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The White House
January 30, 2009
Press Briefing 1/30/09
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
MR. GIBBS: Happy Friday. How's everyone today? I have my trusty week ahead -- though it's not that detailed, you'll find out. (Laughter.) Saturday, I have. We'll get it out a little bit later. Again, I apologize, I'm still a little under the weather.
Let me give you a couple of quick announcements and give you a better answer to a question that was asked yesterday that I didn't have any information on, and should have.
First of all, Director Blair conducted his first PDB this morning with the President. So we're glad to -- glad that he's been confirmed and glad to have him onboard. The Obama administration today announced an emergency contribution of more than $20 million to relief efforts in Gaza, as part of the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. That was announced by Senator Mitchell in the region this morning.
The President has called and talked to President Hu Jintao of China, and we will have some more information and a readout on that a little later this afternoon.
And then lastly, let me go through just quickly the DTV question from yesterday, which as I said, I should have been better prepared for.
I think you all have copies of letters that were sent from the transition to both Houses of Congress in January. The transition, obviously, in an agency -- in the agency review process determined what it believed to be shortfalls in planning for the DTV transition. For instance, it found that the coupon program for converters had 3.3 million requests sitting on a waiting list, and that the FCC told Congress that the call center that it had established could not handle the rate of incoming calls.
The transition asked that Congress delay the February 17th transition. The House -- I'm sorry, the Senate voted on that last week and passed that delay. The Senate took -- I mean, sorry, I'm confused today -- the Senate voted on that, the House took the bill up under a suspension of the rules requiring two-thirds of those present supporting the bill. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority, but not with the necessary two-thirds. The Senate last night took the bill up again and passed it. I'm told that the House will vote next week. We anticipate that the House will pass a delay on DTV to June 12th. If that gets to the President's desk, and when that happens, the President will sign that delay into law so that we might undergo a little bit better planning process to ensure no interruption for people with televisions.
And with that, let's get going.
Yes, ma'am.
Q Thanks, Robert. A couple questions on the economy. Can you explain what the President's strategy will be in the coming days to all these senators on the stimulus package? What kind of meetings does he have planned? Does he plan any sort of different-looking strategy than he did with the House, for whatever reason? And then secondly, I want to clarify, or see if you can clarify, something that Vice President Biden said in an interview yesterday. He said that any new money for the financial industry-type bailout would not be requested until all the $350 billion has been spent. Is that accurate?
MR. GIBBS: I don't remember that part of the transcript but let me -- let me check on that. Obviously -- I hate to do this, I think both of these answers are largely going to hedge toward answers that I gave yesterday to a couple of these questions.
As I said, the President will continue to reach out to Democrats and Republicans and seek ideas on ways to improve or strengthen the package if those ideas are out there. I said he didn't forestall the idea or close the door on sitting down with leaders in order to do that, from both parties.
You know, the President will continue to do whatever is possible to get this bill going and to get it moved quickly to his desk.
Q Does he have anything on the schedule, in terms of calls he's making?
MR. GIBBS: I don't have anything for next week, but I will -- let me see what there is. I know the President will work next week on an economic stimulus bill. And as I've done here several days this week, you know, again we've got more statistics that remind us just how important it is to get something that stimulates the economy quickly to the President's desk so that we can get relief to the American people.
The economy shrank at its fastest pace since 1982, according to statistics released just today. In addition, those statistics demonstrated that consumer spending was down I think for the second quarter. Sales of new homes -- these were figures released yesterday -- were their worst since the 1960s. More companies announced mass layoffs. And Ford Motor Company reported a huge loss in their quarterly earnings.
Again, I think all of these demonstrate the need for Congress and the President to work together to get something done as quickly as possible for the American people.
Q Just putting aside the Biden interview, is it your understanding that the $350 billion needs to be spent before any other money might be requested?
MR. GIBBS: Let me check on that. I know that, again, the economic team met today with the President. Christina Romer, our newly confirmed director of the CEA, was there to talk about the GDP numbers, some of which I just talked about. Secretary Geithner and Dr. Summers were also there, in continuing discussions on what a financial stability package might look like.
I think you heard the President's remarks yesterday. Before focusing on what might come after the money that's currently appropriated, the focus that we have right now is on how to spend that money differently, how to put together that type of plan, how to get that money back into the economy quicker through lending, how to ensure -- as the President talked about yesterday -- that we don't see the type of excessive compensation or bonuses that the President was outraged about yesterday, that we do this in a way that's different and more transparent than was done before.
I think that's the focus right now. I know there have been different reports about different ideas and different money figures that have floated around that -- the administration right now is focused on ways of changing the way that program has been administered for this set of money differently than that last set.
Q Robert, a question about currency. Secretary Geithner said last week that he supported a strong dollar policy, which the Bush administration said a lot, as well -- although often at times when the dollar was not strong. What does President Obama believe needs to be done about that policy differently than President Bush to keep the dollar strong? And secondly, along those same lines, is the administration prepared to work with G7 countries on reducing currency volatility?
MR. GIBBS: Let me get you some much better advice on those two questions from the Department of Treasury. I think that's probably the best place to answer those.
Q Can you give -- I mean, this is tied in, I guess, can you give us any details about that conversation with China's Hu?
MR. GIBBS: I was not in the conversation, but as soon as we can get a readout written up, we'll make sure that you all have that.
Q Do you know if currency was discussed?
MR. GIBBS: I wasn't in there and I don't know the specifics of what they discussed.
Q There have been new revelations that call into question the ability of the FDA to keep our nation's food supply safe with the salmonella epidemic. More than 500 people are sick, more than half of them are children, eight people have died. On the campaign trail last year President Obama said as the parent of two young daughters, "There are few issues more important to me than ensuring the safety of the food that our children consume."
So what are you guys doing about this?
MR. GIBBS: Well, obviously we've read reports, I think on the AP wire today, about trouble at FDA last year. We've certainly read reports -- and I think the Justice Department is looking into the business practices of the company in Georgia. And I know the President hopes in the next few days to announce a pick for commissioner at FDA to address all of what you said.
I think the revelations have no doubt been alarming, that whether it was our own regulatory system or a company that repeatedly found salmonella in its own testing would continue to ship out that product is beyond disturbing for millions of parents. The President, like I said, in the coming days will have a new commissioner at FDA and hopefully we'll be able to announce also picks at things like the Consumer Product Safety Commission and places like that to put in place a stricter regulatory structure to ensure that the type of thing that happened in this case doesn't happen again.
Q Senator Judd Gregg said he's under consideration for Commerce Secretary. Can you talk a little bit about that?
MR. GIBBS: You know, I -- let me give largely the answer I gave to some of you yesterday, which is -- and some of you heard my ranting on this during the transition -- I'm not going to get into the name-game or the final four of picks for this job or that.
I talked to the President specifically about a decision on the next Commerce Secretary, and the last time I talked to him this morning a final decision had not been made. I know that's something that he hopes to make a decision on and announce shortly. But until the President tells me to make a personnel announcement from this podium, I'll refrain from getting into individual names on that.
Q The February 13th target, is that still etched in stone? Or with the difficulty on the House side with Republicans and resistance on the Senate side, is there any flexibility on that, or is that still absolutely the date? And also, could you tell us a little bit about his schedule? I mean, the conventional wisdom is he works well into the night. Is he working nights? Is he staying up late working on this? Is he going to be working all through all the weekends?
MR. GIBBS: I don't have meetings on his weekend schedule at this point. You know, he's traditionally a night owl. I'll check and see what, if anything in particular, he's doing. I know he spent a lot of time reading stuff on -- mainly as it relates to financial stability.
Your first question about the deadline, I actually don't think we've had any delay. I think -- you know, we all get focused on what the vote count was, but we tend to forget that the bill by a pretty big margin took a big step forward this week in going through the House. As I understand the schedule, the Senate will take the legislation up and vote on it next week. And we hope the week after that, that differences will be ironed out and soon after a bill will be on the President's desk.
Again, Chip, I don't -- we're reminded in this town of statistics that this government and other entities produce relating to how deep and desperate this crisis is. Many in America have felt it for quite some time. I think they understand that Congress has to work expeditiously to get help to the American people, to save or create millions of new jobs, and to get the economy moving again.
I don't think there's been any delay. I don't think next week we'll see any delay. And I think we're on a path toward getting the President something that he can sign before President's Day recess. I think leaders in Congress have said if we don't meet that, then there may be a smaller or shorter recess than might have been previously planned. I think that shows the willingness of all involved to get something, most importantly, out of Congress, out of the President's hands, and into the pockets of the American people.
Q Robert, today on the floor of the Senate, the President's former campaign co-chair, Claire McCaskill, said -- wants to make it illegal for any of these financial institutions that take government money to basically make any more money -- any salary any higher than the President's salary. But is it -- the President yesterday, he said it was shameful, this compensation. Does he want to see it illegal; that this next round, that it is illegal for these companies who take government money illegal for them to compensate themselves --
MR. GIBBS: You know, Chuck, let me not get ahead of what the team and the President will decide to make part of the next round of spending --
Q Well, yesterday he said it's shameful, so he must have wanted something to be done.
MR. GIBBS: And I don't think anybody should take away from those remarks that he doesn't. And I think it is very safe to assume that when a plan is outlined for financial stability, that it will include and address executive compensation and bonuses. The President did it better than I could yesterday. He found it outrageous.
I think many of you have covered him. I have seen him upset at times. He doesn't really get fired up upset. He is more like that disappointed parent, you know, that doesn't embarrass you in the mall, but you feel like you've let somebody down.
So I think yesterday, when you see something like that from the President, I think you can understand that that was from his gut and that was real. Nobody begrudges people that are successful and make money, somebody who's running a very successful company that's making its shareholders money and serving the American people responsibly. Nobody would begrudge that happening. But when the sixth largest year of bonuses fails in any appreciable way to match the huge losses, I think "outrageous" is probably just the beginning of words one might be able to intone, particularly if they're on TV.
Q So it's fair to assume he wants some sort of action by Congress -- an act of Congress to do something?
MR. GIBBS: I think you will see -- I think you will see the President and his economic team outline a plan to deal with what he found irresponsible yesterday.
Q Can you describe the relationship between Senator Gregg and the President? What is their friendship/relationship? Do they play basketball together?
MR. GIBBS: I don't think they're ever played basketball, that's a good question. Senator Gregg looks like he might have an inside game. (Laughter.)
No, I think obviously he is somebody that the President has talked to recently about the economic crisis. I know they spoke before the President was sworn in on a couple of occasions about financial stability and the recovery plan. Obviously, the President shares his concern about the growing federal budget deficit. So they -- I mean, I -- it's somebody the President talks to on a host of economic matters.
Q Is it fair to say he wants to work -- he likes working with him?
MR. GIBBS: I think that would be accurate.
Yes, Helen.
Q You were you saying that the President intends to attach strings to any new money in the stimulus package, aren't you?
MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry, say that again?
Q That you intend to attach a string -- attached to any giving of any more money in the stimulus.
MR. GIBBS: In the bailout money, right?
Q Right.
MR. GIBBS: Yes, I think that it is, again, very safe to assume that the way that the money will be used and what it can be used for will be different than what we've seen come before. And I think that the President is anxious to have that -- those decisions made and outlined. And I think you'll see those relatively soon.
Q When is he going to hold his first news conference?
MR. GIBBS: He is anxious and eager to do so, and we're trying to find him a time to do that. Will you have a question, if he does?
Q Twenty-four hours a day, six days a week?
MR. GIBBS: Are you busy around 2:00 a.m. this morning? (Laughter.) No, we'll -- I promise you, you'll get -- you'll get your chance.
Yes, sir.
Q A couple questions, but we'll start with this one. This middle -- Middle Class Task Force that the Vice President will be heading up -- beyond just meetings and sort of this listening tour that the task force will be going on, what solid -- anything solid will come out of this?
MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think that one of the main purposes of a task force like this is to orient the policies of this government going forward more toward the demands and the needs of the middle class. I think one of the critiques that the President had of the previous administration was a tendency to help those that already had done quite well while many in the middle class were seeing their wages either hold steady or, in many cases, decline.
So I think it's important that a task force and a group be assembled to ensure that the policies of this administration are friendly to the American middle class. I think the beginning of that is in this recovery and reinvestment plan, to ensure that the tax cuts that are contained in it are focused towards those that need it the most.
I know there's been lots of discussion about that, but the President believes that that's the best way to spend that money.
Q And on another issue, I think it was yesterday or the day before yesterday, when you were asked about these outside groups that are running these attack ads -- you said the President didn't want to referee, I guess.
MR. GIBBS: Still doesn't.
Q Well, let me -- let me try to get at it at a different angle. You have these groups going after people like Senator Gregg, a Republican, who has admitted that the President is looking at him for Commerce. Is this sort of Washington old --
MR. GIBBS: I'm wondering which question we're trying to get at. Are we trying to get at Ann's question or are we trying to get -- (laughter.)
Q It's not -- I'm not trying to get at that question. It's just, is this sort of Washington as usual where you have the Democrat or liberal groups attacking Republicans, and this is someone who the President is reaching out to?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean, as I said yesterday, the President has a lot on his plate. I think refereeing what this group or that group is doing to this group and that group might not be something that encompasses a lot of the President's daily schedule.
Q But is this more Washington as usual? It's not the tone that the President wants to see here.
MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the President feels like the efforts that he's made, and will continue to make on this, will live up to what he wants to do to reach out to Democrats and Republicans. Again, this is -- it's not just being nice to be nice; it's being nice to get something done that's important for the American people. I think that's what the focus of the President's efforts are, and he'll continue it. I don't know if we sent the list out -- and he'll have more members of Congress over here Sunday to watch the Super Bowl and, again, reach out to and get to know in a better way members on both sides of the aisle to see where we can work in concert to improve the lives of the American people.
Q Robert, a couple of questions. First, Secretary Geithner, during his confirmation hearing, said that he would support specific limits on executive compensation beyond which executives would have to repay the government; in other words, if they got stock or bonuses or -- et cetera, and they were receiving bailout money, they would have to -- they would not be able to receive that until they had repaid the government its bailout money. Is that something that the President supports? Is that the kind of policy that we're going to see announced next week?
MR. GIBBS: Well, again, I don't want to get ahead of the President or the Secretary. I know that I wouldn't dissuade you from anything that the Secretary said in that testimony. I think that's -- I think those are strong beliefs of the Secretary. And I think it's safe to say that many of the Secretary's views mimic those of the President.
Q But how would you calculate the compensation?
MR. GIBBS: Well, again --
Q Would it be a specific amount? Would it be a percentage of or --
MR. GIBBS: Again, since I'm not announcing -- since I'm not announcing anything, it would be hard for me to enumerate the reasoning behind what I wasn't announcing. So again, let me not get ahead of that, except to say stay tuned, because something on that is coming soon.
Q And separately -- a different issue -- you spoke earlier about the President would like to announce an FDA commissioner soon. We've got a food safety problem right now that is ongoing and urgent without a commissioner. You don't have a Commerce Secretary yet. How much of a problem is this that some of these key jobs in the administration are not filled? And what's your target for really having all of your top jobs filled?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean obviously we want to get jobs filled as quickly as we can. I think we want to make good decisions. And I think the American people can be extremely confident in the professional level of the government that's both in place, hopefully, at the White House and in the executive branch; but also each of these agencies and departments has loyal and dedicated career public servants that can ensure that the safety that needs to happen as it relates to the FDA or some other charge of government is being carried out in a way that meets the President's expectations. Again, trust me, as soon as we have announcements, you'll hear me echo what the President says.
Q Two questions. First, talking to CEOs who met with the President earlier this week, they said the economy clearly has a structural problem, but they also said it has a psychological problem. The President today called the economic statistics a continuing disaster. Why does the President believe language like that is helpful when CEOs he met with said part of the problem is the psychology of the country and feeling a sense that things might get better? Why is that rhetoric helpful in the President's point of view?
MR. GIBBS: Major, I think the President strongly believes that the only way that the American people are going to support what the President and the Congress are trying to do is if the President and the Congress are frank and honest with the American people about where we are.
I think it's kind of hard to sugarcoat and spin an economy that shrank at a faster rate in any quarter except -- or since 1982; or that consumer spending was down, and that drives normally two-thirds of our economy; or housing sales of new homes are at their worst since the 1960s.
The President also often says we didn't get into these problems overnight, many of these were years in the making, and that it's going to take us a while to get out of them. I think the American people understand that. I think what the American people also want to see is somebody who will level with them about the challenges that we face, and will give them a sense of where he hopes to take them. But I don't think he can do that if he is continually telling people that things are different than what they know to be true in their everyday daily lives.
Q Second question. The House has a "buy American" provision in it affecting steel and iron. The Senate is expanding that. How strongly does the administration support those? And how does it react to criticism from some of the United States' largest trading partners, that they fear this is a protectionist move? And how does it square with the commitments made at the G20 meeting, that members of the G20 would not take steps viewed broadly as protectionism?
MR. GIBBS: Well, as I think you've seen us respond in the paper, that because of what you've seen and concerns, that the administration is reviewing those provisions as part of the recovery plan. And that review continues.
Q Would it be fair to say that the administration does not currently support them?
MR. GIBBS: I don't think I said that. I think it's important that the administration review, and once we make a review we'll have a better idea of the opinion that you just had.
Yes, sir.
Q If I could just stay on "buy American" for a second, is the President aware of some of the anger, particularly up north, that this provision is causing? And could that make for any awkward conversations in the upcoming visit?
MR. GIBBS: Oh, Canada. I didn't know if you meant, like, New York, or -- (laughter.)
Q New York is still part of America last time I checked.
MR. GIBBS: But you didn't say up north, not in America, so I was -- I was clarifying if we were, like, into southern Vermont or whatever. (Laughter.)
Look, I think, as I said the other day, I don't think there's any doubt that trade is going to be on an agenda for a bilateral meeting between the United States and Canada. I think that would have been the case regardless of who those two participants were. But again, the administration will review that particular provision, and we'll make a determination on that.
Q But Canada said it specifically violates trade laws. I mean --
MR. GIBBS: Which is precisely why the administration is going to review that, and once it makes that review --
Q Does he agree with that point of view?
MR. GIBBS: Guys -- let me -- no, no, no. Give me a second, let me -- I'm going to say this for, like, the fourth time. The administration is reviewing that provision. It understands all of the concerns that have been heard not only in this room but in newspapers produced both up north and down south. So let us undertake that review, and when we have something to announce as it relates to that review, I will be able to answer any number of your questions related to a review that has not yet currently been done.
Yes, sir.
Q What kind of consideration is the White House going to give to this alternative stimulus proposal that is emerging from Senator McCain and other Republicans? And if a full-blown alternative is out there, what are your concerns about it delaying the overall debate on reaching that deadline of yours?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean, I think there was an alternative -- if I'm not mistaken, there was an alternative that was voted on in the House that didn't receive a majority. I assume there will be amendments and alternatives in the Senate. But again, I don't -- I don't see that that will delay the process. I mean, we have encouraged on the House and the Senate side ideas and amendments to be debated and voted on. I think that's part of a process that has been undertaken in this bill that allow everybody to take part.
But again, I don't -- the way we look at the legislative calendar, we don't see delay on the horizon. And I don't think the American people want to watch Washington delay what they know they need. I think we're making progress towards the President's timetable of the President's Day recess.
Q What else can you tell us about this Super Bowl get-together? Is this going to be a big schmoozathon on the --
MR. GIBBS: Bill is bringing the seven-layer dip. (Laughter.) No, I will --
Q You better get the FDA on that one. (Laughter.)
MR. GIBBS: Especially if it's from Bill's kitchen. (Laughter.) I mean, it's a fairly straightforward deal. Again, I don't know if we've sent out the list of -- we will hit "send" on that quickly. You'll see Democrats and Republicans. You'll undoubtedly see Steelers fans and Cardinals fans, once again bringing people together.
Q What's the viewing --
MR. GIBBS: What's that?
Q Where are you going to watch it?
MR. GIBBS: I think it's in the theater, right? I think that's --
MR. BURTON: It's in the residence.
Q Any coverage? Is there pool on that, or is it closed press?
MR. GIBBS: I think it's closed press, but I will --
Q Who makes up the guest list?
MR. GIBBS: Or maybe we'll do the Super Bowl on background.
Q Who makes up the guest list?
MR. GIBBS: I believe the Social Office and with input probably from many offices, including intergovernmental and legislative affairs.
Q Will wagering be allowed? (Laughter.)
MR. GIBBS: No. (Laughter.)
Q I have two questions.
MR. GIBBS: Sure.
Q The first one is, over the last two days we've seen two measures that have -- the labor community has welcomed -- the bill signing yesterday and then today's executive orders. What -- are you planning anything else further on the labor agenda? And also, yesterday the Vice President said that he expected the Employee Free Choice Act to be acted upon this year. Is that the White House's position, that you would like to see action on that this year?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the executive orders that the President signed today, as he said, restore some balance in the relationship and increase the transparency in the workplace, which he's a big proponent of. I think the best phrasing in terms of the President's thinking on Employee Free Choice was part of the transcript from his visit to The Washington Post Editorial Board, which I won't paraphrase; I'll give to you to show the best thinking of the President on that right now.
Q Well, just to remind those of us who weren't at The Washington Post --
MR. GIBBS: Well, that's why we'll send it out.
Q Yes, okay, but was the Vice President speaking for the White House when he said he wanted to see action this year?
MR. GIBBS: Well, let me get you this transcript so that everybody is in line.
Q Well, no, wait, my second question was actually something different --
MR. GIBBS: Oh, I'm sorry.
Q -- which is, what -- in terms of bipartisanship, the SCHIP legislation was an example during the Bush administration of actual, real bipartisanship on the Hill, at least -- maybe not with the White House, but there was a lot of Republican --
MR. GIBBS: Right, I was going to say -- (laughter.)
Q -- a lot of Republican support --
MR. GIBBS: The reason that we hope to sign it next week is because that bipartisanship broke down at the point of the President's signature.
Q Yes, the President was not part of that. But in fact in the Senate there was a lot of Republican support for that bill. But, in fact, the final vote yesterday lost a lot of those Republican supporters, people like Hatch and Grassley, people who had been part of that. And they complained that, hey, if we can't even do this bill, in what they view as a bipartisan way, how are we going to do bigger bills like stimulus or health care reform in a bipartisan way? Could you address that?
MR. GIBBS: I don't -- I didn't watch the debate. Obviously, a 66-32 -- I think that was the vote -- I think is a pretty strong endorsement on a bipartisan -- in a bipartisan fashion for a priority that as you mentioned has been shared by Democrats and Republicans, but never made it to the desk of the President -- or I'm sorry, made it to the desk of the President, but never made it past that point.
It's long been a priority of this President, and obviously this President's Chief of Staff. It's a piece of legislation that will continue to cover 6 to 7 million children, and increase and expand that coverage by an additional 4 million more. I think that you heard the President talk in the campaign about how important it was to cover -- particularly cover children.
So the President looks forward to bringing Democrats and Republicans to the White House, hopefully soon, maybe as early as next week, to sign that bill into law and to expand health coverage for millions of currently uncovered children.
Yes, sir.
Q What's the President's expectations for this weekend's elections in Iraq? And how much will they be a litmus test, in terms of security, as he makes his decisions on the draw-down of troops?
MR. GIBBS: Well, obviously the President will watch the results, and believes that the provincial elections this weekend mark another significant milestone in Iraq's democratic development. There are a series of elections that will happen throughout the country throughout the rest of the year -- an important year, again, for that democratic development to continue.
Separately, the President has met with military advisors, the Joint Chiefs, the Secretary, commanders on the ground in the region over the past almost two weeks, to hear from them and quite honestly, for them to hear from him about a way forward in Iraq, Afghanistan. And also, I think as I mentioned yesterday, a fairly lengthy and engaged discussion at the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs this week on the health of the military force that we have right now. I think the Pentagon said this, and it's true that we expect that we'll have recommendations and decisions on moving forward on Iraq quite soon.
Q Robert, what are the guarantees of the stimulus package -- as the last stimulus package made little impact, or so economists have said.
MR. GIBBS: Well, I think if you look at the way that this stimulus package is structured, particularly as it relates to the last stimulus package, I think you'll see that we took into account some of the shortfalls in both size, scope, and implementation. I think it's safe to say that the President wanted something that he believed would be big enough to get the economy moving.
We've talked about it in this room. The government is out of a lot of options as it relates to monetary policy. And that a fiscal stimulus targeted in the right way that puts money in people's pockets and uses spending to create jobs can have, as Christina Romer said, an impact in lessening what we believe has already been and will continue to be a fairly deep recession. And we talked yesterday about -- in a couple of answers, changing, for instance, the way some of the tax cuts are structured to individuals in a way that is likely to see them receive and spend that money far more quickly than they would if we simply handed them one lump sum; instead to spread out an increase in that pay over a period of time in which people are likely to get more used to having that money in their paycheck and in their pocket and spending that money.
So I think a lot of those issues were taken into account. You see money for infrastructure, for projects that are proven and ready to go. You see investments in a clean energy economy that we believe will stimulate job growth. All of those I think are taken into account in order to get the economy moving again.
Q So the question was, are there guarantees, is there a guarantee of some sort of stimulation for job growth for a loosening of the credit?
MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the CEA chair has said that she believes and her estimation is that this is a piece of legislation that can save or create 3 to 4 million jobs. Again, I think if you go back and look at those reports, we're talking about graphs that cushion the downward blow some.
But make no mistake that there are big challenges economically. The President talked this week with Republicans in the House and Senate about not just a recovery plan but a stability package, and there will be some meetings next week at the White House relating to reregulation of the financial industry to greatly assure that the structure that enabled some of what happened -- most recently to happen doesn't come again on this President or another President's watch; that that's very important and that only by addressing each of those aspects of the challenges that we face in our economy will we be adequately -- able to adequately address those challenges and move the economy forward.
Q Robert, for Americans who are looking at these GDP numbers, these unemployment numbers and who may be alarmed, may be worried about their own jobs, Americans who are unemployed, what is the -- what is the White House's message? Essentially is it that if we pass this recovery package, if we reregulate the financial sector, if we take these steps, maybe in a year or two these numbers will reverse themselves; in the meantime, hang on? What would the President say to folks who are just alarmed, frankly, by some of these economic trends?
MR. GIBBS: Well, let me quote him. I think he would likely tell you that if Congress and the President can work together across party lines, put aside differences, and get something good for the American people, then help would be on the way.
The President understands that people have hit hard times. He spent two years on the road and heard about these problems, quite honestly, long before some of these statistics ever started being spit out by a government computer or out of an agency.
We traveled a long way and met a lot of people that had lost jobs or seen their jobs go overseas or were having trouble with mortgage payments for quite some time.
The President in September of 2007, when it was a little lonely out there, went to Nasdaq and Wall Street to talk about reregulating the financial industry, something that didn't seem as prescient at the time, but a year later we were probably emailing you drafts of that speech.
The President understands that people are hurting and believes that we have a unique opportunity in this town to bridge our usual partisan differences to get the economy moving again, and that that's what the American people expect and, quite frankly, that's what they deserve.
Q Mr. Gibbs.
MR. GIBBS: Let me see --
Q Robert, Robert --
MR. GIBBS: Yes.
Q More and more people in Europe are demanding financial stability in the United States. Is the President considering a conference of global solution to this crisis?
MR. GIBBS: Well, as I said yesterday -- and I know the G20 is going to meet in April -- that unless or until we all act in some ways to address the problems that each of us has -- not through some global solution, but each of us working together -- that unless or until we do that, you're going to see a solution only have a partial impact on the health of the global economy. I know that -- you know, one of the things that the President hopes to put on his agenda domestically is that reregulation that I just talked about.
I think that's certainly important for this country and for other countries to have that kind of confidence in the economic system both here and abroad, to not just understand what happened, to respond to it and to get it moving again. And that through the course of all those things -- again, in September -- this was a few days after the collapse of Lehman Brothers -- one of the things that he specifically said is that we need to take actions together as part of the G20 to ensure that this doesn't happen again and that we address a series of solutions that doesn't cause capital to swing from one country to the other because one country is making improvements in their banking system while another doesn't, and you see dramatic shifts in capital and swings in that way.
Q Robert, what is he going to do about the trial being -- going ahead at -- the fellow accused of blowing up the USS Cole?
MR. GIBBS: Sure. Well, as I said yesterday after the ruling, after we received the ruling, or read about it on -- at news reports, that we were in consultation with the Pentagon and the Department of Justice as it relates to that, and we continue those consultations -- just as we continue to review the cases at Guantanamo Bay, consistent with the President's executive orders to do so, with the strong goal of ensuring swift justice. That's -- and the safety of the American people. That's what we owe the families of those that were -- that have been injured or killed as a result of terrorist activities, and that's what we owe the American people in order to keep them safe.
Q How does he approach this? Does he approach this as an interested party filing a motion in court, as he did originally, or is the Commander-in-Chief, who can tell the military what to do?
MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry, say that one more time?
Q How is he approaching this? You say he's talking to both the Justice Department and Defense. Is he approaching it as a lawyer who is going to file a motion and request something to happen, or as the Commander-in-Chief?
MR. GIBBS: Well, let me not get ahead of that consultation. I think that -- it's safe to say that the President has been a critic of this process, that it's, in many ways, failed to meet that very test of swift justice. So not just in this case but in reviewing all these cases, the goal is to bring about that swift justice and protect the American people. I know the Counsel's Office here, as I said, is in contact with the Pentagon and Justice to see what are the next steps that are involved, and at some point, before I get questions about what those next steps are, as soon as we finish those consultations, we'll go forward.
Q Robert, with the Iraqi elections coming up this weekend, how concerned are you that external forces, neighbors of Iraq, specifically Iran and Syria, might play a role that is not in the best interest of the democracy --
MR. GIBBS: Well, let me not -- I don't want to go into hypotheticals about what may or may not happen other than to say that, you know, we're going to obviously watch these elections, watch their outcome, and believe that Saturday marks just another -- that Saturday marks a very important continued milestone for democratic development in Iraq, and that as the President laid out, that one of the -- one of the goals of his review process as it relates to our forces in Iraq is to give more responsibility for security and governing to the Iraqi government. And I think these elections, again, mark an important milestone towards achieving that and, we hope very soon, to giving them more of that opportunity and more of that responsibility.
Q Thank you, Robert.
MR. GIBBS: Let me do the week ahead real fast.
Q Just one more, sir.
MR. GIBBS: Let me -- I'm going to do week ahead, and then I'm going to go try to get some tea for my throat, Goyal.
Saturday, the only thing I have right now on the President's schedule -- and I will double-check this -- is he will attend the Alfalfa Dinner. Nothing says change like the Alfalfa Dinner. (Laughter.)
Q Will he be speaking?
Q What would he like to say to Sarah Palin? (Laughter.)
Q Will he be speaking there?
MR. GIBBS: He will speak there.
Q What's the coverage on that?
MR. GIBBS: And I think I just took his first joke.
The President will watch the Super Bowl here. We will send out a list of friends and colleagues that will watch the game here. The President -- and I apologize, this is going to be somewhat oblique -- will have meetings and announcements here at the White House Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. (Laughter.)
Q Will there be a press conference on Thursday?
MR. GIBBS: Mine does not say that.
Q Williamsburg excursion?
MR. GIBBS: He will attend the Democratic Senate retreat on Wednesday. On Thursday morning the President will speak at the National Prayer Breakfast, and will travel to Williamsburg for the Democratic House retreat on Thursday night. So I will endeavor to see if there are any other additions to the schedule for the weekend.
Q That's not an overnight, is it? Just there and back?
MR. GIBBS: I do not believe -- I think it's just there and back. Do we know -- we'll figure that out, but I think it's just a night --
Q And the topic on the radio address?
MR. GIBBS: The economy. (Laughter.) We will get you guys -- we'll get you the address early so that you're not up at 6:00 a.m.
Q Thank you.
MR. GIBBS: Thanks, guys. Have a good weekend.


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This article is more than 1 year old
Why is mi2g so unpopular?
Security through soundbyte claim
Richard Forno, author of The Art of Information Warfare and security consultant to the US Department of Defense, has launched a broadside against mi2g, accusing the UK-based security consultancy of spreading fear, uncertainty and doubt about cyberterrorism risks.
In a critique entitled Security Through Soundbyte: The 'Cybersecurity Intelligence' Game, Forno questions mi2g's estimates of damage caused by cyber attacks and the whole basis of its 'cybersecurity intelligence' business.
Much of Forno's criticism of mi2g chimes with that of VMyths editor Rob Rosenberger, who features mi2g high up in his hysteria roll call of security industry Prophets of Doom.
Rosenberger's "relentless caricatures of the company's press releases, publicity blitzes, and founder, DK Matai" earned his pages - rather than mi2g's - top billing on Internet searches for the term "mi2g controversy", and provoked a nastygram from mi2g back in July. mi2g was also unhappy about Rosenberger's use of PR-supplied pictures of mi2g's founder Matai in his satirical stories.
Other critics of mi2g include NTK and our own Thomas C. Greene.
Chicken Little charge
The chief charge against mi2g is its regular predictions of withering cyber-assaults which, critics say, rarely seem to materialise.
For example, Forno draws our attention to a "spooky November 11" briefing by mi2g which talks about the need for "counter-attack-forces" to deal with the threats of "digital terrorism" in the "5th dimension defence shield" against "digital mass attacks" and notes that it's "not a question of if, but when" such attacks will occur.
"Coining neat buzzwords in the cybersecurity realm makes for interesting reading, but does little to offer real solutions to the security challenges faced today," Forno writes, arguing that the material only "serves to fan the flames of public misperception".
"Even more disturbing is the report's feeble attempt to capitalise on the public's visceral fear of real terrorism by trying to relate the 'insider threat' of disgruntled employees to the al-Qaeda members responsible for the September 11 attacks," he adds.
According to mi2g, in November 2002 there have been 57,977 'overt digital attacks' to date, and that such 'overt' attacks will cost $7.3 billion worldwide for 2002. Forno scoffs at these figures, pointing out the difficulty of estimating losses resulting from cyber-attacks.
"One wonders how much mathematical masturbation takes place when analysing and generating these numbers," he writes.
He also questions mi2g's credentials and experience in the security industry, arguing that most of its staff appear to be without "significant operational IT security experience". mi2g denies this and states that it employs experienced risk managers.
mi2g started off in the mid-1990s as an e-business enabler focused on operating portal sites (such as Carlounge.Com and Lawlounge.Com) before repositioning itself as a security integrator/consultant specialising in providing "be-spoke security architectures" and security intelligence.
It burst into the IT security scene with a highly controversial, and colourful prediction, in late 1999 that a Y2K virus would cause widespread loses by moving corporate clocks forward. Anti-virus firms dismissed the alert and the subsequent non-appearance of any significant Y2K-related problems cast further doubts on mi2g's initial warnings, which are often the main exhibit in the case against the company.
Indeed this alert can still be found on mi2g's Web site along with its many reports of hacking assaults, which are frequently successful in generating high-profile media coverage. To declare an interest, I should state here that I have reported on a small number of mi2g events and announcements. The company has good contacts in the city and in government, and is one of the few which can regularly attract IT directors from blue chip City financial firms to its events.
mi2g answers back
So how does mi2g respond to its critics? Founder DK Matai wasn't available to talk to us, but mi2g's Intelligence Unit did give us a statement responding to the latest criticisms against the firm by Forno.
It said it welcomes feedback but argues that concerns about the way its research on security may come across are "unjustified".
"Our global analysis is always based on reliable research and the judgement of experienced risk management and security professionals. It is our sincere objective to provide a reliable and accurate view to our partners, clients and the public of any credible digital security threats they are facing."
"If there is a prevailing opinion that somehow we can accomplish our objective in a superior way in the future, we welcome any clear and constructive presentation of how this could be achieved. Such feedback is naturally valuable to us," it adds.
Forno's criticisms of mi2g's cyberterrorism warnings and the supposed links between digital vandals and mass murderers drew the sharpest response from mi2g.
"We do not wish to insinuate that most hacking equates to terrorism. Although the damage done by most hacking activity is very real, putting hackers into the same category as groups that kill people would be sensationalist and unjustified. We still maintain that techniques some hackers are capable of deploying could very effectively be used by terrorists in conjunction with physical attacks to magnify the effects of their intended disruption and damage." ®

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Coffee Break Podcast
Podcast Episode 7: Camino de Santiago and Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Written By: jeff
Posted On: January 31st, 2011
In this podcast episode, I report from the market in Santiago de Compostela, Spain during my reporting on the Camino de Santiago. I reflect on my time on the Camino, talk about my blisters and share some of the footage I shot from the Camino and from the market.
[pro-player width='300′ height='200′ type='video' image='http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast7.santiago-poster.jpg']http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast7.santiago.m4v[/pro-player]
Special Episode: Happy New Year From Career Break Secrets
Written By: jeff
Posted On: December 31st, 2010
Can you believe it's already 2011? Time to dust off those resolutions and think about how you're going to fulfill them. We have a few ideas. Watch and see.
[pro-player width='300′ height='200′ type='video' image='http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast.2011-New-Years-poster.jpg']http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WyV8ZAc0qw[/pro-player]
Podcast Episode 6: Hanging Out With Ruben and His Guitar in Madrid
Written By: jeff
Posted On: December 21st, 2010
In this episode, I hang out with Ruben, one of the Spanish professors from our episode ¨Learning Spanish in Madrid.¨
[pro-player width='300′ height='200′ type='video' image='http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast6_ruben_poster.jpg']http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast6_ruben.m4v[/pro-player]
Special Episode: 12 Days of Career Breaks
Written By: jeff
Posted On: December 16th, 2010
In this episode, we have fun with a Christmas carol classic. See what the 12 Days of Career Breaks looks like!
[pro-player width='300′ height='200′ type='video' image='http://cbs.promo.videos.s3.amazonaws.com/12DaysofCareerBreaks-poster.jpg']http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAS7qFhM5Yg[/pro-player]
Podcast Episode 4: Whales Off Cape Point in South Africa
Written By: jeff
Posted On: November 23rd, 2010
In this episode, Jeff comes across a few whales off the shore on Cape Point in South Africa, just outside of Cape Town.
[pro-player width='300′ height='200′ type='video' image='http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast_SA_whales_poster.jpg']http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast_SA_whales_iPhone.m4v[/pro-player]
Podcast Episode 3: Live From Cotlands in South Africa
Written By: jeff
Posted On: October 29th, 2010
In this episode, Jeff reports on his filming experience of the volunteer program at Cotlands, an HIV/AIDS orphanage and community development based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
[pro-player width='300′ height='200′ type='video' image='http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast_SA_cotlands_poster.jpg']http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast_SA_cotlands_iPhone.m4v[/pro-player]
Podcast Episode 2: Live From Monkeyland in South Africa
Written By: jeff
Posted On: October 27th, 2010
In this episode, Jeff reports on his filming experience of the volunteer program at Monkeyland, outside of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa.
[pro-player width='300′ height='200′ type='video' image='http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast_SA_monkeyland_poster.jpg']http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast_SA_monkeyland_iPhone.m4v[/pro-player]
Welcome to the Career Break Coffee Break Podcast!
Written By: jeff
Posted On: October 27th, 2010
Follow Jeff around the world as he gives you his behind-the-scenes reports while filming Season One. Plus, we'll throw in a few extras from time to time. In the first episode, Jeff welcomes you from his home in Bogota, Colombia and introduces you to Career Break Secrets.
[pro-player width='300′ height='200′ type='video' image='http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast_welcome_poster.jpg']http://podcast.careerbreaksecrets.net.s3.amazonaws.com/podcast_welcome_iPhone.m4v[/pro-player]


text:
President Obama signed the 2,409–page health-care reform act into law yesterday, and the analyses of its effects are beginning to come out. Some provisions go into effect immediately, others in 3-6 months, others in 2014. Here's how we know it will affect women:
- Contraceptives are covered, which means millions more women will gain access to family planning.
- Basic benefits include preventive care such as PAP tests and mammograms—without any co-pays or deductibles—as well as maternity coverage, not currently in most individual policies.
- "Gender rating," the practice of charging women more for the same coverage (48 percent in some cases), will be eliminated for individuals and workplaces with under 100 employees.
- Discrimination in favor of higher-paid employees will also be banned, so employers will not be able to give lesser plans to lower-paid workers, who are more likely to be women and people of color.
- The executive order that President Obama promised to sign in order to gain the votes of Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and other anti-choice Democrats will implement the "compromise" abortion restrictions proposed by Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE). Abortions cannot be covered by any federal subsidy or funding (in accordance with the longstanding Hyde Amendment), but individuals may buy insurance plans that offer abortion coverage as long as they pay for it with their own money. To "segregate" the money, the policyholder must make two payments, one for the bulk of the coverage and a second minimal amount to an allocation fund that would include the abortion coverage. In addition, individual states may pass a law to "opt out" of allowing abortion coverage.
And here are the major provisions that will affect everyone, women included:
- Denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions will be eliminated for children. Right away, there will be a high-risk pool created to enable adults with pre-existing conditions to obtain affordable coverage. Insurance denials for adults with pre-existing conditions will be banned in 2014.
- Lifetime caps on coverage will be eliminated immediately, and restrictive annual limits will be capped. When the insurance exchanges begin operating in 2014, no caps will be allowed.
- The practice of dropping an insurance policy as soon as an illness is diagnosed or a claim is made, known as rescission, will be banned immediately.
- Young people can remain on their parents' health insurance policy until age 26 if they are not covered through an employer plan.
- This year the "donut hole" in Medicare prescription drug coverage will begin to close, beginning with a modest payment of $250 for those who are in the donut hole.
- Beginning in 2014, about 15 million people will gain access to coverage through Medicaid. Today, Medicaid only includes pregnant women, children under 8, the elderly, blind and disabled living under the federal poverty level. Under the new act, all people living at less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level (e.g. $18,310 for a family of three in 2009) will have health care through Medicaid.
- An additional 17 million people will be able to purchase insurance at group rates through the to-be-established state insurance exchanges. The program will require most citizens and legal residents to purchase health insurance coverage, but it is estimated that initially about 90 percent of those purchasing insurance through an exchange will receive federal subsidies or premium credits to make it affordable. These credits will be available to those whose income is between 133 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level (approx. $55,000 for a family of three).
- Employers with more than 50 employees will be obligated to provide insurance coverage for their employees, or pay a penalty of $2000 per employee.
- There will be a formal appeal process for consumers to challenge claim rejections and other unfair insurance practices, with funding to help consumers protect their rights.
What do you think of these pending changes in our health-care system?
This blog is part of the #HERvotes blog carnival. Read more HERvotes posts by Ms.


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NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez's drug suspension was cut to 162 games from 211 by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, a decision that sidelines the New York Yankees third baseman the entire 2014 season.
Rodriguez also would be sidelined for any postseason games under the decision announced Saturday.
The three-time AL MVP was given the 211-game penalty on Aug. 5 following Major League Baseball's investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic, which was accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.
A-Rod was disciplined by Commissioner Bud Selig under both baseball's drug agreement and its labor contract.
The Major League Baseball Players Association filed a grievance saying the discipline was without "just cause"
Horowitz, who became the sport's independent arbitrator in 2012, heard the case over 12 sessions from Sept. 30 until Nov. 20. Technically, he chaired a three-man arbitration panel that included MLB Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred and union General Counsel Dave Prouty.
The 38-year-old Rodriguez could challenge the ruling in federal court, but judges rarely overturn arbitrators' decisions.
Despite the ban, baseball's drug rules allow Rodriguez to participate in spring training and play in exhibition games.


text:
Participating Organization(s) |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
National Institute on Aging (NIA) |
Funding Opportunity Title |
T2 Translational Research: Research leading to new health care practices, community programs and policies affecting older persons (R21) |
Activity Code |
R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Award |
Announcement Type |
New |
Related Notices
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number |
Companion FOA |
PAS-11-280, R21 Exploratory/Developmental Grant |
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) |
93.866 |
FOA Purpose |
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages exploratory/developmental R21 research projects on translational research (T2) directed towards development of health care practices, community programs and policies, including monitoring and quality improvement for pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for preventing and treating key health issues affecting the elderly. For the purposes of this FOA, T2 translational research on aging is defined as research to gather information needed to develop or evaluate methods of translating results from clinical studies into everyday clinical practice and health decision making (e.g., adapting an efficacious intervention for application in clinical practice and evaluating its effectiveness in different clinical settings). Methods for T2 translational research include but are not limited to intervention studies, systematic reviews, meta analysis, outcomes research and implementation research. |
Posted Date |
July 25, 2011 |
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) |
September 16, 2011 |
Letter of Intent Due Date |
Not applicable |
Application Due Date(s) |
Standard dates apply, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. |
AIDS Application Due Date(s) |
Standard dates apply or Month Day, Year, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. |
Scientific Merit Review |
Standard dates apply |
Advisory Council Review |
Standard dates apply |
Earliest Start Date(s) |
Standard dates apply |
Expiration Date |
September 8, 2014 |
Due Dates for E.O. 12372 |
Not Applicable |
Required Application Instructions
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
Part 1. Overview Information
Part 2. Full Text of the Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
Section IV. Application and Submission
Section V. Application Review Information
Section VI. Award Administration Information
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
The ultimate goal of aging research is to reduce the burden of illness and functional impairments/disability in old age and to promote healthy aging. However the pace at which new knowledge from clinical studies that demonstrate efficacious interventions is incorporated into effective new approaches for prevention and treatment of age-related conditions has been slow. Consequently many important geriatric conditions such as falls prevention, urinary incontinence, pain and multiple chronic conditions have efficacious prevention and therapeutic options that have not been translated into effective approaches that can be widely disseminated.
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages exploratory/developmental R21 research projects on translational research (T2) directed towards development of health care practices, community programs and policies, including monitoring and quality improvement for pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for preventing and treating key health issues affecting the elderly. For the purposes of this FOA, T2 translational research on aging is defined as research to gather information needed to develop or evaluate methods of translating results from clinical studies into everyday clinical practice and health decision making (e.g., adapting an efficacious intervention for application in clinical practice and evaluating its effectiveness in different clinical settings). Methods for T2 translational research include but are not limited to intervention studies, systematic reviews, meta analysis, outcomes research and implementation research.
R21 projects to this FOA may request support for activities such as pilot testing of interventions, and analyses of databases needed to inform the design of more definitive T2 projects. Guideline development will not be supported using the R21 mechanism.
Novel interventions without known efficacy for prevention and treatment of age-related conditions should refer to the parallel FOA for T1 research PAS-11-280.
Topics for T2 translational studies may include but are not limited to:
Approaches for addressing the above topics may involve:
1. Meta-analysis, a systematic procedure for statistically combining the results of many different studies
2. Systematic review, focused on a related set of questions that try to identify, appraise, select and synthesize all relevant moderate to high quality research evidence, particularly when there is extensive literature available. Systematic reviews of high-quality randomized controlled trials are important for translation and evidence-based medical practice.
3. Outcomes research refers to research which investigates the outcomes of health care items and services. It can use epidemiology to link health care outcomes (quality of care, quality of life) with independent variables such as specific treatments, or patient variables such as income, or lifestyle.
4. Implementation research supports the movement of evidence-based interventions and approaches from the experimental, controlled environment into the actual delivery contexts where the programs, tools, and guidelines will be utilized, promoted, and integrated into the existing operational culture (Rubenstein & Pugh, 2006, Green et al., 2009). This can take interventions that are beneficial and address their extension or adaptation to specific populations or settings, testing a variety of educational approaches, behavioral techniques, and environmental or organizational strategies. For example, studies may focus on developing and evaluating a home care application for a previously inpatient hospital treatment.
5. Studies that combine external validity and diffusion to examine the translation of research into practice for specific interventions for geriatric populations. External validity study tells us about the likelihood or extent to which the effects of an intervention are achieved at one or multiple sites. Diffusion study tells us the extent to which an intervention spreads to many sites (Dearing, 2010).
Funding Instrument |
Grant |
Application Types Allowed |
New The OER Glossary and the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on these application types. |
Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards |
The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations, and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. The NIA intends to commit $500,000 in FY 2012 for support of R21 applications submitted in response to this FOA and parallel FOA PAS-11-280. Additional funds may become available in subsequent years, contingent upon the availability of funds and will be announced in Notices published in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size of each award will also vary. The number of awards made will depend on the quality and costs of the applications received. |
Award Budget |
Direct costs are limited to $275,000 over an R21 two-year period, with no more than $200,000 in direct costs allowed in any single year. |
Award Project Period |
The total project period for an application submitted in response to this FOA may not exceed two years. |
NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.
Higher Education Institutions
The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:
Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
For-Profit Organizations
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are eligible to apply.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.
Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
Applicant organizations must complete the following registrations
as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply
for or receive an award. Applicants must have a valid Dun and Bradstreet Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to begin each of the following
All Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD/PIs) must
also work with their institutional officials to register with the eRA Commons
or ensure their existing eRA Commons account is affiliated with the eRA Commons
account of the applicant organization.
All registrations must be completed by the application due date. Applicant
organizations are strongly encouraged to start the registration process at
least four (4) weeks prior to the application due date.
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources
necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director/Principal
Investigator (PD/PI) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an
application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups
as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH
For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple
Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key
Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.
This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct.
NIH will not accept any application in response to this FOA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial peer review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. NIH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. Resubmission applications may be submitted, according to the NIH Policy on Resubmission Applications from the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Applicants must download the SF424 (R&R) application package associated with this funding opportunity using the Apply for Grant Electronically button in this FOA or following the directions provided at Grants.gov.
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
For information on Application Submission and Receipt, visit Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
The forms package associated with this FOA includes all applicable components, mandatory and optional. Please note that some components marked optional in the application package are required for submission of applications for this FOA. Follow all instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide to ensure you complete all appropriate optional components.
All page limitations described in the SF424 Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions:
Resource Sharing Plan
Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans (Data Sharing Plan, Sharing Model Organisms, and Genome Wide Association Studies; GWAS) as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, with the following modifications:
Do not use the appendix to circumvent page limits. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Foreign (non-US) institutions must follow policies described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, and procedures for foreign institutions described throughout the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Part I. Overview Information contains information about Key Dates. Applicants are encouraged to submit in advance of the deadline to ensure they have time to make any application corrections that might be necessary for successful submission.
Organizations must submit applications via Grants.gov, the online portal to find and apply for grants across all Federal agencies. Applicants must then complete the submission process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons, NIH's electronic system for grants administration.
Applicants are responsible for viewing their application in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate and successful submission.
Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time submission are provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. Section III. Eligibility Information contains information about registration.
For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit Applying Electronically.
All PD/PIs must include their eRA Commons ID in the Credential
field of the Senior/Key Person Profile Component of the SF 424(R&R) Application
Package. Failure to register in the Commons and to include a valid PD/PI
Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the successful submission of an
electronic application to NIH.
The applicant organization must ensure that the DUNS number it provides on the
application is the same number used in the organization's profile in the eRA
Commons and for the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). Additional
information may be found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
See more
tips for avoiding common errors.
Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed.
Note: Include this information within the Approach Section of the Research Strategy.
Applicants should include a timeline and milestones for projects submitted in response to this FOA. The timeline should delineate a series of project stages, identify criteria for completion of work stages and provide contingency plans for each work stage. It is important that the applicant include the criteria and contingency plans that will be used to determine milestone completion before proceeding to the next phase of the project.
Applicants are required to follow the instructions for post-submission materials, as described in NOT-OD-10-115.
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process. As part of the NIH mission, all applications submitted to the NIH in support of biomedical and behavioral research are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.
The R21 exploratory/developmental grant supports investigation of novel scientific ideas or new model systems, tools, or technologies that have the potential for significant impact on biomedical or biobehavioral research. An R21 grant application need not have extensive background material or preliminary information. Accordingly, reviewers will focus their evaluation on the conceptual framework, the level of innovation, and the potential to significantly advance our knowledge or understanding. Appropriate justification for the proposed work can be provided through literature citations, data from other sources, or, when available, from investigator-generated data. Preliminary data are not required for R21 applications; however, they may be included if available.
Reviewers will provide an overall impact/priority score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following review criteria and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed).
Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific merit, and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact. For example, a project that by its nature is not innovative may be essential to advance a field.
Does the project address an important problem or a critical barrier to progress in the field? If the aims of the project are achieved, how will scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice be improved? How will successful completion of the aims change the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
Are the PD/PIs, collaborators, and other researchers well suited to the project? If Early Stage Investigators or New Investigators, or in the early stages of independent careers, do they have appropriate experience and training? If established, have they demonstrated an ongoing record of accomplishments that have advanced their field(s)? If the project is collaborative or multi-PD/PI, do the investigators have complementary and integrated expertise; are their leadership approach, governance and organizational structure appropriate for the project?
Does the application challenge and seek to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms by utilizing novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions? Are the concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions novel to one field of research or novel in a broad sense? Is a refinement, improvement, or new application of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions proposed?
Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses
well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project?
Are potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success
presented? If the project is in the early stages of development, will the
strategy establish feasibility and will particularly risky aspects be
If the project involves clinical research, are the plans for 1) protection of
human subjects from research risks, and 2) inclusion of minorities and members
of both sexes/genders, as well as the inclusion of children, justified in terms
of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed?
Will the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Are the institutional support, equipment and other physical resources available to the investigators adequate for the project proposed? Will the project benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, subject populations, or collaborative arrangements?
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit, and in providing an overall impact/priority score, but will not give separate scores for these items.
Protections for Human Subjects
For research that involves human subjects but does
not involve one of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR
Part 46, the committee will evaluate the justification for involvement of human
subjects and the proposed protections from research risk relating to their
participation according to the following five review criteria: 1) risk to
subjects, 2) adequacy of protection against risks, 3) potential benefits to the
subjects and others, 4) importance of the knowledge to be gained, and 5) data
and safety monitoring for clinical trials.
For research that involves human subjects and meets the criteria for one or
more of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46,
the committee will evaluate: 1) the justification for the exemption, 2) human
subjects involvement and characteristics, and 3) sources of materials. For
additional information on review of the Human Subjects section, please refer to
the Human
Subjects Protection and Inclusion Guidelines.
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children
When the proposed project involves clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for inclusion of minorities and members of both genders, as well as the inclusion of children. For additional information on review of the Inclusion section, please refer to the Human Subjects Protection and Inclusion Guidelines.
Vertebrate Animals
The committee will evaluate the involvement of live vertebrate animals as part of the scientific assessment according to the following five points: 1) proposed use of the animals, and species, strains, ages, sex, and numbers to be used; 2) justifications for the use of animals and for the appropriateness of the species and numbers proposed; 3) adequacy of veterinary care; 4) procedures for limiting discomfort, distress, pain and injury to that which is unavoidable in the conduct of scientifically sound research including the use of analgesic, anesthetic, and tranquilizing drugs and/or comfortable restraining devices; and 5) methods of euthanasia and reason for selection if not consistent with the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia. For additional information on review of the Vertebrate Animals section, please refer to the Worksheet for Review of the Vertebrate Animal Section.
Reviewers will assess whether materials or procedures proposed are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, and if needed, determine whether adequate protection is proposed.
For Resubmissions, the committee will evaluate the application as now presented, taking into consideration the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group and changes made to the project.
Not Applicable
For Revisions, the committee will consider the appropriateness of the proposed expansion of the scope of the project. If the Revision application relates to a specific line of investigation presented in the original application that was not recommended for approval by the committee, then the committee will consider whether the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group are adequate and whether substantial changes are clearly evident.
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items, and should not consider them in providing an overall impact/priority score.
Applications from Foreign Organizations
Reviewers will assess whether the project presents special opportunities for furthering research programs through the use of unusual talent, resources, populations, or environmental conditions that exist in other countries and either are not readily available in the United States or augment existing U.S. resources.
Select Agent Research
Reviewers will assess the information provided in this section of the application, including 1) the Select Agent(s) to be used in the proposed research, 2) the registration status of all entities where Select Agent(s) will be used, 3) the procedures that will be used to monitor possession use and transfer of Select Agent(s), and 4) plans for appropriate biosafety, biocontainment, and security of the Select Agent(s).
Resource Sharing Plans
Reviewers will comment on whether the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources, are reasonable: 1) Data Sharing Plan; 2) Sharing Model Organisms; and 3) Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS).
Budget and Period of Support
Reviewers will consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research.
Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical
merit by (an) appropriate Scientific Review Group(s), in accordance with NIH peer
review policy and procedures, using the stated review
criteria. Review assignments will be shown in the eRA Commons.
As part of the scientific peer review, all applications:
Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines to the appropriate NIH Institute or Center. Applications will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this FOA. Following initial peer review, recommended applications will receive a second level of review byan appropriate advisory council or board. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
After the peer review of the application is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written critique) via the eRA Commons.
Information regarding the disposition of applications is available in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH
will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant as
described in the NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided
to the applicant organization for successful applications. The NoA signed by
the grants management officer is the authorizing document and will be sent via
email to the grantee's business official.
Awardees must comply with any funding restrictions described in Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions. Selection
of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any
costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These
costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs.
Any application awarded in response to this FOA will be subject to the DUNS,
CCR Registration, and Transparency Act requirements as noted on the Award
Conditions and Information for NIH Grants website.
All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General and Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities. More information is provided at Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants.
Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award
Not Applicable.
When multiple years are involved, awardees will be required to submit the Non-Competing Continuation Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
A final progress report, invention statement, and the expenditure data portion of the Federal Financial Report are required for closeout of an award, as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Transparency Act), includes a requirement for awardees of Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY2011 or later. All awardees of applicable NIH grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.fsrs.gov on all subawards over $25,000. See the NIH Grants Policy Statement for additional information on this reporting requirement.
We encourage inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants.
Customer Support (Questions regarding Grants.gov registration and
submission, downloading or navigating forms)
Contact Center Phone: 800-518-4726
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
GrantsInfo (Questions regarding application instructions and
process, finding NIH grant resources)
Telephone 301-435-0714
Email: email@example.com
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registration, tracking application status, post submission issues)
Phone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)
Email: email@example.com
Chhanda Dutta, PhD
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Telephone: 301-435-3048
Email: email@example.com
Examine your eRA Commons account for review assignment and contact information (information appears two weeks after the submission due date).
Linda Whipp
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Telephone: 301-402-7731
Email: email@example.com
Recently issued trans-NIH policy notices may affect your application submission. A full list of policy notices published by NIH is provided in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.
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Galaxy servers as the main Graphical User Interface and framework for using the msCompare program in an easy and intuitive manner.
To install msCompare in galaxy download msCompare_For_Galaxy.tar.gz and follow the installation details in the README file.
Recent change to either the download package or nbic galaxy server (http://galaxy.nbic.nl/) can be found here.
User Manual
General Data Processing Workflow in Galaxy
As of 13 Feb 2012 the default input format is mzML instead of mzXML.
(Figure not yet updated, everyoccurrence of mzXML in the figure should be read as mzML)
Galaxy Modules
Unfortunately not all modules are included at this moment in this list. However most other modules work similar to those explained in detail here.
LC-MS Data related
Settings Related
Feature Quantification
Feature Alignment & Matching
Feature Matrix Related
Example Server
NBIC is generously providing an "testing" server at which msCompare is hosted.
However at this location not all features of msCompare are installed.
The testing server can be found at: http://galaxy.nbic.nl/galaxy/
A small dataset available for testing with galaxy can be found at: http://galaxy.nbic.nl/galaxy/u/b-hoekman/h/example-dataset
The same dataset was processed (including statistics) the results can be found at: http://galaxy.nbic.nl/galaxy/u/b-hoekman/h/apml2
Attachments (1)
- msCompareFlowChart.png (11.7 KB) - added by b.hoekman@… 12 years ago.
Download all attachments as: .zip


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No Exit Sign with ADA Braille – 4″h x 5″w
Every Braille Exit Sign we sell is 100% ADA Compliant and comes with grade 2 'contracted' Braille. In addition, we guarantee our tactile exit signs meet both Federal and California ADA requirements. This means you can be sure of passing those really fun building inspections, easily and quickly. Plus, when you order online from Alpha Dog ADA Signs, you can choose from 4 standard color options. Not to mention, you get bulk discounts up to 20% off!
And if you're not sure what type of ADA bathroom signs you need, you can check out this ADA document – 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. By following these ADA standards, you can be assured you're on the right track. However, that said, see the note below. There may additional ADA requirements imposed by other state or local entities.
You can also read our ADA Braille sign installation blog if you're not sure where to mount your tactile signs to be compliant.
We also offer Braille Entrance Signs and Custom Stairwell & Elevator Signs. Together with your Braille exit signs, you can be certain your staff, customers, tenants and others will know where to go during normal times and in case of an emergency.
Please note, standard production is 7 business days or less. But you can expedite production by selecting a faster option during checkout. For example, we offer Hurry (3 business days), Rush (next business day) and Lightspeed (same business day) production options for an additional fee. Please note, production times DO NOT include shipping. To see how many days standard shipping will take, you can check out these UPS and USPS shipping maps. Along with production, you can also expedite shipping by selecting a faster option during the checkout process.
** IMPORTANT: Always check with your local state/city/county resources for additional requirements before buying your ADA compliant bathroom signs. In some cases, you may need to customize your text, Braille, color, etc., to ensure compliance.


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Contacts with Potential Employers
Throughout your job search, remember that you are being evaluated at all times by prospective employers, from how your resume is written to your telephone and e-mail etiquette, and your responsiveness. It is important that you make every effort to show a prospective employer that you are the best candidate for their job. Here are some tips to make you shine as a prospective candidate and assist you in landing that all important first interview.
Good manners and common sense combine to make a positive first impression that may increase your chances of obtaining employment in a competitive and challenging economic environment. Without them, you might never get a chance to interview to find out if the job is right for you.
If an employer contacts you, it is important to promptly return their call or e-mail. Even if you are not interested in pursuing the job opportunity at that time, you should communicate that to the employer in a timely manner. You may become interested in the position or another opportunity with that employer in the future, but if you did not have the courtesy to respond in the past, they may not give you a second chance and you may be passed over.
If your resume and cover letter are impeccable, but your e-mail address is unprofessional or possibly offensive, you may not get a call from an employer. Make sure that your voice mail message is professional, appropriate and easy to understand. State your name in your voice mail message. If your voice mail greeting is inappropriate or unclear, the employer may not even leave a message after listening to it and you will never realize that you missed out on a possible employment opportunity.
Make sure your social networking profiles are professional and free of embarrassing photos or blog entries. Employers may be checking these sites to get an idea of the type of person they are considering for employment.


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Relational tables have six properties:
Values Are Atomic
This property implies that columns in a relational table are not repeating group or arrays. The key benefit of the one value property is that it simplifies data manipulation logic. Such tables are referred to as being in the "first normal form" (1NF).
Column Values Are of the Same Kind
In relational terms this means that all values in a column come from the same domain. A domain is a set of values which a column may have. This property simplifies data access because developers and users can be certain of the type of data contained in a given column. It also simplifies data validation. Because all values are from the same domain, the domain can be defined and enforced with the Data Definition Language (DDL) of the database software.
Each Row is Unique
This property ensures that no two rows in a relational table are identical; there is at least one column, or set of columns, the values of which uniquely identify each row in the table. Such columns are called primary keys. This property guarantees that every row in a relational table is meaningful and that a specific row can be identified by specifying the primary key value.
The Sequence of Columns is Insignificant
This property states that the ordering of the columns in the relational table has no meaning. Columns can be retrieved in any order and in various sequences. The benefit of this property is that it enables many users to share the same table without concern of how the table is organized. It also permits the physical structure of the database to change without affecting the relational tables.
The Sequence of Rows is Insignificant
This property is analogous the one above but applies to rows instead of columns. The main benefit is that the rows of a relational table can be retrieved in different order and sequences. Adding information to a relational table is simplified and does not affect existing queries.
Each Column Has a Unique Name
Because the sequence of columns is insignificant, columns must be referenced by name and not by position. A column name need not be unique within an entire database but only within the table to which it belongs.
Reference : Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)


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This close-up view of a mineral vein called "Homestake" comes from the microscopic imager on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity. The vein is about the width of a thumb and about 18 inches (45 centimeters) long. Opportunity examined it in November 2011 and found it to be rich in calcium and sulfur, possibly the calcium-sulfate mineral gypsum.
"Homestake" is near the edge of the "Cape York" segment of the western rim of Endeavour Crater.
This view blends three exposures taken by the microscopic imager during the 2,765th and 2,766th Martian days, or sols, of Opportunity's career on Mars (Nov. 3 and 4, 2011).


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Christmas with Mahalia
Mahalia Jackson
As someone who grew up singing gospel hymns in her Baptist church and who later brought that music to diverse audiences around the globe (she sang for John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.), Mahalia Jackson served as the Queen of Gospel Music and as an inspiration and influence to future generations. These Christmas songs benefit from her powerful phrasing and unrestrained enthusiasm which easily transform an old English madrigal ("What Child Is This?") into something deeply felt from her own difficult upbringing. A stylist of the highest order, Jackson infused everything she sang with a majestic sweep that made her one of the most important voices of her day.
- It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
- O Holy Night
- The First Noel
- No Room At The Inn
- Silver Bells
- Happy Birthday To You, Our Lord
- What Child Is This?
- White Christmas
- Do You Hear What I Hear?
- Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming


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All events / Archives of all published events
Events 1–4 of 4
- Film
- Toronto
Spanish movies at TIFF 2019
Discover the 2019 selection of Spanish movies at the "Toronto International Film Festival," one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world, attracting over 480,000 people annually.
Sep 6 – Sep 15, 2019
- Performing arts
- Quebec
Le Miel est plus doux que le sang
The play brings the story of three young Spanish artists: Dalí, Lorca and Buñuel, who meet at the student residence in Madrid in the 20s.
Sep 17 – Oct 5, 2019
- Film
- Montreal
The Bookshop at the 2019 International Literature Festival
Written and directed by the Isabel Coixet and based on the novel of the same name by Penelope Fitzgerald, "The Bookshop" represents Spain at this year's FIL in Montreal.
Sep 19, 2019
- Film
- Ottawa
Spanish animation filmmaking at OIAF 2019
The 2019 Ottawa International Animation Festival brings Guillermo García Carsí, the Spanish creator of "Pocoyo," and features a Spanish film in competition: "I'm not scared of the crocodile," by Marc Riba and Anna Solana.
Sep 25 – Sep 29, 2019