Home Advocacy NGOs Applaud New Joint Communications Report from UN Special Procedures
NGOs Applaud New Joint Communications Report from UN Special Procedures
Posted date: June 17, 2015 in: Advocacy, Bahrain 13, Casework, Maryam Al-khawaja, Sheikh Ali Salman, Statements, TimeLine, Uncategorized, UNHRCNo Comments
Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy applaud the reporting of the United Nations Special Procedures, especially the human rights experts who monitor these countries, in investigating the alleged violations of human rights in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. We call on the countries in question to immediately and impartially investigate any and all allegations raised by the Special Procedures, with the goal of remedying any victims found to have suffered abuse and holding accountable any persons found to have perpetrated human rights violations.
The Special Procedures of the United Nations are a body of independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to report and to advise on human rights issues. Through these experts, abused persons are afforded a means of bringing alleged human rights violations to the international community's attention to be investigated. Since 2011, the Special Procedures have published joint communications reports at each session of the Human Rights Council summarizing allegations of human rights violations.
In the June 2015 joint communications report, human rights experts filed eleven communications regarding the alleged violations of human rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Find below the summaries of the communications.
Maryam Al-Khawaja is the Director of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights. On 1 December 2014, a Bahraini court sentenced Maryam in absentia to one year of imprisonment for allegedly assaulting security officers in connection to her peaceful advocacy for human rights. Maryam's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Arbitrary Detention; Freedom of Expression; Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; and Human Rights Defenders.
Zainab Al-Khawaja is a human rights activist. On 4 December 2014, a Bahraini court sentenced Zainab to three years of imprisonment and an additional 16 months for destroying government property when she tore up a photograph of the Bahraini king. Zainab's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Arbitrary Detention; Freedom of Expression; Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; and Human Rights Defenders.
Ghada Jamhseer is the Head of Women's Petition Committee, a human rights defenders network. On 15 September 2014, Bahraini security forces arrested Ghada and charged her with defamation in connection to her online posts alleging corruption within the King Hamad Hospital. Bahraini security forces released Ghada after one month of detainment, then arrested her again on alleged assault charges. Ghada's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Arbitrary Detention; Freedom of Expression; Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; and Human Rights Defenders.
Sheikh Ali al-Salman is the Secretary-General of Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, the main opposition political party in Bahrain. On 26 December 2014, Bahraini security forces arrested Sheikh the day after his re-election then charged him with inciting a change of government by non-peaceful means and insulting the Ministry of Interior. Sheikh's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Arbitrary Detention; Freedom of Expression; Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; Freedom of Religion; Human Rights Defenders; and Independence of Judges and Lawyers.
Mikhlif bin Daham al-Shammari is a human rights defender. On 5 March 2014, the Specialized Criminal Court of Saudi Arabia sentenced Mikhlif to five years of imprisonment, a ten-year travel ban, and a ban from appearing in the media. In a separate case, the Specialized Criminal Court also sentenced Mikhlif to two years of imprisonment and 200 lashes. Mikhlif's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Freedom of Expression; Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; and Human Rights Defenders.
Waleed Abu al-Khair is a human rights defender. On 6 July 2014, the Specialised Criminal Court of Saudi Arabia sentenced Waleed to 15 years of imprisonment, a 15-year travel ban, and a fine of 200,000 Saudi Arabian riyals. Waleed's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Freedom of Expression; Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; and Human Rights Defenders.
Samar Badawai is a human rights defender. On 16 September 2014, Samar delivered a statement to the Human Rights Council. She criticized the treatment of Saudi political prisoners, including her husband Waleed Abu al-Khair, a human rights lawyer currently serving a 15-year sentence of imprisonment. Afterwards, Saudi security forces prevented Samar from boarding a plane and banned her from traveling for an indefinite period of time. It is alleged that Saudi authorities imposed a travel ban on Samar in reprisal for her cooperation with the Human Rights Council. Samar's communication is signed by the mandates concerning the Freedom of Expression and Human Rights Defender.
Fadhel Maki al-Manasif is a human rights defender. On 9 September 2014, the Specialised Criminal Court of Saudi Arabia reduced Fadhel's sentence to 14 years of imprisonment, a 14-year travel ban, and a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals. Fadhel's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Freedom of Expression; Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; and Human Rights Defenders.
Saudi security forces arrested Loujain al-Hathlou and Maysaa al-Amoudi for driving their cars into Saudi Arabia in violation of the ban on women driving. It is alleged that Saudi security forces ordered Loujain and Maysaa to enter Saudi territory and to make a U-turn, which would return them to the United Arab Emirates. However, Saudi security forces arrested Loujain and Maysaa as soon as they crossed into Saudi territory. It is also alleged that Saudi security forces arrested both women in an attempt by the Saudi government to suppress women's right to freedom of opinion and expression. Loujain and Maysaa's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Arbitrary Detention; Discrimination against Women; Freedom of Expression; and Human Rights Defenders.
Raef Badawi is a Saudi human rights defender. Saudi security forces arrested Raef in relation to materials he published on his blog. A Saudi court convicted Raef of founding a liberal website, adopting liberal thought, and for insulting Islam. On 9 January 2015, Saudi security forces subjected Raef to to 50 lashes outside of a mosque. Raef is due to receive 950 more lashes in weekly batches of 50. A doctor concluded that Raef's wounds from the first flogging had not healed and that he would not be able to withstand another round of lashes. It is alleged that the Saudi government is attempting to silence human rights activists in the country by arbitrarily arresting, detaining, and convicting Raef. Raef's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Arbitrary Detention; Freedom of Expression; Freedom of Religion; Human Rights Defenders; and Torture.
On 15 October 2014, the Specialized Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia convicted Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr of disobeying the ruler, inciting sectarian strife, and encouraging, leading, and participating in demonstrations. The Specialised Criminal Court sentenced Sheikh al-Nimr to death. It is alleged that Sheikh al-Nimr's trial did not comply with the most stringent due process and fair trail guarantees. It is also alleged that Saudi authorities denied Sheikh al-Nimr medical treatment while detaining him. Sheikh al-Nimr's communication is signed by the mandates concerning Arbitrary Detention; Freedom of Religion; Health; Independence of Judges and Lawyers; Minority Issues; and Summary Executions.


Microsoft Preview Build 18298 Makes Many Small Upgrades to Windows 10
Microsoft released Windows 10 Preview Build 18298 to Fast ring members of the Windows Insider Program this week. Rather than introducing one standout feature, this update makes a bunch of small improvements to various aspects of the operating system, from sign-in options to accessibility tools. The company's also released updates to Feedback Hub, Snip & Sketch and the Game bar via the Microsoft Store to upgrade those utilities. Preview Build 18298 is the first notable release to Windows Insider Program members in a while. That's probably because Microsoft suffered a series of failures involving Windows 10 updates over the last few months. The company infamously delayed the Windows 10 October 2018 Update to mid-November at least for people who aren't using certain hardware or software--and pulled a cumulative update because it was too unstable. It's hard to hype people up about upcoming versions of Windows 10 if the most recent versions are still unavailable on many systems. The show must go on, however, and that's where Preview Build 18298 comes in. The update introduced the ability to create a security key via the Settings app to quickly "unpin" folders and groups from the Start menu and to create bigger and brighter cursors that should be a little easier to see. For more turn to OUR FORUM.
Chinese court orders immediate ban on sale of various Apple iPhone models
A Chinese court ordered a ban in the country on iPhone sales in a patent dispute between US chipmaker Qualcomm and Apple, according to a Qualcomm statement Monday. The statement said the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court had granted Qualcomm's request for two preliminary injunctions against four subsidiaries of Apple, ordering them to immediately to stop selling the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. The move marked the latest in a long-running dispute over patents and royalties between the two California tech giants playing out in courts and administrative bodies worldwide. "We deeply value our relationships with customers, rarely resorting to the courts for assistance, but we also have an abiding belief in the need to protect intellectual property rights," said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm executive vice president, and general counsel. "Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us. These court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm's vast patent portfolio." The China case is based on patents which enable consumers to adjust and reformat the size and appearance of photographs, and to manage applications using a touchscreen, Qualcomm said. An Apple statement to AFP called Qualcomm's effort a "desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world." Apple added that Qualcomm "is asserting three patents they had never raised before, including one which has already been invalidated." Apple said that "all iPhone models remain available for our customers in China," adding that "we will pursue all our legal options through the courts." Follow this on OUR FORUM.
Sextortion Emails now Leading to Ransomware and Info-Stealing Trojans
Sextortion email scams have been a very successful way of generating money for criminals. A new Sextortion campaign is now taking it to the next level by tricking recipients into installing the Azorult information-stealing Trojan, which then downloads and installs the GandCrab ransomware. A sextortion scam is when you receive an email that states someone hacked your computer and has been creating videos of you while you are using adult websites. These emails may also contain passwords of yours that were leaked during data breaches in order to make the scams look more legitimate. The emails then tell you to send them bitcoins or they will share the videos they made with all of your contacts. It should be clear that these are scams; your computer was not hacked and there are no videos of you. A new campaign has been spotted by researchers at ProofPoint that instead of containing a bitcoin address to send a blackmail payment to, they instead prompt you to download a video they made of you doing certain "activities". The downloaded zip file, though, contains an executable that will install malware onto the computer. "However, this week Proofpoint researchers observed a sextortion campaign that also included URLs linking to AZORult stealer that ultimately led to infection with GandCrab ransomware," stated ProofPoint's research. More on this dirty deed can be found on OUR FORUM.
DuckDuckGo finds Google personalizes search results even if logged out
You might well expect that if you perform a Google search while signed into your Google account that the results will be tailored according to what that company has learned about you over the years. But what about when you're not signed into your account? A study carried out by the privacy-centric search engine DuckDuckGo yielded some slightly surprising results. In tests earlier in the year, it was found that even when people searched without logging into a Google account -- or when they used private browsing mode -- "most participants saw results unique to them", suggesting there was still personalization of results. While this was a small study with just 87 results involved, the findings are interesting, nonetheless. Conducted back in June -- during the US midterms -- DuckDuckGo wanted to use its study to test the influence of Google's "filter bubble". This "bubble" is the activity you would expect from Google -- the personalization of search results based on what it has been able to learn about you. When you're logged into your Google account, it's easy to understand how the company gathers information about you. But when you're using private browsing mode -- or just logged out of your account -- and you see similar personalization, it is a little worrying. More content posted on OUR FORUM.
Qualcomm announces powerful Snapdragon 8cx processor for Windows 10 PCs
Today at Snapdragon Summit, the chipmaker Qualcomm announced Snapdragon 8cx for Always Connected, Always On Windows 10 devices. This new high-end Snapdragon 8cx chipset will power 2-in-1s instead of smartphones and tablets. At its event, Qualcomm shared more details about the chip that will rival Intel that powers the high-end PCs. Qualcomm also detailed how its Snapdragon processors can contribute to the PC industry and address the battery backup and internet connectivity problems. Earlier this year, Qualcomm unveiled Snapdragon 850 platform which is made specifically for Windows laptops. The new Snapdragon processor takes the Windows on ARM project to the next level. Qualcomm is calling the 8cx its "most extreme" package yet. This new platform promises a major boost to Windows performance. The key changes include enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities, improved performance and up to 24 hours of battery backup from traditional 2-in-1s. The Snapdragon 8cx is more powerful than the Snapdragon 850 and it is set to come out next year. The Snapdragon 8cx, a 7nm chip that's currently in testing and it's going to power the future Always Connected PCs from Microsoft partners. This is the most powerful and fastest Snapdragon chipset ever made. The new system-on-chip (SoC) features the highly-anticipated eight-core design. The platform also contains support for faster LPDDR4X memory which ensures faster performance. The Qualcomm's "Extreme" chipset for Windows 10 ARM devices promises better performance, more power, improved connectivity, and up to 25 hours battery backup. More details are posted on OUR FORUM.
Google and Mozilla reacts to Chrome-powered Edge announcement
Microsoft confirmed the leaks that they will be using Google's Chromium web rendering engine for the Edge browser, and would be contributing their developer expertise to evolving the Chromium and other open source web engines. VentureBeat has asked Google and Mozilla, the non-profit behind the Firefox browser, what they thought of the announcement. Not afraid of being embraced and extended by Microsoft, Google has welcomed the move, saying: "Chrome has been a champion of the open web since inception and we welcome Microsoft to the community of Chromium contributors. We look forward to working with Microsoft and the web standards community to advance the open web, support user choice, and deliver great browsing experiences." Mozilla, on the other hand, was not encouraged, and painted themselves as the last bastion of the free web, saying: "This just increases the importance of Mozilla's role as the only independent choice. We are not going to concede that Google's implementation of the web is the only option consumers should have. That's why we built Firefox in the first place and why we will. Follow this and more browser news on OUR FORUM.
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washingtonpost.com > World > Asia/Pacific
Taiwan Says It Is Not Ready for Peace Talks With China
By Jane Rickards and Ariana Eunjung Cha
TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 5 -- Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou on Thursday ruled out any near-term prospect of peace talks with China, saying relations are too tenuous to consider discussing political or military issues.
"At this stage we will only talk about economic and trade issues," Taiwanese presidential spokesman Wang Yu-chi said.
Wang was responding to new calls for discussions between Beijing and Taipei that were made by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday at the opening session of the annual National People's Congress. In a speech to China's parliament, Wen said he is "ready to hold talks on cross-strait political and military issues and create conditions for ending the state of hostility and concluding a peace agreement between the two sides."
China has claimed that Taiwan is a part of China since the Communist forces defeated the Nationalists during a civil war in 1949 and the latter group fled to the island.
Since Ma took office in May, cooperation has increased dramatically and the two sides have worked together to launch direct flights and postal service.
Discussions about further economic cooperation, perhaps in the form of a free-trade agreement, have accelerated as the global economic crisis has battered both Taiwan and China. Chinese officials have said the continued support of Taiwanese factory owners is important to their country's manufacturing sector, and Taiwan has said it hopes to remove barriers so that wealthy Chinese can begin investing more easily in the other direction. China is Taiwan's largest trading partner, with volume of more than $130 billion each year.
Analysts in Taiwan and on the mainland said Wen's overtures are unlikely to bring substantial results in the short term, given the substantial domestic political pressure on Ma from those who remain wary of Beijing's motives.
"Accepting the 'one China' principle would be political suicide for Ma," said George Tsai, a professor of politics at Taipei's Chinese Culture University.
Before moving forward with any discussion with China, Taiwan must first resolve its domestic debate, said Zhang Wensheng, a Taiwan researcher from Xiamen University on the mainland. "There is a lack of consensus on military and political talks within the island itself," Zhang said.
Ma, who is expected to run for election again in 2012, has said he wants to put aside political differences to focus on creating closer business and economic ties.
Wen did not announce plans for additional economic stimulus measures at Thursday's National People's Congress, as some analysts had expected him to do. China had announced a $586 billion stimulus plan late last year, but Wen's decision not to introduce a second round of spending -- at least for now -- sent global markets lower.
Cha reported from Beijing. Researcher Wang Juan in Beijing contributed to this report.


Myths About Russia That Simply Aren't True
Asia Russia
Varia Makagonova
Kitti Boonnitrod/Getty Images
You've probably heard a lot of "facts" about Russia that you assume to be true. They are irritating and sometimes even offensive. Don't make the same mistake: These myths about Russia are just that – myths.
It's Always Cold
alexxx-malev/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0
Yes, Russia is one of the coldest countries in the world in the winter, with frosts of up to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) common in the Moscow area and getting even colder further North. However, a lot of regions in Russia also have incredibly warm summers, and very mild fall and spring seasons.
It's Dangerous
Russia is not any more dangerous than any other big country! Of course, every city has its bad neighborhoods, and if you're looking for trouble, you will always find it. However, if you abide by normal safety rules and don't do anything illegal, you will not be in any more danger than you would be in New York or Paris. There is also a lot of police in Russia, which can be a different problem, but also means that it's very safe on Russian streets.
Russians Are Alcoholics
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Russians love alcohol in general, and vodka especially, but most of them are not alcoholics. Russians drink a lot but because of this, they have a very high alcohol tolerance! Yes, alcohol is present at almost every occasion in Russia, but this is a matter of custom and tradition – not alcoholism.
Russians Hate Americans
Russians actually love American trends, media, music, and culture. They tend to get access to these things later than the rest of the Western world – the first Starbucks in Russia did not appear until 2007 – but they appreciate them even more. Starbucks, for example, is outrageously popular in Russia.
"Na Zdorov'ye!"
CliqueImages/Getty Images
When raising a glass with a group of Russian people, do not say "Na zdorov'ye!". This is not a toast; it's something Russian people say when somebody thanks them for a nice meal. Although Russian people make toasts with practically every sip of a drink, they usually say a unique toast every time, e.g. "To our friendship!". If you want to make a toast in Russia, stick with "За Вас!" (Za vas!), which means "To you!" and is very acceptable.
It's Impossible, Difficult, And/Or Expensive to Travel There
Unfortunately, you do need an invitation and a visa to travel to Russia, but these are a lot easier to get than you may think! Hotels in Russia and travel agencies will send you an invitation for a small fee, and the visa process itself consists of a couple of simple visits to your nearest Russian embassy.
Russians Are Racist
Russian people are actually very open-minded. They may not be aware of the polite way to talk about people from other cultures, but that does not mean that they have any malicious intent. In fact, they are usually curious about and happy to talk with visitors from other countries.
Russians Are Gloomy
Roman Alyabev/EyeEm/Getty Images
If you take a look at Russian people on the streets, in the metro, or in the stores, you may well think that they never smile. The truth is, however, that Russians are warm, friendly, and extremely funny – just not in public. It is a norm in Russia to have one's "serious face" on while in public places, and being too loud or showing too much emotion is considered strange and perhaps even impolite.
Russians Are Spies
This one doesn't really need elaboration because obviously, all Russians are not spies. There are probably as many Russian secret service workers as there are American, French, or Canadian "spies". This myth comes from the Cold War and from Hollywood movies, and bringing it up to Russian people is not funny – it only irritates them, because it is so pervasive.
They Are All Communists
This is another Cold War-era myth that is best not mentioned to Russian people. There are some Russian people that still think Communism was a good idea, but they are few and far between. For most Russian people, Communism meant the scarcity of food and other resources and being afraid of both one's government and one's neighbors. Not only are most Russians not Communists, but Russians are especially unlikely to endorse a Communist regime.
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Caring for Catholic education in New Orleans
by Matthew A. Rarey
Legatus' New Orleans chaplain gives his all for children and the Catholic faith . . .
Very Rev. Neal McDermott
Very Rev. Neal McDermott, OP
New Orleans Chapter
After retiring last year as executive director of New Orleans' archdiocesan Department of Christian Formation, Fr. Neal McDermott, 80, humorously referenced his ancestry: "Irishmen cry at the opening of a Kmart, so if I shed a tear it's because I'm Irish," he told colleagues at his going-away party. Fifty-two years a priest and in love with his vocation, Fr. McDermott did not truly retire. He now serves as president of Legate Joseph C. Canizaro's Donum Dei Foundation, which makes grants to support Catholic education.
Tell us about your call to the priesthood.
The call came early. I was taught by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I loved everything to do with the Church, to be around the sisters. I'd come by the school on Saturday to clean boards and sweep. By the time I was 14, I was very sure. I wanted to join a teaching order. One day my dentist handed me a brochure he got in the mail from Dominicans, and the rest is history.
How did you become acquainted with Legatus?
I became spiritual director to Joseph Canizaro, who built the library at Ave Maria University. He was the man whom Tom Monaghan turned to in New Orleans to start a Legatus chapter in 1999. Joe asked me to be one of the chaplains.
"One" of the chaplains?
Yes. We have three: a diocesan priest, a member of the Josephite order, and me. We have a big chapter to serve, nearly 50 member couples. And since we three priests have so many other obligations, we needed more than one chaplain. But we're all usually present at meetings and we take turns dividing duties.
What impact has Legatus had on the archdiocese?
A number of Legates have committed themselves to Catholic education, like providing needy children with scholarships. We also have a seminary in the process of being renovated, and many Legates generously support that. In fact, we're planning a special meeting in which we'll invite some 100 seminarians to have dinner with us to introduce them to Legatus.
How would you like to see the chapter progress?
I'd like to see every member choose one student to sponsor at Ave Maria University. I'd like them to continue in their affirmation of the priesthood and religious life, supporting schools and teachers. And among all the different Catholic charities in New Orleans — like feeding the poor — I think every one of the members has helped in each area. And I'd like to see each of them pick up the concept of ambassador and concretize it in their own way.
How do you approach your role as chaplain?
I'm available for spiritual direction. I also help them in their various charitable activities, doing the footwork in ways like securing grants.
You have a vocation, of course. Any avocations?
I'm a dog lover. I'm in love with animals. I work with some of the women in the chapter in their efforts to save animals, like running a sanctuary for abused pitbulls.
Can you recommend any devotions?
Dominicans are very committed to the rosary. Legates need quiet time for reflection, and Eucharistic adoration is just perfect for that.
Are there any lessons you've learned that are apt for business leaders?
Having been an administrator of some 105 schools in the archdiocese, I learned that you need to take the time to meet your people. They need to know they're loved. People remember that. When you say you're an ambassador, an ambassador needs a diplomatic touch — and let your faith shine through!


Home > Uncategorized > ACLU and SEIU surprisingly and confusingly gang up on congregate care for the developmentally disabled during COVID crisis
ACLU and SEIU surprisingly and confusingly gang up on congregate care for the developmentally disabled during COVID crisis
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are usually strong advocates of accountability and transparency in government.
That's why it is surprising that both of those organizations appear to be using the coronavirus pandemic to further a longstanding agenda, which we never knew they shared, to privatize services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
It's particularly surprising that the SEIU, a human services employee union that represents caregivers in the state's two remaining developmental centers, would be on board with closing down state-run care facilities.
In a petition filed June 23 with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the ACLU, SEIU, and a number of other advocacy organizations appear to start off on the right track in criticizing the federal government for its mismanaged response to the pandemic.
The petition identifies nursing homes, Intermediate Care Facilities for the developmentally disabled (ICFs), and group homes as sites of large numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths that could have been prevented with better guidance for infection control, more testing, and better patient and worker protections.
But the petition then goes on to make a number of, at times, poorly conceived and even confusing claims and recommendations that ultimately appear intended to support a privatized care agenda.
At least some of the confusion centers around group homes, which the petition lumps together with ICFs as sources of "congregate care."
The petition suggests that among the causes of the infections and deaths is the federal government's failure "to divert people from entering nursing homes or other congregate settings" or to increase discharges from those settings "to the community."
The argument the petition makes is that reducing the population in all of those facilities would "make social distancing possible."
The petition defines congregate settings as including ICFs, psychiatric facilities, and group homes. Yet, group homes are considered part of the community-based system of care in Massachusetts and other states. As a result, it isn't clear what the ACLU and SEIU mean in stating that people living in group homes would be among those in congregate settings who should move "to the community."
The petition, moreover, calls for reducing the population of nursing homes and congregate settings by 50 percent. Should HHS neglect to act within three weeks to enact that and other suggested measures, the groups will sue, the petition states.
It is unclear whether the ACLU and SEIU mean that nursing homes, ICFs, and group homes should all be emptied of 50 percent of their residents, or where those residents would then go.
VOR, COFAR's national affiliate, issued a statement sharply critical of the petition, maintaining that:
…the ACLU has cast its net too wide, and falsely claimed to represent the interests of everyone receiving federally funded services who is classified as elderly or who has intellectual and developmental disabilities. In doing so, it apparently assumes that all such persons look and feel alike and need the same supports and level of care.
Further confusion over the HCBS waiver
Adding to the confusion over group homes is language in the ACLU/SEIU petition calling on HHS to "provide incentives to states to redesign their Medicaid programs to expand Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and other community-based services and supports" with the goal of the 50 percent reduction in the population in congregate settings.
Once again, that language is confusing in that group homes in Massachusetts and other states have long been recipients of federal funding under an HCBS waiver of Medicaid regulations governing ICFs. In asking for an expansion of Medicaid funding under the HCBS waiver, is the petition suggesting that the money go toward care in a setting other than group homes?
ACLU/SEIU petition misreads the Olmstead Supreme Court decision
The ACLU/SEIU petition further misreads the landmark Olmstead v. L.C. U.S. Supreme Court decision, which paved the way for expansion of privatized care. Although the 1999 decision held that community-based care should be made available for those who desire it, it nevertheless recognized the role played by institutional care for those who can't function under community-based care.
The Olmstead ruling stated that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) "does not condone or require removing individuals from institutional settings when they are unable to benefit from, or do not desire, a community-based setting."
We have asked the SEIU's Massachusetts affiliate, Local 509, whether it is in support of the ACLU/SEIU petition. We have not heard back yet, but we hope they are in a position to disavow it.
There is a lot to be concerned about regarding the efforts of both the federal government and the state government here in Massachusetts to protect persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the virus. We've raised a lot of those concerns over the past few months.
At the same time, and for that reason, we don't think it is appropriate for any organization to use the pandemic to support an anti-institutional agenda.
Categories: Uncategorized Tags: community-based care, COVID-19, deinstitutionalization, developmental disabilities, privatization
tmspell
Hi David I know I can sound like a broken record but we still need a writer to produce the response to the NDRN Segregated and Exploited and now this by the ACLU. That is the safest effort for now. We could put together an advance for Amy Lutz and figure out the ownership etc WE NEED a response to these idiots that carries some weight.
Peace Tom Spellman 414 493 1341
I've done some research on this. SEIU and ACLU have a well documented long term goal of expanding Home and Community Based services, and this is in line with that goal.
The focus on this specific petition is primarily on the crisis in nursing homes, where I assume you are aware, a disproportional number of deaths have been occuring due to Covid. "Other congregate settings" such as DD ICFs are implied in the filing, but the focus is on the crisis in nursing homes, so it's a stretch to say this is a call to reduce DD ICFs by 50%. I'd say you and AFSCME are being alarmist and disingenuous since there is zero action being taken in Massachusetts to accelerate moving people out of DD faciilities due to the Covid crisis. Is the position of COFAR that people should not be moved out of nursing homes even if it increases the change of dieing from COVID? I look forward to your response. – Cliff
This is in reply to the message above from Cliff, who is a member of SEIU Local 509 in Massachusetts.
The ACLU/SEIU petition does call for a series of actions by the federal government that would ultimately dismantle all institutional and congregate care if carried out.
Specifically, you contend it is a "stretch" on our part to say the petition calls for reducing the ICFs by 50%.
Section II of the petition includes a specific demand that the Department of Health and Human Services "provide incentives to states…with the goal of reducing the population of nursing homes and congregate settings by 50 percent." (my emphasis).
"Congregate settings" are explicitly defined in the petition as including ICFs, psychiatric facilities, and group homes. So there is no escaping the plain language of the petition that the ACLU and SEIU are seeking a reduction of 50% of the population of the ICFs.
As far as our position regarding nursing homes is concerned, it sounds as though you didn't read our blog post, which starts by supporting the statement in the petition that the federal government has mismanaged response to the pandemic. We agree with the ACLU and SEIU that the government has failed to provide adequate guidance for infection control, adequate testing, and proper patient and worker protections in nursing homes and all other congregate settings.
We don't have a position on whether people should be moved out of nursing homes. But we do have a concern that the petition does not say where the residents of any of these facilities would go if they were moved out.
Administration keeping records hidden and declining comment on COVID-19 in DDS system Baker administration now relying on provider claims, not tests, to measure COVID-19 rate in DDS group home system


The best and worst Tamil movies of 2022 so far: Vikram, Beast, Don, Valimai
In the first half of 2022, some of the biggest stars of Tamil cinema picked shallow movies that had little to offer to the audience.
Written by Manoj Kumar R
Updated: July 8, 2022 08:27 IST
Tamil film industry saw several hits and misses in the first half of 2022.
In the first half of 2022, some of the biggest stars of Tamil cinema let the audience down. The actors knew the crucial roles they played in reviving the box office business in the state, which had been grappling with uncertainty in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. And yet these stars picked shallow movies that had little to offer to the audience. Even in the middle of a pandemic and the rise of the streaming platforms challenging the supremacy of theatres, these stars remained defiant by refurbishing the formulas of the by-gone era. The choices they made suggest one of two things: either they don't understand the gravity of the situation that the business of cinema is in today or they simply continue to take the movie-going crowd for granted.
Also Read |The best and the worst Telugu films of 2022 so far: RRR, Major, Sarkaru Vaari Patta, Bheemla Nayak on the list
The bad ones
Vijay in Beast. (Photo: Sun TV/YouTube)
Starring Vijay in the lead role, Beast tells the story of a stoic protagonist, who accidentally gets sucked into a high-stake hostage situation. As the terrorists take control of a popular mall, Vijay's Veeraraghavan becomes the only hope for innocent people who are held at gunpoint. Beast could have been Tamil cinema's own Die Hard, only if director Nelson Nelson Dilipkumar had the strength to do what's necessary, instead of what's popular. Nelson solely relied on the stardom of Vijay to make up for the absence of creative will to do something original and memorable.
Valimai
In Valimai, Ajith Kumar plays the role of a smart cop who loves to pop a wheelie. The makers seemed to have desperately hoped and prayed that Ajith's motorbike riding skills would make up for the shortcomings in the movie like an acceptable story, interesting screenplay or good acting. This film was a pure shocker. It's not the first time Ajith has delivered a dull movie. But, Valimai is not the kind of movie we have come to expect from director H Vinoth, after movies like Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru. It felt like a betrayal.
Etharkkum Thunindhavan
Suriya in Etharkkum Thunindhavan.
Written and directed by Pandiraj, Etharkkum Thunindhavan is loosely based on the Pollachi sexual assault case. In the movie, several young women are subjected to sexual assault through the means of blackmail. And Pandiraj seemed to have given no deeper thought to the crime while fashioning a film about respecting women. After delivering terrific performances in movies like Soorarai Pottru and Jai Bhim, Suriya seemed to have been in some sort of compulsion to do something totally dull and mindless.
Starring Vishnu Vishal in the lead role, FIR sheds light on the ills of islamophobia. While the Manu Anand directorial means well, the film flounders when it comes to a much deeper and comparative understanding of the subject it's dealing with. The film is sort of dishonest with what it wants to convey and resorts to stereotypes of differentiating good Muslims from bad Muslims.
Hey Sinamika
The romantic comedy marked the directorial debut of choreographer Brinda. Brinda seemed to have been under the assumption that as long as she could get a cast made up of gorgeous people and set her story against the backdrop of monsoon, she could pull off a passable romantic movie that would appeal to the young audience. Well, she was wrong. The good looks and charms of Dulquer Salmaan, Aditi Rao Hydari and Kajal Aggarwal failed to save this flimsy movie.
Maaran
Maaran tells the story of a firebrand journalist, who doesn't think twice before publishing what he thinks is the truth. Again, it is a by-product of a filmmaker, who hasn't done his homework on how the news publishing industry works. Talents like Dhanush, Malavika Mohanan, Samuthirakani and Ameer are totally wasted in this film.
Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal
Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi and Samantha Ruth Prabhu sin Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal.
Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal revolves around an average Joe, who has made peace with his misfortune. He has come to strongly believe that he's a bad omen, and he poses a certain danger to his loved ones. His fortunes change when he runs into two beautiful women, who are way out of his league. He gets greedy and wants to marry both of them. So it leads to the age-old drama of two women fighting for one man. Director Vignesh Shivan made this movie to appeal to the lowest common denominator.
The good ones
A still from Vikram.
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj borrowed the character of Vikram from Kamal Haasan and reinvented it to suit the taste of the current generation of movie-going audience. Vikram is a fast-paced, fun, playful and very enjoyable popcorn entertainer. It is Kanagaraj's love letter to Haasan. But, at the same time, it is also a film that allows space for the supporting actors to shine.
In Mahaan, director Karthik Subbaraj did a swell job exploring the shrinking space for individualism and society's sinister ways of forcing a person into an ideological trap. Vikram is in-form as a man who wants to live on his own terms and pushes against the restrictions imposed by society at every turn. The film also provides ample opportunity for Vikram's son Dhruv Vikram to showcase his acting chops. But, his craft is yet to evolve like his father's to hold our attention through a range of emotions.
Kadaisi Vivasayi
With Kadaisi Vivasayi, M Manikandan delivered a nearly perfect piece of cinema. The movie follows the life of a farmer, who refuses to give up his piece of land for money. Because that farmland, even though it has stopped being his source of livelihood, gives him a reason to wake up every day in the morning. It gives him a purpose to stay alive and be active. Farmer Mayandi speaks only a few words but the way he lives his life speaks volumes about the collective moral and spiritual bankruptcy that we are facing today.
Saani Kaayidham
This unapologetic revenge drama tells the story of two siblings going on a killing spree to avenge the injustice meted out to them. The caste violence and its dehumanising effects on innocent people are at the heart of this film. And director Arun Matheswaran tackles these issues in a style that feels like a cross between Vetrimaaran's rawness and Mari Selvaraj's poeticism.
Maamanithan
Vijay Sethupathi seems to have a certain policy when it comes to picking movies. He's not trapped by an onscreen image that he wants to protect at the expense of good characters. He is an actor who does big-budget films like Vikram and Master and small-budget movies like Maamanithan. While the movies in the former category help him to maintain a healthy bank balance, the latter nourishes the artiste in him.
Don is an absolute comfort film. It simply reproduced the familiar themes, humour, sentiments and message that have been deeply imprinted in our memories by all the movies that dealt with Indian parents' obsession with engineering. And yet, this film works.
Apple to add 'lockdown' mode on iPhones, iPads, Macs against spyware
Ajith KumarExpress PremiumKamal HaasanVijay


Woodbury, Vermont
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
Montpelier, VT
Free sugar house tours and tasting, multimedia displays in a real woodshed theater, a nature trail, country store, and an outdoor Vermont farm life museum make up the Morse Farm experience, and sprinkled throughout, are whimsical carved folklife characters created by Burr Morse. (Curated content from www.morsefarm.com)
North Branch Vineyards
Family owned and operated, established in 2007, North Branch Vineyards is a small winery, which lies beside the North Branch River, a branch on the Winooski River in Montpelier's picturesque valley, producing unique wines using locally and regionally grown grapes. (Curated content from www.northbranchvineyards.com)
Barre, VT
Founded in 1924, the Country Club of Barre is considered one of the "must play" courses in central Vermont. Nestled in the rolling hills of Plainfield, Vermont, the Country Club of Barre offers a unique and rewarding golf experience. You will experience not only golf at its finest, but scenic views of the beautiful Vermont landscape. (Curated content from www.ccofbarre.com)
Mountain View Country Club
Greensboro, VT
Golf was first played in 1898 on a cow-pasture course laid out by club members. The trees have grown larger and the forests have tightened up the fairways, but little else has changed. Only minor rerouting has occurred. Though little actual evidence exists today, the cows remained active on the course until well into the 1960s. The hilly 9-hole course is a links style layout with a rating/slope from the middle tees of 67.9/112 for men and 71.5/116 for women. From the Blue Tees the course measures 2927 yards. The par 35 layout was featured in Travel + Leisure Golf. (Curated content from mvccvt.com)
Boulder Beach State Park
Groton, VT
This state park gets its name for the many large rocks left by glaciers on the sandy beach of Lake Groton and throughout Groton State Forest. The park is located on the eastern shore of 423-acre Lake Groton. (Curated content from vtstateparks.com)
Elmore State Park
Elmore, VT
The Town of Lake Elmore calls itself "The Beauty Spot of Vermont." Located in the southeastern part of Lamoille County, Elmore is mostly forested and agricultural land. Lake Elmore and Elmore Mountain, which rises almost from the lake's shore, are prominent features of the town. Lake Elmore is 219 acres, and lies northwest of the village and empties into the Lamoille River through Pond Brook. Elmore Mountain is in the "Worcester Range" and its timber is mostly hardwood. The mountain has an elevation of 2,608 feet. (Curated content from vtstateparks.com)
Ryder Brook Golf Club
Johnson, VT
Enjoy panoramic mountain views while you golf on this meticulously maintained 9-hole course situated between Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, and the rolling Worcester range. Ryder Brook is peacefully removed from traffic and crowds, yet still within easy reach of Stowe's famous skiing, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. (Curated content from www.ryderbrookgc.com)
Noyes House Museum
Hyde Park, VT
Located in the historic village of Morrisville, the Noyes House Museum presents within its seventeen rooms and barn exhibits focusing on nineteenth-century life in Morristown, Vermont. The museum's collection includes furniture, textiles, military objects, clothing, photographs, pottery, folk and fine art, and many of the tools and objects of daily life. (Curated content from www.noyeshousemuseum.org)
Vermont Historical Society Museum
Learn about Vermont's exciting past in our museum, heritage exhibits, and library! Or make new discoveries for your research project, family or community history with our programs, educational offerings, and books. (Curated content from vermonthistory.org)
Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
Stowe, VT
Since 1988, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the rich history of skiing and riding in Vermont. (Curated content from www.vtssm.org)


Trump lays out plan for first 100 days in 'Gettysburg Address'
22 October 2016 | 6:00 pm
Donald Trump on Saturday unveiled plans for the first 100 days of his presidency, vowing to create 25 million jobs over a decade and middle class tax cuts, as he and Hillary Clinton courted undecided swing state voters.
GETTYSBURG, PA – OCTOBER 22: Republican Presidential nominee Donald J. Trump holds an event at the Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center October 22, 2016 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Trump delivered a policy speech announcing his plans for his first 100 days in office. Mark Makela/Getty Images/AFP<br />Mark Makela / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP
While offering a number of concrete policy initiatives, the Republican billionaire also attacked his critics, threatening to sue the "liars" who have accused him of sexual assault, and saying Clinton should have been barred from running.
Trump's campaign team cast his 45-minute speech in Gettysburg — where Abraham Lincoln delivered his key Civil War address to try to unite the nation — as his "closing arguments" with 17 days to go before Election Day.
His appearance in Pennsylvania — a key swing state in the November 8 battle for the White House where his Democratic rival was due to stage rallies later in the day — came at the start of a weekend battleground campaign blitz.
Clinton, the 68-year-old former secretary of state, is leading in the national polls by an average of more than 5.3 percentage points in a two- or four-way contest, according to RealClearPolitics.
"Change has to come from outside our very broken system," Trump told a room of several hundred supporters, saying the nation needed to look to Lincoln's example to heal sharp divisions.
"Our campaign represents the kind of change that only arrives once in a lifetime."
The 70-year-old Manhattan real estate mogul then listed a number of measures he would undertake in the first 100 days of his administration, delivering prepared remarks rather than using his trademark off-the-cuff style.
"We now find ourselves at that very special fork in the road. Do we repeat the mistakes of the past or do we choose to believe that a great future, yet unwritten lies ahead for us and for our wonderful, beloved country?" he asked.
"I think it does. I know it does."
Trump pledged to deliver "at least 25 million jobs in one decade," tame illegal immigration, impose Congressional term limits, renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement — and repeal President Barack Obama's signature health care reform.
"Hillary Clinton is not running against me, she's running against change," he said.
– 'Liars' –
Trump has seen his campaign spiral downwards in recent weeks, after a number of women made allegations that he sexually assaulted them — claims he again insisted Saturday were false.
"The events never happened. Never. All of these liars will be sued after the election is over," he said to cheers.
Those allegations came on the heels of the release of a 2005 video, in which Trump is heard making lewd comments about women to a television talk show host and saying his fame entitles him to grope women.
He also revisited his claims of vote "rigging" — comments that have outraged even fellow Republicans and drawn scorn from President Barack Obama for breaking with political decorum — and blamed the media for his dip in the polls.
Clinton on Friday excoriated Trump as a threat to American democracy for not pledging to honor the results of the election.
"We know the difference between leadership and dictatorship, and the peaceful transition of power is one of the things that sets us apart," Clinton told a rally in Cleveland, Ohio, another key swing state up for grabs.
"Donald Trump refused to say that he'd respect the results of this election. By doing that, he's threatening our democracy."
Despite isolated allegations of voter fraud, controversy over the tight 2000 vote and rampant gerrymandering, US elections have been regarded as free and fair.
– Clinton in Pennsylvania –
Invigorated by both her commanding poll numbers and Trump's eyebrow-raising declarations, the candidate vying to become America's first female president was set for two campaign stops in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Clinton holds leads in several battleground states, ranging from razor-thin, such as in North Carolina, to moderate in Florida and Pennsylvania and commanding in Virginia.
Trump, well aware that no Republican has ever won the White House without winning Ohio, campaigned in the Buckeye State Thursday and was due there later Saturday for a rally with running mate Mike Pence.
If Trump loses Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, Clinton is all but assured of victory, experts have said.
On Friday, Trump said he would give the campaign everything he had, "right up until the actual vote" — but also offered a rare acknowledgement that he might lose.
"Win, lose or draw… I will be happy with myself," he said in North Carolina.
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South Africa mourns anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu
South Africa on Monday began a week of mourning for the revered anti-apartheid fighter Archbishop Desmond Tutu...
Iran seeks assurances as nuclear talks resume
Iran said nuclear talks that are set to resume Monday in Vienna should focus on lifting sanctions on the Islamic republic and "guarantees"
World mourns anti-apartheid icon Tutu, 'warrior for justice'
South Africa on Monday began a week of mourning for revered anti-apartheid fighter Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
20 years on, dreams of euro rivalling dollar persist
When 12 countries adopted the euro two decades ago, French president Jacques Chirac hailed a Europe that was "affirming its identity and its power".


Animated Riley Reid Balls Deep Throatpie Gifs
December 17, 2022 by selectografix.com
Riley Reid – Actress, Singer, Dancer, and Model
Riley Reid is an award-winning adult film actress. She has appeared in numerous X-rated feature films and has over 45 awards to her name. Her most recent wins include the XBIZ Award for Female Performer of the Year in 2014, and the AVN Award for Best Pornstar of the Year in 2016. She is also set to be inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame in 2021.
Riley Reid is an award-winning adult film actress
Riley Reid is an award-winning adult film actor who has been in the business for nearly two decades. She is originally from Miami Beach, Florida, but has lived in many other places, including Tampa, Carol City, and Fort Lauderdale. She studied at Florida International University and majored in psychology. She originally wanted to become a teacher, but instead chose to pursue her passion for adult films.
Riley Reid rose to the top in the adult film industry and won several awards for her work. She was awarded the XBIZ Award as Female Performer and the AVN Award as "Female Performer" in 2014. In 2016, she was nominated for the AVN Award for "Best Social Media Star." Riley also earned the AVN Award for Best New Starlet, as well as several other awards.
She has appeared in many X-rated feature videos
Riley Reid is an actor, singer, dancer and model with a wide range of experience. She was born in Miami Beach, Florida and has a large family with Dominican, Puerto Rican and Irish heritage. Since 2011, Reid has performed in explicit hardcore movies. She has worked with companies like Evil Angel, Mile High and Smash Pictures.
This teen actress is known for her roles in adult films. Her performances have won her numerous awards. She was awarded the Best Female Performer in Three-Way Sex Scene 2016 and Female Performer Of The Year 2016. She also won numerous XBIZ Awards and was named Best New Starlet.
Pavel Petkuns is her husband
Pavel Petkun is Riley Reid's husband. He is an athlete and Lativian-free runner. They were engaged in July 2021 and were married in July 2021. Reid is an Instagram sensation with over 44,000 followers and a high-profiting OnlyFans account. Her net worth is estimated at $12 million. The couple plans to have a daughter together.
They met in 2000 and dated for many years before they got married. Reid was pregnant during this period and shared the news on THE SH*TSHOW. Reid recorded an interview and uploaded a clip to YouTube. Within four months, the video has received over 10,000 views.
She has tattoos on her body
Riley Reid is a popular young actor. She has tattoos all over her body. Her body is adorned with Yin Yang symbols, which symbolize dualism and peace. It is not clear if the tattoos are permanent. She has blonde hair and green eyes.
Despite this, Riley Reid has not halted her pornography career. She continues to appear in pornography and has a large fan following on her social networking accounts. She has 1.6 million followers on Twitter and 2.2 million subscribers on Instagram. This is enough proof that Riley Reid is far from a flash in the pan!
Riley Reid isn't the only porn star with body art. The diverse collection of female performers featured in AVN's September body art cover story. This porn star sports a tattoo on her chest that is written in Chinese. Many people are curious what this means. While most tattoos are sweet expressions or other sayings, this tattoo is an entire sentence.
She is afraid that cyberbullying could lead to bullying her children.
Riley Reid, a mother of three, fears that cyberbullying will cause her children to be victims of bullying. Cyberbullying can have long-lasting effects and can cause victims to feel low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and disrupt their social interactions. Victims are also at higher risk for developing mental disorders.
Research has shown that bullying can be linked to depression and suicide in teenagers. Yale University's study found that bullying affected children were more likely than those who did not. Furthermore, one study found that nearly 30 percent of students were bullies. It is estimated that around 160,000 kids stay home from school daily because they fear being bullied.
Riley Reid Pregnancy Photos
Free Riley Reid Snaps


The Great QE2 Flush Out
June 10, 2011 6:13am by
We've updated our Treasury flow charts with new data from today's release of the Federal Reserve's Flow of Funds Accounts. The quarterly data are seasonally adjusted and annualized. They reveal quite an interesting picture.
In Q1 2011, the Fed's QE2 purchases of Treasuries totaled $1.3 TN on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. This number far exceeds the QE2 total program and is one of the reasons why we tend to discount government statistics which have been seasonally adjusted, annualized, and sliced and diced eight ways to Sunday. It's all we have to work with, however.
Rather than obsessing over absolute numbers, we focus on the relative movements and flows which are quite revealing. The Fed's QE2 program has been quite successful in flushing households and nonprofits out of their Treasury holdings into asset classes such as mutual funds (see table F.100).
It's also interesting that foreign flows into Treasuries has declined significantly since the start of QE2 and as a proportional source of financing for the U.S. budget deficit is at one of the lowest levels in years. Though the Fed will continue buying Treasuries with the proceeds from maturing securities — which we estimate to be around $230.4 BN from July1, 2011 to December 2012 — the end of QE2 will be a big test for the markets.
Unless credit markets begin to recover in a significant way, the source of new liquidity to drive major markets is in question, in our opinion. Flows into one market — whether it be equities, bonds, commodities, or foreign assets — will likely be at the expense at another and follow a zero-sum game.
The trick now for traders and investors will be to try and get ahead of the reallocation and determine which market gets sold and which receive the proceeds. Our best guess (and that's all it is) is the first post QE2 trade will be commodities and Treasuries get sold and high quality/strong balance sheet corporate equities and bonds are bought. It's about to get very interesting. Stay tuned.
click for larger charts
March 24, 2007 Saturday Afternoon Funnies
April 7, 2006 Some recent trades
May 11, 2012 UoM confidence up, lower gasoline prices likely helped
The Handling of the Economic Crisis May Lead to Civil Unrest
Google Home Page Les Paul Tribute


Roundup 7 January 2022
Welcome to this week's Technical Roundup.
In developments in recent weeks, IAASA has issued new standards on quality management, the IAASB is consulting on a new auditing standard for Less Complex Entities and the prescribed forms and notices under the Companies (Rescue Process for Small and Micro Companies) Act 2021 legislation are now available.
Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below.
IAASA has decided to revoke the recognition of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland ('ICAS') granted under S.930 of the Act with effect from 22 December 2021.
Following public consultation, IAASA has issued the following standards:
International Standard on Quality Management ('ISQM') (Ireland) 1, Quality Management for Firms that Perform Audits or Reviews of Financial Statements, or Other Assurance or Related Services Engagements;
International Standard on Quality Management (Ireland) 2, Engagement Quality Reviews; and
International Standard on Auditing ('ISA') (Ireland) 220 (Revised December 2021), Quality Management for an Audit of Financial Statements.
They will replace International Standard on Quality Control (Ireland) 1 (Revised November 2020) and ISA (Ireland) 220 (Revised November 2020).
The IFAC-IAASB less complex entities survey—part of the IAASB's consultation on audits of financial statements of less complex entities—is open until January 14. While the IAASB encourages all interested stakeholders to respond to the consultation in writing, the survey provides a way to participate and provide feedback that is less time and resource intensive.
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) is seeking comments on its draft endorsement advice letter on the initial application of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 – Comparative information (Amendment to IFRS 17). Comments are requested by 19 January 2022.
EFRAG has also published its December 2021 update.
In its recent publication, Accountancy Europe has highlighted the work carried out on SME related guidance material in 2020 and 2021.
We recently reported on the Companies (Rescue Process for Small and Micro Companies) Act 2021 which commenced on 7 December 2021.The prescribed forms and notices under the legislation, for example, the company statement of affairs and notice of appointment of process adviser can now be found in S.I. No. 675 of 2021.
Anti-Money laundering /Fraud/Cybersecurity
The European Banking Authority recently issued its latest EBA AML/CFT Newsletter. It gives details of matters it has dealt with in 2021 in the AML/CTF area. For example, draft Regulatory Technical Standards on an AML/CFT database which will act as an early warning tool, helping competent authorities to take action before ML/TF risk materialise. Another example is Guidelines on cooperation and information exchange between prudential supervisors, AML/CFT supervisors and financial intelligence units which were published in December 2021. Details and links are contained in the newsletter.
On 22 December 2021, the European Commission presented a key initiative to fight against the misuse of shell entities for improper tax purposes.
Europol recently published on its website its six key highlights of 2021: a year in review. It includes its Flagship report: Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2021 which contains a detailed analysis of the threat of serious and organised crime facing the EU.
HMRC reported recently that since the department's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) was launched in April 2016 it has taken back £1 billion from offenders from the proceeds of crime. Details of the story and some of the bigger and varied seizures and confiscations can be read here.
The HMRC Trust Registration Service Manual which was issued in May 2021 has been updated several times .The latest update was in December 2021 when some updates were made in respect of insurance policies.
The Irish Charities Regulator has issued its year end e zine which will be of interest to members dealing with the charity sector .It contains a round up of interesting information from throughout the year including a note which sets out a number of changes and additions to the Annual Report Form which will take effect from January 2022 and reminding users of new FAQs on the website on how to file a charitable bequest form and what to do if a new charitable organisation or trust is established in a will.
The UK FCA has published two Policy Statements confirming final rules and guidance to promote better climate-related financial disclosures. They concern issuers of standard listed shares and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and asset managers, life insurers and FCA-regulated pension providers The rules will come into effect from 1 January 2022 and you can read more from the FCA and the policy statements here.
The European Parliament President, the Slovenian Prime Minister on behalf of the Presidency of the Council, and Commission President recently signed a joint declaration agreeing priorities for 2022 for a resilient and reinvigorated EU including a more sustainable, more digital Europe. Follow the link to read the press release, joint declaration and working document on EU legislative priorities.
The Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment recently published an Information Handbook for employees facing collective redundancy. The booklet gives general advice in relation to an employee's legal rights in a redundancy situation and there is a particular focus on the rights of those employees facing a collective redundancy. Separately, information is also included for employees whose positions are no longer available because the business is insolvent.
A recent case taken by the Pensions Authority underlines the importance of employers remitting pension contributions within the statutory timeframe. The case resulted in the criminal conviction of a company and its director .You can read more about the case here.
The EDPS has recently issued its last newsletter of 2021. In it you can follow the link to read the EPDS Opinion on data risks where European institutions, bodies and agencies (EUIs) are carrying out recruitment and selection procedures - including written and practical tests - remotely. You can also read about data protection issues and challenges of card-based payments in the EPDS Tech dispatch published in December 2021.
A reminder that the National Minimum Wage rate will increase from €10.20 to €10.50 per hour from 1 January 2022.You can read more information on the changes here .
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) recently published its Regulatory Strategy for 2022-2027. The strategy sets out an ambitious vision for the next five years in the evolution of data protection law, regulation and culture. The DPC acknowledges the breadth of its regulatory remit cutting across all areas of personal and public life; both at national and international level.
The DPC has recently invited people to register their interest in upcoming SME Workshops. Email DPONetwork@dataprotection.ie, subject line 'SME Workshops', giving your name & business/sector for further information on available dates. The workshops will be online and free of charge.


PREVIEW: First Look at 'Ballers', New HBO Series starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
May 28, 2015 By Funmbi Leave a Comment
Dwayne Johnson returns to the small screen in the upcoming HBO original TV series Ballers as retired football superstar Spencer Strasmore. Ballers premieres Sunday, June 21 at 10:00pm ET|PT.
Seriously, what can't The Rock do?! After blockbuster films like the Fast and Furious franchise, San Andreas, and G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Dwayne Johnson is one of Hollywood's go-to action heroes.
Well, this summer he's bringing his skills to the small screen in the upcoming HBO original series Ballers:
Created by Stephen Levinson (Entourage, Boardwalk Empire) and executive produced by Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Evan Reilly, Rob Weiss, Julian Farino, and Denis Biggs, BALLERS explores the whirlwind lifestyle and real-life problems of a group of former and current football players.
BALLERS stars Dwayne Johnson as Spencer Strasmore, John David Washington as Ricky Jerret, Omar Miller as Charles Greane, and Donovan Carter as Vernon Littlefield.
The show kicks off its ten-episode season on Sunday, June 21 (10:00pm ET|PT), exclusively on HBO. Take a look at the official trailer below:
"Legends don't retire. They reinvent." WOW…that trailer is the full embodiment of BALLIN'…the cars, real estate, parties! But it won't be all fun and games; you can tell there will be an element of drama. Perhaps the reinvention process isn't as straightforward as one might hope. Also, I love seeing Arielle Kebbel (Lexi on The Vampire Diaries, one of my fave characters in the entire series.
Take a look at the synopses for the first two episodes and make sure to tune in to HBO on June 21 for the series premiere of Ballers!
Episode #1: "Pilot"
Debut date: SUNDAY, JUNE 21 (10:00-10:30pm ET|PT)
After the unexpected demise of a friend and former teammate, retired football superstar Spencer ramps up his efforts to build a post-football career in Miami, and feels pressure from Joe (Rob Corddry), his boss at a financial firm, to "monetize his friendships." Meanwhile, recently retired player Charles, copes with the realities of finding a new job. Talented wide receiver Ricky is forced to put his pride aside to find a new home. Vernon, a player on the rise, finds himself in a tight spot and reaches out to Spencer for help.
Episode #2: "Raise Up"
A cash-strapped Spencer struggles to close a deal when Vernon's best friend, Reggie (London Brown), refuses to step aside, while Jason (Troy Garity) works hard to renegotiate for his client. On his first day of workouts, Ricky finds that not all his new teammates are friendly. At his new job, Charles finds it hard to keep his mind off the game. At a brunch to talk business, Spencer counsels Vernon to learn from his mistakes.
SOURCE: Ballers HBO
Connect with Ballers Online:
https://twitter.com/BallersHBO
http://www.facebook.com/BallersHBO
http://www.hbo.com/ballers
Filed Under: News, TV Tagged With: Arielle Kebbel, Ballers, Charles Greane, Dany Garcia, Denis Biggs, Donovan Carter, Dwayne Johnson, Evan Reilly, HBO, John David Washington, Julian Farino, Mark Wahlberg, official poster, official trailer, Omar Miller, Peter Berg, Ricky Jerret, Rob Weiss, Spencer Strasmore, Stephen Levinson, The Rock, TV season premiere, TV series premiere, Vernon Littlefield, video


Quebec's underground cannabis market isn't all 'bikers and Mafia,' grower says
Observers are watching closely to see how legalization affects the province's well-established black market, from street dealers peddling dime bags outside Metro stations to the high-end growers who deliver a range of strains directly to your door.
'Luke,' who maintains a grow-op in Montreal, says there's a 'mom and pop' element to the scene
Benjamin Shingler · CBC News · Posted: Oct 15, 2018 5:00 PM ET | Last Updated: October 16, 2018
There are scores of small-time cannabis grow-ops like this one in Montreal whose products will remain illegal after marijuana becomes legal on Oct. 17. (Submitted )
Inside a loft not far from downtown Montreal, silver ventilation tubes snake across the ceiling of a long, narrow room where blooming cannabis plants reach for powerful lights.
"Luke," an experienced grower, has a valid medical licence to treat an existing condition. But he also sells illegally to a half-dozen clients, many of whom he says rely on the drug to treat conditions of their own.
He estimates there are more than 100 small operations like his own, hidden in plain sight in businesses and homes around the city.
"There's a big conception that it's all bikers and Mafia," Luke said of the city's illegal cannabis market.
"There's a 'mom and pop' element to it, as well."
CBC News has agreed not to identify Luke by his real name because he fears legal repercussions.
Although cannabis will be legal and available for purchase across Canada as of Wednesday, Luke — like many who grow and sell cannabis outside the legal framework — has no plans to stop growing and selling his own product.
What you need to know about legalized cannabis in Quebec
Luke is passionate about the plant's medicinal applications and believes the quality of his own offerings far exceeds that of what will be sold through the province's government-run Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC).
He wants to expand his reach and hopes, ultimately, to be able to do that legally.
"We're not trying to get rich," he says.
"I think a lot of people think they have been let down by the established medical system."
As it stands now, however, Luke will remain a black-market supplier. The federal legislation, he says, is "heavy handed and dismissive of the community that brought cannabis to the place it is today."
Will legalization stamp out black market?
Observers are watching closely to see how legalization affects the province's well-established black market, from street dealers peddling dime bags outside Metro stations to the high-end growers who deliver a range of strains directly to their customers' door.
Under legalization, some activities that fall outside the legal framework will remain subject to criminal or penal offences, such as production, possession for the purpose of trafficking, selling on the black market, as well as importing and exporting cannabis.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has argued against the incoming Quebec government's plan to raise the legal age for smoking cannabis from 18 to 21, suggesting organized crime will step in to fill a void.
Trudeau says Quebec plan to make cannabis legal at 21 leaves opening for organized crime
It's difficult to say, however, to what extent organized crime is behind the production and sale of illegal marijuana.
As recently as last year, Quebec was the second-largest producer of cannabis in the country, after British Columbia.
Just how big is that? Statistics Canada estimated that, in 2014, Quebec's cannabis industry was slightly larger than Quebec's forestry and logging industry.
The Hells Angels, however, has moved on to harder drugs, such as cocaine and opiates, ceding the production and export of cannabis to Asian street gangs, police sources told Radio-Canada.
At the same time, the emergence of hydroponics and other technologies has made it easier for regular folks to grow cannabis indoors on a smaller scale.
Philippe Paul, a retired Montreal police officer, is skeptical that legalization and what advocates call the "democratization" of cannabis production will stamp out the presence of organized crime altogether.
"Organized crime will always find a way to make money with it," he said.
"It's very simple: they can play with prices. They can play with quality. They can play with ease of distribution."
(Roberto Rocha/CBC)
Opportunity for 'micro growers'
Lawyer Alan Young, a veteran marijuana legalization proponent and professor emeritus at Osgoode Hall Law School, believes that the legal framework is "overly restrictive" but will likely "evolve and change."
"It will be an up-and-down battle for years between what the government calls the black market and the regulated market," said Young, who has represented a number of cannabis growers.
Alan Young, a professor emeritus at Osgoode Hall Law School and longtime proponent of legalized marijuana, says the legal framework is 'overly restrictive' but will likely evolve over time. (Lisa Xing/CBC)
Young said he's encouraged that Ottawa recently announced a plan to open up production to "micro growers."
In the meantime, the people who have been using cannabis for a decade or more are unlikely to end their relationship with their dealer any time soon.
He said the price and quality of the government's products will need to improve substantially for the government-run suppliers to compete with the black market.
Montreal says cannabis can be smoked wherever cigarettes are allowed
Young drivers who use cannabis at higher risk of collisions for at least 5 hours, McGill finds
However, the Quebec provincial police is not throwing in the towel and accepting a continued role for black market pot. In a recent news release, the Sûreté du Québec said it would continue "its fight against the illegal production and sale of cannabis."
Last month, it announced the formation of a new unit to fight illegal cannabis, modelled on programs that already exist to combat alcohol smuggling and illegal tobacco products.
The unit will include 54 new members from provincial and municipal forces across the province who will combat illegal production of cannabis — including online smuggling.
The SQ offered a glimpse of its new approach last week, when it raided eight unauthorized cannabis dispensaries around the province.
Do you have questions about how cannabis legislation is going to work in Quebec? The CBC's Benjamin Shingler has the answers. Join us live on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. on the CBC Montreal Facebook page for our Q&A on cannabis.
Benjamin Shingler
Benjamin Shingler is a journalist with CBC Montreal. Follow him on Twitter @benshingler.
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