text:
Q: jsp threw exception: javax.el.PropertyNotFoundException in spring 3 I am getting error when fetching property from my entity class. below is the code.
This is my Entity class.
 @NamedQueries({
    @NamedQuery(
    name = "findAllProduct",
    //query = "from Product_Catalog prc where prc.id = :productCatalogId"
    query = "from Product_Catalog"
    )
})

@Entity
public class Product_Catalog extends baseEntity.Entity {
    @Id
    @Column(name="Product_Catalog_Id")
    private int productCatalogId ;

    @Column(name="Max_Price")
     private float maxPrice ;

    @Column(name="Min_Price")
     private float minPrice;

//setters and getters below

}

DAO / service class similar:-
import java.util.List;
import com.ecom.data.entities.product.Product_Catalog;

public interface ProductDAO {

        public  List<Product_Catalog> getAllProduct();
}

DAO Implement:-
@Repository
public class ProductDaoImpl implements ProductDAO {

    @Autowired
    private SessionFactory sessionFactory;

        @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
        @Override
        public  List<Product_Catalog> getAllProduct(){
             return this.sessionFactory.getCurrentSession().getNamedQuery("findAllProduct").list();

}
}

Service Implementation:-
@Service
public class ProductServiceImpl implements ProductService {

    @Autowired
    private ProductDAO productDAO;

    @Override
    @Transactional
    public  List<Product_Catalog> getAllProduct(){
     return productDAO.getAllProduct();

    }
}

ProductController class:-
@Controller
public class ProductController {

    @Autowired
    private ProductService productService;

     @RequestMapping(value = "/", method = RequestMethod.GET)
        public String listProducts(ModelMap map)
        {
            map.addAttribute("product", new Product_Catalog());
            map.addAttribute("productList", productService.getAllProduct());

            return "productList";
        }
}

Below is jsp code where i want to display only list from Database table:-

Product List

Products

<c:if  test="${!empty productList}">

    Max Price
    Min_Price

<c:forEach items="${productList}" var="product">

        ${product.maxPrice}
        ${product.minPrice}
       <%--  delete	 --%>

</c:forEach>

</c:if>

I am getting exception after deployement of war at Jboss server.
12:38:33,301 INFO  [org.jboss.web] (MSC service thread 1-2) registering web context: /usermanagement
12:38:33,334 INFO  [org.jboss.as.server.controller] (DeploymentScanner-threads - 2) Deployed "usermanagement.war"
12:38:49,360 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1) Hibernate:
12:38:49,361 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)     select
12:38:49,361 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         product_ca0_.Product_Catalog_Id as Product1_12_,
12:38:49,361 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         product_ca0_.Aud_Create_Time as Aud2_12_,
12:38:49,362 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         product_ca0_.Aud_Update_Time as Aud3_12_,
12:38:49,362 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         product_ca0_.Is_Active as Is4_12_,
12:38:49,362 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         product_ca0_.Is_Requester_Product as Is5_12_,
12:38:49,362 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         product_ca0_.Max_Price as Max6_12_,
12:38:49,363 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         product_ca0_.Min_Price as Min7_12_,
12:38:49,363 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         product_ca0_.Requirement_Type_Id as Requirem8_12_
12:38:49,363 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)     from
12:38:49,364 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         Product_Catalog product_ca0_

12:38:49,415 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1) Hibernate:
12:38:49,415 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)     select
12:38:49,415 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         requiremen0_.Requirement_Type_Id as Requirem1_15_0_,
12:38:49,415 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         requiremen0_.Description as Descript2_15_0_
12:38:49,416 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)     from
12:38:49,416 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         Requirement_type requiremen0_
12:38:49,416 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)     where
12:38:49,416 INFO  [stdout] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1)         requiremen0_.Requirement_Type_Id=?

12:38:49,981 ERROR [org.apache.catalina.core.ContainerBase.[jboss.web].[default-host].[/usermanagement].[jsp]] (http--127.0.0.1-8080-1) Servlet.service() for servlet jsp threw exception: javax.el.PropertyNotFoundException: The class 'com.ecom.data.entities.product.Product_Catalog' does not have the property 'maxPrice'.
    at javax.el.BeanELResolver.getBeanProperty(BeanELResolver.java:661) [jboss-el-api_2.2_spec-1.0.0.Final.jar:1.0.0.Final]
    at javax.el.BeanELResolver.getValue(BeanELResolver.java:290) [jboss-el-api_2.2_spec-1.0.0.Final.jar:1.0.0.Final]
    at javax.el.CompositeELResolver.getValue(CompositeELResolver.java:175) [jboss-el-api_2.2_spec-1.0.0.Final.jar:1.0.0.Final]
    at org.apache.el.parser.AstValue.getValue(AstValue.java:134) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.el.ValueExpressionImpl.getValue(ValueExpressionImpl.java:187) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.jasper.runtime.PageContextImpl.proprietaryEvaluate(PageContextImpl.java:935) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.jsp.WEB_002dINF.views.productList_jsp._jspx_meth_c_005fforEach_005f0(productList_jsp.java:152)
    at org.apache.jsp.WEB_002dINF.views.productList_jsp._jspx_meth_c_005fif_005f0(productList_jsp.java:114)
    at org.apache.jsp.WEB_002dINF.views.productList_jsp._jspService(productList_jsp.java:76)
    at org.apache.jasper.runtime.HttpJspBase.service(HttpJspBase.java:70) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:847) [jboss-servlet-api_3.0_spec-1.0.0.Final.jar:1.0.0.Final]
    at org.apache.jasper.servlet.JspServletWrapper.service(JspServletWrapper.java:369) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.jasper.servlet.JspServlet.serviceJspFile(JspServlet.java:326) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.jasper.servlet.JspServlet.service(JspServlet.java:253) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:847) [jboss-servlet-api_3.0_spec-1.0.0.Final.jar:1.0.0.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:329) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:248) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationDispatcher.invoke(ApplicationDispatcher.java:734) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationDispatcher.processRequest(ApplicationDispatcher.java:541) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationDispatcher.doForward(ApplicationDispatcher.java:479) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationDispatcher.forward(ApplicationDispatcher.java:407) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.view.InternalResourceView.renderMergedOutputModel(InternalResourceView.java:238) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.view.AbstractView.render(AbstractView.java:264) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.DispatcherServlet.render(DispatcherServlet.java:1208) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.DispatcherServlet.processDispatchResult(DispatcherServlet.java:992) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.DispatcherServlet.doDispatch(DispatcherServlet.java:939) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.DispatcherServlet.doService(DispatcherServlet.java:856) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.FrameworkServlet.processRequest(FrameworkServlet.java:936) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.FrameworkServlet.doGet(FrameworkServlet.java:827) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:734) [jboss-servlet-api_3.0_spec-1.0.0.Final.jar:1.0.0.Final]
    at org.springframework.web.servlet.FrameworkServlet.service(FrameworkServlet.java:812) [spring-webmvc-3.2.2.RELEASE.jar:]
    at javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:847) [jboss-servlet-api_3.0_spec-1.0.0.Final.jar:1.0.0.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:329) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:248) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardWrapperValve.invoke(StandardWrapperValve.java:275) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardContextValve.invoke(StandardContextValve.java:161) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.jboss.as.web.security.SecurityContextAssociationValve.invoke(SecurityContextAssociationValve.java:139) [jboss-as-web-7.0.2.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.jboss.as.web.NamingValve.invoke(NamingValve.java:57) [jboss-as-web-7.0.2.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardHostValve.invoke(StandardHostValve.java:154) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.valves.ErrorReportValve.invoke(ErrorReportValve.java:102) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardEngineValve.invoke(StandardEngineValve.java:109) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.catalina.connector.CoyoteAdapter.service(CoyoteAdapter.java:362) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.coyote.http11.Http11Processor.process(Http11Processor.java:877) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.coyote.http11.Http11Protocol$Http11ConnectionHandler.process(Http11Protocol.java:667) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at org.apache.tomcat.util.net.JIoEndpoint$Worker.run(JIoEndpoint.java:952) [jbossweb-7.0.1.Final.jar:7.0.2.Final]
    at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:662) [:1.6.0_43]

Please help me to find out the issue because i didnt get any final solution after searching on google too. Thanks in advance for all you guys. looking forward to hear you.

A: EL-expressions such as ${product.maxPrice} operate on getters.
Make sure you have one:
public float getMaxPrice() {
    return maxPrice;
}

The case is correct. To find the getter for ${product.maxPrice} the first letter is made uppercase and a "get" is prepended.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Optimization Sequential
Using the TrueFreeForm surface for grid based freeform optimization
In this article, we demonstrate the usage of OpticStudio's TrueFreeForm surface type in designing an eye-tracking subsystem within a wedge prism for AR/VR applications. In particular, the grid-based sag optimization functionality of TrueFreeForm is demonstrated to achieve a sub-aperture sag optimization, greatly improving imaging quality for the eye-tracking subsystem.
Authored By Zachary Derocher
The TrueFreeForm surface is a sequential surface type in OpticStudio which uses a superposed combination of polynomial and grid-based sag characterizations. In addition, the TrueFreeForm surface also supports optimization of the sag values at each data point in the grid sag data file, allowing for a unique, non-parameterized optimization methodology. This can be advantageous in cases where spatially-selective optimization is desired, or a given polynomial function cannot well represent the desired sag structure.
TrueFreeForm allows surface sag to be defined using polynomial functions including biconic toroidal, even asphere, Zernike standard polynomial, and extended polynomial, as well as a grid-based sag definition. There are several advantages to having access to all these sag functions within the same surface. For instance, freeform surfaces optimized using extended polynomial, biconic toroidal, or grid-based definitions can now be externally toleranced for irregularity via Zernike coefficients. Perhaps the most interesting advantage of TrueFreeForm is the ability to optimize the sag profile through setting points in the sag grid as variables.
Grid-based sag optimization has some interesting advantages over traditional parametric (polynomial function-based) optimization. Because the default grid sag interpolation algorithm used is a bicubic spline method, the domain of influence of any individual point in the sag grid extends only two points away. This means that if we optimize the sag of just one point in the data grid, only the local surface structure is affected, and the distant surface structure is perfectly preserved. This is demonstrated in the following figure, where a 1D spline model is shown for simplicity The three curves are defined via cubic spline between 5 points. The leftmost point varies between the three curves, and the effect only extends two points away.
Considering the full 2D grid of sag values which are used to define a surface structure, this means that by optimizing the sag at a single point (shown in red below), we only affect the surface structure within a rectangular region of 5x5 points>
This brings two revelations. Firstly, with grid sag optimization, we can optimize sub-regions of a given surface, whereas with parametric optimization we necessarily alter the entire surface structure with any change to a parameter value. Secondly, we can generate unique surface geometries, which might be very difficult or impossible with a given limited-order polynomial function.
There are two main considerations to be aware of when using the grid-based optimization approach. Because the sag grid utilizes cubic interpolation, this means that the curve defined between a set of points might be limited in the geometric form it can achieve. Additionally, there is a fine balance in the optimal density of sag points to define in the data grid; too many, and the optimization can become slowed down (too many variables), and sampling becomes an issue (see below). Too few data points, and the optimization might not be able to achieve an optimal surface structure. Care and consideration must be used when definition the data grid to be used with this optimization method.
Case study in TrueFreeForm grid optimization
The basis of this case study was a freeform wedge prism type optical see-through head mounted display. It is based on a patent application submitted by Gao C. and Hua H., which also supports an inlaid near-infrared eye-tracking subsystem utilizing the same three optical surfaces, as well as a wedged singlet to provide a focus. Our initial design form was created in OpticStudio using parametric optimization (extended polynomial) of the three optical surfaces. Because the TrueFreeForm surface supports an extended polynomial function, the TrueFreeForm surface type can be used at outset. The nominal microdisplay visual system was optimized, and the eye-tracking subsystem was subsequently inlaid, initially without any re-correction of the parametric freeform optical surfaces.
Note that in this design, for simplicity, the see-through portion of the system was ignored, and the design was only optimized at a single wavelength.
Because the three optical surfaces were initially optimized only for the visual display system performance, ignoring the eye-tracking system performance, the image quality was reasonable for the F/3 visual system NIR image quality, but quite poor for the NIR eye-tracking system. Here, the MTF at fields sampled across the full FOV of the visual display system is shown, as well as the full field astigmatism for the NIR eye tracking subsystem. The latter had an average astigmatism of roughly 1.4 waves, and a total average RMS wavefront error of 1.42 waves across the full field of view.
One traditional approach to rectify this imbalance in performance is to re-optimize the three freeform surfaces. However, any improvement in the NIR eye tracking system will necessarily come at the expense of performance in the visual display system. Instead, TrueFreeForm enables a more novel approach. A sub-aperture optimization on S3, the top surface of the prism, was used to improve the eye-tracking subsystem performance without compromising the performance of the microdisplay system.
Defining the variable sag grid
Note the strong spatial separation between the surface S3 footprints of the imaging path (green) of the NIR ray bundle and the microdisplay illumination on S3 (blue):
With the extended polynomial terms of TrueFreeform surface S3 already optimized for the microdisplay system, we superposed a grid sag definition (initially just empty zeros) into the surface sag profile; only the subregion of surface S3 which catches the NIR rays as they approach the eye-tracking camera would be re-optimized. Care was used to ensure that such an optimization has no impact on the microdisplay ray bundle footprint on S3. It was noted previously that the dominant aberration in that subsystem was field-independent astigmatism. As such, a relatively low-order surface profile correction was considered sufficient to greatly improve optical performance.
With these considerations in mind, a blank (all-zero) grid sag file was generated. The system has left/right symmetry, which was utilized; we optimized the right side of the grid sag profile, and any changes were picked up on the left side by TrueFreeForm's symmetry options. As such, the variable region was chosen for points on the right only.
The points in the grid sag definition are demarked above (right) with black "x" marks. Note that the variable region chosen, highlighted in light blue, is 4x4 points. For the bicubic spline interpolation, the region of influence for a given variable is known to extend a further 2 points in all directions (region of influence highlighted orange above). With these selections of grid density and variable region, we could be sure that the surface profile would remain fixed in the area illuminated by the microdisplay ray paths, meaning the nominal microisplay system performance would be preserved during this optimization.
The grid sag variables were selected by highlighting the desired points using the Grid Point Selector tool, as shown in the following image.
Optimizing the sag grid
Once the sag grid was defined and a variable subsection selected, the Merit Function could be built. Localizing the surface optimization to a sub-aperture means that we could remove all variables except for our grid sag points (and the NIR detector position). All of the optimization targets previously used for the initial microdisplay visual system optimization were also removed.
In building the Merit Function, we used a simple geometric spot-size default Merit Function. Note that the Rectangular Array pupil integration method was chosen, because Gaussian Quadrature would leave large areas of the pupil unsampled. That is not acceptable in grid-based sag optimization; the limited domain of influence of each variable sag-point must be adequately sampled to ensure some fields or pupil positions aren't preferentially optimized. This means that in general, not only do we need relatively high pupil sampling, but we must also use relatively high field sampling (especially in this system, where the surface to optimize is near a focal plane, meaning there is strong field separation of the footprints on this surface).
After setting the fields and pupil sampling, we also added some constraints on the allowed maximum slope and sag departure from the nominal surface profile. This was done with the GOPT operand, which checks the sag and local slope at each point in the grid, and allows constraints on the maximum or minimum values
Optimized results
After the optimization, we saw a result in the sag profile which closely matched expectation; a local sagittal curvature was added in the region of interest, which serves to counteract the dominant field-constant astigmatism, while the non-local surface profile remained unchanged.
We can prove that the performance of the microdisplay visual system is preserved by viewing the before/after MTF performance; the plots are identical, demonstrating that our grid variable selection was adequate to isolate the NIR eye tracking subsystem optimization.
The performance of the eye tracking subsystem to greatly improved through this optimization. The astigmatism was reduced by several orders of magnitude across the field (from 1.38 waves average at 850nm, to 0.0509 waves average at 850nm). The MTF performance after optimization was vastly improved (to a field-average of 0.45 at 40 lp/mm), allowing a well-resolved image of the user's entire eyebox in the eye tracking system. This should allow us to more accurately pick up the NIR reflections from the user's pupil in order to help guide software optimizations of the projected image.
We've seen here that grid sag optimization was highly successful in performing a local surface optimization and greatly improving optical performance of a subsystem, while preserving the non-local sag profile. The drawbacks of using this approach were that the balance of sampling (both field and pupil) and the density of the variable sag grid must be carefully considered. In general, this optimization methodology requires higher density ray sampling and larger numbers of variables, resulting in slower optimization runs.
We must also be very aware, as with any freeform optimization, of manufacturability. Here, we used only a few GOPT operands to control sag and slope offset within the variable region. But because OpticStudio has to stitch the edges of the optimized variable subgrid with the rest of the grid sag structure, we can end up with large slope effects just outside the fringes of the variable grid. This effect can be seen in the optimized result here; the variable region is roughly 5mm across in the X direction, but there are slope variations extending well beyond that bound (to be exact, an additional 2 sag points in the grid, in all directions, as this is the domain of influence of the variable region). It would be more robust to check the local slope at every sag point in the domain of influence of the variable sag region, and limit, for instance, the RMS slope across that space. This can be done with the addition of SSAG operands, or slope equivalent calculations, at the grid point coordinates within the domain of influence.
Video - Optimization - Illumination System Design
Designing for as-built performance with High-Yield Optimization
How to design a singlet lens, Part 3: Optimization
How to use the Optically Fabricated Hologram to correct for aberrations
Contrast Optimization: a faster and better method for optimizing system MTF - webinar
How to use the find best asphere tool
How to constrain the thickness of aspheric components
Optimizing for MTF performance using Contrast Optimization
How to write your own optimization operand

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
CREATE SCHEMA IF NOT EXISTS FTE;

DROP TABLE IF EXISTS FTE.COUNTRY CASCADE;
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS FTE.CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_TYPE CASCADE;
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS FTE.CUSTOMER CASCADE;
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS FTE.CUSTOMER_CONTRACT CASCADE;

/*EXAMPLE DATABASE*/
CREATE TABLE FTE.COUNTRY (
	Country_Code SMALLINT NOT NULL PRIMARY KEY,
	Country_Name VARCHAR(30) NOT NULL
);

CREATE TABLE FTE.CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_TYPE (
	Customer_Segment_Code SMALLINT NOT NULL PRIMARY KEY,
	Customer_Segment_Desc VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL
);

CREATE TABLE FTE.CUSTOMER (
	Customer_Id INTEGER NOT NULL,
	Country_Code SMALLINT NOT NULL REFERENCES FTE.COUNTRY(Country_Code),
	Customer_Since DATE NOT NULL,
	Customer_Name VARCHAR(30) NOT NULL,
	Customer_Name_Since DATE NOT NULL,
	Customer_Segment_Code SMALLINT REFERENCES FTE.CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_TYPE(Customer_Segment_Code) NOT NULL,
	Customer_Segment_Since DATE NOT NULL,
	CONSTRAINT PK_CUSTOMER PRIMARY KEY (Customer_Id, Country_Code)
);

CREATE TABLE FTE.CUSTOMER_CONTRACT (
	Customer_Id INTEGER NOT NULL,
	Country_Code SMALLINT NOT NULL REFERENCES FTE.COUNTRY(Country_Code),
	Contract_Nbr VARCHAR(35) NOT NULL,
	Customer_Contract_Since DATE NOT NULL,
	CONSTRAINT PK_CUST_CONTRACT PRIMARY KEY (Customer_Id, Country_Code, Contract_Nbr),
	FOREIGN KEY (Customer_Id, Country_Code) REFERENCES FTE.CUSTOMER (Customer_Id, Country_Code)
);

INSERT INTO FTE.COUNTRY (Country_Code, Country_Name)
VALUES (1, 'Estonia');
INSERT INTO FTE.COUNTRY (Country_Code, Country_Name)
VALUES (2, 'Latvia');
INSERT INTO FTE.COUNTRY (Country_Code, Country_Name)
VALUES (3, 'Lithuania');

INSERT INTO FTE.CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_TYPE (Customer_Segment_Code, Customer_Segment_Desc)
VALUES (1, 'New');
INSERT INTO FTE.CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_TYPE (Customer_Segment_Code, Customer_Segment_Desc)
VALUES (2, 'Regular buyer');
INSERT INTO FTE.CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_TYPE (Customer_Segment_Code, Customer_Segment_Desc)
VALUES (3, 'Idle');

DELETE FROM TEMPORAL.TEMPORAL_METADATA;
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS FTE.CUSTOMER_HIST CASCADE;
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS FTE.CUSTOMER_NAME_HIST CASCADE;
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS FTE.CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_HIST CASCADE;
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS FTE.CUSTOMER_CONTRACT_HIST CASCADE;

SELECT TEMPORAL.TEMPORALIZE ('FTE','CUSTOMER','Customer_Id, Country_Code','Customer_Since','CUSTOMER_HIST','CUSTOMER_VW');
SELECT TEMPORAL.TEMPORALIZE ('FTE','CUSTOMER','Customer_Name','Customer_Name_Since','CUSTOMER_NAME_HIST','CUSTOMER_NAME_VW');
SELECT TEMPORAL.TEMPORALIZE ('FTE','CUSTOMER','Customer_Segment_Code','Customer_Segment_Since','CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_HIST','CUSTOMER_SEGMENT_VW');
SELECT TEMPORAL.TEMPORALIZE ('FTE','CUSTOMER_CONTRACT','Customer_Id,Country_Code,Contract_Nbr','Customer_Contract_Since','CUSTOMER_CONTRACT_HIST','CUSTOMER_CONTRACT_VW');

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
was a town located in Tamana District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 5,533 and a density of 91.48 persons per km². The total area was 60.48 km².

On March 1, 2006, Mikawa, along with the town of Kikusui (also from Tamana District), was merged to create the town of Nagomi and no longer exists as an independent municipality.

External links
 Official website of Nagomi

Dissolved municipalities of Kumamoto Prefecture

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
President Ivanov Holds New Meetings During Visit to Jordan
Within the frameworks of his visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, President Gjorge Ivanov met PM Omar Razzaz, Senate President Faisal al-Fayez, House of Representatives Speaker Atef Tarawneh and House of Representatives members. At the meeting with Razzaz, Ivanov said his country had aspired for stable and friendly relations with Jordan since as early as the establishment of diplomatic ties. According to him, the intensification of the political dialogue will open an opportunity for further future cooperation in several areas, including security and culture, through intergovernmental deals and improvement of the legal framework. At the meeting with al-Fayez and Tarawneh, the President said хе was convinced that his official visit would give new momentum to the overall cooperation between Jordan and Macedonia in all spheres of common interest and that the mutual friendship would continue to be developed.
Atef Tarawneh Faisal al-Fayez Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan House of Representatives House of Representatives Speaker Macedonia PM Omar Razzaz President Gjorge Ivanov Senate President	2018-11-20
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We have Just Sold out of Star Wars The Force Awakens Rey Mask with Hood. Not to Worry! Fill in the Notify me When Available and you will be the first in line for our restock of Star Wars The Force Awakens Rey Mask with Hood !!
From the Star Wars The Force Awakens collection by Rubies. Star Wars The Force Awakens Rey Mask with Hood. Ages 14 and up.


Gallery management software is designed to help gallery owners and operators with the daily tasks of running and maintaining an art gallery. For many galleries, gallery management software may be the only software solution needed to keep the gallery up and running, even performing important business functions such as billing and invoicing. Gallery management software can track all artwork bought and sold by the gallery, maintain a database of contact information, help plan and execute exhibitions, and create a digital catalog. The tool may also help plan exhibitions and facilitate the transport of artwork.
Gallery management software may be used alongside CRM software or small-business accounting software. collections management software may also be useful for larger collections. In addition, galleries may also want to use a website builder to easily create a website and photo management software to house photographs of all the art in their collection or their collection of digital photography.
GalleryTool enables you to keep your art organized and track client relations in one integrated platform. GalleryTool is an online art inventory software entirely developed for art gallery managers, artists and collectors.
Hi there! Can I help you find the best Gallery Management solutions?


Are you a Hematology/Oncology Physician seeking a job with a renowned healthcare team? We've got a spot for you! We are seeking a high quality individual to join our family of forward-thinking and excellence-driven professionals. Contact us today!
An excellent opportunity is available to join a comprehensive community cancer program with a multidisciplinary team to provide outstanding comprehensive cancer care & research to community members throughout the Upper Peninsula. Based in Marquette, Michigan the new providers will be vital parts of our oncology team.
- State of the art radiation therapy equipment and an onsite genetic counselor as well as outstanding Cytogenetic laboratory.


Jack Tornek appeared in six episodes of The Rifleman — New Orleans Menace as Tiffauges Rider ― Legacy as the preacher — Lariat as the card dealer — Baranca and on of Baranca's Angels ― The Vaqueros as one of the townsmen and Quiet Night, Deadly Night as one of the townsmen.
Jack was a career extra, appearing in over 200 titles. He fit so well into so many parts that he earned the name, Universal Jack. Although Jack was in about every western back then, he hardly ever got credit!
Jack Tornek was born on January 2,1888 in Minsk, Russian Empire, now Belarus.


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Sounds Of Liberation - Sounds Of Liberation
King Crimson - The ReconstruKction Of Light CD + 5.1 / hi-res DVD-A (expanded / remixed / remastered)
Weiskopf, Walt - European Quartet Worldwide
Supersister - Sweet Ok Supersister 2 x DVD
Nature Work - Nature Work
Davachi, Sarah / Ariel Kalma - Intemporal vinyl lp (due to size and weight, this price for the USA only. Outside of the USA, the price will be adjusted as needed)
Cherry, Don - Complete Communion Live at the Liederhalle in Stuttgart, May 12th 1966 vinyl lp (due to size and weight, this price for the USA only. Outside of the USA, the price will be adjusted as needed)
Stagg - SWF Session 1974
Holdsworth, Allan - Warsaw Summer Jazz Days '98 CD + DVD
O'Malley, Stephen - Gruides vinyl lp (due to size and weight, this price for the USA only. Outside of the USA, the price will be adjusted as needed)
Brandt Brauer Frick - Echo
Supersister - M.A.N. / Memories Are New
Raviv, Amnon - Mirror vinyl lp (due to size and weight, this price for the USA only. Outside of the USA, the price will be adjusted as needed)
SKU PD 034 LP
"Paradigm Discs present a reissue of Amnon Raviv's Mirror, originally released in Israel in 1983 and only available in a handmade edition of just 50 copies. As such, this edition is the first widely available issue of this LP, giving it a chance to reach an audience beyond the 50 hardened collectors who got to hear this strange experimental record back in the '80s.
There's nothing else quite like it from that era, let alone from Israel, although it does have some parallels with earlier avant-garde/outsider music from the US and Europe. It may well be the strangest, as well as one of the most obscure records to come out of Israel. The instruments used are flamenco and acoustic guitar, flute, violin and sax. Some of the playing is free form and some is complex notation, but all the tracks contain collages of effects and noisy field recordings which often dominate the picture -- bubbling water, a chicken farm, feedback, transistor radio, metal percussion, vacuum cleaner, etc. There are some comparisons to be made with Anal Magic and Rev Dwight Frizzell's Beyond The Black Crack from 1976, also reissued on Paradigm. Mirror has a similar wild and fried atmosphere sitting amidst the open sonic spaces, coupled with some skilled instrumental playing. A notable difference with the Frizzell album is that Frizell's pieces are always titled -- the six pieces here are all untitled.
Amnon Raviv is still active as a musician, but he also holds a PhD in medical clowning and his main work these days is as a medical clown, incorporating smiles and laughter as a therapy to help recovering patients on Tel Aviv's cancer wards.
This edition comes with new artwork showing Raviv working as a performance artist on the streets of Amsterdam in 1984. Includes 12x12" insert which replicates the original artwork from one of the 50 unique sleeves and contains liner notes by the artist that give insights into the concept behind this album; edition of 500 (numbered)."
LabelParadigm


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Historical Stock Data
Board Diversity Matrix
Investor FAQ
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Fathom Holdings Inc. Reports Record 118% Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth for 2021 Second Quarter
CARY, N.C., Aug. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fathom Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: FTHM), a national, technology-driven, end-to-end real estate services platform integrating residential brokerage, mortgage, title, insurance, and SaaS offerings for brokerages and agents, today announced financial results for the 2021 second quarter and first half ended June 30, 2021, including year-over-year revenue growth of 118%.
Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Total revenue for the second quarter of 2021 rose to $84.2 million, from $38.7 million for the same period last year. Fathom completed 10,100 real estate transactions for the 2021 second quarter, a 74% increase from the 2020 second quarter. Fathom's real estate agent network grew approximately 53% to 6,950 agents at June 30, 2021, up from 4,554 agents one year ago.
During the 2021 second quarter, primarily due to its acquisition activity, the Company began reporting selected financial results for its vertically integrated segments, with revenue as follows:
Real estate brokerage revenue, which includes real estate brokerage services, was $80.2 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared with $38.7 million in the prior year period.
Mortgage revenue, which includes residential loan origination and underwriting services, was $1.5 million for the second quarter of 2021. There was no revenue generated from mortgage services in the second quarter of 2020.
Technology revenue, which includes SaaS solutions and data mining for third party customers, was $530,000 for the second quarter of 2021. There was no revenue generated from technology services in the second quarter of 2020.
GAAP net loss for the 2021 second quarter was $2.1 million, or a loss of $0.15 per share, compared with GAAP net income of approximately $161,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the 2020 second quarter. Weighted average diluted shares outstanding increased approximately 40% for the 2021 second quarter, compared with the same quarter last year. The year-over-year change in GAAP net income (loss) resulted primarily from strategic investments in future growth related to enhancing operations, marketing and G&A, partially offset by an approximate $2.6 million income tax benefit attributable to the discrete release of the valuation allowance against the Company's historical deferred tax assets, and recognition of a portion of its current period deferred tax asset in connection with its acquisition activity in the second quarter of 2021.
G&A as a percentage of revenue declined for the 2021 second quarter, compared with the 2021 first quarter, and is expected to continue declining as a percentage of revenue over time as revenue increases. G&A expense totaled $9.4 million for the 2021 second quarter, compared with $2.0 million for last year's second quarter. The increase in G&A principally related to acquisitions, public company costs and continued investments in growth. It is anticipated that G&A expense will increase on an absolute dollar basis going forward, driven by acquisitions, public company costs, and costs related to scaling and integrating the Company's vertical business lines.
Adjusted EBITDA loss, a non-GAAP measure, was $2.3 million for the 2021 second quarter, versus an Adjusted EBITDA profit of approximately $329,000 a year ago. By segment, Adjusted EBITDA was as follows:
Real estate brokerage Adjusted EBITDA profit was $496,000 for the 2021 second quarter, compared with $329,000 for the same period last year.
Mortgage Adjusted EBITDA loss was $890,000 for the 2021 second quarter. Mortgage did not contribute to Adjusted EBITDA for the same period last year.
Technology Adjusted EBITDA loss was $307,000 for the 2021 second quarter. Technology did not contribute to Adjusted EBITDA for the same period last year.
Fathom is providing Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, because it offers additional information for monitoring the Company's cash flow performance. A table providing a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to its most comparable GAAP measure, as well as an explanation of, and important disclosures about, this non-GAAP measure, is included in the tables at the end of this press release.
"Quarter after quarter, our results continue to demonstrate the power of our truly disruptive business model. In fact, we more than doubled revenue for the second quarter. Fathom's second quarter last year showed the strongest revenue growth of all publicly traded real estate companies, and we weren't even public yet. We are very proud to have this level of revenue growth stacked on top of a previous stellar performance," said Fathom CEO Joshua Harley.
"It is important to note the incredible runway for future growth that we have as a result of our very recent entry into additional vertical business lines. We're just getting started. One of the best parts of our story is that we now fully own mortgage, title, insurance, lead generation and lead nurturing businesses, as well as two technology businesses, all helping us attract more home buyers and sellers, which in turn also helps us attract more agents, one of the key pillars in our growth strategy.
"With all of the puzzle pieces now in place, we are focused on leveraging the elite team we've built to make real, significant and lasting change in the real estate space," Harley said. "I believe the addition of these capabilities gives Fathom the potential to significantly increase our revenue and profitability per transaction, over time. Without a doubt, growing our revenue, transactions and agent network is important, but growing profitability is our number one priority. Although many companies sacrifice profitability for growth, I believe we can achieve both through our proprietary technology platform, streamlined operations and great value proposition for agents.
"We may still be small on a comparative basis, but we are mighty, and I strongly believe we have an incredible path ahead of us. Our ability to attract an ever-increasing number of real estate agents by providing them with greater income potential, and the robust technology, training, and support they need to grow their businesses, is even more important during these unprecedented times. We look to the future with enthusiasm, optimism and excitement as we continue to quickly take market share from the old-school real estate companies with outdated commission models," Harley concluded.
First Half 2021 Financial Results
Total revenue for the first half of 2021 grew 98% to $133.8 million, from $67.5 million for the same period in 2020. The Company's Mortgage segment contributed $1.5 million and its Technology segment contributed $599,000 to the Company's 2021 six-month revenue results. GAAP net loss for the first six months of 2021 was $5.5 million, or a loss of $0.40 per share, compared with GAAP net income of $118,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2020. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $4.3 million, versus an Adjusted EBITDA profit of $465,000 for the year-ago period. By segment, Adjusted EBITDA was as follows:
Real estate brokerage Adjusted EBITDA loss was $10,300 for the first half of 2021, compared with an Adjusted EBITDA profit of $465,000 for the same period last year.
Mortgage Adjusted EBITDA loss was $890,000 for the first half of 2021. Mortgage did not contribute to Adjusted EBITDA for the same period last year.
Technology Adjusted EBITDA loss was $622,000 for the first half of 2021. Technology did not contribute to Adjusted EBITDA for the same period last year.
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $12.8 million at June 30, 2021, compared with $28.6 million at December 31, 2020. The decline primarily reflected completed acquisitions.
"With several strategic acquisitions now completed, we are focused on building our cash position through operational cash flow generation," said Fathom President and CFO Marco Fregenal. "Our highly disciplined approach as good stewards of the money with which you've entrusted us, should provide us with the capital needed to execute on our plan to increase our agent network and transactions in line with historical growth."
Acquired fast-growing regional brokerage, Epic Realty. Based in the metropolitan Boise, Idaho area, Epic includes more than 350 agents who provide full-service residential real estate services for buyers and sellers.
Expanded Verus Title to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) market. Texas is Fathom's largest residential real estate market.
Completed the acquisition of technology platform LiveBy, to offer competitive, hyper-local tools for real estate professionals, and SaaS offerings to brokerages and agents outside of Fathom.
Acquired E4:9 Holdings, a holding company with three operating subsidiaries, Encompass Lending Group (mortgage), Dagley Insurance Agency (home and other insurance), and Real Results (lead generation). The acquisition is expected to provide agents and associates with new opportunities to grow their businesses, while giving consumers a one-stop-shop for all of their housing needs.
Subsequent to the end of the second quarter, created a Hispanic division to better assist this underserved community. This division will serve a quickly expanding residential real estate sector.
Long-Term Targets
The Company believes it can generate Adjusted EBITDA exceeding $40.0 million per year at 100,000 to 110,000 transactions per year. While Fathom has not provided a timeline for reaching this target, the Company believes it can maintain transaction growth rates similar to the last year since its IPO.
Fiscal 2021 Second Quarter Financial Results Conference Call
5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT
833-685-0908 (domestic); 412-317-5742 (international)
Accessible through August 25, 2021; 877-344-7529 (domestic); 412-317-0088 (international); replay access code 10159142
Webcast:
Accessible at www.FathomRealty.com; archive available for approximately one year
About Fathom Holdings Inc.
Fathom Holdings Inc. is a national, technology-driven, real estate services platform integrating residential brokerage, mortgage, title, insurance, and SaaS offerings to brokerages and agents by leveraging its proprietary cloud-based software, intelliAgent. The Company's brands include Fathom Realty, Encompass Lending, Dagley Insurance, Verus Title, intelliAgent, and Real Results. For more information, visit www.fathomrealty.com.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including, but not limited to, attracting more home buyers and sellers, which in turn helps attract more agents, generating strong attach rates for the Company's newer businesses, significantly increasing revenue and profitability per transaction, over time, growing profitability, increasing market share, and generating more than $40.0 million in Adjusted EBITDA at 100,000 to 110,000 transactions, while maintaining transaction growth at levels similar to the last year since its IPO. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including: risks associated with making and integrating acquisitions; technology risks; risks in effectively managing rapid growth in our business; reliance on key personnel; competitive risks; and the others set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's most recent Form 10-K as filed with the SEC and supplemented from time to time in other Company filings made with the SEC. Copies of our Form 10-K and other SEC filings are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.
Investor Relations and Media Contacts:
Roger Pondel/Laurie Berman
Marco Fregenal
PondelWilkinson Inc.
President and CFO
investorrelations@fathomrealty.com
Fathom Holdings Inc.
(Financial tables follow)
Gross commission income
$ 129,402,060
Commission and other agent-related costs
Operations and support
(Loss) income from operations
Other (income) expense, net
Gain on the extinguishment of debt
Interest (income) expense, net
(Loss) income from operations before income taxes
Income tax benefit (expense)
Net (loss) income
$ (2,091,434)
Net (loss) income per share
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Derivative assets
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
Prepaid and other current assets
Lease right of use assets
Intangible assets, net
Accrued liabilities
Escrow liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Warehouse lines of credit
Long-term debt - current portion
Lease liability - current portion
Long-term debt, net of current portion
Lease liability, net of current portion
Deferred tax liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 authorized and 14,744,539 and
13,830,351 issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
Treasury Stock, at cost, 5,683 shares as of June 30, 2021 and December 31,
Accumulated deficit
(12,979,303)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of mortgages
Bad debt expense
Other non-cash
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Agent annual fees receivable
Due from affiliates
Mortgage loans held for sale
Proceeds from sale and principal payments on mortgage loans held for sale
Prepaid and other assets
Operating lease assets
Due to affiliates
Derviative assets
Derviative liabilities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment
Amounts paid for business and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Purchase of intangible assets
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on long-term debt
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
Net proceeds from warehouse lines of credit
Purchase of treasury stock
Proceeds from note payable
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
Supplemental disclosure of cash and non-cash transactions:
Cash paid for interest
Income taxes paid
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities
Issuance of common stock for the purchase of business
Extinguishment of Paycheck Protection Program Loan
Loan receivable forgiven and used as purchase consideration
Reconciliation of cash and restricted cash
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Corporate and other services (b)
Total Company Adjusted EBITDA
Transaction-related costs
Note about Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the Company uses Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to understand and evaluate its core operating performance. This non-GAAP financial measure, which may be different than similarly titled measures used by other companies, is presented to enhance investors' overall understanding of the Company's financial performance and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.
Fathom defines Adjusted EBITDA as net loss, excluding other (income) expense, net, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, and share-based compensation expense.
Fathom believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information about the Company's financial performance, enhances the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects, and allows for greater transparency with respect to a key metric used by management for financial and operational decision-making. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA helps identify underlying trends in its business that otherwise could be masked by the effect of the expenses excluded in Adjusted EBITDA. In particular, Fathom believes the exclusion of share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and stock options provides a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of its operations and provides better transparency into its results of operations.
Adjusted EBITDA is being presented to assist investors in seeing the Company's financial performance through the eyes of management, and because it believes this measure provides an additional tool for investors to use in comparing Fathom's core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in its industry.
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are a number of limitations related to the use of Adjusted EBITDA compared to net loss, the closest comparable GAAP measure, including:
Adjusted EBITDA excludes share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and stock options, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring expenses in the Company's business and an important part of its compensation strategy; and
Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain recurring, non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and, although these are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future.
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ACC Europe - Advocacy
Maria Barros, Advocacy Chair
Javier Ramirez, Head of Advocacy
Since 2014 ACC Europe's Advocacy Working Group has been engaged in and monitoring European and national advocacy activities that affect the profession of in-house counsel.
The Group has worked at EU level as well as national level, participating in legislative and other initiatives or proceedings run by the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and/or national governments and parliaments that impact in-house lawyers, including but not limited to legal professional privilege, bar membership, standing to represent their companies and preservation of professional secrecy in judicial proceedings and other issues that may impact the way our members fulfil their roles as in-house counsels.
Where relevant, the Advocacy Group enjoys collaboration with other European and national organisations working on similar issues and regularly organizes and/or participates in roundtables and seminars to discuss topics of interest for the profession of in-house counsel. The Group always welcomes hearing members suggestions about developments that should be considered for monitoring or commenting on.
Privileged Conversations: Lack of In-house Privilege Hurts Business Competition in France / Le manque de legal privilege nuit à la concurrence des entreprises françaises | ACC Docket 30 March 2022
Legal Professional Privilege for In-house Lawyers: An Essential Facilitator of Compliance and Business Competitiveness (by Javier Ramírez Iglesias, published at Iberian Lawyer no. 109 (Spain and Portugal) November 2021
Legal Privilege and Antitrust in the EU and the US: What's new? 16 September 2021 Concurrences and McDermott Will & Emery
Privileged Conversations: Netherlands Court Affirms In-house Privilege | ACC Docket 10 May 2021
Privileged Conversations: Spain Affirms Legal Privilege for In-house Counsel / España afirma el secreto profesional para los abogados de empresa | ACC Docket 29 April 2021
Legal Privilege and Antitrust in the EU and the US: What's new under the sky? 20 November 2020 Concurrences and McDermott Will & Emery.


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April 2022 Blog
I acknowledge and thank the Lkwungen People for allowing me to live, pray, work, and play on their lands. I am deeply sorry for the injustices inflicted upon the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Turtle Island by the complicity of settlers and the Catholic Church in the colonialism inherent in the Indian Act and Residential Schools including racism, neglect, many forms of abuse & cultural genocide.
WAR – JUSTICE – CLIMATE - INEQUALITY
LAUDATO SI' 16: "EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED."
As a Canadian I'll start with Justice.
1. JUSTICE - POPE'S APOLOGY TO
CANADA'S FIRST NATIONS, INUIT & MÉTIS
Ephesians 5:8-9: "Live as children of light. Light produces goodness, justice & truth."
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Photo: Vatican Media /The Canadian Press, Globe & Mail
Pope Francis met with all three indigenous delegations 1 April 2022. He told those present that he had listened to their stories. By doing this, the Pope said, he was able to enter into and be deeply grieved by the stories of the suffering, hardship, discrimination and various forms of abuse that some of them experienced, particularly in the residential schools. Excerpts from his apology follow: "For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God's forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon."
"It is chilling to think of determined efforts to instill a sense of inferiority, to rob people of their cultural identity, to sever their roots, and to consider all the personal and social effects that this continues to entail: unresolved traumas that have become intergenerational traumas," "Without real indignation, without historical memory and without a commitment to learning from past mistakes, problems remain unresolved and keep coming back. We can see this these days in the case of war. The memory of the past must never be sacrificed at the altar of alleged progress."
The Pope added that he felt shame "for the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibilities, have had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values." He said he hoped to visit Canada in July for the pilgrimage to Lac Ste Anne in Alberta 25-28 July 2022. Lac Ste. Anne was first called Wakamne (God's Lake) by the Nakota Sioux and Manitou Sakhahigan (Lake of the Spirit) by the Cree before the arrival of the settlers. A priest named Lestanc organized the first pilgrimage to Lac Ste. Anne in 1889 in honour of Saint Anne, whose feast day is on July 26. Thirty to forty thousand people now attend the annual pilgrimage.
Archbishop of Regina, Saskatchewan, Donald Bolen with Kevin Haywahe of the Nakoda Nation of Saskatchewan in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Friday, April 1, 2022. Photo: Fabrizio Troccoli/The Globe and Mail
Amber Bracken's photo 19 June 2021 named World Press Photo of the Year titled Kamloops Residential School
(Amber Bracken for The New York Times/World Press Photo via AP)
 2. WAR UKRAINE
Ps 130: "Out of the depths I cry unto thee, O Lord! Lord, hear my voice! Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!"
Creator: Andrej Ivanov | Credit: AFP
Protester pictured in Montreal, February, 2022.
UNITED NATIONS, April 7 (Reuters) - The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday suspended Russia from the U.N. Human Rights Council over reports of "gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights" in Ukraine, prompting Moscow to announce it was quitting the body.
The U.S.-led push garnered 93 votes in favor, while 24 countries voted no and 58 countries abstained.
That's a lot of complicity (82)! Silence is complicity!
For the Roman Catholic Bishop of Odessa, Stanislav Schyrokoradiuk, one of the main reasons for the invasion of Ukraine is the way the Russian population has been misinformed: "We Ukrainians are the victims of war, the Russian people are the victims of propaganda." According to Bishop Schyrokoradiuk, the war is "not a conflict between our two peoples." [But for some it now is after atrocities perpetrated by Russian soldiers came to light]. However, people living in Russia have no access to complete information, "therefore many of them would support the Russian government." This adds more fuel to the aggression. "I hope that their eyes will be opened, so that peace can come," says Schyrokoradiuk. But: Poll 24-30 March in face-to-face interviews with 1,632 Russians across the country showed 83 percent of Russians backing Putin, up from 71 percent in early February. [Poll released 30 March] They obviously believe Putin's lies.
The atrocities revealed in Mariupol and after Russian withdrawal from Bucha and Borodyanka, to name just one town and a village, and also the 'monstrous' war crime of the Kramatorsk railway station missile attack have been denied by Russia which says they were committed by Ukrainians against their own people! Not that informed people would believe that stupidity and the satellite evidence and evidence from a rocket shot down contradicts such Russian claims.
W.D. Auden wrote this after the Soviet Union's takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1968:
"The ogre does what ogres can, Deeds quite impossible for man, But one prize is beyond his reach: The ogre cannot master speech. Across a subjugated plain, Among its desperate and slain, The ogre strolls with hands on hips, While drivel gushes from his lips."
Reminds me of … I'm sure you know who! Talking about drivel, sad to say in the USA the Republican G.O.P.'s Putin Wing includes supporters of Putin. Just click on this link. Unbelievable! (There may also be Canadian supporters). And in Europe there is Viktor Orbán, Hungary's Prime Minister and in France Marine Le Pen.
Brave protests in Russia have taken place.
As of 22 March The Economist reported
"More than 15,000 Russians have been arrested in anti-war protests"
Protester Marina Ovsyannikova
with 'NO WAR' sign disrupts Russian state TV news broadcast 14 March 2022.
The sign, in English and Russian, read: "NO WAR. Stop the war. Don't believe propaganda. They are lying to you here." Another phrase, which looked like "Russians against war," was partly obscured.
State TV is the main source of news for millions of Russians, and closely follows the Kremlin line that Russia was forced to act in Ukraine to demilitarize and "de-Nazify" the country, and to defend Russian-speakers there against "genocide." Ukraine and most of the world have condemned that as a false pretext for an invasion of a democratic country. The woman was identified by OVD-Info, an independent protest-monitoring group, and by the head of the Agora human rights group, as Marina Ovsyannikova, an employee of the channel. Reports say this brave woman as been arrested and fined.
Russian businessman Alex Konanykhin. On March 1, 2022 during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Konanykhin announced on social media that he was offering a $1 million bounty for the arrest of Vladimir Putin as a war criminal under international laws, with the text "Wanted: Dead or Alive. Vladimir Putin for mass murder". Despite the wording of his online poster, Konanykhin subsequently re-iterated that he was not advocating assassination, but admitted that he would celebrate Putin's death. Konanykhin claimed that Putin was not the President of Russia because he 'murdered his opponents'.
Killing a tyrant, i.e. Tyrannicide, has had support from various philosophers and theologians through the centuries, including the ancient Greeks and Romans, most notably Cicero; Catholics, most notably John of Salisbury (d. 1180) Jean Petit (d. 1411), and Suarez (d. 1617); and Protestants, most notably, Luther, Melanchthon, Zwingli, and Calvin. The Catholic St. Thomas Aquinas gave the most substantial argument for tyrannicide. He based his position on his arguments for just war and capital punishment. St. Thomas concluded, "He who kills a tyrant (i.e. an usurper) to free his country is praised and rewarded" (In 2 Sentences, 44.2.2). It has long been known that Pope Pius XII was complicit in a variety of plots, initiated by patriotic, anti-Nazi Germans, to assassinate Hitler and replace the Nazi regime with a government that would make peace with the Allies. Food for thought given the war crimes in Ukraine?
Sasha Filipenko: 'No one wants to be a little brother': Belarus, Russia and Ukraine – a dysfunctional family affair.
Putin loves to evoke the family to describe the relationship. This closeness has been greatly exaggerated by Moscow, and in fact they are all quite different. … the Russian language is not Russia's property; it's merely a means of communication. Speaking French in Geneva doesn't make you French, speaking German in Zurich doesn't make you German – you remain Swiss. [Welsh, Scottish and Irish speak English but that does not make them English!] As an example, according to the 2001 census, Russian is the main language of 74.9% of residents in Donetsk Oblast [Region] and 68.8% in Luhansk Oblast even though ethnic Ukrainians form 58% of the population of Luhansk Oblast and 56.9% of Donetsk Oblast.
In 2022, paying his debts to Putin, Lukashenko turned Belarus into an aggressor, leaving his own people completely bewildered. 'Ukraine did its best to escape the Soviet Union, Lukashenko deliberately returned to it.'
We see today: Zelenskiy proposes a dialogue, but Putin can't listen to anyone else's point of view. This is the difference between the countries: Russia likes monologue, Ukraine likes [dialogue] argument and Belarus likes silence.
Putin relies on Ukraine, Belarus and Russia all having their origins in a great ancient state, Kievan Rus, but that's precisely where the schism begins: the Ukrainians see those times in a radically different way, rightly pointing out that it is their country that can claim its descent from Kievan Rus, since its capital was in what is now Ukraine. Putin calls everyone around him little brothers, not really understanding that no one wants to be a little brother. Putin insists on the fact that in the Russian empire, [and USSR] the Ukrainians and the Belarusians were not seen as separate peoples, and that's where he makes a basic mistake, neglecting to ask whether they themselves saw themselves as such. Ukraine declared independence in 1917, but Putin isn't bothered about that: his memory is selective, allowing him to remember just one thing: that Stalin got rid of Ukrainian national leaders. Moscow didn't want to let its "children" go, perhaps unable to fully understand that those it had adopted many years ago weren't even teenagers – they were grownups. But now, the Kremlin will never again be able to claim it is the head of the family.
Some historical background. Crimea became part of Ukraine in 1954 when the Soviet government transferred Crimea from the Russian Soviet Federation of Socialist Republics (RSFSR) to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (Ukr SSR). This in spite of the fact that the population of Crimea — approximately 1.1 million — was then roughly 75 percent ethnic Russian and 25 percent Ukrainian. Communist Party of the Soviet Union First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev [a Ukrainian] saw the transfer as a way of fortifying and perpetuating Soviet control over Ukraine after the post WWII the civil war in Ukraine had finally been won. Some 860,000 ethnic Russians would be joining the already large Russian minority in Ukraine.
The legal system in the Soviet Union was mostly a fiction, but the transfer did occur in accordance with the rules in effect at the time. Moreover, regardless of how the transfer was carried out, the Russian Federation expressly accepted Ukraine's 1991 borders both in the December 1991 Belovezhskaya Pushcha accords (the agreements that precipitated and codified the dissolution of the Soviet Union) and in the December 1994 Budapest Memorandum that finalized Ukraine's status as a non-nuclear weapons state.
In early 1991, after a referendum was held in the Ukrainian SSR and a resolution was adopted a month later by the Ukrainian SSR parliament, the status of Crimea was upgraded to that of an "autonomous republic." Crimea retained that designation within Ukraine after the Soviet Union broke apart.
Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 even though Russia had no legal right to own Crimea and actually signed an international treaty, after the fall of Communism but before Vladimir Putin came to power, accepting that Crimea was part of Ukraine. Under the USSR the Donbas and Luhansk were part of Ukraine; but they declared independence as separate Peoples Republics in 2014. As mentioned previously, according to the 2001 census, ethnic Ukrainians form 58% of the population of Luhansk Oblast and 56.9% of Donetsk Oblast. Ethnic Russians form the largest minority, accounting for 39% and 38.2% of the two oblasts respectively.[87] Modern Donbas is a predominately Russophone region. As mentioned previously, according to the 2001 census, Russian is the main language of 74.9% of residents in Donetsk Oblast and 68.8% in Luhansk Oblast.[88] The proportion of native Russian-speakers is higher than ethnic Russians because some ethnic Ukrainians and other nationalities also indicate Russian as their mother tongue. But that does not necessarily mean they want to live under Russian rule. To what extent the separation is a result of Russian mercenaries and forced persuasion is a matter of debate.
So now let me, as a Franciscan, return to the language of the Gospel. "While God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." (Luke 17:11-19) "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27). Let us pray for miracles in Ukraine because that is what we need (and elsewhere also).
Pope Francis holds a video call with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill to discuss the war in Ukraine, and calls on Church leaders to use the language of Jesus, not that of politics.
If only Kirill and Putin would not just use the words of Jesus but act on them!
But let me as a Secular Franciscan with an interest in Christianity, geography, history and geo-politics, speak in political & historical terms. I wonder how two ex-KGB men talk about Jesus?
Pius XII issued his Encyclical Orientales omnes: of December 23, 1945. In it the Pope not only condemned Communism; he openly and specifically attacked Moscow Patriarch Alexis II. "The situation got worse March 8-10, 1946, when Soviet authorities forcibly convened an assembly of 216 priests and the so-called Synod of Lvov was held, at which the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was forcibly 'reunited' to the Russian Orthodox Church and forced to revoke its union with Rome. The UGCC first became a 'Church of Silence,' then a 'Church of Martyrs,' as many Ukrainian Catholics who were imprisoned by the communists were tortured and/or murdered." (Ibid., English ed., p. 91)
Pacepa confirms that "patriarch" Alexis was also a KGB agent: "On December 5, 2008, Alexis II, the 15th Patriarch of Moscow of All Russia and the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, died. He had worked for the KGB under the code-name of Drozdov and was awarded the KGB Certificate of Honor, as was revealed in a KGB archive accidentally left behind in Estonia when the Russians pulled out of it. For the first time in history, Russia had the opportunity to conduct the democratic election of a new patriarch, but that was not to be.
"In 1971, the KGB had sent Kirill [code name "Mikhailov"] to Geneva as the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church to that Soviet propaganda machine that was the World Council of Churches. In 1975, the KGB infiltrated Kirill into the Central Committee of the WCC, which had become a Kremlin pawn. In 1989, the KGB appointed him chairman of the Russian patriarchate's foreign relations as well. He still held those positions when he was elected patriarch." This Kirill is now the Patriarch of Moscow of All Russia and the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
So if Kirill and Putin talk religion it is not in any way we would understand it to lead to concrete action for peace. After all they do not even call it a war and deny evidence of war crimes that came to light after Russian withdrawal north west of Kyiv. Prussian Major-General Von Clauswitz (who served in the Russian–German Legion during the Napoleonic War) famously said: "War is the continuation of [diplomatic] policy with other means."
Problem with Kirill and Putin is that their word is not trustworthy nor do they accept that Ukraine is an independent nation and is no longer part of a Russian Empire or USSR regardless of close historical and many family links and Russian speakers in Ukraine (including Ukrainian President Zelensky whose first language was Russian).
Putin pretends Ukraine is threat to Russia which is part of his disinformation and twisted interpretation of history. After independence upon breakup of the USSR, Ukraine voluntarily gave up nuclear weapons.
So why would Ukraine want to join NATO? Ukraine saw what happened to Chechnya, Georgia, and Syria from Russian military action. Destruction, obliteration and death to civilians as part of deliberate policy. Do you think Putin would have dared to invade Ukraine if it had become a member of NATO?
The Pope was silent at first: reluctant to name Putin and "war" in Ukraine. He now clearly alludes to Putin and does call the invasion a war.
VALLETTA, April 2 (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Saturday he was considering a trip to Kyiv and implicitly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine, saying a "potentate" was fomenting conflict for nationalist interests. Francis made the comments, first to reporters on the plane taking him to Malta for a two-day visit, and then in a hard-hitting speech in the island's presidential palace that left little doubt who he was referring to.
"From the east of Europe, from the land of the sunrise, the dark shadows of war have now spread. We had thought that invasions of other countries, savage street fighting and atomic threats were grim memories of a distant past," the pope said.
Moscow denies targeting civilians in the action it launched on Feb. 24, which it dubs a "special military operation" designed not to occupy territory but to demilitarise and "denazify" its neighbour. Francis has already rejected that terminology, calling it a war.
The Pope's reticence was not shared by the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who has been emphatic in his daily denunciations of the Russian invasion. Nor has it been shared by Polish bishops, who are now helping to mobilize the reception of tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees who have crossed the border. "I ask you, Brother, to appeal to Vladimir Putin to stop the senseless warfare against the Ukrainian people," Polish Bishop Gadecki said in his letter to Kirill. "I ask you in the most humble way to call for the withdrawal of the Russian troops from the sovereign state that is Ukraine."
"I also ask you to appeal to Russian soldiers not to take part in this unjust war, to refuse to carry out orders which, as we have already seen, lead to many war crimes," he added. "Refusing to follow orders in such a situation is a moral obligation."
[St Oscar Romero said the same thing for which he paid with his life. 23 March 1980, in his homily Romero ordered the army to stop killing people: "Brothers," he said, "you are all killing your fellow countrymen. No soldier has to obey an immoral order. It is time to regain your conscience. In the name of God and in the name of the suffering people I implore you, I beg you, I order you, stop the repression." The next day, a shot killed Romero, aged 62, as he said Mass.]
Realpolitik. We live in the world and as Franciscans,
IN THE WORDS OF THE PRAYER OF ST FRANCIS (SO CALLED EVEN THOUGH HE DID NOT WRITE IT), "WE SEEK TO UNDERSTAND."
So let's try!
A look further back into Russian history is required to appreciate the sense of destiny that drives Vladimir Putin, with his purposefulness rooted in ages-old Ukrainian-Russian dynamics. …At the beginning of the war Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, gave a sermon in which he emphasized the God-given unity of Ukraine and Russia; he also denounced the "evil forces" in Ukraine that are out to destroy this unity. Last Sunday (March 6) he sounded even less conciliatory. Invoking the intercession of two of medieval Russia's most important saints, "Holy Prince Vladimir" and Sergei of Radonezh, he called on God to "prohibit and overturn the designs of the foreign pagans [sic] who want war and are gathering troops against Holy Russia." …
But much more is at stake than the liberation of the oppressed Russians, [in the Donbas] he said: the salvation of mankind — people are weak and no longer following God's Law, they are no longer hearing His Word and His Gospel, they are blind to the Light of Christ. The future of human civilization itself is at stake; then the patriarch went into an angry tirade against gay parades … which he characterized as a great sin against God. In fact, he said, participation in such parades demonstrates a clear denial of God and His Truth. This is how Kirill speaks; he appears to believe that Orthodox Russia, or Holy Russia as he calls it, is engaged in an apocalyptical struggle with the Godless West about the future of mankind. In fact, in last Sunday's sermon he invoked the Last Judgement and the Day of Reckoning. …It is stunning to see that the patriarch has remained completely passive although representatives of western churches have repeatedly called on him to speak to Putin (most recently the papal nuncio). A petition by more than 150 Russian Orthodox priests and monks calling on Kirill to denounce the war has also remained unanswered. …
The Russian Orthodox Church is providing much of the symbolism and ideology that Putin has used to cement his popularity. …Putin has been flaunting his religious faith; he is often seen on television praying, crossing himself, kissing icons, and lighting candles. Priests have held ceremonies to bless Putin, and Patriarch Kirill has called Putin "a miracle of God." Putin's Orthodoxy is less about spirituality and faith than about religious performance. It derives from the Kremlin's mythologization of Russia's historical past. One of Putin's first acts was to convince the church to canonize the last Romanov tsar and his family; and clearly the empire created by Peter the Great is very much on Putin's mind. …
Putin is, of course, not the first 20th century Russian ruler for whom medieval Russia was important. Stalin initiated two of the Soviet Union's largest film projects about medieval figures. The great filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein was commissioned to make films about Prince Alexander Nevsky and Tsar Ivan the Terrible; these are clearly propaganda films but nevertheless masterpieces of world cinema …
Both Nevsky and Ivan are portrayed as heroic military figures who destroyed foreign invaders and occupiers of the Russian lands. Nevsky supposedly defeated the Teutonic knights who are said to have invaded Russia in the 13th century. A famous line from the film reads something like "who comes to Russia with the sword will perish by the sword." And when Alexander leads his troops into battle against the Germans the battle cry was "Za Rus'" ("For Russia"). [This is why "Z" has become a symbol for the Russian forces and their supporters although the letter "Z" does not exist in the Cyrillic alphabet]. The film was completed before the Hitler-Stalin pact of August 1939 and it was immediately shelved. However, when the Germans invaded in June 1941, the film became a blockbuster watched by millions of Russians, …Alexander Nevsky is not only one of Russia's greatest national heroes but also among its most important saints. Why did Alexander become a saint? For two reasons: first, for defending Russia against the perceived onslaught of the Catholic church; the Teutonic knights were after all a crusading order. Second and perhaps more importantly, for giving Metropolitan Kirill of Kiev, the head of the Orthodox Church, a new home after he had been expelled from Kiev by the Mongols. He thus facilitated — so goes the common nationalist narrative — the migration of Holy Russia from Kiev to Moscow. …
A close look at Patriarch Kirill's choice of words during his Sunday sermon reveals that he equates "Holy Russia" with "Holy Rus'' (Sviataia Rus'). The medieval state of Rus' was founded in the 9th century by Vikings to control trade routes connecting Scandinavia with the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople) and the Abbasid Empire in the Middle East (Baghdad). The capital of this Viking state was Kiev; in the year 988 the ruler of Kievan Rus', the Viking Prince Woldemar, converted to Eastern Orthodoxy on Crimea and adopted the Christian name Vladimir. He later was made a saint for this act. According to the now-dominant Russian nationalist view, Vladimir was the founding father of the first Russian state and the Russian Orthodox Church. State and church formed a productive symbiosis and Kiev became the cradle of Russian civilization. The destruction of Rus' by the Mongols in the 13th century was a world historical tragedy, but the legacy survived in Moscow where the descendants of Vladimir established a second Russian state—the core of the future Russian Empire. This is how the nationalist narrative presents the Kievan past and its legacy; there is no room for Ukrainians in this narrative. …
Putin considers Vladimir "the savior of Russia" and has promoted the cult of Vladimir. To him Kiev and Crimea, where Vladimir was baptized, are "sacred Russian lands." …
The glorification of Russia's holiness is not new; in fact, the ideology of Russia's sacred mission in the world was developed in the 19th century. Dostoevsky was only one of many so-called Slavophile thinkers who developed concepts like Russian spirit, Russian soul, and Russian God to differentiate the Russian Orthodox nation from the liberal and secular nations that "were rearing their ugly heads" in France, Germany, Hungary, Spain, and Poland in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars. …
I am surprised that the Western press has not covered Putin's rapture with the Russian Orthodox Church and religion, especially the myths of Holy Russia and St. Vladimir. In my opinion, these and similar historical myths are crucial underpinnings of Russia's conflict with Ukraine. They provide the basic elements for what the American historian Richard Hofstadter has called "a paranoid style."
Russian leaders are convinced that the West has long been conspiring against Russia by coopting Ukraine. And not surprisingly, the war in Ukraine is assuming the proportions of an apocalyptic battle between absolute good and absolute evil; it is in-line with Putin's reading of Russian history, a reading that emphasizes the perpetual fight against foreign intruders (Mongols, Lithuanians, Poles, Swedes, French, and Germans). The Russian Orthodox Church is seen as absolutely crucial in the defense of the threatened and victimized Russian nation. The collective memory of these century-old struggles emphasized in Russian school curricula provides an explosive legacy. …
Ukraine is different from the other territories lost in what Putin describes as the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century, that is, the collapse of the Soviet Union. The unravelling of the USSR began with Ukraine's declaration of independence on Dec. 1, 1991. There is also a long history of independence in Ukraine that started with the Cossack revolts of the 17th century and culminated in the establishment of an independent Ukrainian nation state in January 1918. Russian tsars and church leaders have therefore fought the idea of a Ukrainian nation for centuries and Orthodox Russian nationalism was one of the principal instruments to keep Ukrainians in check.
The annexation of Ukraine from Poland began with the elimination of the independent Metropolitan, See of Kyiv, in 1686 and the takeover of Kyivan Rus' principal monasteries and holy sites by the Moscow patriarchate. During the next 200 years, the Russian church acted in unison with the imperial government to secure Ukraine (which was incidentally renamed "Little Russia"). This was considered vital for the survival of the Russian empire because many Ukrainians lived just across the borders in Catholic Poland and later in the Habsburg Empire. …
In general, there is very little indication that Patriarch Kirill has ever seriously disagreed with Putin; in fact, the two seem to get along very well. Putin attends Mass with the patriarch in Kremlin churches, visits monasteries with him, and takes his blessing. Almost 30 years ago, the well-known dissident priest Gleb Yakunin found evidence in the Secret Police archives that Kirill, like so many other Russian church hierarchs, rose to prominence because of his close affiliation with the KGB (now FSB). Thus, the patriarch likely shares a very similar career trajectory with Putin, who also rose to power through the KGB.
I don't know how Putin reacted to the break-up of the Moscow patriarchate in Ukraine. I am not aware of any public statements by the Kremlin on this matter. But for Patriarch Kirill this is a matter of life and death. There have been until recently three different Orthodox churches in Ukraine, the Kyivan Patriarchate, the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (note, I am leaving out the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which follows the Orthodox rite but joined the Catholic Church in late 16th century). In 2018, the Autocephalous Church and the Kyivan Patriarchate were united and officially recognized as the only Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople. In other words, almost 350 years of history were reversed; the Moscow Patriarchate's claim to ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the Ukrainian lands was no longer recognized by the nominal head of the Eastern Orthodox churches. It seems that now the last vestiges of Moscow's control over Ukrainian Orthodox clergy, parishes, and monasteries are disappearing. On the first day of the Russian invasion, Metropolitan Onufrii, the head of the Moscow Patriarchate's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, declared his support for the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian sovereignty. He appealed to Patriarch Kirill and Putin to stop this fratricidal war: "War between Russia and Ukraine is like Cain killing Abel…it has no justification either with God or man."
Evaluation of Russia by Finnish Intelligence Colonel (subtitles) | December 3, 2018 (60 mins)
Martti J. Kari (former intelligence colonel in the Finnish Defence Forces): Russian strategic culture - Why Russia does things the way it does?
Think about it! Similarities & differences?
Something else to think about: Ukraine needs charity & weapons
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told a Nato meeting Ukraine needs
"weapons, weapons, weapons"
The EU is paying 35 times as much for Russian fuel as it has given Ukraine for defense,
chief diplomat says
Josep Borrell told the European Parliament 6 April that since the invasion, the bloc had paid Russia 35 billion euros ($38 billion) for fuel and sent Ukraine 1 billion euros ($1.09 billion) to bolster its defense against Russia, the BBC reported.
How Saint Javelin raised over $1m for Ukraine
Bernd Debusmann Jr BBC News, Washington
Christian Borys helped develop the unlikeliest of images - a rocket-armed saint.
The image - known as "Saint Javelin" - depicts the Virgin Mary cradling a US-made FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank weapon The Toronto-based Mr Borys, 35, is no stranger to Ukraine and its people, and is of Ukrainian heritage. He does not take credit for the original concept behind Saint Javelin.
Mr Borys was inspired by the work of US artist Chris Shaw, who in 2012 painted a Madonna holding a gold-plated AK-47 - which was later, in online memes, replaced with a rocket launcher - when he commissioned a colleague to draw the image and began printing stickers. His initial goal was to raise C$500 for the Help Us Help Charity, a long-standing, Canadian-based organisation operating in Ukraine that helps the families of killed soldiers, as well as veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress.
TWO CARITAS ORGANISATIONS HELP UKRAINE
Caritas Ukraine's work first began in 1992, after Ukraine declared independence. It was set up by local Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church communities to distribute humanitarian assistance to poor families. Today, it works to coordinate the efforts of charitable organisations run by local Ukrainian Greek Catholic churches and to build cooperation with foreign Caritas chapters.
Caritas-Spes which means "Love-Hope" in Latin, is a charitable mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine. It was founded by the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ukraine in May 1995 and was later registered by the State Committee on Religious Issues in September 1996. Caritas was the first organisation to offer humanitarian assistance after Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The two Caritas organisations are providing internally-displaced people on the move with essential information, food, drinking water and personal hygiene kits, as well as a safe and secure place to sleep, eat and wash themselves. Caritas staff and volunteers also provide safe transport for displaced families to reach their loved ones.
Another Catholic organisation helping in Ukraine is the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. As of 18 March, CNEWA Canada has raised over $1.16 million for Ukraine. Also, a generous family from Alberta matched donations up to $500,000.
3. CLIMATE
Ps 19a (Grail): "The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands. Day unto day takes up the story and night unto night makes known the message."
IPCC's latest report on Mitigation of Climate Change was published on 4 April.
Emissions must peak by 2025 to limit global warming and reduce by 43% by 2030.
We need to cut fossil fuel use, transition to renewable energy at scale and invest in carbon dioxide removal.
And yet: Canada in deepwater: behind the Trudeau government's approval of the Bay du Nord offshore oil development
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault greenlit Newfoundland's first deepwater oil and gas development project. Questions remain about how that decision was made. The Bay du Nord project proposes to extract up to one billion barrels of crude oil from the seabed about 500 kilometres northeast of St. John's. There, in depths ranging from 300 metres to 1,200 metres, owners Equinor, of Norway, and Husky Energy (now owned by Cenovus), of Canada, hope to operate for up to 30 years. [N.B. Cenovus has substantial Chinese ownership]. In a decision released Wednesday, April 6, Guilbeault concluded Bay du Nord is "not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects," and will, therefore, move ahead. [Forgive me for sounding sceptical and suspecting gobbledygook.]
Six key lifestyle changes
can help avert the climate crisis
Research shows that governments and individuals making small changes can have a huge impact in reducing emissions. Last week (4 April) the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its "bleakest warning yet", saying the climate crisis was accelerating rapidly with only a narrow chance left of avoiding its worst ravages.
Bailey said as the world reaches the edge of ecological collapse, it needed a workable alternative to this 'universal consumer society' in the next decade.
Eat a largely plant-based diet, with healthy portions and no waste
Buy no more than three new items of clothing per year
Keep electrical products for at least seven years
Take no more than one short haul flight every three years and one long haul flight every eight years
Get rid of personal motor vehicles if you can – and if not keep hold of your existing vehicle for longer
Make at least one life shift to nudge the system, like moving to a green energy, insulating your home or changing pension supplier.
Left: 1millionwomen.com.au Right: 23 June 2020. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)
Climate-Fossil Fuels-War
How sad; they were warned but did not pay attention:
European oil receipts boosting Putin's war chest by $285m a day, study finds (The Guardian)
How Europe is funding Putin's war (Politico)
WAR - INEQUALITY : RUSSIA CAN ONLY AFFORD ITS WAR IN
UKRAINE BECAUSE BRITAIN HELPED RAISE THE CASH
by Oliver Bullough author of Butler to the World: How Britain Became the Servant of Tycoons, Tax Dodgers, Kleptocrats and Criminals
SHARE LENT - WAY OF THE CROSS
In this Way of the Cross, Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada invites us to understand the experiences of communities in the Global South that are affected by climate change and by the misbehaviour of socially irresponsible companies that do not respect human rights and the environment. Download Here
Powerpoint for the Way of the Cross can be found here to be Downloaded Here
And a final thought:
Peace & joy, Andrew Conradi, ofs. JPIC & Mouvement Laudato Si' Movement Animator
Homeless Jesus - Jesuits.ca
Andrew Conradi, ofs
What makes me tick is Catholic Social Teaching, now encapsulated in Laudato Si' and Fratelli Tutti. My view is that while the OFS Rule & Constitutions call us to courageous action in JPIC it seems to me our infrastructure, while saying the right things, is not always acting with the required urgency and forcefulness. It seems at times to be more self-sustaining and self-perpetuating and about the status quo. This risks being seen as irrelevant in the eyes of some, especially youth.
In encouraging us to be aware and act with urgency and forcefulness I can be seen to be a bit of a joyful nuisance. Forgive me for not apologising. "Jesus himself warns us that the path he proposes goes against the flow, even making us challenge society by the way we live and, as a result, becoming a nuisance."
(Pope Francis, 2018, Gaudete et exultate – Rejoice & be glad, n 90)
After all, Our Seraphic Father Francis was a rebel (check out the 2018 book Francesco il ribelle by Enzo Fortunato, OFM Conv)
(Poster from Canadian Jesuits)
BTW I am a Brit immigrant, ex Canadian high school geography and history teacher and Cold War armoured reconnaissance soldier. Other accomplishments include OFM JPIC Animators course 2014, Pontifical University Antonianum, Rome; JPIC Animator; Provocateur (Challenger); Enfant Terrible and sometimes definitely a deliberate NUISANCE! I am open to correction, chastisement, and/or teaching by email!
apconradi@telus.net


R. Paul Van Dam; Utah State Attorney General; Clark L. Snelson; Assistant Attorney General; Attorneys for Respondent.
Bill Thomas Peters; Parsons, Davies, Kinghorn & Peters; Attorneys for Petitioner.
Brief of Appellant, Thorup Brothers Construction, Inc. v. Auditing Division of the Utah State Tax Commission, No. 920184.00 (Utah Supreme Court, 1992).