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The unbeaten: Contenders, pretenders, BCS busters
At this point in the season, it looks as if the rest of the country is competing to be the team that plays No. 1 Alabama for the BCS championship in January.
The mere suggestion of that is probably enough to make Nick Saban's head explode, but between the way the Crimson Tide has played and what's left on its schedule you have to like Alabama's chances.
There are 13 other undefeated teams in major college football after a sort'em out weekend in which seven teams took their first loss. As many as eight teams could finish the season unbeaten. That'd make for one big BCS mess, but the odds are it will be far fewer.
So it's a good time to sort through the contenders and figure out which ones have the best chance to either play Alabama in Miami - or keep the Tide from getting there.
-No. 2 Oregon (6-0)
So far: The Ducks haven't been challenged yet after facing a weak nonconference schedule and playing only one game away from Autzen Stadium. Coach Chip Kelly's team is outscoring opponents by 32.
Key remaining games: at No. 11 USC (Nov. 3); No. 17 Stanford (Nov. 17); at No. 10 Oregon State (Nov. 24).
Forecast: That's a tough road, especially if the Ducks have to play the Trojans again in the Pac-12 title game, but this might be Kelly's best team yet.
-No. 7 Notre Dame (5-0)
So far: LB Manti Te'o and the Fighting Irish have allowed three touchdowns, fewest in the nation, and while they haven't faced another elite team, they have faced a bunch of solid ones.
Key remaining games: No. 17 Stanford (Oct. 13); at No. 13 Oklahoma (Oct. 27); at No. 11 USC (Nov. 24).
Forecast: It's hard to imagine the Irish staying undefeated against that schedule, but if they do they'll have as good a resume as any team in the country.
-No. 5 West Virginia (5-0)
So far: QB Geno Smith has taken hold of the Heisman Trophy race and the Mountaineers have no doubt been the most exciting team in the country.
Key remaining games: at Texas Tech (Oct. 13); No. 6 Kansas State (Oct. 20); Oklahoma (Nov. 17).
-No. 6 Kansas State (5-0)
So far: The Wildcats won at Oklahoma and have been prolific in a more methodical way than their souped-up Big 12 rivals.
Key remaining games: at Iowa State (Oct. 13); at West Virginia (Oct. 20); Texas (Dec. 1).
Forecast: The Big 12 is the most balanced conference in the country, and while the Mountaineers and Wildcats are the hot teams in the league, just about every game they play figures to be a challenge. And that's no way to stay undefeated.
-No. 3 South Carolina (6-0)
So far: The Gamecocks' 35-7 victory against Georgia on Saturday might have been the most impressive performance of the season.
Key remaining games: at LSU (Oct. 13); at Florida (Oct. 20); at Clemson (Nov. 24).
-No. 4 Florida (5-0)
So far: The Gators have been transformed into a rugged, Bama-like team under coach Will Muschamp. Three times they have rallied in the second half to win.
Key remaining games: South Carolina (Oct. 20); vs. Georgia (Oct. 27); at Florida State (Nov. 24).
Forecast: If South Carolina can get through a brutal stretch and to a matchup with Alabama in the SEC title game, Steve Spurrier's team looks to be the best equipped in the conference to beat the Tide. Though how much will the Gamecocks have left in the tank by the time they get to Gainesville?
-No. 10 Oregon State (4-0)
So far: The surprising Beavers have one of the best passing games in the country, but QB Sean Mannion is now out indefinitely with a knee injury.
Key remaining games: at BYU (Oct. 13); at Stanford (Nov. 10); Oregon (Nov. 24).
-No. 19 Mississippi State (5-0).
So far: The Bulldogs are off to their best start since 1999, but the only team with a winning record they have played is Troy. And they almost lost.
Key remaining games: at Alabama (Oct. 27); Texas A&M (Nov. 3); at LSU (Nov. 10).
Forecast: It's doubtful the Beavers will get to the Civil War undefeated, but they might be able to ruin the Ducks' title hopes. The Bulldogs still have a lot to prove.
-No. 18 Louisville (5-0)
So far: QB Teddy Bridgewater and the offense have been as good as advertised.
Key remaining games: Cincinnati (Oct. 26); at Rutgers (Nov. 29).
-No. 20 Rutgers (5-0)
So far: Feisty defense and RB Jawan Jamison runs for 100 yards every week.
Key remaining games: at Cincinnati (Nov. 17); Louisville (Nov. 29)
-No. 21 Cincinnati (4-0)
So far: The Bearcats best win is against Virginia Tech, which isn't what it used to be.
Key remaining games: at Louisville (Oct. 26); Rutgers (Nov. 17).
Forecast: The Big East race figures to be fun, especially if these three can avoid being upset in their other games. But it's hard to see any of them making it through the season unbeaten.
No. 23 Louisiana Tech (5-0)
So far: The Bulldogs are the best team most of the country hasn't seen, averaging 53 points per game.
Key remaining games: vs. Texas A&M (Oct 13); Utah State (Nov. 17); at San Jose State (Nov. 24).
Ohio (6-0)
So far: Four wins by 10 points or less.
Key remaining games: at Miami, Ohio (Oct. 27); at Kent State (Nov. 23).
Forecast: If La Tech can beat Texas A&M, it's on the fast-track to becoming the third Western Athletic Conference team, along with Boise State and Hawaii, to earn an automatic BCS bid - and leave the conference. As for the Bobcats from the Mid-American Conference, their last four games are on a Thursday, a Thursday, a Wednesday and a Friday. MACtion at its best.
At least for a week, Arkansas' John L. Smith isn't the SEC coach catching the most grief. Auburn's Gene Chizik has taken his place.
The Tigers bottomed out, at least they hope, Saturday in a 24-7 loss to Arkansas. The Razorbacks came in with the worst defense in the conference and recorded eight sacks and five takeaways. Chizik apologized for his team's performance.
Auburn (1-4, 0-3) owns the worst offense in the SEC and the third-worst defense, ahead of only Kentucky and Arkansas. Not good company.
Chizik guided Auburn to the national title in 2010 with Cam Newton at quarterback and Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator.
Newton was one-and-done. Malzahn left after last season to take the Arkansas State job, and the offense has been a wreck.
Road trips to Ole Miss and Vanderbilt could either ease the pressure or ramp it up to code red.
It might not be fair to take away that championship season from Chizik's record, but the fact is, without it he's 17-14 at Auburn, and 7-12 in the SEC. His contract runs through 2015 and the buyout is reportedly about $7.5 million.
It would seem rash to fire a coach two years removed from winning a national title, but with Nick Saban ruling an empire at Alabama, patience on the Plains will be short.
- It would seem Boston College, 1-4 and coming off a four-win season, is on the way to firing coach Frank Spaziani after the Eagles lost 34-31 at Army. First, though, BC has to hire a replacement for athletic director Gene DeFilippo, who announced in August he was stepping down on Sept. 30.
- Iowa State might have the best pair of linebackers in the Big 12 in Jake Knott and A.J. Klein. They'll test Collin Klein and Kansas State in Ames on Saturday.
- Texas-San Antonio, led by former Miami coach Larry Coker, is 5-0 in its transition season to FCS. It's a nice start, but for perspective on UTSA's competition to this point, the Roadrunners are three-point underdogs at Rice on Saturday. The Owls are 1-5.
Florida running back Mike Gillislee isn't flashy, but he leads the SEC in rushing at 110 yards per game and has scored seven touchdowns.
Is he a Heisman Trophy contender, Coach Muschamp?
"We're in the fifth game of the year," he said Monday. "Next question."
OK, then.
"Probably the worst 12 hours of my life." Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray tweeted after the Bulldogs lost to South Carolina, he learned that his father was going to have surgery for thyroid cancer and he returned to Athens late Saturday night to discover his home had been egged and littered with toilet paper.
AP sports writers Charles Odum in Atlanta and Mark Long in Gainesville, Fla., contributed.
Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://www.Twitter.com/ralphdrussoap


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Verdelho: The Last Wine I Ever Loved
There are 1,368 varieties covered in Master of Wine Jancis Robinson's Wine Grapes. Bet you can't try them all.
Note from the author: There are 1,368 varieties covered in Wine Grapes by MW Jancis Robinson, MW Julia Harding, and Dr. Jose Vouillamoz. This past year, I've been drinking my way through.
This is a love story.
One year ago, I opened my brand new copy of Wine Grapes by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and Jose Vouillamoz, and I embarked on my weird wine grapes journey. I spoke at the time about the first wine I ever hated. While today my feelings for Lacrima di Morro d'Alba have softened, I'm still not in the mood for a second date with it.
Today, however, we come full circle, and as I wrap up my weird wine adventure, I want to finish by telling you about the last wine I fell in love with. I love this wine for its history. For its tenacity. For its loyalty and longevity, its singular character and its ability to keep me intrigued. I think this relationship is going to last a long, long time.
Wine Grapes introduces my new lover casually: "Portuguese variety making fine, medium-dry wines on Madeira..." which barely hints at the glories of the super-fine bottle of Broadbent 10-Year-Old Verdelho that sits open, half-full, on a shelf in my booze hutch.
This bottle will stay there resolutely, unwavering, unspoiled for as long as I let it... days, weeks, months, years, decades. It promises never to turn, never to let me down.
How is this possible?? It all started in 1419, when the Portuguese Empire's Prince Henry the Navigator landed at Porto Santo: the discovery of new land! Shortly thereafter, Porto Santo's neighboring island of Madeira (originally thought to be the edge of the earth) was colonized by the Portuguese. Vines were quickly brought over from Greece, and soon enough, Madeira wines were being exported by sea all around the world. Often, the wines were used as ballast for the ships, getting quite hot during their journeys.
By golly, people soon realized that the wines that had traveled around the world in this manner came back tasting... quite good! They also realized that the wines traveled even better when they were fortified (meaning the wine's fermentation process is halted by adding a neutral grain spirit to the wine, thereby preserving some sugar and boosting alcohol levels, which prevents spoilage).
The wines' warm, long journeys left them with softly caramelized flavors and a nutty element from some oxidation, while the fortification certainly left drinkers feeling extra warm and happy. The signature Madeira wine was born!
Unfortunately, however, making all of the wines travel in this manner was expensive and logistically challenging. Alternative methods had to be developed. One such method, called the estufagem process, ages wines in stainless steel tanks heated by steel coils through which hot water flows. Another is the canteiro process, where the wines are aged for years in barrels set in hot attics. Years after such relentless exposure to heat and oxygen, the wines are essentially indestructible! Unlike any other wine in the world, Madeira will remain virtually unchanged from the time you open the bottle until the time days, weeks, months, years later when you decide to finish it. Like I said, this is a long-term relationship.
Toffee-colored at the core, the Broadbent 10-Year-Old Verdelho moves to a marigold hue in the middle before fading out to an almost chartreuse tone at the very edges of the rim. It's beautiful, a product of the decade or so it spent in a barrel in a warm attic (age indications like "10-Year" are approximations in Madeira... it could have been slightly more, slightly less). It smells like it will be sweet. The scent is full of orange peel and burnt butterscotch, a hot and fiery cinnamon flash followed by smooth nut toffee.
But I know before taking a sip that Verdelho is one of the drier styles of Madeira. As Wine Grapes explains: "The must has moderate sugar levels, marked acidity and is used for medium-dry fortified wines." Of the four 'noble' grapes cultivated on the island, Sercial has the highest acidity and makes the driest style of wine, followed by Verdelho, then Boal and finally Malmsey at the sweetest end of the spectrum.
The first taste bursts across my palate with blood orange flavors, plus salty preserved lemons and a fantastic damp hay/dried mushroom thing. A pleasant sweetness like tangerine hard candy offsets all the acidity that's making my mouth water, and a moment after swallowing, an unexpected and amazing warm and creamy finish that tastes like toasted pecans takes over.
Like I said, I have fallen in love. I love the wine even more for the fact that Madeira is an underdog. It's not exactly the popular kid at the wine world table these days, but I'm thoroughly convinced of its character, enthralled with its history and excited about its future—particularly these aged versions, and particularly when paired with food. The salty/sweet/nutty/mouthwatering combination is jarring and addictive. Like anyone newly in love, I can't stop talking about it. But I'll be quiet now. Just go try a bottle of Verdelho Madeira yourself this weekend. Pair it with a mushroom or butternut squash soup and see if you, too, end up purring at the new guy in your own booze hutch.
Broadbent Selections Verdelho 10-Year-Old Madeira
The Grape: Verdelho
The Region: Madeira, Portugal
The Importer: Broadbent Selections
Retail Price: $50
Tasting sample provided for review consideration.
More Adventures with Weird Wine Grapes
Ribolla Gialla: The Rest of A Rare Grape's Story
Furmint, Hárslevelü, Szamorodni: Wine as Weird As It Comes
Abouriou: An Endangered Species of Wine
Žlahtina: The Perfect Under-$20 Wine For Oysters
Rabigato: Fresh, Dry White Wine from the Land of Port
Nerello Mascalese: Please Do Not Tell Anyone About This Wine
Alvarelhão: Forget What You Think You Know About California Wine
Weird, Cool Wine: Give Valdiguié a Chance
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.

subset: commoncrawl


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« Fifty National Organizations Rally Behind E-Rate Overhaul | Main | Union's Digital-Learning Statement Critiques Online-Only Instruction »
Tech Challenges Lead Oklahoma to Opt Out of PARCC Exams
Shortly after announcing their state would reverse course and scrap its plan to use new online common-core assessments being developed by the PARCC testing consortium, Oklahoma education officials described the daunting technological hurdles that helped drive their decision.
A survey of the state's 1,773 schools found that just one in five had enough bandwidth and a sufficient number of digital devices to successfully administer the exams, said Sherry Fair, executive director of communications for the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Getting well over 1,000 schools—many rural, poor, and disconnected from the fiber-optic cables that allow for high-speed Internet connections—up to speed by 2015-16, when the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers will no longer make paper-and-pencil exams available to its member states, "is a very big leap," she said.
"It's sad, but we didn't think our school districts could handle [the PARCC exams] without a lot of stress on our students, teachers, and counselors," Fair said.
Oklahoma's decision was also influenced by the cost of the new exams and concerns that students would go from spending between two and three hours taking the current state tests to nine hours on the PARCC tests. The decision was not driven by significant anti-common-core sentiment in the Oklahoma legislature, she said, pointing out that the state is still adopting the new standards.
Officials said Oklahoma is not formally withdrawing from PARCC, but the details of how the state will remain involved now that it is not planning to use the consortium's tests remain unclear.
PARCC, one of two collections of states that have received hundreds of millions of federal dollars to develop new computer-based exams aligned with the common core, currently counts 20 states plus the District of Columbia as members in some capacity.
"We understand that there will be a transition from paper-and-pencil to computer-based assessments," said Chad Colby, a spokesman for PARCC. Colby pointed out that the states in the consortium, including Oklahoma, previously voted to approve the one-year transitional window in which paper-and-pencil exams will still be made available.
But Fair said state officials have since determined that window won't be enough.
Earlier this spring, many Oklahoma schools experienced significant problems administering the state's current online exams. Adopting the PARCC tests would represent an even greater technology challenge.
As a result, Oklahoma will now seek a new provider of tests aligned to the common core, other than PARCC, that can offer more flexibility in how the exams are delivered.
"We have to do what's best for our children, and [PARCC] understands that," Fair said.
Not Enough Bandwidth or Devices
In April, Oklahoma state education officials received the results from a survey of schools' tech readiness. Ninety-three percent of Oklahoma schools responded, said Derrel Fincher, director of learning technologies in the state department of education.
The findings?
Two-thirds of Oklahoma schools did not have an external connection to the internet at least as fast as 50 kilobits per second, per student—a bare-bones threshold just half as fast as the minimum specifications recommended by PARCC.
Half of the state's schools reported that they did not have the minimum recommended number of computers or other devices need to administer the exams, a figure that worked out to an average student-to-device ratio of roughly 5:1.
Eighty percent of Oklahoma schools did not meet both thresholds.
And the survey didn't even account for the speed of schools' internal networks, another factor that would likely inhibit schools' readiness to deliver all-online assessments in every tested grade.
Poor and rural schools face the most daunting tech hurdles, said Fincher, of the department of education.
"Some of the schools, you would have to drop several miles of high-speed fiber-optic cable" just to get to the school, he said.
"That's an expensive proposition. These small towns, the reason they don't have it now is that recovering the cost [of installation] from the limited number of subscribers in town is prohibitive," even for cable companies, Fincher said.
A Prime Example
Haworth Public Schools, a tiny 561-student district nestled against the Texas border in Oklahoma's far southeastern corner, is a prime example of the challenges Fincher described.
"We have a post office and two stores, and that's about the sum of our community," said Haworth Superintendent Ted Brewer. "Most of our folks down here do not have Internet service at home. It's just not available, and most folks couldn't afford it even it were."
Haworth has two school buildings: an elementary school, and a facility that houses both the high school and the junior high. After a recent upgrade, the schools are served by a total of four, instead of two, old-school T1 lines. Combined, all four lines provide a six megabit connection, allowing for a maximum of about 10 kilobits per second, per student of bandwidth—far below what a modern school needs.
"Our bandwidth stays pretty full all the time just because of the instructional, administrative, and financial software we run," Brewer said.
For the past couple of years, when Haworth has administered the online versions of Oklahoma's current state tests, other online activity in the district had to shut down almost entirely.
During testing time, Superintendent Brewer couldn't even check his email.
"It's inconvenient, but it beats the pain of students getting kicked off" the online exams, he said.
Haworth just barely meets PARCC's device recommendations, said both Brewer and Fincher.
But substantially improving the schools' bandwidth, which would require more than 10 miles of new fiber-optic cable, would be a huge expense.
Despite the past problems—Haworth escaped relatively unscathed when Oklahoma had to cancel the online administration of exams in April after the state's current vendor, CTB/McGraw-Hill, experienced a server crash—and continuing hurdles, Brewer said he was "a bit disappointed" to learn that Oklahoma was opting out of the PARCC assessments.
"I'd rather face the issues at hand and work through them rather than just give up," he said.
Keeping the Paper-and-Pencil Option
Money, though, is always a factor.
Fair, the director of communications for Oklahoma's education department, said the state expects to save about $2 million by switch from PARCC to a new vendor to provide the state's common-core assessments.
Schools will also get access to optional formative assessments and exams for retakes, she said.
A request for proposals from new vendors will go out this summer. Oklahoma will require that any vendor provide schools with greater flexibility to offer paper-and-pencil tests than they would receive from PARCC, Fair said.
The state wants to maintain its current arrangement: Grades 3-5 will take strictly pencil-and-paper exams. Grades 6-12 will take computerized exams, but schools will have the option to use a paper-and-pencil version for the foreseeable future.
Fair said the state education department "hasn't gotten to the point where we have put a dollar figure" on how much it would have cost to get all of Oklahoma's schools technologically ready to deliver the PARCC assessments.
"We just did not think we could handle it," she said.
Follow @BenjaminBHerold and @EdWeekEdTech for latest on ed tech policies, practices, and trends.


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Teaching Personal Safety Skills to Children and Youth
Children face challenging situations every day at home, at school, online, and in their communities. Sometimes, adults are aware of these issues. Often, they are not. Kidpower teaches children positive, practical, and effective ways to think, move, and speak to stay safe in challenging personal safety situations. Working with children and trying to see the world through their eyes informs everything we do.
- What skills does Kidpower teach children?
- How does the Positive Practice Teaching Method work for kids?
- What educational resources will prepare me to use Kidpower with children?
- What training does Kidpower provide?
"People Safety" Skills for Kids
These are social skills people of all ages use to build safe, positive experiences with people everywhere they go. People Safety skills include:
- How to be and act aware, calm, and confident
- How to take charge
- How to get help
- How to set clear and appropriate boundaries
- How to stop unwanted touching and teasing
- How to protect themselves from name-calling and hurtful words
We teach physical self-defense skills to children six or older as well when families arrange for this option. Our workshops that include physical self-defense always begin with extensive practice in the many other skills that can prevent, avoid, leave, or de-escalate problems before they become physical. Our goal is to empower children with the full range of skills they deserve in order to escape from emergency situations as quickly as possible. Students in our Full Force workshops get individualized support practicing physical skills one-on-one with a padded instructor.
Kidpower Teaching Method
- We lead age-appropriate role-plays with skill, kindness, and humor
- We create opportunities to 'learn by doing' while also having fun and laughing
- We focus on positive, practical solutions children can use to leave or stop problems as quickly as possible
- We use upbeat language that is skill-based, not fear-based: we teach being 'aware', not 'wary,' and we teach 'stranger safety,' not 'stranger danger'
- We include parents and caregivers every step of the way, because they are a child's most important teachers with the power to reinforce the skills every day
- We offer written, illustrated books to help adults and children continue to practice on their own with the same positive, success-based, solution-focused approach they experience in our classes.
Educational Resources
We offer several free articles and resources for Children.
- What Adults Need to Know About Personal Safety for Children
- Stopping Emotional Pollution for Children: Seven Practices from Kidpower
- Teaching Children the Skill of Confidence
- Face Bullying With Confidence: 8 Kidpower Skills Kids Can Use Right Away
- Bullying in Schools: Seven Kidpower Solutions for Parents
- Kidpower Safety Tips: Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse
- Safe And Unsafe Bribes
- Teaching Stranger Safety: The Kidpower Way
Workshops for Different Ages
We offer a variety of workshops offering hands-on, relevant, and fun learning experiences. Visit our California Workshop schedule for public classes. You can also organize a private workshop for your group.
Ages 3-6 Kidpower Starting Strong Workshop (50 minutes)
Enjoy an introduction to People Safety Skills with your young child. Storytelling, puppets and interactive role plays introduce simple but powerful skills to handle unkind words, check first before touching something unsafe, move away from someone doing unsafe things such as throwing sand or playing too roughly, and get help from you effectively, even when you are busy.
Ages 5-8 Kidpower Safety Workshops (2 hours)
Children together with their adults learn age-appropriate Kidpower People Safety skills and how to practice them as a team. Our instructors introduce skills children can use right away to feel safer and more confident dealing with people at home, on the playground, and out and about in the world. Every step of the way, we give supportive coaching so families learn how to continue practicing and reinforcing the skills on their own. This class does not introduce physical self-defense skills.
Ages 6-12 Kidpower Safety and Self-Defense Workshop (4 hours)
This workshop starts out just like a two-hour Parent-Child Workshop, and then it extends the learning to include physical self-defense skills. From the start, children together with their adults learn age-appropriate Kidpower People Safety skills and how to practice them as a team. The activities and the role-plays are tailored to be relevant to the lives of older children. Children then learn and practice physical self-defense skills with one-on-one coaching from a padded instructor. Adults get an additional opportunity to ask adult-only questions, and they encourage and cheer for the children as they practice their physical skills.
FamilyPower Workshop (Families with Children 6 and up; California only)
We lead this popular, two-part workshop for groups scheduling privately. Children six and up, teens, and adults learning together as a family get an in-depth People Safety skills learning opportunity offering "something for everyone."
FamilyPower begins with the opportunity for families to learn together as a team focusing on building the children's People Safety skills. Then, children learn and practice Full Force physical self-defense skills while the adults enjoy a tailored ParentPower session addressing their specific needs and safety concerns. On the second day, young people get more in-depth practice in the full range of skills while adults practice skills in their own Fullpower Full Force class.
Teens participate in the segments that best meet their own individual needs. We talk with the teen and their parents every step of the way to decide what opportunities and practices will be most relevant for them. The workshop ends with a demonstration where the children show the adults everything they have learned.
Kidpower-Weekend Family Workshops (Families with Children 6-14)
This three-part workshop offers the chance for children to learn and practice personal safety , including physical self-defense skills with a padded instructor. A separate parent workshop gives adults information and skills to help integrate the skills into the family's everyday life.
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California is facing a public health crisis.
Every year, the number of Californians struggling with obesity climbs higher, resulting in hundreds of thousands of new cases of diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and hypertension that may have otherwise been avoided. This growth isn't something being measured in a percentage point here or there, but rather has been exploding at an alarming rate. In fact, California's adult obesity rate has nearly tripled in the past three decades, and if current trends continue, nearly half of California adults will be obese by 2030.
We're not doing much better by our kids. Today, nearly 40 percent of all children living in the state are either overweight or obese, putting them at increased risk for myriad associated health conditions. And like many health issues, some communities are more impacted than others. Unless trends are reversed, nearly half of all Latino and African American children born after 2000 will go on to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime.
Despite these alarming numbers, California continues to allow sugar sweetened beverages, the leading contributor to this crisis, to be marketed to consumers without any mention of the health risks they carry.
Senate Bill 1000, the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Safety Act, hopes to change this.
Under SB 1000, which was introduced in the Legislature this week by state Sen. Bill Monning, D-Carmel, drinks with significant amounts of added sugars would be required to have a warning label informing consumers of the health risks that these beverages carry. With these warning labels in place, consumers would have the information they need to make an informed purchase about the beverages they put into their own bodies and those they serve their children.
Why soda and other sugary drinks? An overwhelming body of research shows that these beverages are the single largest contributors to the obesity epidemic and liquid sugar has a unique role in driving today's skyrocketing cases of diabetes. And, what's more, liquid sugar is major contributor to dental decay. When science is this clear about the risks posed by a single product, consumers have a right to know.
We've taken this approach for other harmful products with proven health risks, like alcohol and tobacco. Sugary drinks also deserve a warning label. They have zero nutritional value, delivering nothing more than an unhealthy jolt of empty, sugar calories. Yet consumers continue to gulp down this dosage of liquid sugar at a rate of 45 gallons per year.
It's time we let Californians know exactly what they're getting themselves into when they pop the top on a can of soda, and this bill will go a long way towards reaching this goal.
Dr. Richard Thorp is president of the California Medical Association. Dr. Harold Goldstein is executive director of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy. They wrote this article for this newspaper.


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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seems like a fictional character out of a satirical doomsday movie -- maybe a sequel to "Dr. Strangelove." That fact that this immature brat and his gaggle of grim, aging generals actually rule a country and have the capacity to disturb the international order seems absurd in an era of global interdependence.
In the 21st century, humankind should have moved beyond this, but apparently we need a few more centuries of progress before all countries are led by comparatively rational, democratically elected leaders -- or at least by boring, one-party bureaucrats whose main goal is to preserve stability and promote economic growth.
Mr. Kim is a throwback to medieval times when young, cocky princes claimed a divine right to lord it over defenseless peasants. The only reason those princes could claim that power, in truth, was because they were surrounded by troops of big guys with swords, armor and horses with a license to kill any peasant who complained too loudly. It really had nothing to do with God's blessing and everything to do with which family was ruthless enough to take from the poor and make themselves rich.
The great royal houses of Europe and the dynasties of Asia were very much like the Mafia or the street gangs of Los Angeles. They got wealthy and powerful because they were prepared to kill anyone who stood in their way. Only later did they take on the trappings of respectability and cloak themselves in royal mythology. From a distant perspective, Genghis Khan or Alexander the Great can be appreciated as great conquerors and masters of men, but, to the thousands of people slaughtered by their marauding armies, they were genocidal thugs stealing lands and treasure for no better reason than that they could.
Little Kim's belligerent threats to start a thermonuclear war that would consume South Korea, Japan and various outposts of the United States is the tough talk of a tyrant in the ancient mold. But Mr. Kim is all bluff. He does not have the bombs or the missiles to carry out his threats. His country is a geopolitical pipsqueak and an economic charity case. If the real world powers, China and the United States, chose to make it happen, his regime could be snuffed out.
There are plenty of complicating geopolitical factors that would make that result difficult to achieve, but one still has to ask why? Mr. Kim is a hereditary ruler who oversees a brutal prison state. Why allow such a leader and such a system exist in the modern era? It would be a true advance of civilization if the world community were to come together and get rid of this throwback to humanity's darker times.
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David Horsey is a political commentator for the Los Angeles Times. Go to latimes.com/news/politics/topoftheticket/ to see more of his work.


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With winter coming it's time for me to upgrade my riding pants. Here's a few things I'm thinking.
1. I would like "over pants" so that when I get to my destination a quick "zip/snap" gets my out of my gear.
2. They must be warm, maybe not vented, rain/snow resistant.
3. I must be able to order them in "long", for I am tall and wind up the ankles I don't need.
Anybody have a suggestion based on personal product testing?


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|Something That Make You Say Hmm Post Only Little known Facts.
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A life without black people
A life without black people
A very humorous and revealing story is told about a group of white people who were fed up with African Americans, so they joined together and wished themselves away. They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of a twilight zone where there is an America without black people.
At first these white people breathed a sigh of relief. At last, they say, no more crime, drugs, violence and welfare. All of the blacks have gone! Then suddenly, realty sets in. The "NEW AMERICA" is not America at all--only a barren land.
1. There are very few crops that have flourished because the nation was built on a slave-supported system.
2. There are no cities with tall skyscrapers because Alexander Mils, a black man, invented the elevator, and without it one finds great difficulty reaching high floors.
3. There are few if any cars because Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gear shift, Joseph Gammell, also black, invented the Super Charge System for Internal Combustion Engines, and Garrett A. Morgan invented the traffic signals.
4. Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because its precursor was the electric trolley, which was invented by another black man, Elbert R. Robinson.
5. Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could operate, they were cluttered with paper because an African American, Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper.
6. There were few if any newspapers, magazines and books because John Love invented the pencil sharpener, William Purvis invented the fountain pen, Lee Burridge invented the Type Writing Machine and W. A. Lovette invented the Advanced Printing Press. They were all, you guessed it, black.
7. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would not have been transported by mail because William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine, William Purvis invented the Hand Stamp and Phillip Downing invented the Letter Drop.
8. The lawns were brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the Lawn Sprinkler and John Burr the Lawn Mower.
9. When they entered their homes, they found them to be poorly ventilated and poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones invented the Air Conditioner and Alice Parker the Heating Furnace. Their homes were also dim. But of course, Lewis Latimer invented the Electric Lamp, Michael Harvey invented the Lantern and Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic Cut off Switch. Their homes were also filthy because Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop and Lloyd P. Ray, the Dust Pan.
10. Their children met them at the door-barefooted, shabby, motley and unkempt. But what could one expect? Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine, Walter Sammons invented the Comb, Sarah Boone invented the Ironing Board and George T. Samon invented the Clothes Dryer.
11. Finally, they were resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this turmoil. But here again, the food had spoiled because another black man, John Standard invented the refrigerator.
Now, isn't that something? What would this world be like without the contributions of Black folks?
And at the end of the day they' would still be complaining
The Earth is a magnet and all its properties are part of the Earth...if there were no melanites here, then there will be no Earth...the same as if you take the protons/electrons out of the atom..it would not be an atom any longer...
We need to realize that this Earth houses many groups, and all groups are worthy to be here...for the simple fact that they are here...
hmmm....the same as in the human body...there are welcomed attributes(health), as well as un-welcome attributes (disease)...however, these attributes somehow SHARE the same system...hmmmm
When we look deeper into things, and elevate our minds to higher knowledge..then we realize these things much more easier!...thus, a NUWAUBIAN..practicing the science of SOUND... RIGHT... REASONING!
Great Peace!
The color "Black" alluded to a specific caste (race) in ancient Hindu society. Etymologically, the word CASTE comes from the Spanish/Portuguese word CASTA, which means RACE. According to the Manu Smriti (the Laws of Manu) it clearly recognizes four classes of people: (a) Brahmanas, (b) Kshatriyas, (c) Vaisyas, and (d) Sudras. Each of the four castes played its role in the preservation of natural order (dharma) in society. First, the Brahmanian caste was associated with the color white and its order was attributed to priests and scholars. Second, the Kshatriyan caste was associated with red and its order was attributed to warriors and kings. Third, the Vaisyan caste was associated with yellow and its order was attributed with merchants and landowners. And finally, the Sudran caste was associated with the color black and its order was attributed to artisans, laborers, and servants. At the outset, the arrangement of the ancient Hindu caste system appeared to be socioeconomically motivated rather than on the degree of one's skin color in society. Contemporarily speaking, two of the castes (races) i.e. Black and White can be found in the U.S. Department of Education's new definitions for race and ethnicity. One learns that the race and ethnicity categories do not signify scientific definitions of anthropological origins. The terms, however, are used to classify U.S. Citizens, resident aliens, and other eligible non-citizens. Recall, those people of African descent, living in the Western hemisphere, are classified as non-citizens per 13th Amendment with 20 sections (Article 13- section 12) and the Dredd Scott decision of AD 1857.
Empowering people, Enhancing technologies, Enriching communities
Pa Neter Ra (Serpent King, Amaru Chan)
Return of the Serpent Race (Nacaal)
The Great Peace Society of Indigenous Royal Serpents (Royal Dragons)
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Ecuador artifacts
Pa Neter Ra
By Teaching, We Learn
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Important Product Notifications
In this section we provide you with latest important product information. If you need technical advice please contact our service department or ask one of our worldwide partners.
New ECDIS Regulations - Action Required!
In August 2015, the IEC published the new ECDIS test standard IEC 61174 Ed. 4.0 and at the same time the IHO published the new Presentation Library IHO S-52 – Annex A Ed. 4.0.
Current users will have to upgrade their ECDIS until 31 August 2017 latest to be compliant with the latest standards and ECDIS carriage requirements. New Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS systems will be compliant from the very beginning.
For existing users we have release further information on this website:
New ECDIS Regulations
Current Version of Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS
Ship owners are required by IMO rules to have installed an ECDIS version compliant to the most recent rules and regulations. Raytheon Anschütz always keeps its ECDIS software up-to-date with the most recent IMO and class requirements. This website is to keep customers informed about the latest version of the Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS software.
Current version of the SYNAPSIS ECDIS and ECDIS NX software (for 770-010.NGxxx / SMC) is E03.22.
For the following Synapsis ECDIS processors the software version is: E02.05
- 950-019.NGxxx (Synapsis Box-PC)
- 950-014.NGxxx (NSC Box-PC)
- 950-011.NGxxx (A3300)
ECDIS - Additional remarks regarding the IHO Check Data Set
IHO has issued a Check Data Set to evaluate your Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS. If any questions arise after your evaluation please read our additional remarks before contacting our service.
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New IHO Certificate for ECDIS S-63 decryption
The current IHO certificate, which holds the public key for the S-63 decryption, expired in August 2013. Please follow the link below to download a guideline how to install the new IHO certificate in your ECDIS.
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Download: New IHO certificate download on IHO website


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Happy Bastille Day! In honor of the 219th anniversary of the symbolic beginning of modern France, our very own Frenchman Franzouse, has collected these photos from the "Course de Cote" vintage hill climb in St Geniez D'olt. Each car is a unique part of French rallying history, and the gallery includes a Renault R5 Turbo 2, a Citroen Visa rally car and a Talbot Sunbeam. And that's just what we can name off the top of our head.
Here's Franzouse's report:
For my birthday I went home this weekend to my quaint little southern french town of St Geniez D'olt (yup try pronouncing that) in the beautiful Aveyron region and got a real nice present: race day! They wouldn't let me enter the mehari in the "course de cote" (road climb, 46 turns in 6 miles of beautiful asphalt with guard rails...), but I did get to see the vintage racers that were parked on the plaza during the racer's big sunday lunch. It being bastille day, so here are the French cars
Can you identify all the cars? What are your favorite French cars? The Citroen DS? The Peugeot 504?Viva La France!


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Press the button start search and wait a little while. Using file-sharing servers API, our site will find the e-book file in various formats (such as PDF, EPUB and other). Please do not reload the page during the search. A typical file search time is about 15-20 seconds.
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All downloaded files are checked. Virus and adware free. Previously, our system checked the all ebook's files for viruses. The results of our verification:
Press button "GET DOWNLOAD LINKS" and wait 15 seconds. This time is necessary for links search to download An African Story in all e-book formats.


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Baby's First Easter
Struggling to find Easter gift ideas for your bambino? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are a few of my favorite baby items that would make an awesome Easter basket.
Building an Easter basket for a baby can be a bit of a challenge. Since babies can't have candy, traditional Easter sweets are out the window. Smaller Easter toys aren't always baby-friendly either.
To help get your creative wheels turning, I've rounded up baby gear that's perfect for the Easter holiday and spring season. Some of these items I've already tested with my 11-month-old and some are ones she might be getting from the Easter bunny. Since Easter treats are a no-go for baby, I'm including a few of her favorite snacks in her basket.
Hope you get some helpful ideas for celebrating Easter with your little one!
Easter gifts for baby:
- TOMY little chirpers sorting eggs (Amazon, $15)
- Playskool weebles (Amazon, $14)
- Egg shakers (Rakuten.com, $2)
- Bunny pacifier (Paper Source, $10)
- Cuddletoy Moochi the Rabbit (Sophie the Giraffe, $40)
- Peter Rabbit feeding set (Live and Learn Toys, $17 on sale)
- Peter Rabbit Organics fruit snacks (Diapers.com, $18 for 10)
- Happy Yogis: Mixed berry fruit snacks (Happy Family, $5)
- Peter Rabbit veggie washcloths (Etsy, $5 each)
- Peter Rabbit: Touch and Feel Playbook (Amazon, $9)
- Bunny racer (Plan Toys, $12)
- Beetroot clapper (Plan Toys, $6)
- Go! Go! Smart Wheels Tractor (VTech, $8)
- Bunny rattle (Plan Toys, $10)
- HABA Running Benny Bunny (Baby Naturopathics, $20)
- Skip Hop Dunck bath toys (Layla Grace, $10)
- Organic bunny footie jumper (Fawn Shoppe, $48)
- Easter sock monkey (Amazon, $19)
- Snuggle bunny personalized book set (Pottery Barn Kids, $58)
- DwellStudio bunny push toy (Dada Baby Boutique, $24)
- Pink tutu basket (Kmart, $12)
- Personalized plush Easter basket (WalMart, $20)
More Easter ideas
7 Ideas for baby's first Easter basket
8 Easter outfit ideas for baby girl
8 Easter outfit ideas for baby boy


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AfriGeneas Free Persons of Color Forum
On the Eve of Black History Month
On the Eve of Black History Month: Your Recommendations for the Best on the Web
Sometimes I'm a bit ambivalent about Black History Month. There is so much historical information on the web about African-Americans' active participation in shaping our country. But yet every year the well meaning media just skims the surface when they present our history. Television, film, magazines and newspapers seem to re-run and re-hash many of the justly deserved profiles of African-Americans. There is so Much More to Tell. It's as if February is a side bar to American history.
Rather than complain about it, I think that we should do something about it. Afrigeneas, the most respected black genealogical and historical website is our conduit for informing the public and most of all our children, about our incredible history.
I hope that you will join me in sharing your thoughts about African-Americans, your ancestors and family or friends who've contributed to our rich history and culture. They could be inventors, soldiers, writers, musicians, scientists, historians, entrepreneurs, publishers, labor leaders, activists.... Anyone or anything you believe will inspire us to remember and cherish our heritage. If there is a referenced URL, please include it.
Please join us at the Afrigeneas Forum.
And write away!
Messages In This Thread


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AQ Monitoring Results: Wilmington: Ozone
This page last reviewed September 8, 2010
Ozone (O3) is a reactive gas produced naturally in small amounts in the atmosphere. Most of the atmospheric ozone(about 90%) is found in the stratosphere, which is located approximately from 20 to 30 kilometers above the earth's surface. The stratospheric ozone is beneficial ozone since it absorbs hazardous ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. In the troposphere, which is normally within 10 kilometers above the earth's surface, there exists the ozone that is a component of smog. The tropospheric ozone can cause breathing difficulties and even lung damage. Ozone can also damage vegetation, buildings, rubber, and plastics. Unfortunately, the beneficial stratospheric ozone layer is thinning, and the tropospheric ozone has increased dramatically due to human activities. The tropospheric ozone is one of the major pollutants that are used to measure ambient air quality.
The tropospheric ozone is not directly emitted from human activities; rather, it is produced by a series of chemical reactions of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and oxygen with the energy of sunlight. High tropospheric ozone concentrations normally occur on hot summer days with strong sunlight.
Motor vehicles are the dominant contributor to both nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in California. Other sources of nitrogen oxides include fossil fuel fired electric utilities, and other industrial, commercial and residential combustion sources. In nature, soil bacterial action also produces nitrogen oxides. Sources of volatile organic compounds include gasoline vapors, chemical solvents, and consumer products like paints. In nature, biogenic emissions from plants include volatile organic compounds.
In order to reduce tropospheric ozone, California has adopted aggressive emission controls on motor vehicles and other sources, and as a consequence, the ozone concentration has reduced greatly over the last several decades. But for most areas in California, the measured ozone levels still exceed both national and state standards, which are:
|State standards:
90 ppb* for 1-hour average
|National standards
120 ppb for 1-hour average
80 ppb for 8-hour average
*ppb: parts per billion.
The standards establish the levels above which ozone is known to cause adverse health effects in humans.
Ambient Monitoring Results
Ambient levels of ozone are routinely monitored hourly at approximately 190 sites in the California ambient air quality measurement network. Based on the ozone standards, the maximum measured ozone concentration is used to determine the air quality regarding to ozone. Daily maximum of the 1-hour ozone measurements is a useful parameter to indicate the ozone levels. From 1998 through 2000, the statewide average concentration of daily maximum 1-hour
ozone measurements was 51 ppb (parts per billion). Relative to the statewide average, the Los Angeles County region
was 2% lower for the same time period.
The ambient monitoring results at Wilmington are provided here:
- A graph comparing the monthly summaries of ozone at the community with historical statewide and regional levels
- A table of summary statistics
- Raw data in Excel format


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The enemy had gathered in a small copse upstream from our location. The decision was made to engage them in force. The assault would require a direct approach along the river, the only significant obstacle to attack being a small hillock approximately a hundred metres from our location. Sergeant Chandler led the way. Ames, Elder, Leonard, and Tracker followed, with Parker and me bringing up the heavy machine gun at the rear. The day was dry and clear.
Immediately upon leaving our position, we came under heavy enemy fire. Almost at once, Private Ames grew red in the face. Private Elder took Ames's pack. But the pack was heavy, and Elder soon reported that his back was spasming. Also, his calves were burning. Elder joined Ames behind a small boulder, where the two men shared a Diet Coke.
Refreshed, Elder and Ames started back up the hill. Almost immediately, Ames again became tired. Even more tired than before. And Elder's back was feeling worse. Also, he had this rash under one arm—where the arm flab hits the torso? And that was acting up. What with all the marching and so forth. Meanwhile, Privates Leonard and Tracker continued up the hill. Until, that is, Private Leonard's trousers began to chafe. While tight in the thighs and the rear, they were somehow slipping down in back. It was super-annoying. His back was all sweaty. He sat, a few metres away from where Elder and Ames still were not feeling quite up to snuff. Tracker continued alone up the hill, with Parker and me laying down covering fire from below. Soon, Tracker was just a few metres from the hilltop. It wasn't actually all that big a hill, to tell the truth. More like a mild rise. Sergeant Chandler reached out his hand, as if to haul Tracker up. But, holding up one finger, Tracker paused, indicating: Wait a sec. Panting, Tracker bent at the waist, then dropped to one knee, then sat. His feet really killed, he shouted back at us. Sitting splay-legged, he used his helmet to fan his face. Tracker motioned that Elder should throw him the Diet Coke, so he could pour it over his head. Elder gestured: No way, we're still thirsty—why didn't you bring your own?
Soon, Elder and Ames felt strong enough to continue. But not for long. They sat back down, then fell over on their backs. It was nice looking up at the sky. A guy could almost catch his breath. Although it was pretty hard to rest with Sergeant Chandler yelling like that from the hilltop. They got up again. Elder had to haul Ames to his feet. But Ames weighed a ton, and ended up pulling Elder down on top of him. At this time, the heavy firing from the enemy position abated, replaced by what sounded like hoots of braying laughter.
Elder requested that Ames at least carry his own stupid backpack. Ames made a low groan. Elder responded by saying it was only fair, since he, Elder, had to carry the Diet Coke. Ames asked since when was a half-full Diet Coke as heavy as a full backpack? Plus, why did Elder feel the need to hog the whole Diet Coke? Elder asserted that he wasn't hogging it, he was just carrying it, was all. Ames had reason to suspect Elder, who had once eaten four boxes of Raisinets in one sitting. And they weren't even his Raisinets. They were just left over from this Halloween care package, meant for whomever. But Elder had totally claimed those Raisinets, and none of the men had ever really forgotten it.
Resolving to put their differences aside, the men proceeded a few metres up the hill. Walking uphill was a lot harder than walking on a flat dealie. Ugh. It was like being on a StairMaster. Or so they had heard. Sitting down again, Ames began digging through his pack for some Twizzlers. Luckily, he found some Pringles. And they were new Pringles, so when he opened the can it would make that freshness-insuring noise Pringles made. Although it would be hard to hear, what with the shooting and all.
From his position at the top of the hill, Sergeant Chandler motioned for Parker and me to discontinue the covering fire and join him. We advanced up the hill by walking wearily in one direction, then wearily in the other, doing this kind of serpentine thing, making basically no progress whatsoever. Because, the thing was, when we tried to walk straight uphill? It was pretty much undoable. That mild rise was a lot steeper than it looked. Finally, we just gave up. No one could blame us. Going up that hill was just—wow—forget about it. We joined Elder, Ames, Leonard, and Tracker beneath a small tree. It was sweet to not be walking anymore. Parker had some Dentyne Ice. I still had part of my Twinkie from lunch. Tracker had some Doritos, although it was mostly just crumbs at the bottom of the bag. Still, one thing we'd learned in the Army: those crumbs often have a more concentrated Doritos flavor. Elder found some Fruit Roll-Ups and a Sprite in his pack. How had he got all that extra room in there? we wanted to know. Easy, he said—just leave your hand grenades back at the base. We all high-fived Elder, hopeful that he might divide the Fruit Roll-Ups into equal portions.
Just then, Sergeant Chandler came charging down the hill. What in the hell were we doing? he demanded. The enemy was right there, on the other side, waiting to be engaged. Were we afraid? Were we cowards?
We were not afraid. We were not cowards. Well, maybe a little. But mostly we were just so tired. Also starving. Plus, like I said, several of us were chafing. Our faces were red and our hair was sticking straight up. I guess it's true what they say about war being hell.
Just then, the enemy appeared at the top of the hill. There followed a moment of stunned silence. Except Elder and Leonard were kind of mouth-breathing. And Tracker had his nose-whistle thing going on.
They swooped down upon us, so thin and quick on their feet, and soon we had all been taken prisoner. Except for the Sergeant. He just took off like a shot. We were like: Where does that emaciated old dude get all that energy? So that sucked. Especially because all they gave us to eat was like vegetables or fruits or whatever. There was this bean paste, and also some soup, I guess it was? Just all this weird-ass food. And they didn't give you very much, either. Extremely small portions. And when I requested some Sno-Caps they gave me this blank look, like, Uh, sorry, we do not even know the name of Sno-Caps in this country.
So much for the Geneva Conventions.
Anyway, the mission was a total disaster. Honestly, we should've just stayed back at the base. Especially since that night was supposed to be Taco Night.
I for one will be so glad when this crazy war is over. ♦


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For Immediate Release
Patricia Kiernan Johnson;
March 22, 2007
New York, NY—OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, announces the formation of "Young Friends of Opera", a national ticket discount reciprocity program for young professional adults. The program is an effort by the association, in cooperation with opera companies across the country, to increase the availability of affordable tickets to this demographic, many of whom travel frequently with their jobs.
In the past decade, more and more opera companies across the United States have implemented programs designed to attract young professionals, a demographic widely viewed as the future audience for opera and the performing arts. Typically, these companies offer performance tickets at a greatly discounted price to their membership, often along with access to social and education activities.
During its 2006 Annual Conference, OPERA America formed a national steering committee of opera staff members and volunteer members of young professional organizations from around the country. The steering committee quickly realized the value of a national reciprocity program in which a local opera company's young professional membership could travel to other cities and receive a similar ticket benefit in the community in which they are visiting. Following a series of conference calls and a meeting in New York City, the steering committee agreed that a national reciprocity program would be attractive to opera companies nationwide who offered their own young professional program in their own community.
An "OPERA America Young Friends of Opera" membership card was created and will be distributed to participating opera companies for dissemination to their young professional group membership. The membership card entitles the bearer to reciprocal ticket offers at participating companies subject to the local company's restrictions and availability.
"OPERA America is pleased to be able to offer this national reciprocity program to our professional company members," stated Marc A. Scorca, President and CEO. "Programs such as these are vital to encouraging the development of not only our current audience, but both our long-term audience and eventually, donors. Young Friends of Opera will benefit not only our member company's young professional audiences, but ultimately opera's audience as a whole."
OPERA America leads and serves the entire opera community, supporting the creation, presentation and enjoyment of opera.
Artistic services help opera companies and creative and performing artists to improve the quality of productions and increase the creation and presentation of North American works.
Information, technical, and administrative services to opera companies reflect the need for strengthened leadership among staff, trustees and volunteers.
Education, audience development and community services are designed to enhance all forms of opera appreciation.
Founded in 1970, OPERA America's worldwide membership network includes nearly 200 Company Members, 300 Associate and Business Members, 2,000 Individual Members and more than 16,000 subscribers to the association's electronic news service. In 2005, OPERA America relocated from Washington, D.C. to New York as the first step in creating the first-ever National Opera Center. With a wide range of artistic and administrative services in a purpose-built facility, the Opera Center is dedicated to increasing the level of excellence, creativity and effectiveness across the field.
OPERA America's long tradition of supporting and nurturing the creation and development of new works led to the formation of
The Opera Fund
, a growing endowment which allows OPERA America to make a direct impact on the ongoing creation and presentation of new opera and music-theater works. Since its inception, OPERA America has made grants of nearly $11 million to assist companies with the expenses associated with the creation and development of new works.


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Abstract and Keywords
The flooding of rivers and coastlines is the most frequent and damaging of all natural hazards. Between 1980 and 2016, total direct damages exceeded $1.6 trillion, and at least 225,000 people lost their lives. Recent events causing major economic losses include the 2011 river flooding in Thailand ($40 billion) and the 2013 coastal floods in the United States caused by Hurricane Sandy (over $50 billion). Flooding also triggers great humanitarian challenges. The 2015 Malawi floods were the worst in the country's history and were followed by food shortage across large parts of the country.
Flood losses are increasing rapidly in some world regions, driven by economic development in floodplains and increases in the frequency of extreme precipitation events and global sea level due to climate change. The largest increase in flood losses is seen in low-income countries, where population growth is rapid and many cities are expanding quickly. At the same time, evidence shows that adaptation to flood risk is already happening, and a large proportion of losses can be contained successfully by effective risk management strategies. Such risk management strategies may include floodplain zoning, construction and maintenance of flood defenses, reforestation of land draining into rivers, and use of early warning systems.
To reduce risk effectively, it is important to know the location and impact of potential floods under current and future social and environmental conditions. In a risk assessment, models can be used to map the flow of water over land after an intense rainfall event or storm surge (the hazard). Modeled for many different potential events, this provides estimates of potential inundation depth in flood-prone areas. Such maps can be constructed for various scenarios of climate change based on specific changes in rainfall, temperature, and sea level.
To assess the impact of the modeled hazard (e.g., cost of damage or lives lost), the potential exposure (including buildings, population, and infrastructure) must be mapped using land-use and population density data and construction information. Population growth and urban expansion can be simulated by increasing the density or extent of the urban area in the model. The effects of floods on people and different types of buildings and infrastructure are determined using a vulnerability function. This indicates the damage expected to occur to a structure or group of people as a function of flood intensity (e.g., inundation depth and flow velocity).
Potential adaptation measures such as land-use change or new flood defenses can be included in the model in order to understand how effective they may be in reducing flood risk. This way, risk assessments can demonstrate the possible approaches available to policymakers to build a less risky future.
Keywords: flood risk, climate change, vulnerability, exposure, hazard
Access to the complete content on Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Natural Hazard Science requires a subscription or purchase. Public users are able to search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter without a subscription.
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BACS, Telephone, Cheque, Credit &
Debit Card & Paypal.
Card payment can be made through
Paypal, even if you don't have a
Paypal account.
RAMC Royal Army Medical Corps Tie and Tie Clip
1 x Tie Clip. Excellent quality made for the M.O.D
The regimental design is die cut from metal and coloured with enamel
Approx size 19mm x 17mm
Tie Clip overall length 55mm
1 x Tie. All our ties are currently supplied to the MOD ( MINISTRY OF DEFENCE )
We only use MOD approved suppliers.
100 % Polyester, dry clean only
Made in UK
Approx size of tie, Length 54-56 Inch x Width 4 inch
Military Badges, Regimental Cufflinks and Military Wall Plaques


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Speak Up
Democracy depends on a free press
In the summer of 1787, the nation's most influential lawyers, generals and politicians gathered in Philadelphia with a single purpose: To create a government that was ruled by the people instead of one that ruled them.
The first words of the Constitution underscored this principle: "We, the people, of the United States of America . . ."
To protect the people's power, our Founding Fathers carefully divided the government into three branches. With this system, no one person or governmental branch could ever rule with absolute authority.
The checks and balances provide a framework for the government. However, the cornerstone of our democracy is the unique privilege and responsibility of every citizen to be engaged through voting, public offices, representation in Congress and myriad other ways.
For a society to be responsible and powerful, it must be informed. Our free press, protected by the first constitutional amendment, plays a critical role in ensuring that every American has constant access to important and trustworthy news.
Thomas Jefferson said, "Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them."
As he emphasized, this free flow of information to the public is essential to preserving our American democracy. In addition to educating and reporting, the press serves as the public's independent watchdog, charged with keeping governments, businesses and other organizations in check.
What other institution has the power to talk to key leaders, inspire social change and uncover corruption, while analyzing and providing context for major global events? Thanks to diligent reporting, citizens are empowered to take a stance on critical issues, enact change and demand the best from their leaders.
Recent headlines have demonstrated that we can't take the power of the press for granted. After it was revealed this summer that the government secretly obtained AP phone records and the email content of Fox News reporter James Rosen, while also ruling that New York Times reporter James Risen must disclose his confidential sources, it became clear that confidential sources and the integrity of the newsgathering process must also be specifically protected.
Without a free press that can defend its sources, American democracy will suffer. The Newspaper Association of America applauded the vote last week by the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve the Free Flow of Information Act for vote in the Senate. This bill represents a critical step in preserving the public's right to know while still ensuring effective law enforcement.
FLASH SALE! Unlimited digital access for $3.99 per month
Don't miss this great deal. Offer ends on March 31st!SAVE NOW
While we celebrate this, we know that news organizations and the government itself comprise only a piece of the equation. To have a strong democracy and educated citizenry, it is up to you to take advantage of your opportunities to be engaged. It is up to you to stay informed by reading newspapers, visiting their websites or accessing their news apps, and up to you to show up at the polls on Nov. 5.
The Constitution was ratified on Sept. 17, a day that we continue to commemorate every year as the birth of our uniquely American government. There is no better way to honor our Constitution and our founding fathers than by exercising our individual right to be informed.
Caroline Little, CEO of the Newspaper Association of America, Washington, D.C.


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After poring through the latest earnings release from Goldman Sachs , Cramer was nothing short of shocked.
"Goldman Sachs dazzled," said an awed Jim Cramer. "I was truly shocked at how much money was made by equities, fixed income and commodities. Goldman has a return on equity of 15%, much much higher than people thought."
By the numbers, earnings excluding items jumped to $5.60 per share from $1.84 a share in the year-earlier period, with net revenues improving to $9.24 billion from $6.05 billion a year ago. The bank saw net earnings of $2.89 billion in the quarter, with an annualized return on equity of 16.5 percent


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My friend Monica loves rollerskating along the beach so I decided to make a whole afternoon out of it. I figured since I am kind of clumsy on skates I might as well make it worth my while and have her partake in my favorite hobby. Licking some delicious pussy. It didnt take much to convince her once she laid her eyes on Brianna and Selena. We had a blast. Getting my rocks off makes it completely worth it to have some bumps and bruises from the skating. You know come to think of it some of those bumps and bruises might not be because of the skating after all. We got pretty rough this time.
Kristen Cameron, Brianna Ray, Selena


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Roger Chapman has early lead at Senior PGA
BENTON HARBOR (AP) -- After playing only one event on the European Senior Tour, Roger Chapman showed up at the Senior PGA Championship in fine form.
Chapman shot a 3-under 68 on Thursday to take the early lead at Harbor Shores. Chapman tied for 16th this month in the Mallorca Open -- and that's about all he's done this season.
"We have only played one event in Europe this year, so this is probably my fourth real competitive round this year," the Englishman said. "It's a long way to come, a long wait. But I'm very pleased with the way things are going."
With a number of players still on the course Thursday afternoon, Chapman led John Cook by a stroke. Steve Pate, J.L. Lewis, Jeff Sluman, Jay Haas and David Frost shot 70.
Chapman tied for 27th last year in the Senior PGA in Kentucky, his best showing in his first three starts in the major championship.
Harbor Shores opened two years ago for its first full season, and the Jack Nicklaus-designed layout gave players quite a challenge on a windy day along the shore of Lake Michigan. Chapman hit all 13 fairways and made five birdies and two bogeys. He birdied Nos. 7, 8 and 9 on the part of the course closest to the lake.
"My expectations were, just go in and come into the tournament and play as well as I can," Chapman said. "And I must say I'm very happy with what's happened today, so just keep it going."
Chapman's performance came somewhat out of nowhere after his pedestrian showing in Europe.
"We had one event, our first event, which was second week in May. We lost a couple sponsors in China and Brunei, which we normally play a couple in March," he explained. "We never really start very early anyway, but this is probably normally about the third or fourth event of the year."
Defending champion Tom Watson is sitting out the tournament because of a wrist problem. Four-time champion Hale Irwin shot 71 -- a solid score that puts him in position to contend again if he can keep it up. Irwin last won the event in 2004, but finished fourth last year.
Fred Couples, who won at Fallen Oak in Mississippi on the Champions Tour in March, made a double bogey on the par-5 15th and shot 76.
"Anything under par is a good score," he said. "It's just another round of golf. I'm 52 years old. If I'm worried what I shot every single round, then that's a problem."
Cook has three top-five finishes on the Champions Tour this year. He missed four fairways, but had only one bogey.
"Today the wind decided it was going to switch completely on us right from the first tee ball. We were trying to figure out what to do there," Cook said. "I know the wind's supposed to be different almost every single day. I know it's supposed to be hot on Sunday. So it just, it just adds those variables."


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Evan Rachel Wood, Jamie Bell expecting first child
Evan Rachel Wood is going to be a mom.
Wood's publicist, Amanda Silverman, said Friday the 25-year-old actress and her husband, Jamie Bell, are expecting their first child later this year. She said Wood and Bell are "thrilled."
The couple married last year. They first dated in 2005 but broke up the following year.
Wood's breakout role was in 2003's gritty film "Thirteen." In 2011, she co-starred with Kate Winslet in the HBO miniseries "Mildred Pierce." Both roles earned her Golden Globe nominations.
Bell, 26, is best known for his starring role in "Billy Elliott." His film credits also include "King Kong" and "The Adventures of Tintin."
Us Weekly first reported Wood's pregnancy.


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The offices of Undergraduate Admissions (239-590-7915) and Graduate Admissions (239-590-7988) determine first term residency at FGCU for tuition purposes for all newly-admitted students.
Reclassification of residency for the purpose of tuition is not automatic. Enrolled students who are classified as non-Florida residents for tuition purposes and who believe they may qualify for in-state tuition effective with the next academic semester must submit the Request for Change in Residency for Tuition form to the Office of the Registrar prior to the last day of the drop/add or late registration period for the term in which resident status is sought. Supporting documents (as noted in the Initial Classification section) must be attached to the form. If claiming independence status and under the age of 24, a copy of the most recent federal income tax filing for the student and parent are required. The claimant, under the age of 24, who has annual financial resources totaling half the cost of attendance or more, must provide their most recent tax return along with copies of their W2 forms; or with documents establishing other sources of income from within Florida.
The Office of the Registrar reserves the right to require additional documentation in order to determine the resident status of a current student. Rent receipts, leases, employment records are not evidence in itself of legal Florida residence. If Florida residency status for the purpose of tuition is denied, the student may file an appeal to the Office of the Registrar. The decision of the Residency Appeal Committee is final, as provided by law.
Approved residency reclassification will not be applied retroactively to previous terms.
NOTE: The provisions under both state laws will apply to initial and reclassification procedures as well as degree and non-degree seeking students at Florida Gulf Coast University.
https://www.floridashines.org/ is Florida's official online student advising system. It is provided free by the Florida Department of Education to help students make informed choices about their education.
To view Residency Reclassification information, select the following link:
After selecting this link, view Section 5.0. If you have additional questions regarding only 'Residency Reclassification', contact the Office of the Registrar at 239-590-7914 or send an e-mail to: firstname.lastname@example.com


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So I was driving along on my QT50 and she was running just fine when for no apparent reason and rather abruptly she died. That was last week and she hasn't started since then.
I have absolutely no idea what is wrong. I didn't have any problems leading up to this. Engine isn't seized, got good spark and fuel. Even tried to put some gas into spark plug socket but she won't even sputter. She sounds different - prior to this she used to sputter a few times before she started but now she barely makes a sound. Feels like she's missing compression (I don't have a tester). Maybe I blew a seal somewhere or...?
If you have any suggestions keep it simple, I am not that familiar with 2-strokes. I'll appreciate any and all help.


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Garth Brooks Invites Fan To Dinner at His Home
By Dustin Stout
February 7, 2018
Garth Brooks is opening up his home for some of his biggest fans.
During his latest "Inside Studio G" live stream, Swedish fan Elisabeth Wadin sent the country legend a question about recommendations for stops along her upcoming honeymoon road trip "from Texas to Florida."
Garth responded with the ultimate invitation.
"I'm gonna get my butt kicked by my wife for this one," Garth said of wife Trisha Yearwood. "What would you think about you and your husband—why don't you make a stop in Nashville and why don't you come to our house and have dinner with me and Ms. Yearwood?"
Garth promised Elisabeth a home-cooked meal and thanked her for her support of country music.
"It would be a joy to have you in our house and introduce you to the queen," he added. "I love you very, very much. Come see us!"
Garth and Trisha recently wrapped their three-year world tour.
Photo: Getty Images


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Adult Sizes: S-4XL
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For detailed PRICING, please select "Add to Cart" to view the ordering/pricing grid.


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Blue-White Basketball Games This Sunday
October 22, 2008
By ODU Athletics
By ODU Athletics
Oct. 22, 2008
Norfolk, Va. - The men's and women`s basketball teams tip off their seasons this Sunday, Oct. 26 with the annual Blue-White scrimmages, beginning at 3 p.m. with the Lady Monarch inter-squad game, followed by the Monarchs game approximately 30 minutes after the women's game.
Admission to the exhibitions is free. If you are a season ticket holder, there is no ticket included in your season ticket package to these games, and seating in the arena is open. In addition to the games, the University Village retailers will be hosting a Fall Festival from 2-6 p.m., with discounts offered for fans attending the games.


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There are many cyber insurance products available for purchase, and each is somewhat unique. Some products are more comprehensive than others. Some cyber insurance products are combined with insurance policies of another type; for example, technology errors and omissions liability insurance. And, there is some important "cyber" insurance protection available in insurance policies which might not immediately be recognized as providing such coverage.
This article will describe the process involved with the selection of effective cyber insurance coverage.
Evolution of (Specific) Cyber Insurance
The first policies which began to address the emerging issues involving the use of the Internet, and related privacy/security liability issues, began to appear near the end of the 1990s. They were expensive, and carried exclusionary language for situations such as "failure to promptly install a software patch," and the scope of coverage was limited primarily to electronic-related security and privacy allegations. Underwriters expressed concern for the possibility of a worldwide aggregation of virus planting, hacking or electronic grid problems. But the coverage evolved with new insurers entering the market and with efforts to improve coverage.
Soon, broad first-party (interruption in online earning stream) coverage was available and the scope of the liability coverage had expanded to provide coverage on an "enterprise wide" basis. At present, there are numerous insurers willing to underwrite various levels of cyber coverage, and each policy has its own nuances. We'll address some of these nuances later in this article.
Other Sources of Protection
Commercial General Liability – The Policy Definition of "Personal Injury." While it is safe to state that underwriters were not anticipating most currently known cyber exposures in the design and underwriting of insurance products appearing prior to the 1990s, it is also safe to state that there may be some coverage in "traditional" insurance policies.
Any good insurance broker would go to extreme lengths to try to find coverage based upon the claim situation at hand. An example might be lawsuit allegations to the effect of "invasion of privacy/confidentiality." Certainly, cyber insurance policies — and perhaps certain technology errors and omissions liability policies, and even some professional liability policies — may provide this coverage. But it's also true that many commercial general liability (CGL) policy forms, under the definition of "Personal Injury," will likely provide some form of cyber coverage, as well.
Typical policy language will include an affirmative coverage statement for "publication or utterance of material which violates an individual's right to privacy." While this language isn't broad enough to encompass coverage for liability arising out of hacking situations, there could be coverage for plaintiff allegations matching — or even coming close — to the coverage afforded, although it must be remembered that most CGL insurance is written on an "occurrence" basis, and not on a "claims made" basis. It is also true that some insurers will further endorse the CGL policy to specifically exclude claims brought by customers of the insured organization, which greatly limits the overall scope of any coverage otherwise provided.
Employment Practices Liability (EPL). The purpose of EPL insurance is to defend and provide settlement coverage for situations primarily focused on employee-generated allegations of discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination. On an ancillary basis, many insurers will include coverage for "employment related" breach of privacy. Sometimes the qualifying terminology "employee-related" is not included, which significantly expands the overall scope of the extension. Regardless, if the plaintiff allegations include mention of employment-related breach of privacy/confidentially, the EPL policy can be looked to for possible insurance defense/settlement, depending upon the exact language used by the underwriter in the basic EPL insuring provisions, and the specific allegations advanced by the plaintiff.
In addition, many insurers routinely include a coverage extension for such claims brought by non-employees, such as customers, vendors and others. If this extension is in place on the EPL insurance, and the language used to extend the coverage isn't restricted in such a way as to prevent the insurer from denying plaintiff allegations of customer-related breach of privacy/confidentiality, then protection could conceivably exist within the EPL policy for such allegations. The lack of such a restriction isn't likely, but it is possible. Anything is possible with insurance language from insurer to insurer.
Fiduciary Liability Insurance. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), effective Jan. 1, 1975, was designed to provide federal regulation of employee benefit plans. Following its implementation, several insurers rushed to introduce liability insurance coverage that would defend and protect persons within organizations charged with administering and implementing employee benefit plans. These new insurance products were known as fiduciary liability insurance policies.
Over the ensuing years, the ERISA legislation was amended by additional federal legislation, one of which was the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which was aimed at the removal of barriers to hiring persons with serious medical situations (or dependents thereof), for fear of a negative impact upon employer group insurance pricing. Additionally, there was the mandate that employers would be required to protect the privacy or employee medical and health-related information.
Beginning in the early 2000s, some insurers began offering HIPAA Civil Money Penalties coverage as an endorsement to fiduciary liability insurance policies (usually subject to a policy sub-limited limit of insurance).
Following the passage of President Obama's stimulus legislation, effective in February 2010, it was learned that this legislation contained a provision amending the HIPAA legislation, whose official name is the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health, or HITECH. The purpose of HITECH was to mandate prompt notice to employees by employers in the event of a data security breach, with special requirements when 500 or more employees' records are affected by the breach.
So, fiduciary liability insurance has an important, if ancillary, role to play in securing the best possible insurance for cyber-related exposures. The best approach: Be certain that HIPAA civil money penalties are covered, and make certain that no fiduciary liability exclusion exists for HITECH exposures.
Crime Insurance. There may also be some coverage under certain crime insurance policies for cyber-related exposures. Many buyers of crime insurance don't fully grasp that the scope of most crime insurance is to cover "loss of or damage to … money (usually defined), securities (usually defined) and property other than money and securities, in tangible form."
Striking a blow against any coverage for cyber-related situations is the fact that nothing about the Internet is tangible.
Increasingly, transactions for many goods and services are conducted online, including money transfers, bill/invoice payments, and even payments for many services such as insurance coverage, for example.
So, basically put, under most crime insurance policies, if an employee steals money (or securities, or tangible property), employee dishonesty insurance should respond subject to limit, deductible amount and other provisions of the insurance. If an employee steals intellectual property (or data, or valuable information), that property is not covered as it is likely not in tangible form (although the CD, copy paper, or flash drive used for transport of the information would be considered tangible).
To be specific, the provision of the crime insurance policy which could conceivably provide some cyber-related coverage could be the "computer fraud" or "funds transfer fraud" insuring clauses and provisions. This insuring clause is certainly optional, but having it in place can prove to be almost a life-saver.
The purpose of the "computer fraud" insuring clause is to replace financial assets of the insured organization following a described form of "outsider access" through a computer or computer system of the insured organization that caused the organization to suffer a financial loss. As an example, if the organization transferred money from its own bank account into the bank account of another party based upon instructions provided to do so from outside the organization (but not authorized by the insured organization), and utilized a computer of the organization (as the receiving instrument for such instructions), the "computer fraud" insuring clause could provide coverage, depending upon the limit and deductible amount on the crime policy in question, the exact circumstances of the loss, and other coverage aspects of the policy.
Thus, having "computer fraud" insurance is an important component to a full, well rounded insurance program, and especially with regard to doing everything possible to insure against the exposures of computer fraud.
There is also some limited underwriter interest in providing a coverage extension for insureds involved in producing/issuing gift cards with respect to the stored value on such cards, when such cards are within the possession of the insured organization. Again, nothing about the Internet is tangible, so having coverage apply to gift card values — as opposed to just the value of the blank gift card — is a major step in the direction of insurance coverage for situations involving gift cards.
Other Elements of Cyber Insurance
Within some insuring organizations, there is overlap among those underwriting technology errors and omissions coverage and cyber exposures, and when that overlap occurs, some technology E&O insurance products can be endorsed to provide elements of cyber liability insurance.
An example would be a technology E&O policy endorsed to specifically address allegations of "unauthorized access," "breach of privacy/confidentiality," and even "failure of IT security." Of course not every technology E&O underwriter would be willing to do this, but it is not especially uncommon. Any or all of these cyber-related exposures can conceivably be included for coverage on technology E&O, and similar insurance products. However, it could prove very difficult to find a "pure" technology E&O insurance product that was extended to reimburse insured organizations for notification costs and related expenses. Many cyber insurance underwriters would consider this to be "first-party" coverage directly benefiting the insured organization, and it is difficult to argue against that position.
It can be generally stated that most E&O (and professional liability) insurance policies do not contemplate significant cyber-related exposures, unless coverage for the exposure is contemplated by the insuring agreements of the policy, or, if specifically added by endorsement. For example, most lawyers professional liability insurance policies don't contemplate, within the historical context of the insurance provided, coverage for "unauthorized access," "failure of IT security," or coverage provided on an "enterprise-wide" basis. However, some E&O/professional liability policies have historically provided coverage for allegations of "breach of privacy/confidentiality." The same could be said for insurance agents E&O insurance, although recently, some insurers have begun adding some measure of cyber liability insurance coverage to such policies by specific, optional endorsement, and for an additional premium charge.
Combining Cyber Liability With Executive Liability Insurance
Increasingly, major underwriters of the cyber liability exposure are willing to add coverage for certain elements of this exposure, by endorsement to directors and officers liability (D&O) and other executive liability insurance products. This can prove to be very efficient and even cost effective, but care must be taken when this occurs to be certain that:
- The policy aggregate limit is not further extended to include cyber liability claims and expenses. If it is, then consideration should be given to an aggregate limits increase, or having the aggregate limit apply separately to each individual liability coverage line.
- The scope of coverage provided by the cyber endorsement is generally consistent with the scope of coverage in the insurer's monoline cyber liability coverage form.
- The "one size fits all" approach to adding the coverage is generally consistent with the exposures anticipated by both buyer and seller for the risk at hand. True efficiency necessarily means that there is little room for individual account variation in coverage terms and specifics.
With continued efforts toward consolidation of coverage, and increased "packaging" of various coverage lines, it is inevitable that insurers will attempt to sell cyber insurance in conjunction with other insurance products, such as management liability or related products.
New Developments in Cyber Insurance
As cyber insurance has evolved, the coverage has become more comprehensive and insurers are looking for ways to distinguish products with a variety of bells and whistles.
A basic example is the policy definition of "territory." At a minimum, the policy territory should be "worldwide" for what should be obvious reasons. But some insurers go even further, such as "universal," or "anywhere in the universe," or even "anywhere" although many underwriters clarify that coverage will not apply in places where the United States has trade sanctions.
Other important evolutionary coverage aspects involve the important "Notifications Costs Reimbursement" coverage. Initially, many insurers were willing to reimburse hard costs of notifying affected residents of a state which had passed a notification law only (notification if required by law). But with the passage of time, this requirement has softened for many, but not all insurers, and credit monitoring expense reimbursement has been included by many insurers. Also, some insurers now offer an option for reimbursing for a specified number of notifications, as well as involvement of third-party with notification experience to handle and direct the notification process. Notification also has expanded to include employees, with respect to employer medical/insurance information disclosure, and in accordance with the HI-TECH amendment to the HIPAA legislation.
Another recent coverage development is for "Cloud Failure." Coverage applies if the insured's online earnings stream is interrupted by an unannounced or unplanned failure of a cloud service provider relating to the insured's access to associated cloud computing services. Like Notification Costs Reimbursement, Cloud Failure is considered to be a first-party insurance coverage within the world of cyber insurance.
Other recent coverage improvements would include situations involving the unintentional failure of the insured to comply with certain aspects of the established privacy policy, and an enhanced definition of computer system which would broaden a more traditional definition contained in many cyber insurance policies.
Village of Coverage
A famous politician one said that it takes a village to properly raise a child. The similar statement for cyber insurance is that to get the best possible coverage for a given exposure, several insurance policies may contain elements of coverage, which when taken with a really solid cyber insurance policy, may result in the best possible cyber insurance coverage.
The best possible insurance for the cyber exposure may involve not only a finely tuned cyber insurance policy, but also the presence of elements of coverage to address various aspects of the exposure in other insurance coverages maintained by the organization.
Clarke, CPCU, CIC, senior vice president at J. Smith Lanier & Co., is the author of two books "Maximizing Coverage/Minimizing Costs" (1993); and "Executive Liability Insurance" (Fifth Edition, 2012), and a specialist in the areas of management liability; errors & omissions liability; cyber liability; crime and ancillary coverages.
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