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Impact of Big Data, Cloud, Mobile and Regulatory Pressure on your IT Risk and Governance Model
Erwin Boeren 270002C43V firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  value solvency cio risk ibv openpages insurance of institute ibm business it governance basel bank grc compliance | 0 Comments | 3,849 Visits
Impact of Big Data, Cloud, Mobile
and Regulatory Pressure on your IT Risk and Governance Model.
This 30% decrease was established by optimizing and
automating the risk process, end users are now able to complete the whole risk
cycle in one platform with risk identification, risk assessment, risk
management, risk reporting (real time!) and risk monitoring.
2. Customer decreased their manual IT control test
effort with 140 hours per week only for Segregation of Duties and access
management. This was done by automating control tests.
Blog post by Erwin Boeren
Senior Governance, Risk & Compliance specialist IBM Europe
Twitter : http
LinkedIn : http
Convergence of Performance Management and Risk Management - Part 2
Erwin Boeren 270002C43V firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  grc risk reporting ibm compliance fsr cognos regulatory solvency ii basel openpages | 0 Comments | 3,892 Visits
Convergence of Performance Management and Risk Management - Part 2
the increase of the Governance, Risk & Compliance maturity level at many of
my clients I see that clients start to realize the benefits of the integration
of GRC activities in their Performance Management cycle. Therefore a follow up
on my previous article around Risk Management and the convergence with
Performance Management.
Let me share some insights on Risk & Performance Management initiatives that keep clients busy around Europe. The following 4 items came up in the last 3 months.
1. Cost control and process performance improvement give us the opportunity to embed controls in our process. Lessons learned from Six Sigma and Lean can give us guidance here.
2. How do I manage organizational and regulatory change and monitor the impact on business processes, policies and my risk and control framework?
3. Trending topic is emerging risks, am I able to identity risks that are coming to me over time?
4. Integrated Financial and Risk reporting, an excellent example of 'Where Performance Management meets Risk Management'.
Cost control and Process improvements
Implementing and testing controls has become a huge cost for many organizations. That is why some of my clients are now looking for a way to reduce cost by embedding controls in their existing business processes. This goes hand in hand with the global initiative on cost reduction. While optimizing or even re designing core business processes internal controls are being embedded in the process. What I see is that the organizations that involve process owners and process contributors are most successful. This is an initiative that we have seen before in Lean Six Sigma projects. The only way to optimize processes and to reduce waste is to involve the process owners. Instead of increasing regulatory pressure we should seek a solution in this area in my opinion. Business cases around this have proven to be very successful and savings up to millions of Euros per year have been achieved.
Regulatory change
Regulatory changes are a huge concern of many risk, compliance, legal and audit professionals. How can we monitor these changes and how can we understand the impact on our organization? Taking this together with the fact that policy management is changing from a 'must do' once a year to a continuous process tells us that an integrated approach to Governance, Risk & Compliance is necessary to drive performance. I come across clients that have a monthly Performance Report that shows how they derived business objectives from their policies and how they are performing on a compliance level to these objectives. What risks did they identify in this process and how will they respond to these risks? Organizations realize that they need to understand the correlation between processes, policies, regulations, business objectives, risks and controls and how they might impact each other. An integrated GRC view is the only way to face this challenge.
Emerging Risk Modelling
One of the trending topics among customers is Emerging Risks. Can we model risks that we see coming and can we follow up on risks that are getting closer or fading away? Analytical Risk modeling is an answer to this question. This also let you perform risk forecasting with different scenarios. Interesting question is how the increase of a risk exposure in an operating entity will impact my group level exposure? Risk Analytics, derived from the Performance Management area can help us answer these questions. A financial performance management cycle contains the exact same characteristics.
Integrated Financial and Risk performance reporting
Financial and Risk reporting are standard items in today's Annual Reports, Tax statements, Management reports and Regulatory reports. The big question is how do I keep all of this information organized in such a way that I understand the source of the information, the transformation it has gone through, the owner of the information and most important when information changes at the last moment that all information output contains the latest version? No bigger reputational risk than sending out inconsistent information to stakeholders. Some organizations saw their share price drop with 25% due to inconsistent external reporting. One of my clients has implemented a solution that orchestrates all of these information sources with workflow capabilities and even XBRL output. From a risk perspective this is a great mitigation of your reputational risk and an excellent example of 'Where Performance Management meets Risk Management'.
Blog post by Erwin Boeren
Senior Governance, Risk & Compliance specialist IBM Europe
Twitter : http
LinkedIn : http
COSO in the Cloud
Richard Steinberg 270004HRBG email@example.com | | Tags:  openpages erm risk itg it-risk coso risk-management | 0 Comments | 3,198 Visits
If you haven't already seen it, it's worth a look – The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission just published a thought paper dealing with risks related to cloud computing. It leverages off COSO's enterprise risk management framework, speaking specifically to issues surrounding hosted services delivered over the internet. The paper is geared not to the techie, but rather to management level personnel who need to understand not only the benefits, but also the associated risks. The paper briefly outlines the many benefits of cloud computing, including greater technology value at lower cost, faster speed of deployment, common technology platforms, reduced need for support personnel and related expenditures, and environmental benefits.
Naturally, most of the focus is on the risks. These include the strategic – with lower barriers of entry for new competitors and related challenge to current business models – and dependency on cloud service providers which in turn drives legal and related risks. Others include lack of transparency, reliability and performance issues, security and compliance concerns, and elevated risk of cyber attack or data leakage. The paper also deals with issues inherent in moving to the cloud, such as the extent to which management considers the impact on the company's organization and IT and other personnel resources, noting "In many cloud scenarios, the organization no longer has complete or direct control over technology and technology-related management processes. Management must determine if it has the risk appetite for the entire universe of potential events associated with a given cloud solution as some of these events extend beyond the organization's traditional borders and include some events that have an impact on the [cloud service provider(s)] supporting the organization."
The paper also discusses cloud issues in the context of COSO's ERM Framework's eight components, outlining how each can be addressed and used in evaluating cloud computing alternatives. It provides suggestions for dealing effectively with the more significant risks, and highlights key decisions to be made by senior management – as well as responsibilities of C-suite executives – and areas on which the board of directors needs to focus its attention. If your company is already in the cloud or considering going there, the paper is worth the read.
Compliance Problems Continue in a Niche Industry
Richard Steinberg 270004HRBG firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  openpages education risk-analytics compliance risk-management risk | 0 Comments | 3,044 Visits
You may remember hearing about problems with the College Board, which owns the SAT, and the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the tests. In the recent SAT cheating scandal the College Board and ETS were accused of having lax security and a system that failed to punish cheats. But problems go back further, when a couple of years ago the SAT has serious issues with incorrect scoring of tests. And media reports speak to extensive incorrect scoring and losing test results in England in 2008, with the UK Parliament calling their operation a "shambles." And as far back as 1983 cheating was suspected in California. For details you may want to refer to my blog posting of November 2011, which includes analysis of what the accused organizations did, or rather didn't do, to right the wrongs.
Well, we now find another player in this industry accused of wrongdoing. Princeton Review, which provides help to students in preparing for college entrance exams and sells study guides, finds itself accused of defrauding the federal government. An arm of the company that provides after-school tutoring to students at troubled schools is said to have falsified records – including forging student signatures, falsifying sign-in sheets, and making false certifications – in order to boost payments due the company. Relevant is that the company was informed of these allegations back in 2006, but prosecutors, who are now suing, say the fraud continued as nothing was done to fix the system. For what it's worth, Princeton Review reportedly closed its tutoring division and says most of its current management joined the company after the alleged fraudulent activity took place.
But what's striking is how the few players comprising this industry have had serious problems – not only in allowing fraud to occur, but also in failing to act in the face of wrongdoing. And this is an industry supposedly driving high academic standards! Yes, we know academic institutions are not immune to misconduct, but we can wonder how these industry players each went so very wrong. And food for thought – do we see other industries with an inordinate number of companies experiencing widespread instances of non-compliance, fraud or other misconduct? And what does that say about the culture not only of the individual organizations, but the industry as a whole? Hmmmm.
TH!NK: Insightful articles on financial risk
Liz Andrews 2700041WEU firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  risk-management risk_management risk risk-analytics financial-risk | 0 Comments | 2,498 Visits
Many of our GRC members may not be familiar with TH!NK, Algorithmics, an IBM Company's semi-annual magazine exploring the world of financial risk management. However, the June 2012 issue has something for everyone - and is centered on the perspective that to successfully identify and respond to the economic challenges of our times, we must seek a balance between learning from the past and developing the solutions of the future.
You will find in this issue articles that seek to explore this balance between past wisdoms and new possibilities, like our cover story "Back to the Future," which revisits capital and its role in the bank of tomorrow. In our latest "In Conversation" piece, IBM's Brenda Dietrich serves as our first IBM contributor to TH!NK, discussing how research and new data systems are changing the way we think about information. Other articles explore some of the most pressing topics in financial services, such as the interconnectivity of risk on the Buy Side or the very real trading benefits to a bank in establishing a CVA desk. As always, TH!NK seeks to build insight and linkages across seemingly disparate realms – such as social media and financial risk management, which as you will read, may not be so disconnected after all.
I encourage you to "flip through" this valuable resource - and please visit our Discussion Forum if anything in particular piques your inte
Looking back at a great IBM Vision 2012, Orlando FL
Erwin Boeren 270002C43V firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  risk 2012 openpages governance grc basel solvency ibm vision | 0 Comments | 3,712 Visits
Looking back at a great Vision 2012,
Vision 2012 was a great event with many customers speaking, partners and market analysts.
Customer Advisory Board
The IBM Customer Advisory Board came together in Monday, the day before the event officially kicked off to discuss the IBM Integrated Risk roadmap and to prioritize future development initiatives.
Keynotes were presented by Les Rechan (General Manager IBM Business Analytics), Mark Loughridge (CFO IBM) and Alison Levine.
Les opened with an energy level high as always! Mark gave a great insight in the financial transformation IBM has gone through and the road ahead. Alison delivered a key note where the whole room hung on her every word. Astonishing how Alison can present and what an inspiring lady she is.
this is available in recordings on : http
OpenPages version 6.1 released
At the risk keynote on day 1 by Patrick O'brien and Gordon Burnes the new version 6.1 of OpenPages was released. New features can be found on the IBM OpenPages 6.1 landing page :
A new leader for the IBM Risk Analytics pillar
Michael Zerbs has been appointed as the new leader to run the IBM Risk Analytics organization. Michael was the President and COO of Algorithmics. He is a recognized expert in risk management for market and credit risk, and has an in-depth understanding of the key risk management challenges that the financial industry faces today. He has authored several papers on pricing models and risk management and is a co-author of Mark-to-Future: A Framework for Measuring Risk and Rewad.
Market Analysts impressed by IBM Risk Portfolio
analysts could be found in
Operational risk is still strong as ever but Policy & Compliance management, IT Risk & Governance and Audit capabilities have grown to such maturity level that IBM is top in Risk Analytics.
Customers are expanding on their GRC Environment
Clients speaking at the 2 main event days were all expanding their platform to multi discipline risk. Especially risk convergence, standardization, enterprise risk management, IT Risk & Compliance and Fraud & Financial Crimes were topics that came across many times.
IBM implemented OpenPages
IBM has implemented OpenPages herself, and demonstrated that at day 2. Deborah Dunagan, IBM Transformation Executive demonstrated how IBM reduced her risk cycle times with 30% using IBM OpenPages!
With all this excitement we are looking forward to another great year and client success in Risk Analytics.
Blog post by Erwin Boeren
Senior Governance, Risk & Compliance specialist IBM
Twitter : http
LinkedIn : http
IBM Enhances Risk-Aware Decision Making & Policy Management with New OpenPages Platform Release
Timothy Powers 270003F3FN email@example.com | | Tags:  frank-dodd risk grc business-analytics cognos fraud openpages compliance performance-management analytics governance risk-analytics | 0 Comments | 3,624 Visits
By Gordon Burnes, Worldwide Marketing, IBM Risk Analytics
A key theme at Vision 2012, IBM's three-day user conference for Finance and Risk professionals, is how organizations can leverage enterprise risk information to make better decisions while balancing the demands for risk oversight and regulatory compliance.
The current complex and dynamic regulatory environment is a particular challenge for risk and compliance directors. For instance, while organizations covered by Dodd-Frank must respond to current regulatory reporting requirements, less than a third of the associated rule-making has been finished.
So, risk and compliance professionals must put in place an approach to meet regulatory requirements that can easily adapt over time as regulations evolve, and this approach includes the capability to adapt internal policies to keep pace with the evolving regulatory environment.
During the Risk Analytics Keynote, IBM announced general availability of IBM OpenPages GRC Platform 6.1.
This new solution enhances the ability to make risk-aware business decisions, enables companies to react more quickly to regulatory changes through better policy management, and decreases costs and complexity of compliance.
Leveraging the IBM Cognos business intelligence platform, OpenPages 6.1 delivers interactive reports and dashboards that allow business managers to turn that risk information into insight and insight into better business outcomes.
The new release includes several important enhancements:
· Manages lifecycle of policies from creation, review, approval, attestation, and exception management
· Standardizes policy templates and approval processes across the business
· Allows policies to be structured in a standardized way but presented in narrative form (for editing and review, etc) the way people are used to working with policies
· Formalizes process for employee awareness and training and monitoring of campaigns
· Maps policies to regulatory library and control framework to increase visibility into policy coverage & adherence and make it easier to update policies as regulations change
· Enhanced reporting user interface and framework that empowers business users to explore and analyze risk data using interactive dashboards and reporting for better decision making
In summary, IBM OpenPages 6.1:
· Enables companies to react more quickly to regulatory changes through better policy management
· Enhances the ability to make risk-aware business decisions through easier access to risk and compliance information
· Decreases the cost and complexity of compliance with out-of-the-box configurations for policy management.
For more information:
· Read the Vision 2012 Day One Recap
· Read the blog post from Michael Zerbs, VP of IBM Risk Analytics, "Managing Risk: A Global Challenge that Must be Confronted"
· Download the whitepaper, "Managing Regulatory Change - Learn how Dodd-Frank Impacts Regulatory Compliance"
· Follow @IBMRisk & @IBMCognos on Twitter and/or search #Vision12
For more information:
· Read the Vision 2012 Day One Recap
· Read the blog post from Michael Zerbs, VP of IBM Risk Analytics, "Managing Risk: A Global Challenge that Must be Confronted"
· Download the whitepaper, "Managing Regulatory Change - Learn how Dodd-Frank Impacts Regulatory Compliance"
· Follow @IBMRisk & @IBMCognos on Twitter and/or search #Vision12
Convergence of Governance, Risk & Compliance, Basel II and Solvency II (Track 1014)
Erwin Boeren 270002C43V firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  openpages risk & of (track ii solvency governance convergence management 1014) and grc basel compliance | 0 Comments | 3,582 Visits
Convergence of Governance, Risk & Compliance, Basel II and Solvency II (Track 1014)
IBM Vision 2012, Tuesday May 16th, 16:45 – 17:45 pm I will be presenting the Convergence
of Governance, Risk & Compliance, Basel II and Solvency II.
In this session I will take you through the most common questions I received from our customers facing Basel II and Solvency II. I will help you understand the challenges from an Operational Risk perspective and speak about how my clients have overcome these challenges.
Convergence, Risk Adoption, Risk Montoring, Loss Registration, Risk Reporting
and Dashboarding and Regulatory Reporting are topics that will be discussed in
this session.
Hope to see you in Orlando next week!
Twitter : #Vision12
Blog post by Erwin Boeren
Senior Governance, Risk & Compliance specialist IBM
Twitter : http
LinkedIn : http
Vision 2012, 1068 Managing IT Risk and Compliance with IBM OpenPages ITG
Erwin Boeren 270002C43V firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  itg and 1068 vision with governance compliance management managing openpages cloud it grc ibm risk 2012 | 0 Comments | 4,190 Visits
Managing IT Risk and Compliance with IBM OpenPages ITG (Track 1068)
At IBM Vision 2012, Tuesday May 15th, 1:15 – 2:15 pm I will be presenting Managing IT Risk and Compliance with IBM OpenPages IT Governance.
In this session I will take you through the results of the IBM CIO Study 2011 that was recently published and guide you through the IT Risk related subjects.
Do you want to understand how Big Data, Cloud, Regulatory Pressure, Business Continuity Management, Disaster Recovery, Identity and Access Management, Segregation of Duties, Automated Controls and Endpoint Controls will influence your GRC strategy?
This all comes together in IBM Smarter IT Governance, Risk and Compliance.
Hope to see you in Orlando next week!
Twitter : #Vision12
Blog post by Erwin Boeren
Senior Governance, Risk & Compliance specialist IBM
Twitter : http
LinkedIn : http
Not Going to IBM Vision 2012? Better "Think Twice."
Timothy Powers 270003F3FN email@example.com | | Tags:  predictive-analytics xbrl governance decision-management risk grc business-analytics performance-management fraud compliance openpages clarity cognos analytics | 0 Comments | 4,290 Visits
Do you really understand the reasons you make decisions?
Sometimes the mind wants to unconsciously push us into a certain decision when there's a better way to think about it.
That's the premise of the book, Think Twice: Harnessing the Power of Counterintuition, written by Michael Mauboussin, Chief Investment Strategist at Legg Mason Capital Management and a keynote speaker at IBM's upcoming Vision 2012 conference in Orlando, May 14-17.
Vision is IBM's global conference for finance and risk professionals to help improve planning, budgeting and forecasting, identify and mitigate risk, and meet the demanding requirements of XBRL, IFRS, Basel II and Solvency II with greater confidence.
I talked to Mauboussin about his book, making data-driven decisions, some common pitfalls as decision makers, and his upcoming talk at Vision.
"What's very exciting is that in the last half dozen years, we've had a real influx of data, and we're now just learning how to tap that data for the benefit of better decision making," said Mauboussin. "Now we can create a better intersection between value creation and making decisions."
The problem however, according to Mauboussin, is that we still have the same cognitive makeup and the propensity to make common mistakes.
"We often think about our own decision making as being objective and fact based and rationale. And we tend to underestimate systematically how important the social context is for our decision making," said Mauboussin.
To illustrate this point he told an interesting story from his book.
Researchers went into the wine section of a supermarket and set up French and German wines next to each other that were roughly matched in price and quality. Over a two week period they alternated playing distinctively French and distinctively German music to see if it would have any influence on purchase decisions.
Surprisingly, they found when French music played people bought French wine 77 percent of the time, and German wine 73 percent of the time when German music played. When asked if music affected their selections, the consumers unanimously said no.
"This basic experiment can be extrapolated to a lot of organizational settings where we think of ourselves as trying to be conscious and mindful as we make decisions. But indeed what is going on around us can be deeply influential to our decisions," said Mauboussin.
So what do we do?
According to Mauboussin, integrate more data into quality decisions. However, there is still a tension between the intuitive, go by the seat of the pants experience group versus the analytically-minded group.
"Either extreme is not going to work but a blend between the two is right way," said Mauboussin.
Read the rest of the interview with Michael Mauboussin on the Business Analytics Blog here.
For more information:
· Register here for the upcoming Vision 2012 conference
· Download the Vision conference guide for background on keynotes, elective sessions, demos & workshops
· Read a previous blog post on minimizing risk and improving performance
GRC Maturity: From Disorganized to Integrated Risk and Performance - Part IV
Liz Andrews 2700041WEU email@example.com | | Tags:  compliance risk openpages grc | 0 Comments | 2,165 Visits
Getting to the Head of the Class: Advancing Your Organizations GRC Maturity
Organizations with GRC processes siloed within departments operate at the Unaware, Fragmented, or Integrated stage. At these stages GRC may be effective within a silo, but lacks an enterprise perspective of risk and compliance and gains no efficiencies from shared processes. Different departments may be at different levels of maturity.
The Aligned and Optimized maturity levels represent maturity of organizations with an enterprise GRC strategy, focused on developing a common GRC process, information and technology architecture. These organizations report process effi
Considerations for Moving From Fragmented to Integrated
Departments at the Fragmented stage have siloed approaches to risk and compliance at the department level. This means no integration or sharing of risk and compliance information, processes or technology.
To move from Fragmented to Integrated requires the department reduce manual data integration and improve overall visibility into risk exposure. Organizations should consider defining GRC process and information architecture at the department level and implement technology to manage multiple risk and compliance initiatives cohesively.
Considerations for Moving From Integrated to Aligned
Departments at the Integrated maturity stage are in a good place to lead the organization in an integrated GRC strategy to the Aligned stage. They have a strategic approach to GRC at the department level, supported by mature GRC processes that can be extended to other departments. These organizations have a shared-services approach to GRC to deliver common processes and integrated information.
To move from the Integrated to the Aligned stage requires a common risk catalog that shows the relationship of risks across the business and risk ownership. The purpose is to enable the business to make risk-informed decisions. Orga
Considerations for Moving From Aligned to Optimized
To difference between the Aligned to Optimized stage is primarily one of context. At the Aligned stage the orga
Achieving the Optimized stage requires GRC expectations set as part of the annual strategic planning processes. The organization has extensive measurement and monitoring of GRC in the context of business strategy, performance and objectives. There is shared information and technology between risk, control and compliance management as well as decision support, optimization and business intelligence. The organization has integrated risk and finance data to drive performance and maximize value creation.
Fundamental Steps to Establishing Your GRC StrategyTo achieve the benefits other organizations have seen from a GRC strategic plan and common approach, Corporate Inte
GRC Maturity: From Disorganized to Integrated Risk and Performance - Part III
Liz Andrews 2700041WEU firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  risk openpages grc | 0 Comments | 1,862 Visits
This is the third in a series of four blog posts where we will present risk and compliance speaker and thought leader, Michael Rasmussen's, GRC maturity model. For more insightful information on GRC and to exchange ideas with risk and finance colleagues, come see us in Orlando at Vision 2012.
Five Stages of GRC Maturity
Mature GRC is a seamless part of governance and operations. It requires the organization to take a top-down view of risk, led by the executives and the board, and made part of the fabric of business, not an unattached layer of oversight. It also involves bottom-up participation where business functions at all levels identify and monitor uncertainty and the impact of risk.
Corporate Integrity has developed the GRC Maturity Model to articulate an organization's maturity in GRC processes.
1: Ad Hoc/Unaware — Department-Level Maturity
Characteristics of this GRC stage are:
Organizations in the Ad Hoc/Unaware GRC stage answer many of the following questions affirmatively:
2: Fragmented — Department Level Maturity
Characteristics of the Fragmented GRC stage are:
Organizations in the Integrated GRC stage answer many of the following questions affirmatively:
3: Integrated — Department Level Maturity
Characteristics of the Integrated GRC stage are:
Organizations in the Integrated GRC stage answer many of the following questions affirmatively:
4: Aligned — Enterprise GRC Maturity
Characteristics of the Aligned GRC stage are:
Organizations in the Aligned GRC stage answer many of the following questions affirmatively:
5: Optimized — Enterprise GRC Maturity
Characteristics of the Optimized GRC stage are:
Organizations in the Optimized GRC stage answer many of the following questions affirmatively:
Come back next week to view the final post in this series: Getting to the Head of the Class: Advancing Your Organizations GRC Maturity
GRC Maturity: From Disorganized to Integrated Risk and Performance - Part II
Liz Andrews 2700041WEU email@example.com | | Tags:  openpages grc risk | 0 Comments | 1,870 Visits
This is the second in a series of four blog posts where we present risk and compliance speaker and thought leader, Michael Rasmussen's, GRC maturity model. For more insightful information on GRC and to exchange ideas with risk and finance colleagues, come see us in Orlando at Vision 2012.
GRC Maturity — Measuring a New Paradigm for Risk and Compliance
Lacking an integrated view of GRC results in business processes, partners, employees and systems that behave like leaves blowing in the wind. Modern business requires a new paradigm for tackling risk and compliance issues across the enterprise. No longer can organizations afford to focus on single risk and compliance issues as unrelated projects; nor can they allow software Band-Aids that are not integrated with the business to masquerade as GRC. A targeted strategy addressing GRC through common processes, information and technology gets to the root of the problem.
With changing and diverse risks bearing down on the organization, there is a clear need to tackle the problem at its root and develop a mature approach to GRC. Instead of treating each risk and compliance issue as an individual problem, organizations need to define a common process, information and technology architecture to manage GRC across the range of issues.
To address these issues, leading organizations have adopted a common framework, information architecture and shared processes to effectively manage risk and compliance, enable risk-aware decision-making, increase efficiencies, and be agile in response to the needs of a dynamic business environment.
The questions organizations must ask:
A well-defined GRC environment will not only do risk assessment and modeling, but will also deliver definition, communication and training on risk-taking and accountability. The organization must map the interrelationship of risks to controls, policies, enterprise assets (e.g., business process, employees, relationships, physical assets and logical assets), and incidents to business strategy, objectives and corporate performance.
Mature GRC delivers better business outcomes because of stronger integrated information, which will:
Architect integrated GRC systems and processes
A properly defined GRC architecture is built upon common process, information and technology components that are adaptive to a dynamic business environment and integrate with critical enterprise applications. No longer is risk and compliance about an annual audit; it now involves continuous monitoring in an ever-changing environment. GRC has to be sustainable as an ongoing and integrated part of business processes. A successful and mature GRC strategy has a symbiotic influence on the variety of business stakeholder roles and their common requirements.
Organizations need to be intelligent about what processes and technologies they deploy. The goal is to make an effective decision once, and comply with many regulations, manage a range of risks and maximize value from the convergence of technology, people and process. A sustainable approach to GRC results in an organization looking to the future and mitigating risk in the course of business, as opposed to putting out fires by reacting to risk and control issues as they arise.
Mature GRC enables the organization to understand performance in the context of risk and compliance. It achieves the definition of GRC, which is "a capability that enables an organization to reliably achieve objectives [GOVERNANCE] while addressing uncertainty [RISK MANAGEMENT] and acting with integrity [COMPLIANCE]." Effective and mature GRC delivers:
Continue on to Part III in this series: Five Stages of GRC Maturity
GRC Maturity: From Disorganized to Integrated Risk and Performance - Part I
Liz Andrews 2700041WEU firstname.lastname@example.com | | Tags:  grc risk openpages | 0 Comments | 1,903 Visits
This is the first in a series of four blog posts where we will present risk and compliance speaker and thought leader, Michael Rasmussen's, GRC maturity model. For more insightful information on GRC and to exchange ideas with risk and finance colleagues, come see us in Orlando at Vision 2012.
Success in today's dynamic business environment requires organizations to integrate, build and support business processes with an enterprise view of governance, risk management and compliance (GRC). Without an integrated view of risk and compliance, the scattered and nonintegrated approaches of the past fail and expose the business to unanticipated risk.
In a mature GRC program, the organization has an integrated process, information and technology architecture that provides visibility across risk and compliance domains. It offers an integrated approach for business managers and executives to leverage GRC data for risk-aware decision-making and resource allocation.
Inevitable Failure: Managing GRC in Silos
The multifaceted risk environment
Risk to the business is like the hydra in mythology — organizations combat risk, only to find more risk springing up to threaten them. Executives are constantly reacting to risk appearing around them and fail to actively manage and understand the interrelationship of risk across the enterprise.
The dynamic and global nature of business is particularly challenging to risk management. As organizations expand operations and business relationships (e.g., vendors, supply chain, outsourcers, service providers, consultants and staffing) their risk profile grows exponentially. Organizations need to stay on top of their game by monitoring risk to their business internally (e.g., strategy, processes and internal controls) and externally (e.g., competitive, economic, political, legal and geographic environments) to stay competitive in today's market. What may seem an insignificant risk in one area can have profound impact on others.
Organizations are increasingly aware of the critical need to link risk management and corporate performance management. To manage corporate performance, the organizations must understand risk and make risk-informed business decisions.
In the area of regulatory risk, organizations face an expanding regulatory environment with rapidly increasing requirements that burden the business. Organizations face expanding regulations, increased fines and sanctions, and aggressive regulators and prosecutors around the world. Reputation and brand protection is also a significant compliance and risk management issue in a global environment.
Isolated risk and compliance initiatives introduce greater risk
Managing GRC activities in disconnected silos leads the organization to inevitable failure. Reactive, document-centric and manual processes for GRC fail to actively manage risk in the context of business strategy and performance, and leave the organization blind to intricate relationships of risk across the business. Siloed GRC initiatives never see the big picture and fail to put GRC in the context of business strategy, objectives and performance, resulting in complexity, redundancy and failure. The organization is not thinking about how GRC processes and controls can be designed to meet a range of risk and compliance needs. An ad hoc approach to GRC results in poor visibility across the organization and its control environment, because there is no framework or architecture for managing risk and compliance as an integrated part of business. When the organization approaches risk in scattered silos that do not collaborate with each other, there is no possibility to be intelligent about risk and understand its impact on the organization.
A nonintegrated approach to GRC impacts business performance and how it is managed and executed, resulting in:
The pain organizations have expressed
Siloed GRC processes, though effective in their own silos, are ineffective at an aggregate level, as the organization does not have a complete view of GRC in the context of the business. Corporate Integrity finds organizations that lack a collaborative, integrated and enterprise approach to GRC have:
Continue on to Part II in this series: GRC Maturity — Measuring a New Paradigm for Risk and Compliance
Whistleblowing Worries On the Rise
Richard Steinberg 270004HRBG email@example.com | | Tags:  openpages risk dodd-frank grc whistleblowing sec | 0 Comments | 1,466 Visits
The SEC's final rules implementing Dodd-Frank's whistle blowing provisions failed to remove angst among compliance officers and general counsels. While there are some incentives for potential whistleblowers to first report alleged misconduct via internal reporting channels, there's no requirement to do so – and many are concerned the internal channels will be bypassed. And going outside is on the rise. It's been reported that in only seven weeks after the SEC's program began, there were 334 whistleblower filings. Compliance officer concerns are well founded – that bypassing internal channels will deprive the company of being able to investigate and fix problems before they grow, and company personnel will need to play catch up with investigations in reaction to SEC probes.
We can point to many resolved whistle blowing cases for clear evidence of the potential impact of the SEC's still relatively new program. One homeowner delinquent on her mortgage ultimately received $18 million for reporting suspected use of fraudulent documents in the bank's foreclosure process. It's said that in acting against this homeowner – an attorney and career insurance fraud investigator – the bank "picked the wrong person at the wrong time in the wrong place," but the robo-signing and other compliance failures were widespread and surfaced from a number of sources. Nonetheless, this individual was one of six whistleblowers receiving $46.5 million said to be part of the five-bank $25 billion settlement. In an unrelated case, a member of a major bank's quality control team who reportedly was displeased that the misconduct wasn't reported to regulators, decided to do so herself – ending up with a settlement of $31 million. And there are many more.
Worth noting is a recent survey that indicates more than one-third of American workers have seen misconduct on the job. While many instances of misconduct have been reported through internal channels, it appears the vast majority have not. Why? The survey shows it's because of fear of not being able to remain anonymous, and of retaliation. Those two factors, plus the possibility of monetary reward, are reported as key factors in incentivizing internal reporting. And the survey also shows two-thirds of respondents didn't know about the SEC's program – at least not yet.
Certainly it's in a company's interest to be first to know about alleged misconduct, and compliance officers are working hard to upgrade policies, training, communications, and the internal whistleblower systems, all to encourage internal reporting. Actions to ensure anonymity, with positive responses and nothing close to retaliation, are expected to help. Some companies have begun to pay bounties for valued reports. There are indications that when employees believe their reports will be taken seriously without adverse repercussions, there's increased likelihood for internal reporting. Law firms and others have provided guidance on which companies are acting. However, it remains to be seen the extent to which the possibility of a huge, life-changing payday by the SEC will be too much to resist. Time will tell.


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[Tuition and Other Expenses]
A copy of each student's class schedule and the registration bill will be mailed to the student's permanent address in late July for the fall semester; late November for the spring semester; and late April for the summer term. The schedules/bills will contain instructions for completing the enrollment confirmation process and making payment, if required, by a specified date. Schedules that are not confirmed by the deadline will be canceled.
A student registering for courses after the registration bill mail-out date will not receive a registration bill through the mail. The student must go online to http://tideguide.ua.edu to view/print/pay his or her account or contact the Office of Student Receivables.
Continuing students who register after the confirmation deadline will be charged a $25.00 late registration fee.
For current billing dates and confirmation dates, go online to http://studentreceivables.ua.edu and click on Payment Deadlines/Confirmation.
Enrollment confirmation with required payment may be made through the mail by check or credit card; on the Web (http://tideguide.ua.edu) or by telephone (205-348-4470) with a credit card; or in person at the Office of Student Receivables (105 Student Services Center) by cash, check, or credit card. Confirmation when no payment is required can be made via the Web (http://tideguide.ua.edu) or in person, by mail, or by telephone (205-348-5350).
If all or a portion of a student's registration expenses are to be paid by some type of financial aid or by a sponsoring agency and the registration bill does not reflect this actual or anticipated transaction, it is the student's responsibility to provide written evidence of this support to the Office of Student Receivables.
To verify that confirmation has been received, check your student account on Tide Guide (http://tideguide.ua.edu) or call ALBERT at (205) 348-0700.
Payment of registration charges with a check that is subsequently returned from the bank unpaid will result in an additional late registration fee and a returned check fee. Failure to clear a returned check taken in payment for registration charges will result in administrative withdrawal from classes. Once this action is taken, the student cannot be reinstated for the semester, but will owe the prorated portion of the charges for tuition and dorm room charges, as specified in "Withdrawal from the University."
All charges collected during the registration process are subject to correction for errors in calculation, to ensure that correct amounts are collected as required by the board of trustees and current policies of the University.
BAMA Plan Installment Payment Option
The BAMA Plan, Bama's Affordable Monthly Alternative, is a simple, monthly budget approach to paying tuition, residence hall, Dining Dollars, and optional campus meal plan charges for the academic year (fall and spring semesters). The 10 manageable monthly installments begin in June. Late application is possible through July—with a larger initial payment. BAMA Plan convenience can be yours, interest-free, for just a $55.00 annual participation fee.
Signing up for the BAMA Plan and making payments toward anticipated registration expenses do not ensure or affect class enrollment, dorm assignments, or meal plan purchases. Students must apply for dorm assignments through Residential Life, apply for meal plans through Bama Dining, enroll for classes in accordance with the Office of Academic Records and University Registrar procedures, and confirm the enrollment in accordance with the Office of Student Receivables procedures. Meal plan contracts must be completed and returned to Bama Dining by specified deadlines to be added to the student's registration bill.
Summer term charges are not eligible for the BAMA Plan.
For more information and an application on the BAMA Plan, go online to http://studentreceivables.ua.edu/bamaplan.html.
Deferment of Registration Expenses
Students who meet the following eligibility requirements may defer up to one-half of the current semester charges for tuition, course fees, residence hall charges, Dining Dollars and meal plans:
- All prior semester charges must be paid in full.
- If the student wants to include a meal plan, these charges must be included at the time the deferment is granted.
- At least one-half of the current semester charges must be paid at the time the student's class schedule is confirmed.
The required payment of one-half of all current semester registration charges can be made by cash, check, money order, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover), financial aid applied to the student's account, faculty/staff or graduate student grants, sponsoring agency contracts, or anticipated financial aid verified by the Office of Student Financial Aid. The deferred amount plus a deferment fee, currently $30.00, is payable by the midpoint of the semester.
Financial aid (other than work-study) is applied to a student's account in payment of institutional charges. No refund will be made on applied aid unless the student's account reflects a credit balance.
Meal plans contracted for after the student has confirmed registration for the semester must be paid in full at the Bama Dining office.
Use of Federal Financial Aid to Pay Prior Year Charges
Federal financial aid awarded for the current academic year cannot be used to pay any prior year outstanding balances (balances incurred during or prior to summer term) greater than $100.00. The prior balance must be paid by personal payment, regardless of the amount of aid anticipated or disbursed for the first enrollment period of the academic year, before enrollment can be confirmed.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Sending VoteClick to Vote36%"All Falls Down"
Sending VoteClick to Vote16%"The New Workout Plan"
Sending VoteClick to Vote18%"Slow Jamz"
Sending VoteClick to Vote28%"Through the Wire"
- Pretty Little Liars boss announced there will be a wedding next season. Which one of the girls do you think is getting married?
- Tonight's TV is all about the finales. Which TV show finale are you most excited to watch?
- Blake Lively has been showing off her fabulous Cannes Film Festival fashion on Instagram. Which of her outfits is your favorite?
- Stars stunned in black at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards. Which celeb had the best award show look?
- Another weekend, another batch of great new movies out in theaters! Which new movie will you be seeing this weekend?
- Demi Lovato invited Carrie Underwood to join her song with Brad Paisley. Which other female country artist would you love for Lovato to sing with?
- NBC picked up three new shows for its fall 2016 line-up. Which one of the new series are you most excited to watch?
- Spring colors were all around at the NBCUniversal Upfronts yesterday. Which celeb rocked the whites and pastels best?
- It was all about the shimmer and the sparkles at KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2016 over the weekend. Which singer rocked the style best?
- ABC just canceled some fan-favorite shows. Which one are you saddest to see end?


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Jun 19 2009
Garage Apartment for a Weekend Retreat
My family loves being outdoors…biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and the list goes on. When my wife and I purchased nearly 600 wooded acres about two hours from our suburban home, there was no there was no doubt we'd be spending many weekends there with our kids, extended family and friends. We have a couple of nice fishing lakes and several trails for hiking and riding ATVs and dirt bikes. On long weekends we invite friends and family to the property for cookouts, swimming, fishing and camping in tents. When the fall hunting season rolls around the place transforms into "deer camp" as my brother and a couple hunting buddies arrive with their pop-up campers. I am certain everyone has enjoyed numerous hours and days of fun at our little piece of the wilderness.
However, my wife and I do have an eye focused on our retirement. This is the place where we'd like to build a home, the place where we will grow old together and spend time with our grand kids. But in the meantime, we are not getting any younger and camping is getting to be a little bit harder on the body. Plus with teenagers now, no trip to the woods is easy. We strategically load the ATV and dirt bikes on the bed of the truck and pack everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) around them until the truck cannot hold one more thing. Then we hitch up the boat and trailer and away we go to our wooded getaway where we will spend at least a few hours unloading and setting up camp before the fun can begin.
It seemed to my wife and I that there had to be a better way. That's when we decided to build a garage apartment. It was the perfect solution to our packing challenges and it makes spending the night more comfortable. We chose a garage apartment that would accommodate all of our needs. With a large garage area, we now have room to park the truck while we are there and also have a place to store the boat, ATV and dirt bikes safely while we are away. With so much storage space, we've expanded out "water toy collection" a little bit. Now we have a canoe and a pair of kayaks that hang from the garage ceiling when not in use. But these aren't the only things we needed to store. We didn't want to have to pack up and bring our fishing poles, tackle boxes, life jackets and hunting clothes every time we left suburbia for the woods. With a little research, I was able to find garage organizers for all of these things and now we can just put everything away at the end of the weekend leaving all of it in the country. Better than that, we don't have to spend hours unloading everything each time we arrive in the country. We just pull up, jump out of the truck and enjoy the sights and sounds of the woods.
The upstairs living quarters of our garage apartment are modest, but comfortable. The compact kitchen allows us to easily cook meals even when an unexpected storm puts the campfire out. Two bedrooms give my wife and I our own space and the kids a place to crash too. A full bath accommodates our needs. If we invite guests to stay with us for the weekend, the open and flexible living area allows room for a pull-out couch and a couple of sleeping bags. The laundry closet is something I thought we could do without, but I am sure glad my wife talked me into it. It is nice to be able to throw a load of towels in after spending an afternoon swimming in the lake or wash and dry some of the basics after hunting in the rain all day.
The garage apartment is a far cry from "roughing it," be we can still sleep under the stars on a nice night if we want to. Besides, there are other advantages. Some have asked if we plan to build a house here in the future, why didn't we just build the house to begin with? For starters, we are still saving up for our dream home, and we still don't know exactly what we want. This gives us time to live with the land and figure out just where we want to build our house to get the best views and take advantage of the landscape. And when the time comes, I'll feel lucky to have temporary living quarters at the jobsite during construction of our permanent home. It will sure beat sleeping in a tent at age sixty-something or having to drive two hours to check on the progress of construction. And when our dream home is finished, this cozy little garage apartment will be a perfect guest house and no doubt it will still be the storage space for everything it holds now.
Looking forward to living with Mother Nature for many years to come…


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Venice , FL
Application Deadline:
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Summary of Job Duties:
Performs initial steps of manufacturing or feeder line:
- Assembles frames, sashes, and components.
- Operates die machines with no/minimal set up.
- Weather-strips.
- Loads processed parts and assembled frames on carts or in bins in correct batch sequence.
- Performs daily housekeeping and maintenance for hand and power tools or machine.
- Reports non-conforming raw materials or processed parts to leader.
- Interprets applicable portion of production ticket.
- Operates and understands maintenance requirements of hand and power tools.
- Recognizes the components used in regularly performed job tasks.
- Identifies non-conforming raw materials and parts encountered in regularly performed job tasks.
Education, Experience & Skills Required:
- Understands and promotes team culture.
- Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 75 lbs., on a regular basis depending on product being produced.
- Understands and follows company policies, such as attendance and conduct.
- Understands employee's role in Gainsharing and makes positive contributions to increase Gainsharing.
- Demonstrates team skills.
- Respects and appreciates diversity of others.
- Contributes to achieving team goals.
- Demonstrates willingness to shift tasks performed, as needed.
- Knows fire evacuation routes and how to operate fire extinguishers.
- Understands "Right to Know" information for department and line.
- Understands need for and regularly wears PPE.
- Applies effective responses to accidents.
- Uses tape measure correctly.
- Follows company's workers comp procedures.
- Tags chemical containers and disposes of used chemicals and rags/towels properly.
Overtime Required
To apply for this position:
- Download an application: pgt_job_application.pdf
- Complete all sections
- Return the completed form to PGT's Human Resources Department located in the main office building at 1070 Technology Drive, N. Venice, FL between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
- Fax to (941) 486-0809


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I'm so glad I found this community. Going to be fun!
I've been a gamer for years, and over that time I've had fun building worlds and elaborate adventures for my friends. It started off with maps drawn on huge pieces of paper I borrowed from my dad (who always has the best paper for maps) and rectangular dungeons drawn on engineer's paper. And a bit of hackneyed flavor text added to round out the adventure.
It only ever took them half-an-hour to break the adventure.
Still, it was fun, and led me down a path of studying writing and graphic design. The perfect tools for crafting a good adventure and building a world.
Now that I (and my friends) are older, I feel like I have half a chance of building a campaign we can really play through. And it starts with a map. A cool map, too, with all the bells and whistles and made with the nifty bits of software I've accumulated for design. It's gotta look good.
Which led me here to the Cartographer's Guild. Sure, there are tutorials online, and some of them are really good, but I'm excited to have access to a community of people who, hopefully, can answer questions too. I'm looking forward to it!


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Wednesday, September 9, 2009
PHOTO OP: This is AWKWARD
Fernando Verdasco received treatment on his abdominal area during his 7-6 (2), 1-6, 7-5, 6-2 loss to Novak Djokovic in the US Open quarterfinals today.
Nando played well for a good stretch there but the injury plus Nole's superior experience in big matches took its toll. Hopefully he'll recover okay.
(Photo: Getty)
Labels: Fernando Verdasco, injuries, photo op, tennis, US Open
4 comments:
Novotny's had a pretty good week with Spain Tummygate '09!ReplyDelete
Too bad injury got the best of him here. It was a good match up.
- AnonymousSeptember 10, 2009 at 1:22 PM
That pic's a bit 'how's your father'.ReplyDelete
I love awkward things, brings out the best in people.
Tummygate, HAHAHAH! Totally!ReplyDelete
This guy has the fuckin' greatest job ever.
- AnonymousSeptember 11, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Beats working in a call centre.ReplyDelete
I like the absolute lack of eye contact too. Where I'm from we call that being felt up.
Also, is it the same injury as Rafa's? What have they both been doing, possibly together, to overexert themselves?
Or is that getting a bit slashy...
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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ATLANTA -- The inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities Tip-Off Championship, featuring eight teams from the four HBCU conferences, has been scheduled for Nov. 7-11.
NBA Hall of Famer Sam Jones, a graduate of North Carolina Central University, helped announce the new tournament on Tuesday. Atlanta's Morehouse College was announced as one of the teams. Proceeds will benefit the Morehouse School of Medicine.
The tournament, to be held at Philips Arena, home of the NBA Hawks, is designed to have seven new teams each year. Only the defending champion will be invited to return.
The tournament will include Division I and Division II teams. Each team will play three games. A Division II team will play a Division I team only in the title or consolation game.


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Open Box (Mint) Gibson 2013 SG Faded Limited Edition Bass Guitar
(Worn Cherry)
Sku #513285004324000
4 String Electric Bass
- Write a Review
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A finish that looks mellowed with age.
This limited edition Gibson 2013 SG bass guitar is a special run. It has a faded finish that gives it the look of a gently aged vintage bass. Mahogany neck and body with a rosewood fingerboard and chrome hardware. Features a vintage-style TB Plus bass humbucker at the neck and a bass mini-humbucker on the bridge. Two volumes and one tone control. Includes Gibson gig bag.
- Pickups: Neck: Vintage-style TB Plus bass humbucker
- Bridge: Bass Mini-humbucker
- Hardware: Chrome
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- Scale: 30-1/2"
- Nut Width: 1-1/2"
- Nut: Molded plastic
- Bridge: 3-way adjustable
- Neck Material: Mahogany, rounded
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Controls: 2 volume,1 tone
- Includes Gibson gig bag
Order your SG Bass today and play a legend.


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Tech at Night: Crowder on Net Neutrality, Walden on the FCC, Apple on the patent troll, Ryan Giggs is an adulterer
Top story: the great Steven Crowder has a new video on Net Neutrality. With all the hype on Twitter leading up to this release, I was looking forward to Crowder's video release. It's funny, accurate, and devastating to the left. As usual for Crowder. Sometimes a patent troll runs into fire. Lodsys, as you may recall, decided to abandon the strategy of targeting deep pockets | Read More »


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About this font family
Vectis, named in honor of the Roman settlement of Britain's south coast on the Isle of Wight, brings a fresh approach to the classic simple elegance of ancient Roman faces.
Vectis is offered as a small caps face designed to add a fresh hint of character to this style of classical design.
Vectis can lend a note of formal dignity to any design project or poster and is ideal for clear headings and titles with a traditional feel. Two basic weights are offered, regular and bold, as well as a range of alternate letterforms and ligatures. More…
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WASHINGTON/AMMAN (Reuters) – Syria accepted a Russian proposal on Tuesday to give up chemical weapons and win a reprieve from U.S. military strikes, and major western powers began working on a United Nations resolution to create a timetable and process for ensuring it happens.
Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halki accepted the Russian proposal "to spare Syrian blood," state television reported.
The United States and its allies remained skeptical and President Barack Obama sought to keep the pressure on Syria by maintaining his drive for congressional backing for a possible military strike while exploring a diplomatic alternative.
Amid the whirlwind of diplomatic activity focused on the response to a suspected chemical weapons attack on a Damascus neighborhood on August 21, the civil war resumed in earnest, President Bashar al-Assad's jets again bombing rebel positions in the capital.
France wants a binding U.N. Security Council resolution that would provide a framework for controlling and eliminating the weapons and says that Syria would face "extremely serious" consequences if it violated the conditions.
Britain and the United States said they would work on quickly formulating a resolution.
The U.N. Security Council initially called a closed door meeting asked for by Russia to discuss its proposal to place Syria's chemical weapons under international control, but the meeting was later canceled at Russia's request.
Moscow, which has previously vetoed three resolutions that would have condemned the Syrian government over the conflict, appeared strongly opposed to the continuation of any military threats to Damascus, as advocated by Washington.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in televised remarks that the initiative to put Syria's chemical weapons under international control would not succeed unless the United States and its allies reject the use of force against Damascus.
The United States appeared unmoved. "For this diplomatic option to have a chance of succeeding, the threat of a U.S. military action … must continue," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told the House Armed Services Committee.
The United States and France had been poised to launch missile strikes to punish Assad's forces, which they blame for the chemical weapons attack. Syria denies it was responsible.
The White House said Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande had agreed in a telephone call on their preference for a diplomatic solution, but that they should continue to prepare for "a full range of responses."
Obama was due to meet Senate Democrats and Republicans to present his case for approving a potential military strike. Secretary of State John Kerry also spelled out the argument in a House hearing and was due to talk by telephone with Lavrov later in the day.
The White House said Obama, who has called the Russian proposal a potential breakthrough, would still push for a vote in Congress to authorize force when he makes a televised address to Americans later on Tuesday.
But the U.S. congressional vote now appeared more about providing a hypothetical threat to back up diplomacy, rather than to unleash immediate missile strikes. A bipartisan group of senior members of Congress was working on a resolution that would take into account the Russian proposal.
Whether international inspectors can neutralize chemical weapons dumps while war rages in Syria remains open to question.
Syria's rebels reacted with deep dismay to the Russian proposal, saying it had already emboldened Assad to launch a deadly new offensive and meant that last month's gas attacks would go unpunished.
The proposal provides a way out for Obama to avoid ordering action that is unpopular with Americans, weary after more than a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and with Congress.
Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem, visiting Moscow, as saying Damascus had agreed to the Russian initiative because it would "remove the grounds for American aggression".
Assad's warplanes bombed rebellious districts inside the Damascus city limits on Tuesday for the first time since the poison gas attacks. Rebels said the strikes demonstrated that the government had concluded the West had lost its nerve.
"By sending the planes back, the regime is sending the message that it no longer feels international pressure," activist Wasim al-Ahmad said from Mouadamiya, one of the districts of the capital hit by the chemical attack.
The war has already killed more than 100,000 people and driven millions from their homes. It threatens to spread violence across the Middle East, with countries endorsing the sectarian divisions that brought civil war to Lebanon and Iraq.
The Russian proposal "is a cheap trick to buy time for the regime to kill more and more people," said Sami, a member of the local opposition coordinating committee in the Damascus suburb of Erbin, also hit by last month's chemical attack.
But Damascenes in pro-Assad areas were grateful for a reprieve from Western strikes: "Russia is the voice of reason. They know that if a strike went ahead against Syria, then World War Three – even Armageddon – would befall Europe and America," said Salwa, a Shi'ite Muslim in the affluent Malki district.
French officials said their draft U.N. resolution was designed to make sure the Russian proposal would have teeth, by allowing military action if Assad is uncooperative.
"It was extremely well played by the Russians, but we didn't want someone else to go to the U.N. with a resolution that was weak. This is on our terms and the principles are established. It puts Russia in a situation where they can't take a step back after putting a step forward," said a French diplomatic source.
The White House portrayed the deal as a success that vindicated Obama's firm stance.
"We see this as potentially a positive development and we see this as a clear result of the pressure that has been put on Syria," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
The White House and the Kremlin both said the Russian proposal was not entirely new and that Obama and Putin had discussed the principles behind it in the past. Putin's spokesman said it came up at a summit last week.
With veto-wielding China also backing it, it would be the rare Syria initiative to unite global powers whose divisions have so far blocked Security Council action. Assad's main regional backer, Iran, has also signaled support, as has U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Gulf Arab states which support the rebels were skeptical, however: "It's all about chemical weapons but doesn't stop the spilling of the blood of the Syrian people," said Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa.
Syria is not a party to international treaties which ban the stockpiling of chemical weapons but is bound by the Geneva conventions that forbid using them in war. Syria has not said whether it possesses poison gas, while denying it has used it.
Western states believe Syria has a vast undeclared chemical arsenal. Sending inspectors to destroy it would be hard even in peace and extraordinarily complicated in the midst of a war.
The two main precedents are ominous: U.N. inspectors dismantled the chemical arsenal of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in the 1990s but left enough doubt to provide the basis for a U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was rehabilitated by the West after agreeing to give up his banned weapons, only to be overthrown with NATO help in 2011.
Assad's government says last month's chemical attack was the work of rebels trying to win Western military support, a scenario Washington and its allies say is not credible.
Human Rights Watch, the New York-based watchdog, said evidence strongly suggested Syrian government forces were to blame because the attack used rockets and launchers in the possession only of government forces.


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Worked With:
Claire Forlani
Birth Name: Claire Forlani
Born: 07/01/1972
Birth Place: London, England, GB
Born: 07/01/1972
Birth Place: London, England, GB
A self-confessed artist with principle, Forlani has been selective in her roles and has not been afraid to walk away from a project. She was fired from the action thriller "Deep Rising" after she refused to make adjustments in her character development to suit director Stephen Sommers' vision. On the small screen, she played a woman who catches the eye of the future president in "JFK: Reckless Youth" (ABC, 1993), and could be seen briefly as a woman in a restaurant in Laura Dern's directorial debut, "The Gift", a short film that aired on Showtime in 1994. Additionally. Forlani portrayed a Victorian era aristocrat who falls for a commoner in the period piece "Basil" (Romance Classics, 1998).<... Continue Bio >>
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Do you want to make somebody feel special? Surprise your beloved ones in the sky with a unique Wannagives gift. Now available on all KLM flights longer than 90 minutes.
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Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Will Middlebrooks hit a grand slam in the midst
of an eight-run sixth inning, as Boston ripped Detroit thanks to eight home
runs, 20-4, in the rubber match of a three-game series.
David Ortiz went deep twice and knocked in four runs for the Red Sox, who took
the set and have won nine of their last 11 thanks to exploding for a season
high in runs scored.
Stephen Drew, Daniel Nava and Ryan Lavarnway each clubbed a two-run shot, with
Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Napoli adding solo homers.
Ryan Dempster (8-9) gave up four runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and
two walks over six innings for the victory.
Prince Fielder hit a two-run homer, with Torii Hunter and Jose Iglesias
driving in a run apiece for the Tigers, who have dropped three of four.
Rick Porcello (11-8) was torched for seven hits and nine runs -- eight
earned -- over five-plus frames. Detroit's bullpen was responsible for 12 hits
and 11 earned runs for the remainder of the contest.
The Sports Network


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IBM just introduced new software and services to help build security into the design of new applications instead of adding it later as an afterthought.
New technologies like cloud computing and virtualization are making organizations more efficient and competitive. These new technologies are also adding increased complexity and risk forcing businesses to find new ways to deal with compliance, risk management and data protection.
The new security software and services announced by
- Access Management: Software that can help organizations provide users with secure access to their servers, applications and environments, across new service delivery platforms, including cloud computing;
- Security Testing: Software that enables businesses to automatically test source code and identify potential security and compliance risks during the earliest stages of software development;
- Source Code Assessment Services: Services that help clients assess their application security, identify vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for resolution;
- Secure Engineering Framework: A proven blueprint for building and deploying secure software.
These new offerings help organizations ensure their infrastructure organizations lower cost, reduce risk, and ensure their infrastructures are secure by design. For more information about these new security offerings from


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BW - Is this the ignition I should be looking into? I never heard back from Debb @ Rex Caunt Racing so I sent another email this morning asking her to contact me this week.Racing 4-stroke, 36deg Crank Twin Battery Systemhttp://www.rexcauntracing.com/pages/misc_products.htmlIt looks like this system has a CDI box with electronic timing advance. That would be freaking sweet if this will work for my bike!Scottie J
http://www.c5ignitions.com/motorcycle-ignitions.htmlThis uses a similar system but pre programs it and provides a complete set of matched components. The best thing about this system is the ability to have multiple maps stored and flick between them with a switch, e.g. launch control with low rpm limiter, the with button push it then changes to normal use. The reason I liked it was that I can have a failsafe map, and use the others for testing and experimenting, I have the programming kit too.This uses power arc as the base system.
I'm not sure I get this C5. Looks like it is exactly the same as PA. The C5 install manual shows PA ignition in the photos. What do they offer that makes them better than PA? Also PA has upgraded with the M series units.
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What would this etx90ra platform be capable of
Posted 27 July 2013 - 11:18 PM
I'm looking into mounting my canon t4i to my etx90ra
As I plan to try to capture images of the Milky Way,orion and so on
I remove my ota all the time and I'm planning on a eq mount in the near future
With the t4i,250mm lens,wireless shutter release
What do you think the 1996 made in china ra drive is capable of?
Do you think it's a waste of time?
Should I just piggy back the camera to my lx200?
I tracked Saturn I. The ep for about 5 minutes 25mm ep on a really rough polar alignment
Posted 30 July 2013 - 06:23 PM
You've given me a great idea for my ETX 90AT and my EOS 60D. Well done.
I think you'll be able to do pretty much anything you want with this setup.
Posted 01 August 2013 - 08:05 AM
I will come back with the success.
Kind regards,
Posted 01 August 2013 - 08:05 AM
I will come back with the success.
Kind regards,
Posted 01 August 2013 - 01:32 PM
This should be real useful for wide field images and
wide field shots of comet ISON.
Posted 03 August 2013 - 10:08 AM
Now to try at night.
Kind regards,
Posted 03 August 2013 - 10:13 AM
Attached Files
Posted 03 August 2013 - 10:14 AM
Attached Files
Posted 12 August 2013 - 07:50 AM
Posted 12 August 2013 - 11:30 AM
Posted 19 August 2013 - 10:52 PM
I'm just making you aware that the drive mechanisms are not as stout as you might assume them to be, especially once you attach a SLR camera. I've owned a ETX90 and had it apart to closely examine the drives. Nothing strong enough inside to bank on. Hopefully yours holds up for your application.
Posted 26 August 2013 - 12:10 PM
Attached Files
Posted 26 August 2013 - 05:02 PM
Posted 28 August 2013 - 07:48 PM
Also how did you line up the polar scope
Did you do it with the ota on
Posted 19 September 2013 - 08:40 PM
Posted 20 September 2013 - 09:33 AM
I'm still wondering how you got the finder aligned with the polar axis. Can you give us some more info?


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Looks like it's been recorded in >30 or >60 fps and then slowed down as well. Can't imagine the bandwidth and storage that'd require. Would eat through mechanical hard drives faster than I eat through SD-cards. :P
While I won't lie and say I wouldn't love to have 4K, it's mostly the "I want this"-thing. I've been talking and hugging 4K for years as the 'perfect resolution'*. And I still think so. I don't think I'd like to move beyond that in a reasonable timeframe (20 years?).
I think I'd have much trouble telling the difference from 1440p and 4K, and I think I'd just suffer at those resolutions. Ie, graphical horsepower would not be up to par. 1440p at 24", or 4K at 32". Then I'm good.
* = Each pixel in 720p becomes 3x3, 1080p becomes 2x2, so it'd scales 'perfectly'.


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Rio+20 Global Town Hall
18 Jun 2012 - 22 Jun 2012Approximately 9 billion people will be sharing the earth in the next three decades. Continued rapid urbanization will lead to 3 billion new urban dwellers. Over the next 40 years we will have to build the same urban capacity as we have built over the past 4000 years.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
How can we ensure basic, decent livelihoods for all, with more equality and social justice, when climatic changes will have taken effect and scarcity will have led to significant price increases in water, food, mineral oil, natural gas, and many materials?
We can no longer just make incremental changes to the status quo. We need to determine how human life and urban fabrics in 2030 shall look like. And what decisions need to be taken today ? notably, by the Rio+20 summit, to ensure that our economy, our cities will provide the desired conditions.
To address the challenges ahead, ICLEI is organizing the Rio+20 Global Town Hall during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development from 18-22 June 2012. This will be the key venue at Rio+20 to discuss the sustainable urban future and agree on solutions for the future. More Information


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May 31, 2016
Meridian police are searching for a third suspect they believe was involved in a Tuesday armed robbery in Highland Park.
Police say that 17-year-old Markeey Green was an accomplice to two people already charged, Ashley A. Lewis and Stantrez Grady, both 16.
Lewis and Grady were apprehended following a car pursuit early Wednesday morning.
If you know where Green can be found, you may report it to Crimestoppers at 601-485-1860 or the Meridian Police Department at 601-485-1893.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text: Westview News Friday evening June 14, Westview Retirement Community held an alumni dinner for the Perkins County High School classes of 1948 and 1943. A delicious dinner was served and music was provided by Teresa Clouse. In attendance were Loyal and Ina Thompson, Vern Mailand, Vance and Barbara Kirkpatrick, Guy Bechtel, Lillian Hanson, Betty Stohler, Janice Stohler, Merrill and Geneva Leonard, Betty Larsen, Ardith Sexson and Darlene Kuskie.Sawyer News Elmer Pankonin's guests on Father's Day were Larry, Diana and Brendon Pankonin; Leon Pankonin and Lisa and Ben Jones; and Amy Retchless and sons from Bridgeport. On Thursday Betty Larsen went to Imperial to attend a Red Hat meeting. On Friday evening Betty Larsen attended Keith's graduation group at Westminster.


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|Written by Rhonda Osborne, LPC, Centennial Mental Health
What's the first question that is asked when a person delivers a new baby? Is it a boy or a girl? The answer to that question, of course, is based on the genitalia of the infant. If the baby has a penis, it's a boy; no penis, it's a girl. Right? What do we say to a toddler or preschooler who refer to themselves to be the opposite gender of what their genitals define them to be? Usually we tell them they're wrong. The child is told that they are a boy or girl based on their genitals, the length of their hair, the color of their clothes, etc. Imagine what it must be like to be told in every area of your life that you are a certain gender, but on the inside that gender assignment doesn't fit. You are told to use a certain bathroom, though you swear you are the opposite gender, despite the genitalia to prove otherwise.
You are expected to play with children of similar interests, often based on gender; but that doesn't feel right either. You feel more comfortable in clothing of the opposite sex. You desire to wear makeup or a ball cap but know that you will get teased. Such is the life for an individual with Gender Identity Disorder. We often mistake those with Gender Identity Issue for being perverse transvestites. They may be labeled as "queer," "gay" or "sick"; identified as perpetrators and assumed to be dangerous. Sadly, this image prevents many individuals with gender identity disorder from leading a healthy, satisfying existence. This population is at high risk for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. They are at higher risk for suicide attempts and completions.
Gender Identity Disorder is characterized by the strong and persistent cross-gender identification. Children will repeatedly state the desire to be the other sex, dress in attire that simulates the opposite sex, prefer cross-sex roles in make-believe play or fantasies, show a strong preference for playmates of the other sex and desire to participate in the stereotypical games and pastimes of the other sex. The individual will demonstrate persistent discomfort with his or her sex or sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex. The child may be disgusted by their genitalia, assert the desire to grow a penis or refute breast development. As an adult, this disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with getting rid of primary and secondary sex characteristics through the use of hormones, surgery requests or other means, while also believing that he or she was born the wrong sex.
Given this population is highly discriminated against, it is important for all society members to re-evaluate what they really know about this population. Anyone can judge; only wise individuals can use novel information to challenge their current opinions. The formation of genitalia occurs intrauterine during the first two months of pregnancy. Sexual differential of the brain or gender identify (the feeling of being a man or a woman) takes place in the second half of pregnancy. Thus, these two distinct processes may be influenced independently of each other. What does all this mean? That the masculinization of the genitals may not reflect the same degree of masculinization of the brain. In summary, a penis is just a penis. It certainly doesn't define the man…or woman.


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Lilis Family Care in PuyallupLilis Family Care-Puyallup Leave a comment
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Frank M. Samson, CSA is founder of Senior Care Authority and Elder Care Resources. Prior to starting these companies, Frank was a veteran of both the franchise and travel industries for 34 years. Frank has had a passion for senior care since having to care for family members
*The Aging Boomers podcast was developed by Frank Samson, founder of Senior Care Authority. The show features experts in various areas relative to the issues boomers and their families are faced with on an everyday basis including senior care, nutrition, insurance, estate planning, brain health and much more! Listen!


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Sculptor and printmaker Ivor Abrahams RA is a leading figure in modern British Art. Eden and Other Suburbs, a retrospective of Abrahams' work, features a wide range of his highly individual, colourful, provocative and humorous sculptures. A strong thread of energy and perception runs through his early bronzes, peopled landscapes and seascapes, architectural collages and oversized bird sculptures.
Find out more about the show and about Ivor Abrahams' work by downloading the interpretation panel PDF.
Read the article by Andrew Lambirth in the Winter 2011-12 issue of Art Magazine or the Spectator review (11 February 2012 issue).


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Gaiam Sol Dry-Wick Yoga Towel
$34.98 $23.99
Item# 05-592561
Our Gaiam Sol Dry-Wick Yoga Towel fits perfectly on top of your yoga mat. This embossed microfiber towel supports traction and balance especially during heated practices as it absorbs twice as much as cotton and dries in half the time. Made in China.
- Non-slip microfiber adds grip to any mat
- Absorbent material absorbs twice as much as cotton and dries in half the time
- Maximizes your traction and balance
- Made exclusively by Gaiam
Measurements: 72"L x 25"W.
Materials: 88% Polyester, 12% Nylon.
Care Instructions: Machine wash separately in cold water. Dry flat.


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Boozehound Review – Literary Monday
In Boozehound, Mr. Wilson traces his humble drinking origins back to his parent's liquor cabinet where he was quite fond of the bottle of Sambuca, an anise flavored liqueur, that remained relatively untouched in high school. He charts his path onto college, an enlightening experience with a mentor who ordered him his first Stinger and a college trip through Europe. Not stopping, Mr. Wilson then regales us of tales from his time as a spirits writer traipsing through distilleries, going to booze festivals and stops along the way in many drinking establishments, famous and otherwise.


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I'm very excited to be part of a tremendous athletic tradition at
Glendale College and it is my top priority to help build the women's basketball program into something that the school and community can be proud of. My goal every time we step on the floor is to prepare our young ladies and improve their fundamentals so they can move on and have successful careers at four-years schools as well prepared student athletes.
Academics are very important part of my coaching philosophy. We can't be committed to what we do as a team on the court if we are not as committed in the classroom and it is my belief that with a degree, our student-athletes are prepared to achieve more in life as well rounded young adults.
Thanks again for your support,
Carrie Miller
Head Women's Basketball Coach
Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College
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Put your best foot forward wearing these ultra glam and comfy pair of Carly sandals from the house of Naot. These ultra soft and comfortable sandals make a great companion for your causal outings or a vacation with family. It has a Nubuck upper adding versatility along with enhancing the breathability in varied weather conditions. Smart construction provides flexibility and durability to this pair, while removable, suede covered, cork with latex cushioned insole proves responsive in managing balance and encouraging correct posture. Anatomical contouring, deep heel indentation and arch support helps in maintain balancing and preventing any chance of spillage. It comes finished with a flexible rubber sole offering better traction and shock absorbing comfort.
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It's been a long week and you deserve some special treatment. These at- home pampering treats will make you feel so good, and the best part is that it won't cost you a fortune, unlike the spa.
Ten Pampering Finds for Under $10
- 6 years ago by Julia Friedman
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