.
Suspicious Parcels or Letters
Do not try to open the mail piece!
Isolate the mail piece.
Evacuate the immediate area.
Call a Postal Inspector to report that you've received a letter or parcel in the mail that may contain biological or chemical substances."
Provide a heads-up alert to senior managers when a situation deems watching. When a terminated employee or a dismissed client appears to be exceptionally agitated, alert senior managers that they should take threatening phone calls seriously.
Weapons at Work
Homicide is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reports that there were 564 workplace homicides in 2005 in the United States, out of a total of 5,702 fatal work injuries (www.bls.gov).
Most states prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons, but the majority of states don't have laws that specifically address whether or not an employer may prohibit employees from bringing weapons to work. In the absence of a law, employers are free to address this matter in their personnel policies. Two states (Montana and Oklahoma) won't allow employers to ban weapons from parking areas, employee cars or common outdoor areas. A few states (including Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee) require employers to post a notice that bringing guns or carrying concealed weapons on the premises is prohibited. Ohio has a state law that provides immunity to employers from liability in a civil action for injury or death caused by someone who brings a gun onto the premises.
Source: Taking the High Road, A Guide to Effective and Legal Employment Practices for Nonprofits, 2nd Edition, page 202.
Reporting Potential Threats
All personnel should take responsibility for notifying management of any threats that they've witnessed, received, or have been told that another person has witnessed or received.
Even without an actual threat, staff members should also report any behavior they've witnessed or messages they have received that they regard as threatening or violent, when that behavior or communication is job related.
Employees are responsible for making this report regardless of the relationship between the individual who initiated the threat or threatening behavior and the person/persons who were threatened or were the focus of the threatening behavior.
Employees should report the presence of a weapon immediately to a manager, a supervisor, or if appropriate, to the police by calling 911 (or other emergency number in the jurisdiction).
Involving Law Enforcement
If there is any possibility that the threat to harm to property or personnel is real, call in the next level of defense. Follow the chain of command in your organization — unless the threat is imminent. If the person threatens and immediately follows through, staff members should be instructed to call 9-1-1 (or the variation of this emergency number in the community). If the staff member has a wireless device, the person should leave the building and make the call. If the individual can safely call from within the building, he/she should call from there. Instruct personnel to calm down by taking several deep breaths, then speaking slowly, say what the threat is (man with a gun; ticking package, etc.), give his/her name, the address of the building and the number of people on the scene (in the building, on the playing field, etc.)
The following samples, an Emergency Action Plan and Workplace Anti-Violence Plan, were generously provided by the Nonprofits' Insurance Alliance of California.
Workplace Anti-Violence Plan
Threat of Physical Harm
When one of your employees or volunteers has been threatened with physical harm, it is important to take immediate action to protect the employee or volunteer. First, meet with the person to obtain details of the threat and assess their feelings about its seriousness and fear level. Next, discuss with the individual what steps the organization might take. Some of the steps that you might agree on include:
Requiring that visitors to the office be identified and then "buzzed" in rather than leaving your front office door open;
Restricting the employee's or volunteer's work hours to times when other staff members will be in the office;
Providing an escort for the employee or volunteer from the office to his or her vehicle;
Allowing the employee to take unscheduled leave;
Setting up a meeting with a representative of the local police department and the employee or volunteer
Preventing Workplace Violence
Answer "Yes" or "No."
The nonprofit has a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence against or by workers.
The nonprofit has a workplace violence prevention program or incorporated the information into an existing accident prevention program, employee handbook, or manual of standard operating procedures.
All employees know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly.
Safety education is provided for all workers so they know what conduct is not acceptable, what to do if they witness or are subjected to workplace violence, and how to protect themselves.
The workplace is secure. Where appropriate to the mission, the nonprofit has installed video surveillance, extra lighting, and alarm systems and minimized access by outsiders through identification badges, electronic keys, and guards.
The nonprofit has a "buddy system" or provides an escort service or police assistance in potentially dangerous situations or at night.
Employees are taught how to recognize, avoid, or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs.
Procedures for reporting and logging all incidents and threats of workplace violence are developed and presented.
Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are provided after any incident.
Violent incidents are reported to the local police promptly.
Victims of workplace violence are informed of their legal right to prosecute perpetrators.
Negligence and the Duty to Prevent Foreseeable Harm
Under the legal theory of negligence, a nonprofit that has knowledge, or should have had knowledge, about an employee's dangerous attributes, could be liable for failing to prevent foreseeable harm to others. If a nonprofit hires an employee with a criminal record or past history of violence, which the nonprofit either knew about or should have known about, and that employee causes injury while working for the nonprofit, the organization could be legally responsible for the harm caused by the employee under the theory of negligent hiring. The basic elements of a cause of action for negligent hiring are:
An employment relationship exists between the nonprofit and the employee who caused the injury.
The employee was dangerous, incompetent, unprepared, ill-trained or otherwise unfit.
The employer knew or should have known through reasonable investigation that the employee was unfit or a danger to others.
The employee's wrongful actions, whether negligent or intentional, caused harm to another.
In the majority of states, court rulings have held that an employer who negligently hires or retains an individual who is unfit or incompetent is liable to a third party who is injured by that employee's conduct.
A nonprofit could be liable for negligent retention if an employee had previously acted violently or threatened violence, but the nonprofit didn't discharge the employee. A nonprofit could also be liable for acts of workplace violence that the nonprofit should have avoided through adequate training and supervision under the theory of negligent supervision.
Finally, a nonprofit can be liable under the theory of negligent failure to warn when the nonprofit has knowledge of the dangerous attributes of an employee, but takes no steps to warn other employees or specific identifiable persons whom the employee might harm.
While policies and raising awareness can't completely insulate any nonprofit from the risk of workplace violence, by incorporating some of the recommendations in this article your nonprofit t will make a good faith efforts to educate and prepare staff for emergencies, have acted promptly to address concerns of the incompetence of staff or threats of workplace violence, and convey the message that safety truly is a primary concern.


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Times When Dungeons and Dragons Was Honored On A TV Show
To some people, dragon and dungeon is the kind of game played by nerds and it is not the kind of game for everyone because that what has been perceived of this game for so long. The dungeon and the dragon has always been associated with social misfits but with time more people have come to realize that it is not. The game is actually used even by therapists to help children improve their communication skills. Below are some of the times when dungeons and dragons was honored on a TV show.
Penny, Bernadette, and Amy are the characters in the big bang theory series who will never leave a party without clearing their dungeon and dragon board. In the sixth season of the TV show, the Sheldon team invites the penny team and the girls to play the dungeon and dragon with them, but penny hesitates since they have never played it with the girls before.
In the Netflix's sci-fi dramedy stranger things, the four main character's will always play the dungeon and the dragon, and there is a scene when the dice disappear after some rolls by one of the characters. You may also have lost your dice while playing the dungeon and the dragons, so you can shop now for replacements for your dice.
A bad boy Daniel in the freaks and geek show, is punished to join the audio-visual club in the school, where he meets some friends who introduce him to the dungeon and dragon game. Daniel is showed how to play as the show continues and he is seen following his friends advise of being someone else he is not in real life, making the show even more hilarious.
Jen a new manager in the IT crowd sitcom is faced with a challenge of entertaining clients which she can't, so her technicians suggest they play the dungeon and dragon. The game turns the events as the series follow with Jen and her technicians role play the clients.
In the community series there is a disbarred lawyer who joins a community college and has good and hysterical relations with classmates and the staff. In the second season of the series Jeff tries to cheer up his classmate, and he plays the dungeon and the dragon with his other friends.
If you are an expert in the dungeon and dragon game, break up the next game by checking out any of the above episodes.


Scholastic Australia, Paul Hartmann Inte..
Our analysis of online marketing companies begins with a look in the efforts they make to understand the clients requirements through both a direct admission of what they are looking to accomplish and measuring their current traffic and conversion rates. Online marketing companies have a great understanding of what acceptable rates are and can create realistic goals to help their clients reach their potential in online marketing.
Online marketing companies help their customers reach a larger online audience by utilizing organic search marketing strategies such as on-page optimization, link building, and keyword analysis to improve their performance in placement on search engines. We analyze the efforts online marketing companies employ to help their clients rank prominently for keywords which potential clients are most likely to use when performing a search.
We also analyze the paid search marketing efforts which online marketing companies employ for their customers. Paid placements in major search engines can often lead to visitors which have a higher likelihood to convert to a paying customer as the advertiser is able to determine their landing page. We compare the paid search efforts of online marketing agencies to determine what sets them apart and how they help their customers.
During our analysis we also spend time understanding how different online marketing companies determine the audiences which will be most likely to convert to a paying customers. Targeting the right audience will ensure that the traffic the client is receiving has a high likelihood compared to other audiences to have an active interest in the product or service being offered by the client and thus a higher chance to convert to a paid customer.
We also analyze the methods used by the online marketing agency to report on their ongoing efforts, the results of those efforts, and how the client can use those results to improve their bottom line. Online marketing companies often provide their clients with guidance on how to convert the audience they are receiving which will lead to increased conversion rates and a better understanding of where their clients are finding them online.


Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl in the midst of a move to the suburbs with her parents, wanders into a mysterious town. It's the "other world" of gods and monsters, ruled over by a witch. There, humans are changed into animals and disappear. Chihiro, who has a listless disposition, must start working at a huge bath house to survive. Can she return to her own world?


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The 2012 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards were held in LA over the weekend!
This is the annual event where kids have the ultimate power to deem just what is hot and oh so not in entertainment and the celebs have to do the time in the SLIME!
Check out all of the hottest shots straight from the red carpet here!


your credibility and stimulate referrals, both of which can ultimately result in clients. But you usually won't leave the room with people who want to hire you.
Commerce. While there certainly could be HR or training directors at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, they would only be a small percentage of that audience.
these secondary topics, but it's not what people hire them for.
Your next opportunity will be in your audiovisual materials. Your program handout or slides should include your professional specialty and the type of clients you serve. On a handout, this information can be in a one-line footer on each page or a longer bio slug at the bottom of the last page. On slides, you can include your occupation on the title page, and a brief description of what you do on the last page. Be sure to include your contact information on both handouts and slides.


Savings in a bank is insured by the federal government up to $250,000 per account.
Savings can be deposited in a basic bank account as well as a certificate of deposit or a government bond, all of which are protected.
Savings can be generated by reducing personal spending as well as earning more income.
Prevention can generate savings in avoided costs in the future.
Savings can be stored in financial assets as well as physical assets.
Interest can be generated from growth of savings, which can then be taxable.
People on average don't save near enough for retirement.
Potential savings don't count unless they actually manifest into real cash or gain or cost avoidance.
Savings can be put into investments, such as stocks or funds, but they aren't protected from loss of value tied to the market.
The biggest savings people on average work towards involves buying a home.
Pierce Insurance Group also understands insurance can help people save from unexpected costs in life. Give them a call to learn how.


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Lèse-majesté in Thailand
Posted byprotocolmagazine1 March 10, 2013 Posted inAsiaTags:censorship, freedomofspeech
"The law's defenders claim that Thailand's love for its king is incomparable. Its critics say the law has become the foremost threat to the freedom of expression". (David Streckfuss – Truth on Trial in Thailand)
Lèse-majesté – the crime of speaking offensively about the monarchy, has been present in Thai legislation for over a century; adopted into the new constitution in 1932 following the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. Whilst lèse-majesté laws are still in existence today in Norway, Kuwait, Jordan and Spain, Thailand arguably holds the strongest enforcement of the law. To demonstrate this, consider the dramatic increase in the number of lèse-majesté charges –rising from 33 arrests in 2005 to 478 arrests in 2010, during the large-scale protests in Bangkok organised by the 'red shirts' against the Democratic government.
Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code outlines the lèse-majesté law as follows:
"Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, the Heir-apparent or the regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years."
The law encompasses many actions deemed to be of offence to the reigning sovereign, including defamation of images of the King, text messages, written and spoken affronts. The law even includes a ban on the purchase of texts depicting a negative portrayal of the King –take for instance, the controversial book The King Never Smiles,which is not only prohibited in Thailand, but also subject to Internet censorship. Prominent political activist and magazine editor Somyot Prueksakasemsuk was sentenced to ten years imprisonment under lèse-majesté for printing remarks that were both insulting and threatening to the King. Denied bail 12 times a mere 10 months into his sentence, human rights groups argue he has been denied his right to freedom of expression. His arrest has been met with protests on the streets and across universities in Thailand. Streckfuss declares that those imprisoned under lèse-majesté are not granted the right to a fair trail due to the way in which an investigation to uncover the 'actual truth' may involve further defamation of monarchical dignity by making accusations public. With a phenomenal 1,500% increase in lèse-majesté cases since 2006, the legislation remains unchallengeable. Those who wish to campaign for the abolition of Article 112 themselves risk being prosecuted under lèse-majesté.
Thai historian Streckfuss argues, "the difficulty for defenders of the law is to explain how the institution of Thai monarchy could be so utterly loved if it required the most repressive lèse-majesté law the modern world has known". However, as TIME magazine's Robert Horn points out, no member of the royal family has ever filed a claim of lèse-majesté. One must then question –if the monarchy itself is not objecting to the freedom of speech of its citizens, how has the law remained in legislation for over 70 years? Who truly benefits from this repression of public sentiment?
Do They Know It's Christmas Yet?
Singapore: A wealthy city-state where the freedom is poor


This is our kids "Let Life Smile." t-shirt which features our signature smile and tagline on the front and Chappy Happy logo on the back.
That big smile is exactly what Chappy Happy is all about, enjoying life and everyone in it that puts a smile your face.


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Q: showing that $f(x)=\mu(B(x,r))$ is measurable $\mu$ is a probability measure on $(X, B(X))$, and $r>0$. define $f(x)= \mu(B_r(x))$. I need to show that $f$ is measurable.
I tried to show semi-continuity, but it failed. any other idea?

A: Lower semi-continuity is the way to go. Let me sketch you a proof:
let $x_k\rightarrow x$. Then for all $k$ big enough you have for a choosen $\varepsilon>0$
$$B_{r-\varepsilon}(x)\subseteq B_r(x_k).$$
Then monotonicity gives you
$$\mu(B_{r-\varepsilon}(x))\leq \liminf_{k\rightarrow\infty}\mu(B_r(x_k)).$$
Now let $\varepsilon\rightarrow 0$ and use the continuity of a measure to obtain
$$\lim_{\varepsilon\rightarrow 0}\mu(B_{r-\varepsilon}(x))=\mu(\bigcup_{\varepsilon>0}(B_{r-\varepsilon}(x))=\mu(B_r(x)).$$


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Zoës Kitchen Gives Back
Home/Blog/Zoës Kitchen Gives Back
On Friday, May 19th Zoës Kitchen teamed up with BackPack Beginnings to build bags of food for children in need in our community. The 40 volunteers from Zoës Kitchen used their skills as restaurant operators to build 1886 bags of food in under 2 hours! That is a new record for BackPack Beginnings!
Volunteering at BackPack Beginnings can be an incredible team building activity for businesses in the Triad.
Zoës kitchen is a fast casual restaurant concept that serves scratch-made Mediterranean cuisine. They really focus on living Mediterranean and embracing that lifestyle. Part of that lifestyle is connecting with the community around them and delivering goodness whenever possible. Francesca Carter- Peele, the National Director of Catering, had this to say about her experience, "Our time spent with BackPack Beginnings was incredibly moving and inspiring and served as a reminder that we are at our best when we are helping others."
Volunteering at BackPack Beginnings can be an incredible team building activity for businesses in the Triad. It provides the platform for employees to come together and work as a cohesive unit to give back to the community where they live and work. Erin Williams had this to say about the experience, "Team members leave feeling closer to each other, motivated to work together, and extremely accomplished for helping such an amazing organization give back to their community."
Written on 5/24/17 by Erin Williams


Read this. It is one of the best writings on women speaking in church that I have ever read. Rachel Held Evans makes some powerful points about Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 14 that women should be silent in church. It would do us well to understand the context of these Scriptures when answering questions about women in church.
One of the points she makes is that we rarely hear sermons on other "demands" about men such as: when men are praying, they should lift holy hands or greet one another with a holy kiss. These Scriptures (from 1 Corinthians 16) are spoken in the same authoritative voice but are not taught and certainly not adhered to.
It's the same old point that the church is proficient at highlighting certain texts and ripping out others.
As Evans pointed out, Paul told some women to be silent but others were encouraged to prophesy. Why? As the article states, the church had attracted a large population of young widows because of its promise to care for them. But these widows were adhering to the Roman fertility cults of Artemis and were a bit wild. Paul wanted for them to heal, to overcome their trauma, and to learn to love themselves in Jesus before leading others. That's a really great thing.
As always, Scripture must be interpreted through the lens of love. God cares about the condition of our hearts. He is always concerned about the condition of the hearts of those leading the church and promoting the message of Jesus.
So again, we come back to healing and wellness. Humility, gentleness, and the rest of the "Fruits of the Spirit." God cares about your heart, your wholeness, your wellness. He cares about how deeply you grasp His love. For you.
You were not created to stay silent. But before you start teaching others, assume the position of utter humility. I was thinking about this just yesterday. There is a Scripture that says, "The Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom." I am convinced that that means you start to grow up when you realize you don't know sh*t.
So, before you start rambling your thoughts to the world, be humbled. We would all do well to learn this lesson (men included), now wouldn't we?


The Singing School offers a full-time four-year course in basic singing studies (192 ecvet). There is a possibility to complete a competence-based qualification or parts of it. In addition, students can choose an additional fifth year to specialize in artistic, pedagogical, or therapeutic directions.
You can also study part-time, setting your individual objectives. You can, for example, take off a year from work or participate in shorter intensive periods. If you have already graduated from Singing School, you can ask about the possibility to pursue individually tailored further studies. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
Students will concentrate on the uncovering of the voice method and the related anthroposophical concept of the human being. General musical knowledge and skills will also be studied. Concerts and projects are an important part of the studies.
The weekly programme includes the following studies: daily group work with the singing exercises, individual singing lessons and solo work with accompaniment, choir and ensemble singing, music theory, music history, ear training, sight-reading, general knowledge of music, study of uncovering of the voice method, anthroposophy, folk songs, pop and jazz, pedagogy, study of a musical instrument, e.g. piano.
Individual courses on physical exercise, eurythmy, painting, improvisation, basics of singing therapy.
Students of Singing School can apply to undertake a Vocational Qualification in Music, carried out as a competence-based qualification in co-operation with Turku Conservatory of Music.
The School Year is from the beginning of September to the end of May with approximately 3 weeks vacation at Christmas and 2 weeks at Easter. Additionally, the autumn and winter terms each have a half-term break of one week.
Since students come from many countries, the common language for teaching purposes is English.
Teachers: Merja Palmu, Judit Bálint and Risto Suurla. Guest teachers Timo Luotonen, Kuniko Hirai, Marja Suurla, Sirkka Suurla, and others.
Please send a hand-written biography, including your reasons for wishing to attend the School, and a photograph. Please include copies of your previous diplomas and degree certificates. You will be invited for an interview and singing audition. Please bring a health report to demonstrate that there are no medical reasons that might affect your ability to study at the Singing School.
The grounds for admittance are individual. You can apply at any time during the year.
Some previous experience of the exercises of the "school of uncovering the voice" as well as a basic knowledge of anthroposophy is recommended. See e.g. "Uncovering the voice" by Valborg Werbeck-Svärdström, published by Rudolf Steiner Press, London.
Tuition fee is currently 2500 € per annum. The cost of living is not included in the fee. Please ask about the accommodation options at the school.
The school is located some 20 kilometres from the city of Seinäjoki, in an old school building surrounded by nature and a small village.


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Wimbledon 2019: Five young stars who could shine at the All England Club
With Wimbledon 2019 just around the corner, who of the Next Generation is primed to step up and challenge the older elite at SW19? James Spencer guides you through the five who could cause a splash.
The highly-rated 18-year-old has enjoyed a fine breakout season making the semi-finals of the Miami Masters and also reaching the final of Lyon on the eve of the French Open.
Auger-Aliassime is currently the youngest player in the world's Top 100 and is getting closer and closer to a maiden ATP Tour title.
The Canadian was forced to pull out of the French Open at the last-minute through to injury. Hopefully by the time Wimbledon comes around he will be fresh and motivated to make his Grand Slam breakthrough.
The Croatian Next Gen star has lacked consistency, but has still made the fringes of the world's Top 10.
Coric was mightily impressive at Halle last year beating the nine-time champion Roger Federer in a thrilling three-set final.
He managed to beat the Swiss again in Shanghai, winning their semi-final clash before losing his maiden Masters 1000 final to Djokovic.
If Coric plays as well as he did in Halle last year, he could be one of the surprises of the grass-court season.
Along with Felix Auger-Aliassime, Shapovalov is another talented Canadian. The 20-year-old famously beat Rafael Nadal at the 2017 Canadian Masters and has gradually adjusted to the demands of the ATP Tour.
Like Auger-Aliassime, he made the semi-finals in Miami to make an impressive record of having played in three different Masters 1000 semi-finals.
Shapovalov was also the only player to take a set off eventual champion Novak Djokovic at this year's Australian Open.
The youngster certainly has a bright future. Perhaps at Queen's Club and Wimbledon he can demonstrate his enormous potential.
Stefanos Tsitispas
The young Greek continues to send shockwaves through the tennis world. Last year he made the final of both the Barcelona Open and Toronto Masters.
However, it was his stunning four-set win against Federer in the fourth-round of the Australian Open that catapulted him into the public eye.
The 20-year-old has since built on his semi-final showing at the Australian Open, with title wins in Marseille and Estoril.
Tsitsipas also made the final of Dubai (losing to Federer) and played a magnificent semi-final match in Madrid to stun Nadal in front of the local Spanish faithful.
He may have lost his maiden Masters 1000 final to Djokovic in Madrid, but Tsitsipas looks destined for greatness.
Our final member of the young five is the young German Alexander Zverev. Having just turned 22, he is the oldest player in this established group but still considered a young prodigy.
Zverev's potential is reflected by his early success in winning three Masters 1000's and is the current ATP Finals champion. These wins propelled him to a high of world number three.
He may be struggling to acclimatise to the five-set format of Grand Slams but make no mistake Zverev's hunger and desire to win means he is not far off tennis' most prestigious prizes.
Follow James Spencer on Twitter @JamesTennis17
Alexander Zverev Borna Coric Denis Shapovalov
Novak Djokovic news: Boris Becker on his relationship with the Serb and why his Dad went too far
Becker was one of Novak Djokovic's big tennis heroes and he was his coach during some of his greatest triumphs.
Andy Murray news: Big win for the Scot as he prepares for Australian Open
Andy Murray pulled off one of his biggest wins of the last 12 months, as he sealed hard-fought victory against Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Coco Gauff vows to work hard in 2022, lauds Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez
Coco Gauff has vowed to work hard for the new season as she set herself a clear goal aimed at reaching higher standards of her
Novak Djokovic news: Tim Henman's verdict on the scandal as new rumours emerge
Tim Henman believes Novak Djokovic will face…
WTA backs Czech tour veteran Renata Voracova over visa saga
The Women's Tennis Association has thrown its support behind Czech tennis player Renata Voracova.
Israeli journeyman Dudi Sela set to retire at the end of 2022 season
Former World No. 29 Dudi Sela has announced his plans to retire after the 2022 season.
Novak Djokovic news: Outcry and he admits attending event after positive Covid test
The Serbian world number one called it an 'error of judgement'.
Novak Djokovic news: Serbian PM sends warning he could be sanctioned after rule breaks
Serbian government launched an investigation against Novak Djokovic.
Emma Raducanu news – Mats Wilander exclusive on what comes next for US Open champion
Mats Wilander has given Tennis365 his view on what realistic targets can be set for the teenager this year.
Novak Djokovic news: Australian Open hopes in fresh doubt over reported false travel claim
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is still considering whether to cancel the Serbian's visa.
Novak Djokovic news: Andy Murray has unanswered questions over the saga
Anett Kontaveit grabs her first win of the year at the Sydney Tennis Classic


These questions are particularly important where a significant (or greater than expected) reduction in corruption is noted in one organization or sector in a country - the 'island of integrity' in the title of this paper - but where there is no comparable reduction more widely in the country or other sectors.
In collaboration with Transparency International, DLP has commenced a program of work to try to answer these questions. This new paper by Caryn Peiffer is the first in a series of products from this joint project, and it explains how a long list of cases has been identified, using statistical analysis of the data contained in Transparency International's very rich data source: The Global Corruption Barometer.
A second paper setting out the analysis in more technical detail will be available on the DLP website by June. In the coming months we will select a smaller set of cases from the long list outlined in this paper, and will then drill down into the detailed political processes of each case in order to explain how these particular 'islands' surfaced.
This work will make a valuable contribution to Transparency International's focus on corruption reduction processes and to the DLP's wider interest in the role of leaderships and coalitions in development. It will also help us to gain a better understanding of the room for manoeuvre that actors, or agents, have to work politically for positive developmental change in diverse structural, institutional and political circumstances and, furthermore, what the international community can do to support this.
Caryn Peiffer (2012) "From Islands of Integrity to Understanding the Politics of Corruption Reduction: Phase One - statistical identification of positive outliers" DLP Research Paper 21.


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At first, Gillian Genser thought the headaches and vomiting were just the latest signs of autoimmune disorders she had battled for years. But then the symptoms got stranger. She felt agitated. She'd wake up nearly unable to move. Hearing vanished from one ear. Her muscles cramped and her speech slurred.
"I was flabbergasted," Genser, 59, told The Washington Post. "Absolutely flabbergasted."
For Genser, who first wrote about her case in Toronto Life magazine on Nov. 28, the poisoning is deeply ironic. By using a natural material, like mussel shells, to depict a biblical character, she wanted to comment on humanity's skewed relationship with the now-contaminated natural world.
"The work was an environmental statement. It's about reconsidering what people's first perception of the ecosystem should have been, rather than this idea that we have dominion over all the animals," she said. "So it's very interesting and ironic that Adam, as the first man, was so toxic. He poisoned me. Doesn't that make sense, because we poisoned the world starting with this very poor notion?"
Genser began sculpting with unorthodox media in 1991, when she started selling small sculptures in Toronto made from egg shells before moving on to projects crafted with coral, bones, and plants. In 1998, she finished a sculpture of Lilith, the first woman in Jewish folklore, made from egg shells. She decided her next project would be the first man, Adam, and soon found the perfect material to make him: Blue mussel shells from Canada's Atlantic coast, bought in bulk in Toronto's Chinatown.
She loved how the shells looked - "The mussel shells are fabulous for replicating muscle striations" - and felt good about sculpting with a substance taken straight from a nearby ecosystem.
She'd spend up to 12 hours a day molding the shells with a dentist's drill. While she ventilated her studio, she didn't make any special effort to avoid the shell byproducts, assuming they were benign.
"To be fair to my doctors, they did ask me, 'Are you working with anything toxic?' And I'd say, 'No no, I'm working with all natural materials, and we'd all move on,'" she said. "I was so certain that these mussels, which the government said I could eat safely and buy in the market as food, could never be bad for me."
It wasn't until 2015 when Genser first saw a specialist who tested her blood for heavy metals. The results were emphatic: She had high levels of arsenic and lead in her system. She was shocked, but still confused - as to how had she ingested those dangerous compounds?
That's when she talked to a professor at Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum who specialized in invertebrates. The specialist was horrified that she had used mussel shells for years in her work. "He told me, 'People don't realize how poisonous these things are,'" she said.
Genser immediately stopped working with the shells but she said she has had little luck treating her condition. She described her quality of life as "poor," and still suffers memory lapses and nausea. She said she will be at a higher risk of neurological diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
But she doesn't hold any of that pain against the aquatic creatures whose shells secretly wrecked her body.
"I stop to think about the mussels and how they cannot leave their polluted habitats we have just dumped all this poison into," she said. "I feel terrible grief for them. We did this to them, they didn't do it to me."


When the College Football Playoff was first announced, many believed that the use of a committee would help foster a host of high profile non-conference matchups in the sport. If you buy into that line of thinking, consider the 2016 college football season the fruit of that labor.
Opening week is loaded with blockbuster games and the state of Texas alone may play host to the biggest weekend of college football games ever — and that's not really over-the-top hyperbole either given some of the names involved. You want blue bloods playing other blue bloods? You got it. Looking for Playoff contenders facing off against other final four-caliber teams? Check and check. In short, the 2016 season is a bit of nirvana for the college football fan looking for some great games outside of the conference schedule.
With that in mind, here is a list of the top 25 non-conference games of the season across the country.
These two schools claim 15 national titles between them and feature two of the greatest coaches in the sport in Urban Meyer and Bob Stoops. From a historical perspective, this meeting of blue bloods is about as good as they come but it's made even juicier by the fact that each is a top-six team in 2016 and favorites to make it into the College Football Playoff. Don't forget about the significant Heisman Trophy implications in this one either with quarterbacks J.T. Barrett and Baker Mayfield.
Florida State has become a trendy national champion pick over the summer and the Seminoles will be put to the test right away in this meeting of top-10 teams in Orlando. Jimbo Fisher's squad has the talent advantage given all the young players they return but are breaking in a new quarterback. Hugh Freeze gets the benefit of having veteran signal-caller Chad Kelly lead the Rebels onto the field but has his hands full when it comes to a thin linebacker corps trying to contain Heisman contender Dalvin Cook.
Call it a battle of sleeping giants under the warm Texas sun in what might be Week 1's most intriguing non-conference matchup. UCLA was picked by the media to win the Pac-12 South this season and have been undergoing an offensive transformation to suit the talents of star quarterback Josh Rosen. The Aggies are entering a new era with former Bruins offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone and transfer QB Trevor Knight but they might have a trump card on defense in the potential No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick next year, Myles Garrett.
Can a non-Power Five program ever crash the College Football Playoff? We asked a similar question with Boise State for years but Houston might have the best shot of any outsider in 2016 thanks to a strong non-conference slate. It won't be easy for head coach Tom Herman and star quarterback Greg Ward Jr. however, with a top-six team to open the year in Oklahoma. Get past the Sooners however, and the hype train for the Cougars will be stratospheric.
One of the few late-season matchups on this list could have significant postseason stakes for both teams. This could be the final major hurdle for a Playoff spot for Florida State and Florida head coach Jim McElwain is hoping that things go much better in this rivalry game than they did last year. The fact that the Seminoles had state champion rings made last year will no doubt be brought up in the lead up to this game.
When it comes to a meeting of all-time historical powers in the sport — 24 national titles between the two — it will be hard to top the eighth meeting between Alabama and USC. Nick Saban is obviously coming off another national championship and will be back in the familiar confines of AT&T Stadium looking to show once again that the Tide are contenders for another in 2016. USC has some talented players like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Adoree' Jackson but face a tough road to another Pac-12 title and their early schedule does new head coach Clay Helton no favors.
Butch Jones has steadily re-built Tennessee to the point where expectations are sky high around Knoxville and anything less than an SEC East title in 2016 will be a disappointment. There's a reason for that but quarterback Joshusa Dobbs and end Derek Barnett shouldn't expect an easy first game at all against the Hokies with new head coach Justin Fuente sporting a solid group of returnees and veteran defensive coordinator Bud Foster. The fact that this game is at Bristol Motor Speedway and could be in front of as many as 160,000 fans should make for a bonkers atmosphere and unique setup.
Few programs went through as much drama last season as LSU did and off-the-field events have drawn plenty of attention to the football team's place in the Baton Rouge community. All those headlines obscure the fact that the Tigers are loaded with talent though and could be primed to dethrone Alabama in the SEC and make a run at the Playoff. This will be the first tough test Wisconsin has in a brutal schedule as the Badgers face an uphill climb in 2016 but they should be able to draw on a bit of magic that will likely come from playing in the storied venue of Lambeau Field.
This has been one of the most competitive rivalry games in the country over the past five years and has delivered some classics as a result. The two have annually faced off with huge postseason implications at stake and the past four meetings have all come down to a one score. Expect much of the same again this year when the two meet in South Bend in what should be a big game for Cardinal all-purpose dynamo Christian McCaffrey's Heisman hopes.
If you like high-flying offenses and dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks, this game is for you. Louisville's Lamar Jackson was a big part of the Cardinals' strong close to 2015 when they won six of their final seven and has enough talent to develop into one of the ACC's best behind center. Houston's Greg Ward Jr. is a big reason why the Cougars are being talked about as a team that could crash the final four and, at the minimum, this game could have big implications for the team making a New Year's Six bowl.
If this were on another weekend, it would probably get more attention but a host of other high-profile matchups have pushed this down the list a bit. Still, it's hard to argue with watching a loaded Clemson squad looking to get back to the national title game and a showcase for the arm (and legs) of terrific quarterback Deshuan Watson. There's plenty of intrigue on the other side too, even if Auburn isn't a top-25 team to begin the season as Gus Malzhan looks to bounce back from a very disappointing 2015. Keep an eye out for defensive end Carl Lawson in particular as he faces off against top tackles Mitch Hyatt and Jake Fruhmorgen.
Two of the top three winningest programs of all time will hook up once again in Austin for yet another incredible opening weekend contest. Last year, Notre Dame thoroughly embarrassed Texas and helped set the tone for another disappointing season under Charlie Strong. The Longhorns' head coach seems to be firmly on the hot seat and a big win in the opener would no doubt cool things off considerably, especially when you consider Notre Dame will start the year off in the top 10 and has two very good quarterbacks to flummox the Horns with.
This Pacific Northwest special has the potential to be the most entertaining game of the year. Boise State sports the productive backfield of Brett Rypien and Jeremy McNichols and will no doubt have a full bag of trick plays at the ready. Mike Leach's Cougars love to throw it around and why wouldn't they with a quarterback like Luke Falk posting video game numbers every week. The Broncos could run the table if they can capture a win in this big-time home game while Wazzu has an early chance to show the nation that last year's nine-win outing was no fluke.
The greatest intersectional rivalry in the country checks in a little lower on this list in 2016 than in past years but that's more about other matchups being so good as opposed to this one slacking off. Both squads are top 25-caliber and the special nature of this game always adds to the atmosphere in the air at the Coliseum. Given the stakes that usually accompany this meeting, don't be surprised if a potential New Year's Six bowl bid is on the line either.
Oregon is plenty familiar with Mike Riley dating back to the head coach's days at Civil War rival Oregon State but the two will face off in a new locale for this non-conference matchup. The Ducks are fairly overshadowed in the Pac-12 this season for once but they still have plenty of talent on offense and recently brought in former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke to re-tool the defense. Nebraska had about as unlucky a year as one could have in 2015 and are hoping to reverse fortunes in a big way with a statement in this game from Tommy Armstrong and company.
There's a little luster lost in this rivalry game with Michigan State having to replace so many starters from last year's Big Ten title team but this still figures to be an incredible matchup in a series that has given everybody some memorable moments. Notre Dame harbors Playoff hopes once again and has a ton of skill position talent that the Spartans must contain while also figuring out their own quarterback situation moving forward.
This non-conference game is going a bit under the radar given all of the other great ones going on in the state of Texas during September but it shouldn't. Both of the former Southwest Conference teams will find themselves in the top 25 polls during the year and both are hoping they have an answer at quarterback that can handle this kind of test early on. Arkansas' run game against Gary Patterson's tough Horned Frogs defense should be reason enough to tune in.
The Holy War between Utah and BYU is among the most hotly contested rivalries in the country and the regular season version of the game returns for the first time in three years. The two are very familiar with each other having just played in a Las Vegas Bowl that was as wild as one can imagine given the locale. New Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake will have his hands full in the first big test of his career as BYU looks to put an end to Utah's five-game winning streak.
Those of a certain age remember fondly when these two powerhouses waged for a few seasons what was mockingly described as a battle between "Catholics and Convicts." While no national titles will be on the line when the pair hooks up again, the trip to South Bend will nevertheless be fascinating to watch for Hurricanes fans pining to take a step forward with a big win under new head coach Mark Richt. Quarterback Brad Kaaya will be a handful for a young Irish defense to contain, while an aggressive Hurricanes squad will look to slow down a high-powered Fighting Irish offense led by RB Tarean Folston and WR Torii Hunter Jr on its home turf. Don't be surprised if a shootout develops under the watchful eyes of Touchdown Jesus.
Normally, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is the must-watch contest of Week 1. This year's matchup at the Georgia Dome doesn't quite rise to that level but it still should be as entertaining and interesting as it has been in years past. Many local fans are no doubt going to turn out to see the start of the Kirby Smart era at Georgia but the new head coach won't have an easy opener with questions all over his two-deep. On the opposite sideline, the Tar Heels' Larry Fedora is hoping to continue the momentum from last year's 11-win campaign and would love for nothing more than to spoil Smart's debut.
Penn State is finally at a full 85 scholarships in 2016 and has high expectations going into James Franklin's third season in Happy Valley. The team will be breaking in a new quarterback after Christian Hackenberg's departure to the NFL but luckily they'll be able to lean on the terrific Saquon Barkley in the backfield. A hard-nosed Pitt team returns 16 starters, however, and gets back former ACC Player of the Year James Conner after he battled cancer over the past year.
Two of the most respected head coaches in the game will square off in Palo Alto, Calif., to open the year in a matchup that should give us a glimpse at what we can expect from both teams in 2016. Bill Snyder battled a ton of injuries last year and still managed to make it to a bowl game but nothing will be as difficult for the savvy old veteran as containing dynamite Heisman runner-up Christian McCaffrey. It's a good thing David Shaw's Cardinal team has the impressive young tailback too considering the team is breaking in a new quarterback against an underrated Wildcats defense.
Do you like shootouts? If so, this game might be one for you. Kliff Kingsbury's Red Raiders have one of the best quarterbacks in the country in the dynamic Patrick Mahomes but a victory in this contest might have to come down to if Tech's defense can show improvement from last season. Todd Graham will no doubt be excited for this non-conference game in order to feature his typical blitz-happy defense and a slightly new look to his "high-octane" offense.
While the opener against Notre Dame likely won't cause anybody to change their minds about Texas should the Longhorns lose, this game against Cal could be described as a bit of a referendum on Charlie Strong and whether he can win a big non-conference game while in Austin. UT will be sporting a new-look spread offense to go along with a defense that has some impressive playmakers like linebacker Malik Jefferson. Cal surprised last year behind No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Jared Goff and his replacement is somebody who knows the burnt orange quite well in former Texas Tech signal-caller Davis Webb.
UCLA fans would rather forget what happened the last time they traveled to Provo (a 59-0 shellacking in favor of BYU) but things are quite different this time around starting with the coaches on the sideline. This will be new head coach Kalani Sitake's second straight game against a Pac-12 opponent and he will no doubt be hoping that the home opener will be a bit of a house of horrors for the Bruins like it once was. If nothing else, this should be a terrific matchup between quarterbacks, with Josh Rosen in the powder blues and either Tanner Mangum or Taysom Hill under center for the Cougars.


IN last week's Warrington Guardian, (January 3) Allan Ralston claimed I have the right to sit in pubs spouting my views or more likely in a closed media bubble where I can share my 'prejudices'.
For the record, I do not have a computer nor a smartphone.
As for social media, no thanks, I have better things to do.
The only things I'm against are the EU and the 'hard left' seemingly taking over the Labour Party.
I go to church every Sunday, donate to the food bank and donate to 11 charities.
I wonder what does Mr Ralston do to try to make the world a better place?


We have recently posted a blog about Mom texts, well with Father's Day right around the corner we have for you, the 8 most entertaining Dad texts ever sent!
We think they are way better than the Mom texts because it always seems like the Dads always have a nice awkward typo.
Oh and the dad jokes. You can't beat the dad jokes, right?


text:
Tag: F-35B
History made as UK F-35s complete first operational missions
June 28, 2019 June 28, 2019 seawaves
June 25, 2019 – The UK's newest and most advanced fighter jet, the Lightning F-35B, has successfully completed its first operational missions. F-35s have flown alongside Typhoon aircraft on operational flights over the skies of Syria and Iraq, as part of the ongoing fight against Daesh, the Defence Secretary has confirmed. This follows a successful training period in Cyprus, known as Exercise Lightning Dawn, aimed at building capability for the aircraft and supporting elements. Due to the exceptional performance of the aircraft, pilots, and support staff during this time, it…
June 2019F-35B, FAA, HMS Queen Elizabeth, Iraq, RAF, RN, Syria, WESTLANT 19
Raytheon Wins US Navy JPALS Contract
June 17, 2019 – Raytheon has won a four-year $234 million initial low-rate production contract from the U.S. Navy to outfit all of its nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships with 23 Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems. JPALS is a GPS-based precision landing system that guides aircraft to precision landings in all weather and surface conditions. "The U.S. Navy understands how JPALS contributes to their mission success and safety of its people," said Matt Gilligan, vice president of Raytheon's Intelligence, Information and Services business. "Other military services could…
June 2019F-35B, JPALS, Raytheon
HMS Queen Elizabeth Prepares for Transatlantic Training
June 4, 2019 – HMS Queen Elizabeth, the nation's future flagship, will deploy in late summer for the eastern seaboard of the US, including a port visit in the Washington area where she will host the Atlantic Future Forum. The UK's largest and most advanced warship ever will be making the transatlantic journey for the second consecutive year to train alongside the UK's closest ally. She will also make a number of port calls whilst deployed before returning ahead of Christmas. Whilst in the Washington area she will host the…
June 2019Atlantic Future Forum, F-35B, HMS Queen Elizabeth, WESTLANT 19
NAWCAD Lakehurst Adapts Weapons Loader for F-35B
March 19, 2019 – Team work and co-location at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst resulted in modified Support Equipment (SE) that gives the F-35B Lightning II more capability. When the Marine Corps chose the Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-49 weapon system for the F-35B, they needed a piece of SE to load the weapon onto the aircraft. The GBU-49 provides new capability that will enable the F-35B to engage moving ground targets. However, the conduit on the GBU-49 did not fit the current weapons loader, until a team…
March 2019F-35B, NAWCAD Lakehurst, USS Essex, VMFA 211
UK wins global F-35 support assignment worth £500M
February 12, 2019 seawaves
February 12, 2019 – The UK's role as a leading partner on the global F-35 program has received another huge boost today. The F-35 avionic and aircraft component repair hub in North Wales was awarded a second major assignment of work worth some £500M by the US Department of Defense. Following the announcement in 2016 that the UK would be the location of the global repair hub for the initial tranche of F-35 components, today's news sees significantly more UK support work to the cutting-edge jets. This new assignment will…
February 2019F-35B, Gavin Williamson, Lockheed Martin, Queen Elizabeth Class
U.S., Japanese Commanders Observe F-35B Operations from USS Wasp
February 5, 2019 seawaves
February 4, 2019 – The Commander of U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) and Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), visited the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) Feb. 5 to observe the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) operations at sea. U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer and Vice Adm. Kazuki Yamashita were joined by other senior JSDF officers to showcase Wasp ARG's amphibious capabilities, including operations by 31st MEU F-35B Lightning II aircraft. "It's great getting…
February 201931st MEU, F-35B, JMSDF, USS Wasp
HMS Monmouth Returns From F-35B Plane Guard Duty
December 14, 2018 seawaves
December 14, 2018 – HMS Monmouth has returned to her home in Devonport after being deployed with the UK's newest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. The Type-23 frigate has operated as part of the Carrier Strike Group since the ships sailed in August on the WESTLANT 2018 Deployment. Her role has been to provide security at sea for the Strike Group on the East Coast of the US as the Carrier conducted hugely successful and historic trials with the F35B- Lightning II jets. During her deployment, she travelled over 20,000…
December 2018Devonport, F-35B, HMS Monmouth, HMS Queen Elizabeth, Westlant
Pax River F-35 ITF Leaves HMS Queen Elizabeth After "Eclipsing aspirations"
December 3, 2018 December 10, 2018 seawaves
November 30, 2018 – F-35 Lightning jets from the Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) left HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), Nov. 19, 2018, after eight weeks flying on and off the 65,000-tonne warship, helping to write the 'operator's manual' so the jets can fly from her deck on front-line operations. The success of the Westlant 18 deployment – which has also included a visit to New York – allows the Portsmouth, UK-based ship to move on to operational trials next year. Two F-35B test jets, four test pilots and nearly…
December 2018F-35B, HMS Queen Elizaberth, JSF, NAS Patuxent River, VX 23
Lightnings strike Eagles and Hawks as F-35s train to defend UK skies
November 30, 2018 November 30, 2018 seawaves
November 30, 2018 – Side by side several thousand feet above eastern England three warbirds fly in close formation as UK F-35s take part in their first combat exercise in home skies: playing out a mock 21st-Century Battle of Britain. Two Lightnings – one flown by an RAF pilot, the second with a Fleet Air Arm aviator in the cockpit – joined 40 British, American and French jets over East Anglia and the North Sea for Exercise Point Blank. For the past three years, the US and RAF have been…
November 2018617 Squadron, F-35B, RAF, RN
Another milestone landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth
November 20, 2018 seawaves
November 19, 2018 – For the first time a jet has landed backwards on Britain's new aircraft carrier as HMS Queen Elizabeth and her F-35 Lightnings pass another milestone. RAF test pilot Squadron Leader Andy Edgell flew his specially-adapted stealth fighter facing the stern, not bow, before bringing the jet to a hover, slipping it over the huge flight deck and gently setting it down. The 'back-to-front' maneuver, described as "like driving the wrong way down a one-way street" is intended to give pilots and the flight deck team more…
November 2018F-35B, HMS Queen Elizabeth, WESTLANT 18
UK to double F-35 fleet with 17-jet order
November 15, 2018 – The UK is set to double its number of world-beating F-35 stealth jets after ordering 17 more aircraft, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced. The 17 new F-35B aircraft will be delivered between 2020 and 2022 and will complement the 16 British aircraft currently based at RAF Marham and in the US, as well as two additional aircraft which are already on order. Overall, the UK has committed to procure 138 aircraft over the life of the programme. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said, "I am delighted…
November 2018F-35B, RAF, RAF Marham, RN
First test bombs dropped from HMS Queen Elizabeth's F-35s
October 22, 2018 December 10, 2018 seawaves
October 18, 2018 – The first bombs have been dropped from F-35 Lightning fighter jets conducting trials on board Britain's newest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. The inert GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided precision bombs were dropped off the east coast of the USA, marking another significant milestone in the carrier's trials. Adding the 500lb bombs to the jets for take-off has enabled the trials teams to see how the jets behave when carrying various weights, gathering crucial test data. It is the first time the American-made bombs have ever…
October 2018F-35B, GBU-12, HMS Queen Elizabeth, Paveway II, RNAS Culdrose, RNAS Yeovilton, WESTLANT 18
F-35 pilot makes history with revolutionary method of landing jets on HMS Queen Elizabeth
October 15, 2018 October 15, 2018 seawaves
October 15, 2018 – A revolutionary method of landing an F-35 Lightning fighter jet on a ship has been carried out for the first time on board the UK's newest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. British test pilot Peter Wilson made history when he conducted the first ever shipborne rolling vertical landing (SRVL) this weekend – a method which looks like a conventional aircraft landing but requires even more intense skill and precision. Previously the jets have conducted only vertical landings, hovering by the side of the ship before moving…
October 2018F-35B, HMS Monmouth, HMS Queen Elizabeth, RNAS Yeovilton, USS Lassen
F-35s Conduct First Night Landings on HMS Queen Elizabeth
October 3, 2018 seawaves
October 3, 2018 – Aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has reached another milestone in her flight trials with the first night-time landings of F-35 Lightning jets. Britain's biggest warship is currently conducting flight testing off the east coast of the United States and part of that is practicing landing in darkness. These tests were carried out with and without the aid of night-vision technology, with the pilots and aircraft handlers successfully guiding the fast fighter jets onto the flight deck. Pilots initially flew in using only ambient light and the…
October 2018Andrew Maack, DCLP, F-35B, HMS Queen Elizabeth
F-35Bs Join Forces with British Aircraft Carrier to Make History
October 2, 2018 October 2, 2018 seawaves
October 2, 2018 – This week the first F-35 Lightning fighter jets landed on the deck of the United Kingdom's new aircraft carrier making history and marking the beginning of more than half-a-century of 'Carrier Strike' operations. Royal Navy Cmdr. Nathan Gray and Royal Air Force Sq. Ldr. Andy Edgell, both test pilots at the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., were the first pilots to land the stealth F-35 Lightning fighter jets on board the carrier, demonstrating the formidable force HMS Queen Elizabeth and…
October 2018F-35B, HMS Queen Elizabeth, RAF, RN, USMC, USN