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Tanks were first manufactured during World War I in an effort to break the bloody deadlock of trench warfare. The British Army was the first to field a vehicle that combined three key characteristics: mobility over barbed wire and rough terrain, armour to withstand small arms fire and shrapnel and the firepower required to suppress or destroy machine gun nests and pillboxes. Despite some success and a significant psychological effect on the German infantry, "the tank in 1918 was not a war-winning weapon.
Interwar developments culminated in the blitzkrieg employed by the German Wehrmacht during World War II and the contribution of the panzers to this doctrine. Hard lessons learned by the Allies during World War II cemented the reputation of the tank, appropriately employed in combined arms forces, as "indispensable to success in both tactical and strategic terms. Today, tanks seldom operate alone, being organized into armoured units and operating in combined-arms formations. Despite their apparent invulnerability, without support, tanks are vulnerable to anti-tank artillery, helicopters and aircraft, enemy tanks, anti-tank and improvised mines, and (at close range or in urban environments) infantry.
Due to its formidable capabilities and versatility the battle tank is generally considered a key component of modern armies, but recent thinking has challenged the need for such powerful and expensive weaponry in a period characterized by unconventional and asymmetric warfare. Ongoing research and development attempts to equip the tank to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
One of the first mentions of "tanks" can be found in a short story "The Ironclads" by H. G. Wells published in 1903. The first two practical designs were developed independently by Austrian engineering officer Günther Burstyn and Australian civil engineer Lancelot de Mole in 1911.
Burstyn designed his tank with a sprung suspension and armed with a single gun located in a revolving turret - a design quite similar to modern tanks - but he was unable to design a track that could carry the weight of the vehicle and propel it at reasonable speed. He submitted his idea of a "land torpedo boat" to the Military Technical Committee in Vienna but the idea was rejected as lacking sufficient merit; he did, however manage to patent his invention (Zl. 252 815 DRP).
Around the same time de Mole designed "a tracked armoured vehicle" and sent his sketches to the British War Office. His idea was rejected, but after the Great War the British royal commission awarded de Mole £965 for expenses, and in 1920 he was appointed C.B.E.
Tank or "landship" development, originally conducted by the British Navy under the auspices of the Landships Committee was sponsored by the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill and proceeded through a number of prototypes culminating in the Mark I tank prototype, named Mother. The first tank to engage in battle was designated D1, a British Mark I, during the Battle of Flers-Courcellette on 15 September 1916.
In contrast to World War II, Germany fielded very few tanks during World War I, with only 15 of the A7V type being produced in Germany during the war. The first tank versus tank action took place on 24 April 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux, France, when three British Mark IVs met three German A7Vs.
Mechanical problems, poor mobility and piecemeal tactical deployment limited the military significance of the tank in World War I and the tank did not fulfil its promise of rendering trench warfare obsolete. Nonetheless, it was clear to military thinkers on both sides that tanks would play a significant role in future conflicts.
In the interwar period tanks underwent further mechanical development and, in terms of tactics, J.F.C. Fuller's doctrine of spearhead attacks with massed tank formations was the basis for work by Heinz Guderian in Germany, Percy Hobart in Britain, Adna R. Chaffee, Jr. in the U.S., Charles de Gaulle in France, and Mikhail Tukhachevsky in the USSR. All came to similar conclusions, but in the Second World War only Germany would initially put the theory into practice on a large scale, and it was their superior tactics and French blunders, not superior weapons, that made blitzkrieg so successful in May 1940. For information regarding tank development in this period, see tank development between the wars.
Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union all experimented heavily with tank warfare during their clandestine and "volunteer" involvement in the Spanish Civil War, which saw some of the earliest examples of successful mechanized combined arms—such as when Republican troops, equipped with Soviet-supplied medium tanks and supported by aircraft, eventually routed Italian troops fighting for the Nationalists in the seven-day Battle of Guadalajara in 1937.
World War II was the first conflict where armoured vehicles were critical to success on the battlefield and during this period the tank developed rapidly as a weapon system. During the Invasion of Poland the Panzer II and the captured Czechoslovakian Panzer 38(t) light tanks predominated. The Somua S35 and Char B1 in the French Army and the Panzer III and Panzer IV medium tanks appeared in numbers during the Battle of France, while the North African Campaign brought the British Crusader and Matilda into combat with the panzers. In Operation Barbarossa the Wehrmacht encountered the Soviet T-34 and this prompted development so that during the Invasion of Normandy from June 1944 the Germans were fielding the Panther and Tiger tanks against the Allied Sherman. By 1945 and the final stages of the war the Tiger II, Pershing and Iosif Stalin tanks dominated the battlefields where they saw action.
During World War II the tactics and strategy of deploying tank forces underwent a revolution. Heinz Guderian, father of the German panzer forces, said "Where tanks are, the front is", and this concept became a reality in World War II. Following the Invasion of Poland where tanks performed in a more traditional role in close cooperation with infantry units, in the Battle of France deep independent armoured strategic penetrations were executed by the Germans, a tactic later called Blitzkrieg or 'lightning war'. Early war German tanks sacrificed firepower and protection for mobility and reliability. Blitzkrieg made use of innovative combined arms tactics and radios in all of the tanks to provide command and control which made them more effective tank for tank than their Allied opponents, despite the Allied machines being more than a match for the panzers one-on-one. The French Army, with tanks equal or superior to the German tanks in both quality and quantity employed a linear defensive strategy to which the armoured cavalry units were made subservient. The French also had poor command and control systems, lacking radios in many of their tanks and headquarters. In accordance with the tactics of blitzkrieg, German tanks bypassed enemy strongpoints and could radio for close air support to destroy them, or leave them to the infantry on foot. A related development, mechanized infantry, allowed some of the troops to keep up with the tanks and create highly mobile combined arms forces.
Operation Barbarossa started with the Soviets having a superior tank design, the T-34, but a lack of preparations for the Axis surprise attack, mechanical problems, poor training of the crews and incompetent leadership caused the Soviet machines to be surrounded and destroyed in large numbers. However, the geographic scale of the conflict, the dogged resistance of the Soviet combat troops, Soviet manpower and production capability and the Russian Winter prevented a repeat of the Blitzkrieg of 1940. Despite early successes against the Soviets, the Germans were forced to up-gun their Panzer IVs, and design and build larger and more expensive Panther and Tiger tanks. In doing so the Wehrmacht denied the infantry and other support arms the production priorities that they needed to remain equal partners with the increasingly sophisticated tanks, in turn violating the principle of combined arms that they had pioneered. In the meantime, the Soviets ramped up T-34 production for a huge quantitative advantage.
When entering World War II American mass production capacity enabled her to rapidly construct thousands of relatively cheap Sherman tanks. A compromise all round, the Sherman was reliable and formed a large part of the Anglo-American ground forces, but in a tank vs tank battle they were no match for the German Panther and Tiger tanks. Numerical and logistical superiority and the successful use of combined arms allowed the Allies to overrun the German forces during the Battle of Normandy. The Sherman Firefly was introduced to improve the Sherman's firepower, but concerns about protection remained.
Tank chassis were modified to produce flame tanks, mobile rocket artillery and combat engineering vehicles for tasks including mine-clearing and bridging. Specialised self-propelled guns were also developed: tank destroyers and assault guns were cheap, stripped down tanks carrying heavy guns, often in a fixed hull mounting. The firepower and low cost of these vehicles made them attractive but as manufacturing techniques improved and larger turret rings made larger tank guns feasible, the gun turret was recognised as the most effective mounting for the main gun to allow movement in a different direction from firing, enhancing tactical flexibility.
During the Cold War, tension between the Warsaw Pact countries and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries created an arms race that ensured that tank development proceeded largely as it had during World War II. The essence of tank designs during the Cold War had been hammered out in the closing stages of World War II. Large turrets, capable suspension systems, greatly improved engines, sloped armour and large-calibre (90 mm and larger) guns were standard. Tank design during the Cold War built on this foundation and included improvements to fire control, gyroscopic gun stabilisation, communications (primarily radio) and crew comfort and saw the introduction of laser rangefinders and infrared night vision equipment. Armour technology progressed in an ongoing race against improvements in anti-tank weapons, especially antitank guided missiles like the TOW.
Medium tanks of World War II evolved into the main battle tank (MBT) of the Cold War and took over the majority of tank roles on the battlefield. This gradual transition occurred in the 1950s and 1960s due to anti-tank guided missiles, sabot ammunition and high explosive anti-tank warheads. World War II had shown that the speed of a light tank was no substitute for armour and firepower and heavy tanks were as vulnerable as medium tanks to newer weapon technology, rendering them obsolete.
In a trend started in World War II, economies of scale led to serial production of progressively upgraded models of all major tanks during the Cold War. For the same reason many upgraded post-World War II tanks and their derivatives (for example, the T-55 and T-72) remain in active service around the world, and even an obsolete tank may be the most formidable weapon on battlefields in many parts of the world. Among the tanks of the 1950s were the British Centurion and Soviet T-54/55 in service from 1946, and the US M48 from 1951. These three vehicles formed the bulk of the armoured forces of NATO and the Warsaw Pact throughout the Cold War. Lessons learned from tanks such as the Leopard 1, M60 Patton, Chieftain, and T-72 led to the contemporary Leopard 2, M1 Abrams, Challenger 2, T-90 and Merkava IV.
Tanks and anti-tank weapons of the Cold War era saw action in a number of proxy wars like the Korean War, Vietnam War, Soviet war in Afghanistan and Arab-Israeli conflicts culminating in the Yom Kippur War. The T-55, for example, has seen action in no fewer than 32 conflicts. In these wars the USA or NATO countries and the Soviet Union or China consistently backed opposing forces. Proxy wars were studied by Western and Soviet military analysts and provided a grim contribution to the Cold War tank development process.
The three traditional factors determining a tank's effectiveness in battle are its firepower, protection, and mobility. Since the Second World War, the economics of tank production governed by the ease of manufacture and cost, and the impact of a given tank design on logistics and field maintenance capabilities, have also been accepted as important in determining how many tanks a nation can afford to field in its force structure.
No tank design has ever been fielded in significant numbers that proved to be too complex or expensive to manufacture, and made unsustainable demands on the logistics services support of the armed forces. The affordability of the design therefore takes precedence over the field performance characteristics. Nowhere was this principle illustrated better than during the Second World War when two Allied designs, the T-34 and the M4 Sherman, although both simple designs which accepted engineering compromises, were used successfully against more sophisticated designs by Germany which were harder to produce, were more expensive and demanding on overstretched logistics of the Wehrmacht. Given that a tank crew will spend most of its time occupied with maintenance of the vehicle, engineering simplicity has become the primary constraint on tank design since the Second World War despite advances in mechanical, electrical and electronics technologies.
Firepower is the ability of a tank to identify, engage, and destroy a target. Protection is the tank's ability to resist being detected, engaged, and disabled or destroyed by enemy fire. Mobility includes tactical (short range) movement over the battlefield including over rough terrain and obstacles, as well as strategic (long range) mobility, the ability of the tank to be transported by road, rail, sea, or air to the battlefield.
Tank design is a compromise; it is not possible to maximize firepower, protection and mobility simultaneously. For example, increasing protection by adding armour will result in an increase in weight and therefore decrease mobility; increasing firepower by installing a larger gun will force the designer to sacrifice speed or armour to compensate for the added weight and cost.
Since World War II tank development has shifted focus from experimenting with large scale mechanical changes to the tank design to focusing on technological advances in the tank's subsystems to improve its performance. However, a number of novel designs have appeared throughout this period with mixed success, including the Soviet IT-1, the Swedish S-tank, the Israeli Merkava, and the incorporation of autoloaders to reduce the crew complement in a number of tanks.
The main weapon of all modern tanks is a single, large-calibre (105 to 125 mm) gun mounted in a fully traversing turret. The typical tank gun is a smoothbore weapon capable of firing armour-piercing kinetic energy penetrators (KEP), also known as armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS), and/or Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) and high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shells, and/or High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) and/or anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) to destroy armoured targets, as well as high explosive (HE) shells for engaging soft targets or fortifications. Canister shot may be used in close or urban combat situations where the risk of hitting friendly forces with shrapnel from HE rounds is unacceptably high.
A gyroscope is used to stabilise the main gun, allowing it to be effectively aimed and fired at the "short halt" or on the move. Modern tank guns are also commonly fitted with insulating thermal jackets to reduce gun-barrel warping caused by uneven thermal expansion, bore evacuators to minimise fumes entering the crew compartment and sometimes muzzle brakes to minimise the effect of recoil on accuracy and rate of fire.
Modern target detection relies on telescopic periscopes and sophisticated light intensification and thermal imaging equipment to improve fighting capability at night, in poor weather and in smoke. The accuracy of modern tank guns is pushed to the mechanical limit by computerized fire-control systems. A fire-control system uses a laser rangefinder to determine the range to the target, a thermocouple, anemometer and wind vane to correct for weather effects and a muzzle referencing system to correct for gun-barrel temperature, warping and wear. Two sightings of a target with the range-finder enable calculation of the target movement vector. This information is combined with the known movement of the tank and the principles of ballistics to calculate the elevation and aim point that maximises the probability of hitting the target.
Usually, tanks carry small-calibre (7.62 to 20 mm) armament for short-range defence where fire from the main weapon would be ineffective, for example when engaging infantry, light vehicles or aircraft. A typical complement of secondary weapons is a general-purpose machine gun mounted coaxially with the main gun, and a heavier antiaircraft machine gun on the turret roof.
A tank's protection is the combination of its ability to avoid detection, to avoid being hit by enemy fire, its armour to resist the effects of enemy fire, and to sustain damage and complete its mission, or at least protect its crew. In common with most unit types, tanks are subject to additional hazards in wooded and urban combat environments which largely negate the advantages of the tank's long-range firepower and mobility, limit the crew's detection capabilities and can restrict turret traverse. Despite these disadvantages, tanks retain high survivability against previous-generation rocket-propelled grenades in all combat environments by virtue of their armour. By contrast, tank survivability against newer-generation tandem-warhead anti-tank missiles is a concern for military planners.
A tank avoids detection using the doctrine of CCD: camouflage (looks the same as the surroundings), concealment (cannot be seen) and deception (looks like something else).
Working against efforts to avoid detection is the fact that a tank is a large metallic object with a distinctive, angular silhouette that emits copious heat and noise. Consequently, it's difficult to effectively camouflage a hull-up tank in the absence of some form of cover or concealment (e.g., woods). The tank becomes easier to detect when moving (typically, whenever it is in use) due to the large, distinctive auditory, vibration and thermal signature of its power plant. Tank tracks and dust clouds also betray past or present tank movement. Switched-off tanks are vulnerable to infra-red detection due to differences between the thermal conductivity and therefore heat dissipation of the metallic tank and its surroundings. At close range the tank can be detected even when powered down and fully concealed due to the column of warmer air above the tank and the smell of diesel.
Thermal blankets slow the rate of heat emission and camouflage nets use a mix of materials with differing thermal properties to operate in the infra-red as well as the visible spectrum. Camouflage attempts to break up the distinctive appearance and silhouette of a tank. Adopting a turret-down or hull-down position reduces the visible silhouette of a tank as well as providing the added protection of a position in defilade.
To effectively protect the tank and its crew, tank armour must counter a wide variety of antitank threats. Protection against kinetic energy penetrators and high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shells fired by other tanks is of primary importance, but tank armour also aims to protect against infantry antitank missiles, antitank mines, bombs, direct artillery hits, and (less often) nuclear, biological and chemical threats, any of which could disable or destroy a tank or its crew.
Steel armour plate was the earliest type of armour. The Germans pioneered the use of face hardened steel during World War II and the Soviets also achieved improved protection with sloped armour technology. World War II developments also spelled the eventual doom of homogeneous steel armour with the development of shaped-charge warheads, exemplified by the Panzerfaust and bazooka infantry weapons which were lethally effective, despite some early success with spaced armour. Magnetic mines led to the development of anti-magnetic paste and paint.
British tank researchers took the next step with the development of Chobham armour, or more generally composite armour, incorporating ceramics and plastics in a resin matrix between steel plates, which provided good protection against HEAT weapons. Squash head warheads led to anti-spall armour linings, and KEPs led to the inclusion of exotic materials like a matrix of depleted uranium into a composite armour configuration. Reactive armour consists of small explosive-filled metal boxes that detonate when hit by the metallic jet projected by an exploding HEAT warhead, causing their metal plates to disrupt it. Tandem warheads defeat reactive armour by causing the armour to detonate prematurely. Grenade launchers which can rapidly deploy a smoke screen and the modern Shtora soft-kill countermeasure system provide additional protection by interfering with enemy targeting and fire-control systems.
The latest generation of protective measures for tanks are active protection systems, particularly hard-kill countermeasures. The Israeli TROPHY and Iron Fist, the American Quick Kill, the Soviet Drozd, and Russian Arena systems show the potential to dramatically improve protection for tanks against missiles, RPGs and potentially KEP attacks, but concerns regarding a danger zone for nearby dismounted troops remain.
The mobility of a tank is described by its battlefield or tactical mobility and its strategic mobility. Tactical mobility can be broken down firstly into agility, describing the tank's acceleration, braking, speed and rate of turn on various terrain, and secondly obstacle clearance: the tank's ability to travel over vertical obstacles like low walls or trenches or through water. Strategic mobility is the relative ease with which a military asset can be transported between theatres of operation and falls within the scope of military logistics.
Tank agility is a function of the weight of the tank due to its inertia while manoeuvring and its ground pressure, the power output of the installed power plant and the tank transmission and track design. In addition, rough terrain effectively limits the tank's speed through the stress it puts on the suspension and the crew. A breakthrough in this area was achieved during World War II when improved suspension systems were developed that allowed better cross-country performance and limited firing on the move. Systems like the earlier Christie or later torsion-bar suspension developed by Ferdinand Porsche dramatically improved the tank's cross-country performance and overall mobility.
A main battle tank is highly mobile and able to travel over most types of terrain due to its continuous tracks and advanced suspension. The tracks disperse the significant weight of the vehicle over a large area, resulting in a ground pressure comparable to that of a walking man. A tank can travel at approximately across flat terrain and up to on roads, but due to the mechanical strain this places on the vehicle and the logistical strain on fuel delivery and tank maintenance, these must be considered "burst" speeds that invite mechanical failure of engine and transmission systems. Consequently, wheeled tank transporters and rail infrastructure is used wherever possible for long-distance tank transport. The limitations of long-range tank mobility can be viewed in sharp contrast to that of wheeled armoured fighting vehicles. The majority of blitzkrieg operations were conducted at the pedestrian pace of , that only was achieved on the roads of France.
In the absence of combat engineers, most tanks are limited to fording rivers. The typical fording depth for MBTs is approximately , being limited by the height of the engine air intake and driver's position. Modern Soviet tanks and the German Leopard I and Leopard II tanks can ford to a depth of 3-4 meters when properly prepared and equipped with a snorkel to supply air for the crew and engine. Tank crews usually have a negative reaction towards deep fording but it adds considerable scope for surprise and tactical flexibility in water crossing operations by opening new and unexpected avenues of attack.
Amphibious tanks are specially designed or adapted for water operations, but they are rare in modern armies, being replaced by purpose-built amphibious assault vehicles or armoured personnel carriers in amphibious assaults. Advances such as the EFA mobile bridge and MT-55 scissors bridge have also reduced the impediment to tank advance that rivers posed in World War II.
Tank power output in context:
|Power output
|Mid-sized car: Toyota Camry 2.4L
|106 hp/tonne
|Sports car: Lamborghini Murciélago 6.5L
|383 hp/tonne
|Racing car: Formula One car 3.0L
|2100 hp/tonne
|Main battle tank: Leopard 2, M1 Abrams
|24.2, 24.5 hp/tonne
|Locomotive: SNCF Class T 2000
|11.5 hp/tonne
Commanding and coordinating tanks in the field has always been subject to particular problems, particularly in the area of communications, but in modern armies these problems have been partially alleviated by networked, integrated systems that enable communications and contribute to enhanced situational awareness.
A recent development in AFV equipment and doctrine is Network-centric warfare (US) or Network Enabled Capability (UK). This consists of the increased integration of information from the fire control system, laser rangefinder, Global Positioning System and terrain information via hardened milspec electronics and a battlefield network to display all known information on enemy targets and friendly units on a monitor in the tank. The sensor data can be sourced from nearby tanks, planes, UAVs or (in the future) infantry. This improves the tank commander's situational awareness and ability to navigate the battlefield and select and engage targets. In addition to easing the reporting burden by automatically logging all orders and actions, orders are sent via the network with text and graphical overlays.
In terms of firepower, the focus of current R&D is on increased detection capability such as thermal imagers, automated fire control systems and increased muzzle energy from the gun to improve range, accuracy and armour penetration. The most mature future gun technology is the electrothermal-chemical gun. The XM291 electrothermal-chemical tank-gun has gone through successful multiple firing sequences on a modified M8 Armored Gun System chassis.
To improve tank protection, one field of research involves making the tank invisible to radar by adapting stealth technologies originally designed for aircraft. A variety of camera and display technologies attempt to improve tank camouflage or even render it invisible. Research is also ongoing in electromagnetic armour systems to disperse or deflect incoming shaped charge jets.
Mobility may be enhanced in future tanks by the use of diesel-electric or turbine-electric series hybrid drives improving fuel efficiency while reducing the size and weight of the power plant. Furthermore, advances in gas turbine technology, including the use of advanced recuperators, have allowed for reduction in engine volume and mass to less than 1 m3 and 1 metric ton, respectively, while maintaining fuel efficiency similar to that of a diesel engine.
In line with the new doctrine of Network-centric warfare, the modern battle tank shows increasing sophistication in its electronics and communication systems.
The word tank was first applied to the British "landships" in 1915, before they entered service, to keep their nature secret. There are at least three possible explanations of the precise origin of the term:


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One of our world's most stunning features, they cover more than 70 percent of the planet, comprise 99 percent of its habitable space, and house the greatest diversity of major plant, animal, and microbial species, from the simplest to the mightiest on earth.
Their importance to all life cannot be underestimated. Oceans regulate the climate, produce half of the earth's breathable oxygen, and are a huge source of food. For the one billion coastal humans who depend directly upon them, the oceans are life itself.
And because of some pretty careless industrial human activity, our oceans are in a lot of trouble right now.
We've made significant progress to turn the tide towards ocean conservation, but a lot more needs to be done in a short time. By working together, we can save the oceans.
The problems taxing the ocean are caused directly by what's available at the seafood counter. As demand for fish grows, destructive fishing and aquaculture continue to increase to meet the demand. We are working to change seafood choices made at a wholesale level by working with supermarket retailers to make sustainable seafood the only choice available. Read more
Tuna is one of the world's favorite fish. It provides a critical part of the diet for millions of people, as well as being at the core of the world's luxury sashimi markets. But, did you know that globally tuna stocks are under threat, or that the tuna industry is one of the main drivers behind the shark fin trade?/p>
Our appetite for tuna is pushing several species of sharks, turtles, and tuna closer and closer to extinction. As more and more people consume tuna there has been a surge in the number and capacity of tuna-fishing vessels across the world. Read more
A few countries, namely Japan, Norway and Iceland, continue to ignore a 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling—every year they kill thousands of whales to feed a black market of illegal whale meat.
For more than 40 years Greenpeace has been at the forefront of the fight to end this needless slaughter of one the most magnificent creatures on the planet. We are working to ensure that the Obama administration uses their diplomatic leverage to close the loopholes and end all commercial whaling. Read more
The waters of the Bering Sea-—between Alaska and Russia— are a rich marine environment that's home to a diverse array of wildlife. Polar bears, seals, sea lions, walruses, whales and millions of seabirds make their home here.
The Bering Sea is also one of the most productive fishing spots in the world. But, the fragile ecosystem cannot sustain this level of commercial fishing without paying a price. Read more
In order to protect the world's oceans, portions of it have to be left alone. A marine reserve is like putting a giant "Do Not Disturb" sign around an area of the ocean. These protected areas are so important to the future of our oceans—giving wildlife a safe haven free from danger.
We are working to convince governments and the United Nations that marine reserves are critical to the oceans' future. We are advocating for setting aside 40% of the world's oceans as marine reserves. Read more
In case you missed it, last week was Cephalopod Awareness Week. This gave us the perfect opportunity to dig through photos and video footage of a 2007 research expedition into the Bering Sea canyons during which the research team ran into...
It's incredible to watch the unravelling of the tangled web illegal fishers have woven around their dirty business. Fishing companies have created elaborate webs of deception stretching from Korea to New Zealand, Argentina to South Africa, and...
Commentary: The dark side of cheap shrimp is human slavery on fishing boats in international waters. Last June, media reports sparked an outcry over human slavery on fishing vessels — a dark side of the cheap shrimp and other seafood now sold...
Originally posted to Huffington Post LOS ANGELES (AP) — A new analysis suggests there are as many blue whales living off the coast of California as there were before humans started hunting them to near extinction 110 years ago. The Los Angeles...
In Washington State, scientists, policy wonks, journalists, conservation groups, and the seafood industry have been studying global warming's disastrous effect on marine ecosystems and brainstorming ways that society can prevent and mitigate...
16 - 20 of 413 results.
Myriam Fallon (Washington, DC)

subset: commoncrawl


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Despite the abysmal state of the world economy, the FIA GT3 European Championship continues to provide what teams, drivers, and sponsors all want from international motor racing. This season's lineup features 11 of the world's most famous GT marques, including the addition of two new entrants: the Audi R8 LMS and the BMW Alpina B6. Two-time series champions Callaway Competition, from Leingarten, Germany, has returned this year with two Callaway-Corvette Z06.Rs to defend its title. Marc Sourd Racing is also competing this year with two Vettes.
During the winter break, Callaway Competition Director Ernst Woehr sought FIA approval to reduce the Z06.Rs' penalty weight from 60 kg (132 pounds) to 30 kg (66 pounds). He also wanted to add side windows to improve aerodynamics. To offset these changes, Woehr proposed reducing the LS7 engine's power with a smaller inlet restrictor. The FIA approved all of the changes except the side windows. (Small side wind deflectors were allowed.)
The Callaway team came to the first race at Silverstone, in England, with a new driver lineup. Arnaud Peyrolles teamed with Jurgen von Gartzen in Corvette No. 5, while Wolfgang Kaufmann and Luca Moro took over in No. 6. Marc Sourd Racing, meanwhile, tapped Diego Alessi and Luca Pirri to drive the team's No. 17 Vette, while Sourd himself paired with Johan Charpilienne in No. 16.
While the Callaway team arrived at the season-opening Silverstone race with expectations of victory, its hopes were quickly doused by a "balance of performance" rule change just days before the event. During off-season testing, the FIA ruled that the Callaway Corvettes would run on soft compound tires, as opposed to the hard-compound tires they ran in 2008. To adapt, Callaway developed a new set of springs, along with a revised exhaust system designed to work with the aforementioned air restrictor. Although these items were initially approved for use by the FIA, they were unexpectedly banned by the sanctioning body just four days before Silverstone. As a result, all of the Corvettes had to start the race with an untested spring/tire configuration.
"We really can't understand this decision," Woehr said. "We took part in the 'balance of performance' test before the season. During these tests, the new parts were [ruled] OK, and four days before the season starts, everything is changed. We spent a lot of money to develop and test these new components, which are now useless."


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Articles by C. Ray Pritchard
- Why Did This Happen to Me?
Read an excerpt from Ray Pritchard's (ThM, 1978) Why Did This Happen to Me?
The mission of Dallas Theological Seminary is to glorify God by equipping godly servant-leaders for the proclamation of His Word and the building up of the body of Christ worldwide.


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Tonight one of the big outstanding issues in the Apple vs. Samsung case came to a close when Judge Lucy Koh ruledthat Samsung's infringement of Apple patents was not in fact willful. At issue are the seven design and utility patents that the jury found Samsung had infringed in a $1.049 billion win for Apple last August. The jury had decided that Samsung's infringement in five of the instances had in fact been willful — a finding that could have led to a ballooning of the damages Samsung would be instructed to pay. As part of the post-verdict proceedings, Samsung's legal team asked Koh to consider whether this should be challenged. Judge Koh agreed.
As Koh writes in the ruling, for an ultimate finding of willfulness to hold, not only would the jury need to find that the infringement was willful, but Apple also needed to prove that there was an "objectively high likelihood that its [Samsung's] actions constituted infringement of a valid patent."
Good, Apple already won big time being as they are, wanted more and more.


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For eleven years I have been insuring my Jeep with AXA. They were very prompt to collect my money for renewal........... great service and that's where its end. I learnt it the hard way. I had never made any claim over the years being a very careful person. However 2009 my Jeep got heated in a block and I had to call AXA after a few calls requesting for Road side assistance that never came the policeman helped me move the Jeep to the side. I drove it off later............... AXA never came or even called. Sorry they did call for the renewal. Stupid me should have remembered this but I excused them due to the block.
- 3 years later that is 10 days ago my Jeep once again got heated and I called AXA for roadside assistance. After 10 mts waiting I was cut off when the agent picked up. Three tries later I was not as patient and I called another number that is related for insurance sales and other services, the supervisor requested me to call the first nbr. 2 hours laater sitting in a hot jeep I got throught to the office in DXB and was told that the lines were faulty and they would call me back. I AM STILL WAITING!!!!
AXA cheats they do not give us the services we pay for. So be warned its better to pay a little more and get the service you need when needed. The plush office, advertisements and smooth talkers do not come to your assistance.
FORGET AXA go for a company that is there wne you need them.
Had little idea how unpopular 'AXA' was with its customers...that is, until I experienced its cavalier attitude earlier this year and when perusing internet review sites soon afterwards.
Below is an account of how 'AXA' dealt with me. It begins with my initial letter to it dated 9th March..........
AXA Assistance Claims Service,
Reference claim number C21410494.
Following the telephone conversation with Neida Zaval (USA) today and the forms she attached in her e-mail, I now forward them completed where and when possible. Please remember that my docs are the ORIGINALS.
Although I am still very weak and at the first stages of recovery, I do feel the need to both give you an overview of the events which unfurled in the USA and what happened to me during my return flight to UK on 7th instant.
You already know that I was admitted to Vero Beach Hospital, Florida on 26th February. It followed a series of very detailed tests and examinations, which showed that I was suffering from an extremely high temperature/fever of 103.9 degrees F, together with severe pneumonia and an unknown strain of bacteria in my blood samples.
This combination of symptoms meant that I was attached to oxygen supply, drip fed the strongest antibiotic fluids, rehydrated with Saline and made to swallow high doses of Codine type tablets to fight the temperature for the ensuing days.
Because my son lived nearby (the reason for our visit to the USA) the hospital treating physician, Doctor Kristoff Naberezny, allowed an earlier than normal discharge on the condition that I rest completely, be nursed continually and take ALL the full course (5 days) of high dose antibiotics (700mg each tablet) as well as the Tylenol 500mg tablets, which he prescribed.
These tablets were purchased with cash, ($174.99) from CVS Pharmacy in Vero Beach (see enclosed receipts).
During my hospital stay, my son, Stephen, contacted AXA (Chicago) and supplied all requested information. There then followed more copy documents to AXA from the Vero Beach Hospital, the Independent Doctor who examined me on 2nd March (Dr KING) and who signed a letter which allowed me to fly home on condition that I was accompanied and that I was placed on a Lay-Flat seat for the 8 plus hour journey - plus letters from my UK GP practice, confirming that I have never before suffered from pneumonia.
Although I tried a number of times by both e-mail and telephone to obtain an assurance from AXA staff in Chicago that AXA would adhere to Dr King's recommendations and secure the necessary seating on the Virgin Atlantic flight VS28 departing MCO at 1835 hours on Wednesday 7th March,
I was not given given that assurance.
Instead, I kept getting told that AXA STILL needed more forms/letters from both the Vero Beach Hospital doctors as well as from my UK GP and that without them, AXA would not be in a position to authorise the necessary air travel to the UK as per Dr King's instructions.
On the morning of the 7th, I telephoned AXA yet again and spoke with an 'Ian' and explained yet again, that at 1230 hours, my wife and I would have to leave the home of our son and be driven the 150 miles north to the Orland Airport. He did nothing except prevaricate and place even more obstacles in our way. By that time, I was extremely stressed and worried that our flight home would not happen.
In spite of that, we were driven to Orlando airport (at our own expense) and presented ourselves to the Virgin Atlantic Airway's duty manager to give her full details and let her read all the relevant documents.
She went out of her way to be helpful. She phoned AXA, Chicago to obtain authorisation for the Lay-Flat seating, but your man (Ian) reverted to type and refused, giving unreasonable excuses for not doing so. The phone was handed to me to speak directly with Ian and the conversation was relayed via an open speaker.
I too, suffered the same response...simply....'without the forms I want, AXA will not allow the seating'. The 'Virgin' manager was speechless and could not understand the man's attitude - she having seen the original documentation as indisputable proof of my needs.
She and I discussed the possibility of a compromise, without which, we would be stranded in Orland airport and with no alternative accommodation available.The compromise was, that she would speak directly with Dr. King and see if he would allow me to fly, if I was seated in Premium Economy, on a reclining seat (not flatbed) with my legs elevated on a cardboard box on top of which pillows would be placed. He was persuaded, and subsequently sent a fax to 'Virgin' to confirm.
Two hours had passed since our arrival at Orlando airport, which meant that time was critical if we were to make the flight. The manager escorted us personally through US baggage check procedures and directly on to the aircraft. By that time I was at the highest possible stress level.
Having been seated as described, I did manage to eat a little food and drink coffee and water. After three hours into the flight, I suffered a relapse and found myself lying prone on the floor of the aircraft. Three cabin crew members reseated me and connected me to an oxygen cylinder. They monitored me continually for the rest of the flight.
The aircraft captain radioed ahead and on arrival at Gatwick, we were met by the airport's special assistance team, who ferried us via an electric buggy through both UK immigration and baggage reclaim. We were then taken directly to a car and driven the 80+ miles to our home (again at my expense).
This whole torrid affair should never have happened. AXA's steadfast refusal to accept the truth was the factor which caused the increasing stress I underwent during the days leading up to our flight home. That same refusal to accede to Dr King's letter, resulted in the relapse I suffered on the aircraft.
I hold AXA directly responsible for what happened. I, my son, the USA doctors, the UK doctors, all told the truth but truth wasn't enough! Everyone (other than AXA) who have been witness to events and have had sight of original documents, are appalled at AXA's stance, one which has been explained to me by a number of persons, as being... 'The Usual Insurance Company attitude of NEVER accept liability and NEVER pay out unless absolutely necessary. Do they have a legitimate point?
As I said at the outset, I am not recovered, yet, when I am, please believe that, being an old Lancastrian who was brought-up to believe that RIGHT is MIGHT and NOT the other way around, I will take-on AXA. I will do whatever is necessary to make AXA both apologise AND put things right by way of covering all cost and due compensation for negligence. Do please believe me.
I look forward to you early reply.
Brian W Fisher..............
Since that time, I have had correspondence from both 'AXA' and Lloyds tsb (who provide my travel insurance as part of my Advantage gold account.
The 'ping-pong' between us has culminated with AXA's steadfast refusal to increase its derisory offer of compensation for negligence (£130) and 'Lloyds tsb have taken refuge behing the mountain of small print.
The question to be put to 'AXA' by those resonsible for regulating insurance companies, should be..."Why not act with moral fortitude instead of trying to defend an immoral stance?
DO NOT USE AXATried to make a claim when my iPhone was stolen. I rang up in September when I purchased my phone to check that our home insurance covered my phone and was told that it was completely covered under all circumstances. Now when I come to claim because my phone was stolen they have said that because I use my phone about once a week to remove stock from my jobs website that I am unable to claim because this phone is considered a work phone - which it isn't I had this for my birthday and it is my personal phone. So now have had to fork out the £600 for a new one........ABSOLUTELY DO NOT USE AXA.
9 people who say different things in 7 different departments, 7 phonecalls, a large phone bill and 5 days is what it has taken for them to even start to take details of my claim. After 30 minutes of being made to feel like a fraudster, I now have to go out and do their job at my expense before they decide whether to even accept my claim. I also have 14 days to do it in and the fact that I cannot leave the house to do what they want is irrelevant as my boyfriend should do it for me apparently. I am disgusted and feel betrayed by the people who I pay to protect my home and come Monday I will be cancelling my policy. They are the most useless and incompetent people I have had to deal with and no one seems to know what they are supposed to be doing. Stay clear of AXA.
I totally agree that AXA sucks. I have been just trying to increase my critical illness coverage for a year now and they are so full of lame excuses it's ridiculous. Initially I sent in a claim to increase coverage to my yearly salary. First they said I put I had not seen a doctor in a year on my form. I had so I asked what they needed and provided a doctors note that I had been there over the last year. Than they wanted me to take another medical test and so I did it and completed another application to send with it. Than they said I was declined as I did not send the information. So I wrote that I had sent it and that I wanted to know what was missing. Than they said I was fat and they didn't like my test (even though it was normal).
I am a healthy 30 year old with no known medical issues and they think I am too much of a risk as my test results are normal and my weight is average. They want me to have no family history of cancer (no direct relative has had it) or heart disease (um we live in the western world, who has no family history of heart disease.) I am tired of the BS they put onto customers and unfortunately my work forces me to use them or I would so CANCEL my insurance with them and go elsewhere.
My Uncle having not claimed on any house insurance for 50 years put in a claim for water damage following a burst pipe. Two ceilings had come down and the damage to a bedroom and living area was substantial. He is registered disabled and registered blind and has recently been in hospital with a serious breathing complaint. Because he was in hospital at the time of the incident and had been for just over 30 days they REFUSED to pay out as the house was not lived in. My Mother and Aunt had visited the house on a daily basis to do his washing, air rooms, check post and on the morning of the burst had changed the smoke alarm batteries. This is not good enough for them. The local councils definition of un-occupied is vastly different (we can't get a rate rebate!!). There is nothing in the policy to say someone should have slept there at least once in the last thirty days -even if they had what good would that have done. Slime bags.
i have home insurance with kwickfit and the underwriters are AXA... i recently got burgled a few days after xmas 2011... all my gold jewellery was taken, watches and kids electrical items etc... i went through the correct procedure in logging my claim... it took axa 2 weeks to replace my items.... as far as the gold and watches, axa got lmg to valuate my items... my contents cover is £60.000, £19.800 is for valuables cover i believe that amount was sufficient to cover my valuables at the time i took my policy out (sept 2011)... they have valued my valuables at over £40.000. im am shocked how can that be... now axa are claiming that i have undervalued my items and that they may not pay me out... i have been so truthful, i have been through a lot of stress, why do they do this to the honest people.... i regret ever insuring with a broker were the underwriters are axa...... got no idea were i stand, i could be left with nothing. What can i do?
This is a warning for all those looking at using any insurance company that use Crawford & Co Loss adjusters. They feel like complete cowboys right now and I am completely losing patients with them.
I am insured with Igo4 LTD, which when we needed to claim is actually part of the AXA group. They filed the claim and passed us over to Crawford & Co. This is where everything starts to go down hill.
They do not follow up calls
They break every promise of calling you back
They do not reply to emails
They have not provided an updates off their own back without me chasing them
When they did reply to an email it was a generic template that ignored the information I have already given.
I have incredible OCD when it comes to organizing documents and I have sent them the most precise document you could imagine regarding the items taken, the cost, the location, the stage we are at with the claim. However still I have nothing.
Frustrated is not the word.
DO NOT INSURE WITH AXA they will do all they can not to pay out they have declined my mothers claim for her roof told building insurance does not cover this has made my mother ill and sick with worry she is elderly thought she was insured for her building but told she did not have accidental damage all this and she has been with them for 30yrs+ also a lot off damage inside due to water getting in via roof.
You can provide all the required/necessary information you like with this company, but they will still employ crude delaying tactics. They are worst company I have ever dealt with. If you complain, they then advise you that you will have to wait for up to 20 working days for a response!I have already waited over a month for a response to my simple valid claim.The claim relates to the cancellation of a holiday, because of my mother's chest infection, from which she subsequently died. Her GP provided a medical certificate to this effect. It seems as if AXA disbelieve her doctor. I should add that my mother was nearly 99 years of age. The sympathy I received from AXA was underwhelming.Brian Lockyer
my house was broken into about 4 months ago and i am still waiting for my claime to be settle. they have send out 2 cliame ajuster i told the first 1 the same thing i told the second 1 they never return your call and no 1 can never answer your question the people on the phone are on the verge of being rude they might be cheap but it not worth the hassle if i can save 1 person from this hassle ill be happy please dont bother
6/12/2010 Lodge claim with Axa for escape of water incident
13/12/2010 Crawford & Co. Loss adjuster visits my house. Leaves me with a "what happens next" form claiming there's an ongoing leak which I'll have to get my own plumber to fix. Promises that claim will be investigated and drying company appointed by 20/12/2010.
15/1/2011 Having had no response to any emails to Crawford & Co. claims handler via their portal and direct emails, I send a complaint by recorded delivery to Axa (Axa received it on
18/1/2011 First contact with Crawford & Co. complaints department
19/1/2011 First contact with Axa claims department. Axa appoint drying company.
21/1/2011 Drying company visit and claim there's still an ongoing leak. Claim that as leaks been going for weeks, it'll take months for bathroom to be dried out.Having still had no contact from the Crawford & Co. claims handler email the FSA registered officer at their firm to ask why. Crawford & Co. claims handler rings me within 10 minutes of sending email. FSA registered officer tells me most problems are down to poor comms and apologises for delays. Get feeling that claim will now proceed smoothly.
22/1/2011 Crawford & Co. claims handler promises that a builder will be appointed. Agrees that if there's a leak it's minor and the builder will sort it out.
26/1/2011 Do background check on builder that Crawford & Co. have appointed. His accreditations don't check out, so email Crawford & Co. claims handler with my concerns asking for another builder to be appointed.
27/1/2011 Crawford & Co. claims handler acknowledges there's reason for concern but says it's their Repairnet division who deal with it.
28/1/2011 Cowboy builder turns up for a site visit whilst I'm at work. I ring Repairnet to ask when an accredited builder will be appointed and am told the cowboy builder is the only builder who covers my postcode so a cash settlement is my only option. Repairnet are completely unperturbed by the fact that the builder is illegally claiming accreditations that he doesn't have on his website. Get agreement from Crawford & Co. claims handler that I can create my own spec of works & bill of materials and hire a local accredited builder. Tells me I need 2 quotes only, tell him I'll get 3.
30/1/2011 Create draft specification of works and bill of materials and send to Axa claims. Have lost faith in Crawford & Co. at this stage. Get reply from Axa claims that email has been forwarded on to Crawford & Co. claims handler.
30/1/2011 - 7/2/2011 - Get 3 builders to come around for a quote. All the builders agree that there's no ongoing leak. 2 of the builders are skeptical that water has penetrated behind tiles as tiles would fall off if they did. 3rd says can't tell until all tiles are off.
9/2/2011 Having got 2nd quote, send both quotes to Crawford & Co. claims handler. Get "Out of Office" email claiming he's away for 3 weeks. Email Axa Claims & Crawford & Co. complaints.
10/2/2011 Escalate to Axa complaints. Am told that claims handler will respond that night. Claims handler rings me and tells me he put his "out of office" message up as he was dealing with too many cases and wanted to deter people from contacting him. Then asks me why I've got quotes for new bath, sink and vanity unit when these could have been salvaged. Tells me he'll accept the lowest of 3 quotes if they meet revised spec and bill of materials.
11/2-14/2/2011 Have prolonged argument with Axa Claims, Axa Complaints and Crawford & Co. complaints about why I wasn't told about the revised spec before asking for builders to quote.
14/2/2011 Crawford & Co. Claims handler reveals that the loss adjuster produced a spec of works when he visited on 13/12/2010. I'd been asking for this in various emails since that date. Refuses to reveal estimate that loss adjuster made. Tells me that as soon as 3rd quote received, settlement will be actioned without delay. (Why does he suddenly need 3 quotes)?
16/2/2011 Get 3rd builder's quote and send to Crawford & Co.s claims handler. Hear nothing
18/2/2011 Email Axa claims and Axa complaints asking when I'll receive a settlement offer. Get offer from Axa complaints of £600 less than lowest quote. Ask for median quote + damages, risks etc.
21/2/2011 Axa complaints tell me that a revised offer will be with me by end of day Don't explain that they've decided to switch their correspondence channel from email to letter.
23/2/2011 No email all day, revised offer has been sent by letter as part of a complaint which I first lodged way back on 15/1/2011. They offer £200 more but still doesn't cover all of the materials required to complete the work even if I accepted lowest quote and say they'll be sending a cheque to me which I hadn't agreed within 5-7 working days. Tell me they won't pay for my project management work, as the policy says that I should do this for free. Tell me that delays are inevitable for a claim of this nature and may have been made worse by the volume of communications that I sent. To end the pain decide to go with lowest quote, complete full bill of materials and put terms in to ensure this cash settlement remains open ended. Tell them that I'll send back the cheque that I haven't agreed to, if they send it.
24/2/2011 Get response from Axa Complaints manager that my emails of 23 & 24 will be responded to by end of business 25/2/2011. No mention is made that cheque has been sent out. They send me the cheque for the amount specified on 23/2/2011.
25/2/2011 Receive cheque at lunchtime and email Axa complaints asking why I've been sent cheque. I send back the cheque. No response by 3:30, so ring up Axa complaints manager. She tries to tell me that cheque was sent back before she'd received my email. I point out that it was sent on 24/2 whilst my email was sent on 23/2. No further explanation given. Email from Axa complaints manager clarifies that my email of 23/2/2011 would be responded to by end of day by letter but promises that an email copy will now also be sent. Axa complaints finally agree to the offer that I made. Letter obviously written in response to my emails of 25/2/2011. Doubt that I would have received any response by close of business had I not escalated yet again. Still insist that all of the delays are reasonable and that there was no need for me to send back the cheque (if not why not contact me to tell me, they had 1.5 working days?) and that this will delay the settlement further (why, they've been sent the track and trace details, unlike them I don't have a history of lying and they could cancel my original cheque). I also note that the PO Box and address for complaints executive in his email is different from the details for the same person in the letter that was sent with my cheque. He tells me that 23 working days is perfectly acceptable for responding to a complaint, as the FSA allow 40 working days for this.
28/1/2011 See from track and trace that they've received cheque back. Email them telling them I want payment by electronic transfer within 5 working days. Get reply telling me that it'll still have to wait until cheque is cancelled (why they've got it back) and that they'd no longer respond to me as the case was now closed and my only option was to contact the Financial Ombudsman Service.
We have had AXA contents insurance for almost a year now and will NOT be renewing our policy again.
Origionally went with them as we were led to believe that they were a reputable company which had been going a number of years if only we had seen these reviews first, a mistake that we will not make again.
It was christmas day and due to the freezing weather we were unfortunate to suffer a burst water tank in the attic damaging a bedroom.My husband contacted the claims department who informed him that he could dispose of the damaged goods and we were also asked to send in 3 quotes or purchase receipts for the said damaged goods, due to the sales we went out and replaced the goods which we did 3 weeks after the incident when we got home there was a letter waiting from AXA which stated what we were told about the receipts but also that photographic evidence was also needed, so back on the phone again !!!
they were told this had not been mentioned at the time of the claim and for them to listen back to the recorded conversation of that day, we also informed them of our new purchases and were asked to email these across to them which we did the claim would then be finalised and payment made via cheque within 4 weeks. we followed up by 2 further emails to see if it had been recieved by them, then another letter arrived asking us to post the receipts as the attachment on the email could not be opened this took them 3 weeks to send so back on the phone again!!!!! we then asked to speak to a supervisor who we for a second time forwarded the receipt to, he phoned us back to let us know they had got it and that he would chase our claim up then low and behold we then got a phone call from the store we had bought our goods from to say that AXA had phoned them to see if we had actually made the purchase WHAT A CHEEK now almost 2 weeks later we are still awaiting a telephone call from the supervisor that we should have recieved before the end of the working day of the last conversation also no emails or letters received and NO CHEQUE FORWARDED EITHER. so no doubt more phone calls to be made. SO BE WARNED CHOOSE AN INSURER WITH A GOOD REPUTATION AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST.
I took out a critical illness and redundant insurance 11years ago ..I needed to claim on my critical insurance part this year only to be told that i did not have critical insurance..Many unreturned phone calls but still no help, as you say they are not very good when you rely on this insurance to give peace of mind..I will be taking this issue further with the ombudsman..The Britannia Building society only referred me back to AXA
I have a redundancy cover through Britannia. AXA is the underwriter. I have two mortgages, one of them with Britannia and the other one with another lender. Britannia have both my properties on their record. Britannia told me that their redundacy insurance provided income protection regardless of who the lender was; and the insurance policy would cover bills, loans and other expenditure. The premium determined level of payout in case of redundancy. I have been paying my insurance premiums for approximately 6 years. I was made redundant 6 months ago and Bput a claim to Britannia who refered it to AXA. It took AXA 5 months to process my claim. Finally they wrote to me to confirm that three months back payments would be sent to my bank account. This was desperately needed as so far I had been paying my mortgages out of our savings. However two weeks later I had a call from somebody representing AXA asking which of the properties was I living at, and who was living in the other property. They would not explain why they were asking the question. I wondered if the call was realy from AXA but confirmed my place of residence (anyway, which was indeed where they had been writing to), but they wanted to know why I was not living in the property that was mortgaged with Britannia. I felt this information would be irrelevant to AXA as redundancy insurance provided cover for my expenses, not mortgage alone. (In fact that property was used by my two sons when they where at college, but had moved out temporarily to work in other cities,;we kept all the furniture in the house and rented part of the house to help with the mortgage. Unfortunately we got into a difficulty when the tenant wouldn't pay the rent, refused to leave and appeared to have brought in other members of his family without our consent. In several occasion the tenant had told us that he had found alternative accommodation only for us to realise he was still in the house. At the time we were following legal routes to get our property back.) I did not believe this information was relevant to AXA. However I had a call from AXA to say they had sent someone to the house and had a signed written statement from the tenant. This followed by a letter from AXA accusing me of forgery and asking for their money to be paid back. I had thought that I was covered for redundancy, but AXA felt they had found a loophole not to pay. They still refuse to show me any clause in the policy regarding their refusal to pay. Indeed I have read the policy document several times and there is nothing to suggest that the policy would be void if the policy holder rent his house. I rang Britannia and spoke to their insurance salesperson, who confirmed that renting the property would not impact on the mortgage protection cover. I also visited the local branch of Britannia and spoke to their insurance broker who was unable to offer any explanation as to why AXA are not paying, and refered me back to AXA. I am very disappointed with AXA. After all you take out insurance cover for peace of mind to be protected if there is an unexpected change in your life; and dealing with AXA when I became unemployed has added to our problems during a very stressful time with financial worries. I wish I had never taken a redundancy cover with Britannia. Without it I would have been better prepared. I often read the insurance policies and asked questions from brokers, yet I still got a surprise from AXA when I needed to claim on my policy. If their own brokers can't understand why AXA refuses to honour a legitimate claim, what chance ordinary people have? My advice: Avoid a cover with AXA. They might be competative in price, but should you need to make a claim on your policy, they would make every effort to grind you down, to make you give up.


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For first-year and transfer students.
Associate and bachelor's degree programs for men and women 4 full years out of high school.
Elementary, middle level and secondary certification for men and women with a bachelor's degree.
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Wilson College will host the 6th annual "Energy and You" workshop for home and business owners who want to know how they can afford a renewable energy system on Saturday, Feb. 8. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Brooks Science Complex, with walk-in registration starting at 8 a.m.
DATE: Jan. 27, 2014
CONTACT: Chris Mayer, Fulton Center for Sustainable Living
Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3247
Email: email@example.com
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – Wilson College will host the 6th annual "Energy and You" workshop for home and business owners who want to how they can afford to install a renewable energy system on Saturday, Feb. 8. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Brooks Science Complex, with walk-in registration starting at 8 a.m.
This year's theme, "Renewable Energy – Beyond Incentives and Rebates," will explore the affordability of renewable energy systems and demystify the buying options now available. Solar energy advocate John Christensen, who handles quality assurance at Mountain View Solar in West Virginia, will be the keynote speaker.
The workshop will also feature special interest sessions throughout the day, including: "Pellot Stove Technology and Economics for Residential Applications," "Biomass Boilers: Turning Large- and Small-Scale Waste Into Clean Energy," "How Renewable Energy Experiences Growth in States with Few Incentives," and electric vehicle savings comparisons. In addition, a case study of Wilson's energy-efficient, 1864 farmhouse will be presented.
"Energy and You 2014" will also feature alternative energy vendors and demonstrations.
Admission with preregistration is $20 per person and $30 for couple. A buffet lunch is included only with preregistrations made by Feb. 3; Walk-in registrations will be accepted for $10, space permitting, the morning of the event.
More information and a registration form can be found by visiting www.wilson.edu/energy.
The workshop is co-sponsored by Wilson's Fulton Center for Sustainable Living and Hagerstown Community College's Alternative Energy Club. For more information, contact FCSL Program Manager Chris Mayer at firstname.lastname@example.com or 717-264-4141, Ext. 3247.
Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor's degrees in 34 majors/concentrations and master's degrees in education, the humanities and accountancy. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation.
Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college has a fall 2013 enrollment of 662, which includes students from 20 states and 14 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.


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Lightweight Field Coat
Lightweight, rain-repellent hunting coat cut for mobility
To order by phone, please call 1-866-860-8906
A lightweight, rain-repellent hunting coat with front- and side-loading game bags, expandable pockets with drainage grommets and shooting patches that accept a recoil pad. Game bags have easy access for cleaning. Coat develops patina with use.
- Action back for freedom of movement
- Button-front closure
- 2 chest handwarmer pockets, 2 divided bellows pockets, dual-access rear map pocket, 1 interior utility pocket, 1 interior slotted patch pocket, 1 game bag
- Zipper-adjustable cuffs
- Straight collar
- Durable, water-repellent fabric develops patina with use
- Front- and side-loading game bags with blood-proof liner
- Interior button opening on game bags for easy cleaning
- Both side shooting patches accept recoil pad
- Expandable pockets with drainage grommets
Hunting; Shooting; Field; Everyday
Product Care
Wipe or brush clean
Made in USA of imported material


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2 Customer Reviews
By: John Fahey
I bought this back pack and it is awesome. It has a pocket for just about everything you you could have. It definitely is very high quality and stylish. I would recommend this bag to anybody. I got it off rideMPS.com and am very pleased with everything about it.
By: Scott
Great bag with room for one improvement
This is a great bag, probably my favorite Ogio bag that I have owned. I use this bag every day and travel alot for work. It has withstood all the rigors of international travel and takes a lot of punishment in the overhead bins, but protects everything that I put in it. The one issue that I have with the bag is the iPad sleeve. This is an awesome feature, but in my opinion it's located in a bad place, especially if you travel internationally, as many international airports require you to remove your iPad from your bag. It would be nice if the ipad sleeve was a separate compartment next to the laptop sleeve. This would allow for easier access without having to open up the main compartment of your bag. If I designed this bag, that is the one and only improvement I would make.


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A blessing...
Image by Ramone Romero
This past week, one of my parishioners found out that he will be deployed to Iraq for a year beginning on October 25th. At Mass this morning, I called Mark and his wife and sons forward at the blessing and dismissal so that our parish might pray over him and his family. These are the words I prayed. You might want to pray them for someone you know who is serving overseas. And please keep Mark in your prayers, too!
we pray that God the Father will hold you
in the palm of his hand...
We pray that Jesus will be by your side,
night and day...
We pray that the Holy Spirit will fill you
with wisdom and courage...
We pray that angels will surround you
with gentleness and with strength...
Be sure that you leave our community
wrapped in our support and with our prayers...
Every Sunday when we pray in the intercessions
"for those who serve and protects us,
for those in harm's way and for an end to war"
we will be praying for you, Mark,
and for your safe return...
We pray for your wife, Sue,
and your sons, Mike and Matt,
that the Lord will be with them while you're away
and while they wait for you to come home!
May God bless you, Mark,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
6 comments:
- A Concord Carpenter Comments said...
- October 19, 2008 at 4:16 PM
You are truly a Pastor---
- October 19, 2008 at 5:42 PM
It was a wonderful Holy Famil moment that we could all reach out to bless Mark and his family. Very touching and I will be praying for the Mark and family very day.
Thanks for doing what you did today.
- October 19, 2008 at 6:20 PM
May God bless him and keep him safe. And the strength for his family to endure this unimaginable situation.
Praise God to walk the road with them all. And all our other servicemen and women and their families.
- October 19, 2008 at 8:35 PM
- St Edwards Blog said...
Oh, what a blessing. What a good thing you have done Concord Pastor as you shepherd your flock.
Mark and his family will be kept in our prayers over here in NY.
- October 19, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Thank you so much Father Austin for providing us the opportunity as a parish family to bless and show our support of Mark and his family. It was a beautiful moment and a much needed reminder that there are families in our own community going through this and we all need to support them and pray for their safe return. I hope the donations for the care package box continues!
- October 20, 2008 at 1:37 PM


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Schools in the Crosshairs
When her dyslexic second-grader landed in a failing public elementary school in Pittsburgh, single mother Jamie Fitzpatrick spotted trouble right away. Her daughter's teacher spent class time shopping online for clothes while the kids bullied one another. Though other teachers wanted to do right by the kids, their union wouldn't allow it; teachers were forbidden to offer any extra help to the students outside of class, and because their pay was based on seniority, some of the worst made the most. So despite working two jobs, Fitzpatrick somehow found the time to persuade other parents to sign a petition to turn the school into a nonunion charter. Most teachers joined the effort, perfectly content to give up their union protections. At the new charter school, magic happened. The kids began to get a proper education. Fitzpatrick's daughter learned to read almost immediately.
It's an inspiring tale. It's also fiction—the plot of Won't Back Down, a film released this fall starring Maggie Gyllenhaal as the supermom and Viola Davis as a frustrated teacher who becomes her ally. Like most people, you probably steered clear of this critically panned box-office flop. If so, you didn't miss much—except a revealing glimpse into the Hollywood-style fantasies of education reformers who believe they have found a new panacea for saving public education: parent-trigger laws.
These laws sound appealingly straightforward. If enough parents sign a petition, they can get their children's failing school shut down or converted into a charter. Seven states have passed a parent trigger over the last two years; more will likely follow suit next year. These laws are designed to make public education increasingly look like the free marketplace of parental "choice" that reformers long to see. The idea has powerful backers, including conservative groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)—best known for "stand your ground" self-defense laws—and the Heartland Institute, famous for challenging climate science. Walden Media, which produced Won't Back Down and funded the charter—school documentary Waiting for Superman, is owned by Philip Anschutz, an ALEC supporter and prominent Tea Party funder.
Parent trigger is not solely a right-wing cause. Democratic legislatures in Connecticut and California have passed these laws, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has unanimously endorsed them, and 70 percent of Americans view them favorably. The broad support is no surprise. If parents organize to make radical changes to a failing school, who would want to stop them? But many who back parent-trigger laws don't realize that the effort has become a stealth means to privatize public schools. Heartland, which owns the website theparenttrigger.com, has crafted model legislation for trigger laws that apply to all schools—not just those that are failing. That might be a logical, if drastic, response if public schools were mired in the deep "crisis" that education reformers constantly cite. But they're not: Many achievement gaps have narrowed substantially, test scores have risen, and high-school completion rates are at all-time highs.
Won't Back Down, like the movement it champions, begins from the assumption that public schools are a hopeless mess. The complicated challenges that public educators grapple with—severe budget cuts, for instance, or health problems that make learning a particular challenge for low-income kids—are nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, parents are exempted from responsibility. Jamie Fitzpatrick never volunteers to help out at the school. She doesn't go to PTA meetings. She never even asks about her daughter's homework. Gyllenhaal's character is not so much a parent as an unhappy customer demanding a better school.
Anyone who believes in the school-reform fairy tale of Won't Back Down should be required to watch another film released this fall to much less fanfare. This one doesn't feature an Academy Award winner or a soundtrack of No. 1 hits. Instead, Brooklyn Castle chronicles a messy reality—that of Intermediate School 318, a Brooklyn middle school where 70 percent of the kids live below the poverty line, and where funding cuts are threatening the after-school activities that are key to getting many of them engaged. That includes the school's chess team, which is, improbably, among the best in the country.
In most respects, I.S. 318 is ordinary. It's not a magnet school or a charter, but it's also not failing. The kids featured in Brooklyn Castle have real problems: They struggle with ADHD, asthma, and hunger, and many must work after school to help their parents make ends meet. Teachers and administrators encourage the students, helping to set goals for each one. When after-school programs are endangered, the parents rally, launching a letter--writing campaign to state officials and organizing a walkathon to raise money. I.S. 318, like most public schools, succeeds because the community invests in it, without expecting perfection.
"I think this is a good thing for kids to be exposed to—the idea that truth isn't quite so simple as right and wrong," I.S. 318 teacher and chess-team coach Elizabeth Vicary says. "The answers aren't really clear to anybody." She's talking about chess. She could just as well be talking about our entire approach to education. The quest for easy fixes is seductive. But the more we look for Hollywood-style magic bullets, the less we focus on what makes public schools work.
Sat, 2012-12-01 09:59
In every school you will find talented teachers that work hard to help children with learning challenges over come them. You will also find burnt out teachers that do as little as possible and are coasting at high pay waiting for a well paid retirement. The same is true across the system for school principles and administrators.
And how does the school system treat these high and low performing people? Exactly the same. Near complete job security and pay for seniority regardless of performance have a devastating effect on public schools. Unions have always talked about fighting for good education but in the end settled for high pay and job security based on seniority that squeeze out innovative programs.
If schools are going to do the critical job of preparing the next generation of citizens and workers, everyone involved, teachers, administrators, politicians and parents are going to have to stop the finger pointing and be willing to accept changes and experimentation, recognize success and punish failure.
Mon, 2012-12-10 18:56
Well I disagree that teachers are high paid for what they do. I recently took my father who is a teacher on a holiday because after working 35 he can't afford time away. We went to many restaurantes en madrid centro and had a great time which he deserved. We also found some restaurantes curiosos en madrid while we were there.
Thu, 2013-09-26 08:27
Mon, 2013-09-30 02:28
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This Spirits in South Korea report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (2008-2012), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they legislative, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2017 illustrate how the market is set to change.
Product coverage: Brandy and Cognac, Liqueurs, Other Spirits, Rum, Tequila (and Mezcal), Whiskies, White Spirits.
Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.
Why buy this report?
* Get a detailed picture of the Spirits market;
* Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving
Author:Mike Kinge-mailWeb: www.companiesandmarkets.comPhone: London: +44 (0) 203 086 8600


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In General awards and honors
In General: 08.26.11
Lisa Rosenbaum, MD, an internal medicine resident on a year-long rotation at the MGH, has been selected as a 2012 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). RWJF is the nation's largest philanthropy devoted to improving the health and health care of all Americans. Scholars are trained in leadership, healthy policy and health services research.
Douglas Drachman, MD, director of the Cardiovascular Fellowship Program at the MGH Heart Center, has been selected as one of 10 National Fellows for the inaugural Society for Cardiovascular Angiography Emerging Leader Mentorship (ELM) Program. The ELM program facilitates the transition of physicians into the next generation of leaders in the field of interventional cardiology.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Mass General #1 in New England and #2 in the nation based on our quality of care, patient safety and reputation in 16 clinical specialties.
Search the archive for previously published news articles, press releases and publications.
Departments and Centers at Mass General have a reputation for excellence in patient care. View a list of all departments.


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Mayors Dale Baldwin and Dana Tugman approved a resolution to recognize Ashe County's local national service program, Appalachian Senior Programs, for its for its continued effort improve the community by aiding seniors.
"I think we feel very honored to be part of this community," said Sherry Lambert, project assistant at Appalachian Senior Programs.
The two major projects that Appalachian Senior Programs is involved in from day-to-day is the Foster Grandparents Program and Senior Companions Program.
"This is what we do everyday; it's our main focus," said Tammy Taylor, the director of the Foster Grandparents Program.
The Foster Grandparent Program allows seniors over 55 to work with children in schools and the Head Start program, sharing their experiences and knowledge as they model good behavior for the children.
Last year, 105 volunteers served over 400 children in Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes counties through this program.
With the Senior Companions Program, rather than assisting children, seniors work with their peers who are also over 55-years-old. According to Taylor, this program serves seniors "who wouldn't otherwise get attention," like the blind.
Aside from the day-to-day services provided by Appalachian Senior Programs, ASP also gets involved in several other projects throughout the year.
For instance, for the past 10 years during the holiday season, Appalachian Senior Programs has coordinated Project Star, an anonymous gift drive for seniors in need.
Groups that work with the elderly in the county submit a list of names of seniors in need, along with a list of gift ideas for each person. Those groups include the Department of Social Services, Ashe Really Cares, Ashe Outreach Ministries, Spruce Hill Apartments and Mountain Living and Mountain Village.
Once the names are submitted to Appalachian Senior Programs, each name is assigned a number so the senior can remain anonymous. Each number, along with an outline of gift ideas, is printed on a cut-out paper star. When the list of seniors who apply for the project is finalized, the cut-out stars are placed in different locations throughout town so citizens can chose a star a donate gifts to that senior.
According to Taylor, about 200 stars are placed throughout the county each year.
Appalachian Senior Programs is also involved in an annual food drive in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
To honor all of these achievements and the hard work of Appalachian Senior Program's employees and volunteers, West Jefferson's and Jefferson's mayors signed a resolution recognizing programs like ASP.
The resolutions read:
"I, Dale Baldwin, Mayor of West Jefferson, N.C. (and Dana Tugman, Mayor of Jefferson, N.C.) do hereby proclaim April 9, 2013, as National Service Recognition Day, and encourage residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our city, to thank those who serve; and to find ways to give back to their communities. Appalachian Senior Programs FGP/SCP is one of these National Programs and have been providing services to our county since 1980."
"Our goal is to help others, we never think about getting recognized," said Debbie Wellborn, SCP director at Appalachian Senior Programs.
Appalachian Senior Projects is sponsored by Appalachian State University, and receives funding from the Ashe County Board of Commissioners, United Way and donations from local sources.


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Andie Anderson, the how-to girl for Composure Magazine, agrees to write a firsthand account of all the things women do to drive away men; she has to find a guy, make him fall in love with her, then get dumped--all in 10 days. But little does she know that her target, ad agency hottie, Benjamin Barry, has just made a high-stakes bet with his boss that he can make any girl fall in love with him in 10 days. So while she's trying to lose him, he's doing whatever it takes to keep her!
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"LeBrons off the hook," Sonnen said on the Toucher & Rich Morning show in Boston. "LeBron has made it right." When asked what that meant, Sonnen said, "Thats between LeBron and me. He did the right thing, and I forgave him."He was losing the entire light heavyweight title fight to Jones on April 27 in Newark, N.J., before it was stopped at 4:33 of the first round. Ironically, with Jones' suffering an ugly dislocated toe in the first round, had Sonnen survived the last 27 seconds, there is little chance Jones would have been allowed to go out for the second round. At that point, Sonnen would have been awarded the fight and become one of the most unlikely champions in UFC history.
Sonnen did think the fight was stopped early, but made it clear he doesn't want to come across as complaining about it.
"It was the biggest drawing fight of the year [actually it was No. 2 on pay-per-view behind Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz, at least going into the recent Silva vs. Chris Weidman fight], and I took a good solid ass whipping."
"I appreciate the fact he did that (the ref stopped the Jones fight), but it was definitely an early stoppage. You don't want to second guess it. It goes both ways. I've been in a position where I've been barely doing any damage and the ref stopped it. It's just sport. You don't cry over spilled milk. You pick yourself up and walk out."
If youre hoping to see the return of the trash talking Sonnen, who put his name on the map as one of MMAs biggest drawing cards in his two fights with Anderson Silva, you may be disappointed.
"Rua seems like a really great guy," he said. "Hes one of the few legends that are still fighting. Anytime you get old and you retire from the sport, theres been an instant assignment of legend status. He truly is a legend. I admire him. I admire what hes done in the ring. Hes not me, but he is very good."
Another person Sonnen has been dishing out lots of love for is new middleweight champion Chris Weidman. Sonnen made it clear to anyone who would listen to him, that Weidman was going to take the title from Anderson Silva when public perception was very different, so he cant be accused of jumping on a bandwagon.
While some considered it a shocking upset, the truth is a lot of people within the industry believed Weidman would win, although few would have predicted it would be a second round knockout standing.
Because of that, the first question Sonnen was asked about the UFC 162 fight was if Silva threw the fight.
"Well, heres what youve got to understand, he got knocked out cold," said Sonnen. "Its not like a Mike Tyson fight where you get hit, you stay down until the ref counts ten, and then get right back up. Silva had two choices in that fight. Hed have fought serious and got beaten up, or hed clown around and get beaten up. Thats not me speaking out against Anderson. Hes excellent. But Andersons not Chris Weidman and hes never going to be."
Once again, that led to the same question, at 38, whether age is or isnt relevant.
"I dont know if hes in the downside of his career," said Sonnen when asked if Weidman caught Silva on his decline. "Hes just not Chris Weidman. He just stuck around too long and the next generation is here. There are guys who can beat him, but only a couple of guys. Hes a top ten fighter, actually hes ranked No. 2, but hes not going to beat a 28-year-old All-American wrestler named Chris Weidman. Thats not going to happen."


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Events Calendar
March 2013
Spring Break: Mountain Biking in Moab
Beat the cold and smog of Logan with the ORP for Spring Break. We're doing two trips to St. George and Moab. Whether you're into rock climbing in St. George, mountain biking in Moab, or both, we have you covered. The second Spring Break trip will be in Moab, Utah, from March 14 to 17. Ride the world-famous slick rock trails of Moab ranging in different skill levels, but we'll be riding mostly beginner and intermediate trails. The price of the trip is $125 and it's for students only. The cost of the trip covers transportation, fuel and camping accommodations. Participants will need to provide their own bike and food. Register for this trip by calling the ORP at (435) 797-3264 or visiting the shop. Please register before the pre-trip meeting on March 6 at 5 p.m.
(435) 797-3264