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It turns out there can be bipartisanship in Congress – just call a House Agriculture Committee hearing, put the EPA on a pedestal and hand out tomatoes.
At the start of Thursday's hearing, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson tried to parry myths about agency actions. Her underlying point – that rumors rampant in farm country are unfairly tarring the EPA – didn't soften the subsequent questions and comments she faced.
For more, see 5 myths dogging EPA – Jackson.
A sampling:
- Illinois Rep. Tim Johnson: The EPA "has absolutely been the poster-child for usurpation of legislative authority."
- California Rep. Jim Costa: The EPA "is the most unpopular agency in farm country from sea to shining sea, bar none. Have you heard of judicial activism? I submit that your agency often pursues a course of 'agency activism.' You want to have jurisdiction over an issue but the law may not quite say so. … So, you settle suits that allow you to then go pursue a course of action that you may not have within the law."
- North Carolina Rep. Larry Kissell: "Perception is reality. And today you've heard the strong perception that the EPA doesn't fully understand, or perhaps isn't ready, to work with the ag community in a lot of ways. You had examples of five myths early (in your testimony). I'm sure after debunking those myths we could fill the ledger back up with many, many more. That's part of the problem: there's so much uncertainty involved."
- Wisconsin Rep. Reid Ribble: "I've never been in a committee hearing quite like this where everyone agrees you've got problems. … The American people don't trust you. You need to hear that and take it back."
Kicking it off
Oklahoma Rep. Frank Lucas, committee chairman, kicked off the lengthy hearing by telling Jackson the "regulatory agenda of the EPA" is the "top priority for nearly every" committee member. "The reason is simple: many members of this committee believe that over the past two years the EPA has pursued an agenda seemingly absent of the consequences for rural America and production agriculture. Your agency is creating regulations and policies that are burdensome, overreaching, and that negatively affect jobs and rural economies.
"Just a few examples: EPA has proposed zero-tolerance standards for pesticide spray drift; initiating action to stiffen the current regulatory standard on farm dust, which would make tilling a field, operating a feed lot or driving a farm vehicle nearly impossible; and an unprecedented re-evaluation of the popular weed control product, atrazine. In 2006, the EPA completed a 12-year review (of atrazine) involving 6,000 studies and 80,000 public comments. Yet, one of the first orders of business of the Obama administration was to start over after an article appeared in the New York Times."
Jackson told the committee the EPA was not pursuing the regulation of dust, spray drift and nutrients. But Lucas asked if Jackson believes the EPA has the authority to regulate those things.
"Yes, sir," admitted Jackson. "Dust would be under the Clean Air Act under particulate matter standards. Nutrients are under the Clean Water Act, certainly. Spray drift, through FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act) labeling – which is where this issue was raised. EPA's decisions on what to put on the label has a tremendous (impact) on that sector."
Regarding the regulation of dust, Texas Rep. Michael Conaway was dismissive saying Texans worry that the EPA plans to oversee something natural and ubiquitous in the state. Conaway recounted a recent drive through pastureland in his home state. Wind was blowing 40 to 50 miles per hour and blown dirt – "excuse me 'course particulate matter'" said Conaway, mockingly – was so thick he had to slow the car.
Settlement questions
Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson, ranking member, wanted to know how the EPA handles legal actions. "What factors do you use to determine whether, or not, to settle with a litigant or petitioner?"
Jackson: "EPA makes a case-by-case judgment and we must look at several factors -- the requirements of the law, most importantly. Legal risk is always a big factor in determining whether to continue litigation or to settle a case."
At what point does the Department of Justice (DOJ) get involved and who has the final say?
"We work in concert with the DOJ," said Jackson. "They act as a check, if you will. We cannot move forward on a settlement without concurrence and consultation with the DOJ."
Peterson wanted to know if all EPA settlement agreements "contain provisions for payment of attorney fees?"
"In general, I'll simply say that Congress has imposed a vast array of requirements on EPA," said Jackson. "We're frequently sued by environmental and other organizations under statutes claiming that EPA has failed to take action in a timely manner, or that we've been unreasonably delayed. In many cases, the remedy demanded under that lawsuit is to undertake rule-making."
Peterson interrupted, "What about if it isn't litigated and you just settle? Then, all of the sudden, you're doing a settlement that requires you to do rule-making? And (Congress) didn't authorize it or probably agree with it."
The EPA looks "at what the law requires us to do," said Jackson. "One of the questions is whether (the EPA) would lose if we went to court and whether we'd be best served by settling early and agree on a schedule for rule-making. Oftentimes, that rule-making is overdue but (is something) we can live with rather than have the courts impose one on us. And we'd still have to pay court fees that would be much higher (if EPA) is on the losing end of a lawsuit."
An irritated Peterson spoke about an area in Minnesota that annually floods. "It'll flood again this year. … The reason we've been unable to do anything about (the flooding) is environmental groups have basically stopped us. These are folks not from the area, they bring nothing to the table and have cost taxpayers I don't know how many hundreds of millions of dollars."
Maybe the problem, suggested Peterson, is environmental groups have been provided "too many tools to muck up the whole system. Maybe we need to review those things."
Unable to find a list of settled lawsuits on the EPA's Web site, Peterson asked if such information is provided to the public. "I've heard complaints that (people) can't find information on these settlements – how much, who got paid, how much for attorney fees."
Jackson: "Most of our settlements are required by law to go through public comment. As to whether the (settlement information) is (available) in one place, I'd like to get back to you. I don't know the answer off the top of my head."
Lucas then jumped in. "The ranking member has a very good point. I think the committee should ask in writing for a list of all" the settlements. "We're going to send you a wonderful letter, administrator, a wonderful letter."
Under court order, newNational Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits -- requiring farmers and other applicators to obtain a permit for pesticide applications made to, over or near bodies of water -- have long been in development at the EPA. Facing an April 9 deadline to implement the permitting process, the agency recently requested the court allow a six-month delay. The new permitting system is also the target of a House bill (HR 872).
Jackson said the court is yet to comment on the deadline extension.
"If you don't receive the extension what will farmers to do by April 9?" asked Ohio Rep. Jean Schmidt.
"If there's no extension, we're under order to get a permit out," answered Jackson. "That's not our preferred path because not only do we have more work to do on biological opinions and endangered species, but with the states."
Asked by Ohio Rep. Bob Gibbs about an important NPDES-specific definition of "navigable waters" Jackson admitted the term's meaning remains unsettled.
"That's a much-debated and discussed topic," said Jackson. "Suffice it to say, I recognize in my job that the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act and its limitation to 'navigable waters' and the two Supreme Court cases that spoke to that issue are all very important and have created quite a bit of uncertainty in terms of jurisdiction."
Gibbs: "I'm concerned there's a broad expansion of EPA's jurisdiction that will impact our economy and agriculture. … Wouldn't that be better left to states?"
"Right now, as a result of the two Supreme Court cases, there is great variation and confusion on what waters are covered under the CWA," said Jackson. "EPA has been developing … guidance that is intended to (provide) clarity. We've heard from the regulated community that they need certainty.
"I do want to point out that we're well aware of the exemptions that agriculture currently holds from the CWA. And we're very respectful of that fact those exemptions are statutory."
Would requiring pesticide users to obtain NPDES permits under the CWA increase environmental protection?
"EPA took the position that there wouldn't be a need to get a separate permit," said Jackson. "But the courts found otherwise. The courts have ruled that if you apply pesticides directly to water – not land, not terrestrial application – then you need a CWA permit. EPA has been working with states and just recently requested from the court another delay to continue working with states on a 'general' permit. General permits are the least burdensome."
What about the EPA's priorities considering the tightening of budgets?
"I'd like to know how (the EPA) is prioritizing expenditures," said Colorado Rep. Scott Tipton. "Is the re-evaluation of atrazine a high-priority project for you to spend funds on? Or do you believe the appropriations you'll have will be limitless?"
The re-evaluation of the "new science that's emerged on atrazine is part of our base budget," replied Jackson. "We intend to continue funding it so we can complete it. It will actually be quite helpful because we know have a National Cancer Institute Study expected, I believe, next year.
"I see that as our commitment to sound science – that when new data are put before us, we try to make a priority of evaluating it, especially as studies start to build up."
Tipton: "What about the unfunded mandates you're putting on communities?"
"Every rule and regulation we do is subject to its cost and benefit," said Jackson. "That's (never) truer than the pesticide program that's so important to this committee. … Rather than unfunded mandates, our job is to implement the environmental laws. That's what EPA was created to do."
What about spray drift?
"It came to my attention that (language) discussed for possible inclusion on a label would set a standard of 'no spray drift,'" said Jackson. "I've made it clear, and we've been working as an agency since, to make sure that isn't the impact. … Of course, we want to see (drift) minimized but don't want to set a standard people can't meet."
Representing the "Number One rice-producing district in the United States" Arkansas Rep. Rick Crawford said "Rice is produced in standing water for 45 to 60 days – 6 to 8 inches. Are rice fields subject to regulation under the CWA?"
Active agriculture is not subject to regulation, said Jackson. Neither is rice field discharge. "Rice water is considered irrigation return flow and is exempt from the new pesticide water permit."


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Bar Soap
37 items
Natural bar soap is formulated with organic ingredients like coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, and essential oils. People have been using these natural cleansers since the time of the Pharaohs. But synthetic bar soap (often sold as antibacterial bar soap) is formulated differently, and often contains toxins like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. That's why we only feature natural bath and body products here at Thrive Market. So skip the harmful chemicals and shop your favorite non-GMO, paraben-free, and organic bar soaps right here, right now.
Bar Soap Vs. Body Wash
Bar soap or body wash? What a conundrum! To choose, start by reading labels. Body wash often contains sulfates -- like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) -- that create a foaming effect. SLS, however, has been shown irritate skin and cause contact dermatitis. But bar soaps aren't all perfect either. Depending on the brand, you'll find artificial fragrance, parabens, or phthalates -- many of which are linked to endocrine (hormonal) disruptions. Bottom line? Choose natural bar soap or natural body wash. Whichever you prefer. Both are effective.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Misconduct Reporting
Anderson University is committed to fostering an institutional culture of accountability consistent with our university core value of integrity, where we hold each other to a set of moral values, shared virtues, and tradition, to biblical standards of personal behavior, and to keeping faith with university policies and standards. Therefore, all members of the Anderson University community, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to report incidents that breach institutional integrity.
Anonymous Reports: (855) 270-3684 toll-free or reportlineweb.com/anderson
For emergency situations that pose an immediate threat to the safety of the university community, please call 3333 from any campus phone or (765) 641-3333 from any other phone.
In-progress crimes against persons should be reported immediately to 911 and to Anderson University Police/Security Services at 3333 from any campus phone or (765) 641-3333 for any other phone.
Anderson University has contracted with a third-party vendor to receive hotline calls of such reports. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The misconduct reporting hotline is a confidential reporting mechanism that may be used to report the following types of issues:
- Financial Fraud
- Conflict of Interest
- Sexual misconduct
- Racial/ethnic bias or harassment
- Violations of university policy
- Misuse of university resources or property
- Any serious or recurring abuse of authority
- Public or workplace safety issues
- Violation of any federal or state law or regulation
There are some issues that are not appropriate for reporting through the misconduct hotline. Generally, the first point of contact for students is a resident director or other student life staff; employees should contact their immediate supervisor or area vice president.
For the following concerns, internal procedures have been established.
- Disagreement with course or teaching evaluations: contact the appropriate college or school dean. If uncertain of the appropriate dean, contact the provost's office at (765) 641-4021.
- Disagreement with a course grade: contact the appropriate college or school dean. You will be advised to follow the grade appeal process outlined in the catalog and the student handbook.
- Personnel concerns including evaluations, salary or payroll issues: contact the office of human resources at (765) 641-4200.
- Non-academic related activities including residential life and student activities issues or concerns: contact the office of the dean of students at (765) 641-4070.
- Personal opinions of faculty or staff are not reportable on the hotline.
- In the event of an issue or concern not listed, please contact the director of human resources at (765) 641-4133 for assistance or referral.


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A swarm of bees killed a five-year-old female pit-bull in North Hollywood, Calif. on Saturday.
The incident occurred after a neighbor cut down a tree that housed a beehive provoking the insects in the Los Angeles neighborhood, Fox 5 San Diego reported.
When residents weren't able to contain the bee swarm they contacted the Los Angeles Fire Department. Firefighters used a combination of foam and water to dispose of as many bees as possible.
"We've all got kids and dogs," a neighbor told KTLA. "Luckily, they didn't hurt any kids, but it's terrible they hurt a dog."
The owners of the dog did not want to speak on camera, but told KTLA they would never have expected something like this to happen.


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Company & Market profiles, Exclusive interviews, Opinion pieces and AUM rankings can be found exclusively for Subscribers.
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text:
alsalamo alikom
can you tell me please what is the Ekhfaa letters and Ezhar letters? gazakom allah kol khair.
Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
Please click on the following links for the information you need on the saakinah rules:http://www.abouttajweed.com/ith-haar_noon_saakinah.htm
For the ikhfa', you need to learn the letters for the other rules for saakinah before you can understand the ikhfa'. The ikhfa' lesson is here: http://www.abouttajweed.com/ikhfa'_of_the_noon_saakinah.htm but we strongly suggest that you study all of the saakinah rules so you can understand their application in reading. All of the different saakinah rules can be found at: http://www.abouttajweed.com/the_noon_saakinah_and_tanween.htm
Wa assalaam


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Nomura Holdings Inc., which is the largest securities firm in Japan, will be cutting 30 managers from its fixed income division, in an effort to promote growth.
Bloomberg reported that the changes come three months after the appointment of Steve Ashley as global head of the division. Nomura is on a cost-cutting drive, looking for $1.2 billion in cost cuts after its expenses rose dramatically in the wake of its 2008 acquisition of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.'s Europe and Asia businesses.
In January Nomura saw the resignations of Jesse Bhattal, former deputy president and chief of wholesale banking, and Tarun Jotwani, who had led the global markets unit prior to its split.
In a memo to employees, Ashley said that Kieran Higgins, co-head of fixed income for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Peter Hornick, head of fixed income sales for the Americas, would both be departing. He added that Georges Assi will become sole head of fixed income in Europe.
Ashley was quoted saying, "These changes will help drive the next phase of our growth in global fixed income. We have a lot to achieve and I look forward to working closely with the new management team as we shape the future strategic agenda of our global business."
In the three months ending Dec. 31, income from the division was down 1% from a year earlier to 71.2 billion yen ($860 million). Net income from the wholesale business more than tripled to 37.8 billion yen.


text: Lets see, where do I begin? One night in late June I got in my E39 and had to move it around my driveway when I noticed: No interior gong No Radio/clock No A/C No heated seats No reverse lights Steering wheel took a while to lower into position No blinkers on dash No fog light symbol on dash Key fob functions weren't working Then all of a sudden the gong came back and everything started working again. Then the very next morning I start the car but the problems came back. My mechanic informed me that the ignition switch was fine so that I would need another instrument cluster. I get one from him the following week. Everything was fine except for a things: 1) Automatic transmission failure light was illuminated (I have a 5-speed M/T) 2) DSC light illuminates before shifting into 2nd gear and stays on afterwards 3) No back-up lights as I assumed the cluster came from a E39 automatic I figured I would get another used cluster that came from a 5-speed E39 as I needed the car to take to FL within the following week. However, we decided to bring the E46 instead so I leave the E39 in the garage. After getting back from Disney, I drive my E39 for a few days and I noticed at times the blinkers on the used cluster wouldn't show up on the dash but then it would come back on. Low and behold, the used cluster failed, only this time some more features weren't working: No tach No Speedometer Fuel and temp gauges giving out false readings No license plate lights and the headlights/taillights stay on until the car is turned off No interior amber lights EML light is on Airbag light is on Fortunately I had a 30-day warranty so I had my mechanic return the used cluster and order a cluster from Bavarian Auto Recycling out in Cali with a 6-month warranty and with the options that my car had (xenon, 5-speed, no nav, etc...). However, after installing the new (used) cluster from Cali, it didn't cure a thing . My shop told me to have the cluster coded to the car so I called various dealerships to see if it can be done. Unfortunately a used cluster cannot be re-coded so I was given a quote of $860 for a new cluster to be coded to my car with labor. However, I think I have more than the cluster problem because if the first used cluster worked for a bit and then failed with yet more problems, the 2nd cluster from Cali should have worked fine. Before I spend over $900 with tax at the stealer my mechanic will look over the car soon to see what he can find. Moosehead told me that the ignition switch goes bad on the E39 but I was told that the switch was fine. What else besides the cluster could be the problem .


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text:
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
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Wishing you and your family a warm ALOHA from Brides of Hawaii! Also see this Bride in Black & White at: PRETTY BRIDE
Lovely Japanese Bride Sayo. Soft lighting makes the photos look "dreamy". (Photos by Photographer Robert Hamilton.)
Joanne is one of the most beautiful brides we have ever seen. I think her spot on our TOP 10 is safe for years to come. See our 2012 ...


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Florida Supreme Court rules against school voucher scheme
Proposed state constitutional amendments won't appear on November ballot
WASHINGTON - September 04, 2008 -
Two proposals that would amend the Florida Constitution and pave the way for school vouchers cannot appear on the ballot in November, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The lawsuit, sponsored by the Florida Education Association and National Education Association, argued that Amendments 7 and 9, which would eliminate any constitutional barriers to private school vouchers, were improperly placed on the ballot.
The following can be attributed to NEA President Dennis Van Roekel:
"This is the latest and most decisive in a long line of defeats for school voucher proponents, not just in Florida but around the country. Voucher advocates knew that voters reject vouchers because they prefer real school improvement strategies, and they attempted to obscure their true objective behind vague wording in these amendments. Instead of rewriting the rule books in order to push through these political programs, lawmakers should be investing in chronically underfunded Florida public schools.
"This is a significant victory in defending the right of every student to attend a quality public school. Vouchers do not improve public schools, where most of our students learn. They create more bureaucracy in an attempt to subsidize private-and often religious-education. Instead, we must invest in proven school improvement strategies like smaller class sizes, qualified teachers and up-to-date textbooks and technology."
# # #The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers
Contact: Will Potter (202) 822-7823


text: Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - Maximo Nivel-Cusco teaching report Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today! Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in Maximo Nivel-Cusco teaching report Goto page 1, 2 Next Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Peru View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message RaymundoJoined: 24 Oct 2005Posts: 10Location: Korea Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 9:44 pm Post subject: Maximo Nivel-Cusco teaching report I spent most of 2006 working at Maximo Nivel in Cusco. MN is the only language school in Cusco to offer all native speakers; the other schools have mostly Peruvian teachers. This means your fellow teachers are from around the world, interesting travelers. MN has about 800 students. I believe contracts are being offered for as few as 3 months, though they prefer 6 months. Theyll obtain a work visa if you commit to staying over a year. This would be grueling because MN never takes a vacation and runs year-round. Most people dont come to Peru to work that hard, that long, without a break (though you can request unpaid time off). In addition to regular teachers, there is at least one floater who acts as substitute teacher when others are sick or out of town. Youll earn $400-500 to start. Standard workday is six one-hour classes split between morning and afternoon/evening. You can request a seventh class, or private student, to boost your income if you wish. Some teachers depend on this to make ends meet. You can also work part-time if you make this clear before you start. Superstar teachersas determined by student feedbackget raises for superior performance. The pay is adequate to live in Cusco, covering housing and food. If you share you could pay as little as $50-75/month for housing, and a 3-course meal runs $1.00 if you eat like the natives and avoid tourist places. Vegetarian restaurants abound; the best is El Encuentro with two locations. Transportation is by combi (van) (20¢) or taxi (60¢ within the city). MN Nivel has a new, beautiful facility on Avenida Sol, the principal business/govt. street. Free tea, coffee, and Internet are available to staff and students. The teachers lounge has a work table, sofa, TV, and lockable cubbies for your materials. Teacher resources are thin at MN. You will be provided with all books and materials for your classes, but it wouldnt hurt to have your own phrasal verb dictionary, maybe an idioms dictionary. Theres no realia at all, so anything you want to bring in the way of props and games and such, you should bring. Cards, dice, etc. are readily available in Cusco. Kids classes are being phased out so think of teaching teens (maybe) and adults. There are curricula which cover every class week by week, so youll have clear guidance as to what you should be teaching. There is a MN style teachers are expected to adhere to; dynamic, fun, funny classes where the students are at ease and enjoying themselves. Serious, shy, or reserved teachers might have trouble adapting to this. English only is the rule, rigorously enforced if word gets back that youre speaking Spanish in the classroom. The director has serious issues with competition, and your contract includes a prohibition on your teaching anywhere else while at MN (even private clients to supplement income). More onerous is a prohibition on teaching anywhere in Peru for six months following the end of your time at MN. (A Peruvian employee told me this violates the Peruvian constitutions right to work clause.) I insisted on a modification that limits the ban to cities where MN has a branch (Cusco and Arequipa). Also, the contract states youll be hit with a $500 penalty if you leave before contract end, and the director seems confident he can enforce this worldwide. Teachers principal gripe is the workday, with early morning classes, a midday break, then afternoon/evening classes. This is pretty much standard worldwide as we work around our students work/school schedules. Without a work visa, you have to leave the country every 90 days. Copacabana, Bolivia, a cute, fun town on the shore of Lake Titicaca, is closest (11 hours). (As of 2007, Americans need a visa to enter Bolivia.) Some teachers go to Arica, Chile, an 18-hour bus ride, after bad experiences in Bolivia or to see palm trees and the ocean again. MN has a branch in Arequipa, and it may be possible to split your time between Cusco and Arequipa. Arequipa is a much larger, warmer, modern city; with amenities like a mall, movie theaters, and good restaurants (none of which exists in Cusco). Gringos get sick early and often in Cusco. How bad is it? MN Nivel rewards teachers who go three months without calling in sick with two paid days off. Maybe one or two teachers are eligible for every three-month period. Before coming, you should probably get immunizations for hepatitis A and B and typhoid. Tetanus and polio arent a bad idea. You wont need a yellow fever immunization for Cusco as its too high for mosquitoes. Be aware that some countries require a yellow fever immunization if you fly from Peru to their country (Mexico is one). Yellow fever vaccinations are free in Cusco and essential if you plan to travel to the jungle. With at least 15 teachers coming and going all the time, Maximo recruits year-round. Teacher retention is about 0% at Maximo Nivel, an indicator of teacher burnout and dissatisfaction. Given the horror stories on Daves of teachers not getting paid, etc., Maximo looks pretty good by comparison. Its American-run and that makes all the difference. Mostly, people just dont travel to South America to work so hard and many young people have not yet developed a strong work ethic which the job demands. Back to top naturegirl321Joined: 04 May 2003Posts: 9041Location: home sweet home Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: Maximo Nivel-Cusco teaching report Raymundo wrote: With at least 15 teachers coming and going all the time, Maximo recruits year-round. Teacher retention is about 0% at Maximo Nivel, an indicator of teacher burnout and dissatisfaction. Given the horror stories on Daves of teachers not getting paid, etc., Maximo looks pretty good by comparison. Its American-run and that makes all the difference. Mostly, people just dont travel to South America to work so hard and many young people have not yet developed a strong work ethic which the job demands. So do you think that teachers leave because they don't want to teach or because of the work environment? Back to top RaymundoJoined: 24 Oct 2005Posts: 10Location: Korea Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject: Teachers leave because after 3-6 months of hard work and a crimped social life, they want some free travel time. Relations with management are not always good. And Cusco has its drawbacks. Finally, people decide to go to Asia and make some actual money teaching. Back to top naturegirl321Joined: 04 May 2003Posts: 9041Location: home sweet home Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 8:06 pm Post subject: From a former teacher Quote: I'm happily teaching at the ICPNA here in Cusco, as well as working part-time at a tourist agency. ICPNA is much better than Maximo Nivel, where I taught for a month. And it's not just because they got rid of me with no notice. The books are much better, there's more method to learn and teach and they're more flexible (no contract), so one can teach a few classes and do other things, such as work at a tourist agency and learn much more! The following could be something to post on the chat boards - I would not recommend teaching at Maximo Nivel for many reasons, including the fact that one has to teach split shifts, starting at 7am, then starting again at 3, sometimes lasting until 9. I wasn't interested in this, so I made an agreement with Ken himself that it would okay if I taught part-time in the afternoon, so that I could study Spanish in the morning. Nonetheless, despite our agreement (verbal), I was dismissed at the end of my first month, with no warning beforehand. His underlings said (he didn't do it himself) something about a lack of some type of TOEFL technique, even though they only observed my advanced classes where there is no curriculum. It is well-known that he prefers teachers from his own TEOFL program and although he has agreed to hire some part-time, he wants people working a full load starting at 7, splitting the afternoon and working until 8 or 9. For example, he chose a teacher as an academic coordinator who had only his first month of teaching experience, but took his TOEFL certificate at Maximo, over other teachers with over one year of teaching experience. Doesn't sound good to me and he doesn't appear to be a man of this word. And, of course, there's a lot of teacher turnover, which is not good for the students. And for the students the 1 1/2 hour class at ICPNA and Excel (another institute) is much better than the one hour at Maximo. That extra half hour a day makes a big difference for them. At the end of the day, I'm so glad he let me go, because I'm so much better off now, working for a better institute where I'm learning a lot more about being a proper teacher as well as getting the diverse experience of working for a tourist agency, where I'm using my Spanish. ICPNA gives one that flexibility, Maximo does not. He insists on a contract and some of the clauses are ridiculous, such as one can't teach for another institute in Peru for six months AFTER the contract is over ... crazy. Nor can one teach private lessons ... Anyway, sorry for the rant, but I thought that you as a central communication channel for english teachers here should know this. Well, I hope things are well for you and family there in Lima and hopefully one day we can share a coffee or something. Again, despite the rant, I'm quite content here in Cusco. You are welcome to pass along my contact information to anyone interested in living and working here. If you want his contact info, PM me. Back to top JamsJoined: 18 Sep 2007Posts: 5 Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 2:10 pm Post subject: Teaching Report - Maximo Nivel - Cusco, Peru Hi everyone. Im just finishing up my 6 months at Maximo Nivel in Cusco. Raymundo (above) paints only a half-accurate picture in my opinion, so I just thought Id communicate my experience here Just to rebut a few things that Raymundo said above, the idea that teacher retention at Maximo is zero is a little mis-leading cause ultimately teacher retention at any institute is zero cause we all work on limited term contracts. Maximo seems to have some long-termers like Tom, Mark, Larry, Aisling, Jeff, and I think 1 or 2 others, and if its any indication, Maximo has zero turnover in their Peruvian staff from what Ive seen. My experience here at Maximo is that all teachers finish their contracts (as I am doing this month). They even offered to get me my resident visa if I stayed for year, but Im looking to do some jungle work. Anyway, Id say retention here is pretty strong. Also, Raymundo says that teaching resources are thin. Ill bet Maximo was the first place Raymundo ever taught, because in my opinion, having taught in 4 different institutes, teaching resources at Maximo are NOT thin. Maximo has an entire office dedicated to taking care of teachers quizzes, exams, study-guides, handouts, everything is there for you PLUS full books and a week-by-week curriculum. My philosophy is nothing is perfect, but Maximo goes above and beyond in my opinion with respect to teacher resources [especially in comparison to other institutes]. Raymundo is right though, it requires a work ethic and commitment level here, that some people just may not want to make. Expectations are high. Course I loved it here. Probably, thats why Im singing praises about the place. As for getting sick, I stayed away from tap water and street food, and I missed a total of 1 day. Theres no doubt that some of my fellow teachers are abusing their bodies a little too much at night and theyre the ones getting sick. Ive kept my hard nights to Fridays and Saturdays As for the other guy, IMHO if you get let go after a month [from any job] you were doing something wrong. Maximo is always looking for good teachers. And I came out of Global TESOL College, so Ive not seen anything with Maximo preferring people from their TOEFL program (heheh, Whats that?) You mean TEFL or TESOL program, dont you? TOEFL is an exam, TEFL and TESOL are certifications. In the end, no place is perfect, but Ill tell you what, not once have I been treated unfairly. Management meets with teachers 2x every month, theres in-service training provided every month, and not once have I been asked to wait even a day for my pay check (which is RARE in this industry). Compared to the 4 other places Ive worked, Maximo has been GREAT! Here are just a few things we get as teachers here: a) 3 months with no sick time = 2 days off with pay, b) they help cover visa run costs to Bolivia, c) all materials, books, markers, etc. are provided theres even a full week-by-week curriculum, d) great help finding housing, e) monthly open-bar party, f) 7-day a week computer/internet access, g) teachers lounge with cable [theres even a rumor were gonna get DirectTV, h) Also, I asked for 2 weeks off while friends visited me here, and no problem! It was great!... well theres lots more, but I wanted to express what a great place it is to work because to me it sounds like the two people above might have a small axe to grind. Working at Maximo Nivel, IMHO means this: Hard work and commitment, great facilities, good materials, and honest management. Id recommend it to anyone who wants to work in Peru. Well thats all. I hope my share is helpful for anyone coming to Peru. Back to top RamundoJoined: 24 May 2008Posts: 1 Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 7:14 pm Post subject: Enough time has passed that Ill give a little more information about my experiences at Maximo Nivel, and respond to the above comments. (I'm the OP, though my user ID elapsed so I'm using a new one.) For most of the year I worked there, I was Academic Director. On my last day of work in December, we learned that several teachers had given their final exams a few days earlier than the schedule dictated. Ken, the director, said we should fine them $50 apiece for this. I protested that it was Christmas Eve, it was their last day working at Maximo, nothing in the contract says anything about such fines, etc. In other words, you cant just withhold peoples pay because youre mad at them, not without contractual agreement In the evening the accountant came and said that Ken told her not to withhold the money from the teachersbut to withhold it from me and the office manager, for protesting the action! Ken knew it was my last day, and this was his response to a year of hard worka stab in the back on my way out the door. Later he sent a bizarre email trying to rationalize his actions. Given this, I think my description of working at Maximo is a model of restraint. I was trying to be fair despite my own experience. No, Jams, Maximo isnt the first place I taught, and many of the resources you enjoyed were my creation. I was comparing Maximo to other places Ive taught, with resources including stacks of games, dozens of books with photocopiable activities, file cabinets stuffed with handouts, etc. Maximo has (or had) none of these things, but they do take care of their teachers better than many places. Most of the people who stay long-term do so because they have romantic relationships in Cusco. Thats true of almost everyone Jams mentioned (except one I dont know). Also, Tom and Mark are management, which is different from folks using TEFL teaching as a ticket to see the world. And of course the Peruvian staff stick aroundthese are their permanent jobs, they dont have the luxury of traveling the world teaching TEFL. I recognize the former Maximo teacher whose comments NatureGirl posted. Great guy, but not up to Maximo standards. We got disturbing reports from TEFL students observing his classes, so I sat in on a class. I saw a total lack of TEFL teaching technique, and bewildered students not getting what they were paying for. So we let him go. Im glad ICPNA worked out better for him. Theres no basis for his comment that Maximo prefers teachers from its own TEFL program. As Academic Director I was intimately involved in hiring and firing, and I never even knew where people did their TEFL program, unless I saw them as students before they were hired. The quality of teaching was the only criterion. Getting sick in Cusco is a serious matter, not only because of the variety of illnesses that strike people down, but because medical care is sketchy. Teachers got so sick they had to go home for treatment. One young woman collapsed in my office; the lab that ran her blood tests said she was near death. As I said, its the rare teacher who collects the bonus for three months without calling in sick. Back to top naturegirl321Joined: 04 May 2003Posts: 9041Location: home sweet home Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject: Glad to hear that things worked out for you in the end. Are you still in Peru? Back to top ElokJoined: 12 Jan 2011Posts: 14 Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 8:54 pm Post subject: Okay, it's been quite a while since the last post in this thread, but does anyone have anything to say about MN's TEFL teacher certification? I was looking at ITTO, but their customer service is being really sluggish answering some questions I have so I'm looking into other possibilities. Back to top naturegirl321Joined: 04 May 2003Posts: 9041Location: home sweet home Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 12:56 am Post subject: No course is perfect and you'd be hard pressed to find a course that EVERYONE loves. It's that way with most things. Some peopel love it and some people will hate it. The problem is that the people who hate it are usually more vocal. Back to top ElokJoined: 12 Jan 2011Posts: 14 Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:51 pm Post subject: I've gone through MN's certification program. I'd just like to say that the info above seems to be archaic in a couple of ways. The Spanish in the classroom thing, for example; I observed a number of teachers using Spanish at opportune moments (e.g., when teaching beginners), it was well-known that they did it, and you know what? They were still there. Their most popular teacher deviates from the method on a regular basis. Actually, of the five teachers I had to observe, only one came really close to following The Method. The rest just did whatever worked, and since student feedback was okay (or very good), they stayed. Two teachers were sacked while I was there. One threw a tantrum at a meeting and stormed out. The other was obviously abusing drugs, going through a downward spiral and having a tearful breakdown in front of her class. I don't know how much that first poster was expecting to find in the way of materials, but they have a decent-sized office to provide you with stuff; it's not just you and a textbook. Tom is in charge there now (I never met a "Ken"). I wouldn't say the place is perfect, but it's not a total horror show. I know nothing of any non-compete clause, but given the basic illegality of hiring an employee without a work visa, what exactly would they do about it? Back to top qrdlingJoined: 20 Jan 2010Posts: 3Location: Russia, Krasnodar Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:01 pm Post subject: I took my TEFL course at Maximo Nivel in June 2011 and taught there for a full year in 2010 - 2011. Although the course was kind of intensive, it was fun and adequate. Sabrina, the TEFL trainer, is competent and helpful. I wouldn't recommend paying for the course through agencies like EBC (the way I did it) or ITTO. I think you can contact the school and pay them directly which will turn out cheaper. It's pretty impossible to fail it unless you're retarded or have some serious health issues but you'll have to do some hard work to get that certificate. Reading other posters' opinions I have to say that regardless of our experiences Maximo Nivel is objectively a relatively well-run place. It's quite organized, you get paid on time, teachers are provided with curricula and some supplementary materials. The management is clear about what they expect from you and what you can expect from them. Teachers do get fired every once in a while but the headmaster is usually reluctant to do so as he'll have to look for a new teacher in the middle of the month if he fires someone. Looks like if someone gets fired, they probably hated their job anyway so they simply get a chance to look for a school that suits them better. The working hours are somewhat inconvenient, as it is a split shift with classes in the morning (starting 7 or 8 am) and in the evening but it's only a six-hour working day so there's plenty of time in the afternoon and teachers aren't made to stay at work after hours. You can also ask for the seventh class if you want some extra money. I often found the school's teaching materials not suitable for my purposes but I was able to find anything I needed on the internet and you can go online anytime from the teachers' lounge and print out your worksheets without any problem. The managemet were always very helpful and accomodating, especially with schedule issues. The Peruvian staff were super friendly and respectful. I don't know about the $500 fine if you terminate your contract. It sounds pretty impossible to me. The only way you can get punished for doing it is losing your last paycheck and not getting your references. Overall, I enjoyed most aspects of teaching at Maximo. The basic principle there is if you don't screw them over on purpose, they'll treat you nicely. If anyone has further questions, I'd be happy to give my opinion. PS You can search Maximo Nivel on Linkedin.com, and I think it's possible to contact their teachers directly. Back to top starasovaJoined: 16 Aug 2010Posts: 5Location: New York,NY Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 10:20 pm Post subject: Maximo Nivel I spent 5 month working at Maximo Nivel, so I thought I would add my impressions. Cusco itself is an amazing city, its beautiful and has amazing places nearby where you can escape for breathtaking hikes. Besides historical and natural interests the city itself has a good night life and a big gringo community. If you are looking to be inspired, i assure you, you will be in Cusco. Down side is if your immune system is not the strongest, it might be a tough city. Its pretty high up so altitude can effect you beyond the the 3 day acclimation process. It really depend on you and your medical history. Be sure to rest well. Maximo Nivel is a great place to work. They do hire from abroad, (ie: you can get in touch before turning up) unlike most schools in Peru. There is a great security and stability in working with them. The hours are guaranteed monthly. The staff is pretty accommodating. Tom, the director, is a great guy, very understanding and a good manger. He and Ken run a pretty organized operation.However if your looking to party and call in sick weekly, it may cost you your job. But if you take your job seriously, its a pretty wonderful place. There are plenty of materials to aid your lesson plans, as well as new facilities. The schedule is a split shift (3 hours in the morning, 6 hours off, 3 hours at night). They normally do a 6 months to 1 year contract. However in the case of being seriously ill, they will be pretty understanding regarding cutting your contract short. The students are all very friendly. You'll have a lot of offers for city tours, trips and hikes from them. Cusco is a safe city, but be careful at night, and watch our for rent scams and other traveling gringo misfortunes. All in all especially if its your first teaching abroad experience, I highly recommend Maximo. Back to top dhsampsoJoined: 17 Jun 2009Posts: 44Location: Virginia Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2011 3:37 pm Post subject: As a teacher for MN in the past, I would agree with the above two statements. Management tells you what they expect out of you and as long as you don't screw them over, you won't get screwed over. They can't enforce the $500 fine since you're working illegally, but then don't expect to get a written reference. Fair enough. I worked in CR and resources we're abundant and following the teaching method to a rule wasn't necessary, but you don't want to completely neglect MN's teaching method. It is their school. I've heard the same from friends of mine who worked in Peru. Though I will say there are instances of inconsistent application of policy at all of MN's locations, those are a minimum. Back to top Justin_eslJoined: 25 Aug 2011Posts: 1 Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:39 pm Post subject: Great first teaching experience, would 110% do it again! SHORT STORY: I successfully and happily completed a 4 week intensive TEFL training certificate ( plus 1-week each add-on Teaching Business English and International English Exam certifications) and a 6-month teaching ESL contract at Maximo Nivel. Very rewarding experience in ESL. Big, private, multi-service language institute in Cusco, Peru. Branches in Costa Rica and Guatemala as well. Specializes in offering conversational English, taught by natives only, to adult Peruvians working in the large and vibrant tourism industry in Cusco, (plus one 'after-school' tween (11-14 year olds) hour of classes). I very much enjoyed the experience both in TEFL and ESL teaching, and look forward to soon working another six month contract at Maximo Nivel. LONG STORY: Hello, my name is Justin, I am 23 from Virginia and just finished an incredible 10 months in South America: two months backpacking with friends in Peru and Chile, then eight months training for and teaching ESL with Maximo Nivel Executive Language Center in Cusco, Peru. During my backpacking trip, my friends and I first stayed with a friend in Lima who was teaching ESL for the Technological University of Peru (UTP in Spanish). He was only 19 and only had his high school diploma, no TEFL certificate, just native English--ESL demand is very high in Peru!--and was living a very nice life in a beautiful neighborhood (Lince). Anywho, he gave me (myself with only 'some college' and no TEFL...yet) the inspiration to think hard about extending my travel in South America by doing ESL. So I whipped up a CV and planned to drop it off at schools I came across. Our next destination was Cusco/Machupicchu. On our trek to Machupicchu, I asked my guide (Chavo on the Inka Jungle trek) if there were any language schools in Cusco and his first emphatic response was, "Maximo Nivel! The best!," and he also gave me the name of the public university in Cusco and another language center. When I got back from the trek, I went to drop off my CV at the other language institute ("No TEFL? No, thank you."), and then at Maximo Nivel. I spoke to a Peruvian named Miller at the registration office and then he summoned an American woman named Julia (later would be a co-worker and my direct supervisor, respectively) who I dropped my CV off with. She was very nice, looked over my CV, asked, "Do you have TEFL? No, well you can take our training course and then probably get a job." Tom, the General Director of Maximo Cusco, sent me a follow-up email saying the same thing, cc'd with the International Department director named Cathy. After a lengthy email exchange with the super-nice and helpful Cathy, I was paid and registered for the November 2010 4-week intensive TEFL course at Maximo Nivel-Cusco. After being picked up at the Cusco airport by a PATAS (Maximo's in-house travel agency) agent and I was given a tour of the city by the awesome Andrea from the Intl Office, I went to Maximo to start TEFL. My instructors were the lead TEFL trainer Sabrina and the TEFL trainer Phil. TEFL at Maximo is intensive, but I also had time and energy to 'backployee' (work at one of the 'backpackers' hostels as a bartender/waiter and be paid in room and board-I worked at the Point Hostel) to support myself during that period. However, the vast majority of people who TEFL at Maximo stay at one of their 'Family Houses'. I can't comment directly on those, but from what my friends told me they're basically really nice houses/dorms that house Maximo's volunteers. I learned a hell of a lot from TEFL. The main trainer is really knowledgeable and fun in the subject, and Phil was really cool and down-to-Earth. You get four weeks of classroom training in a big classroom, during which you observe real Maximo ESL classes, then during your fourth week you teach one of Maximo's classes yourself in lieu of a full-time teacher. The theory and practical aspects of the course really go hand in hand, and I really appreciated both. More importantly, the director does make good on his promise to hire in-house. With a ESL teaching staff of 18, about 2-5 spots open up every month, and people are usually hired from Maximo's TEFL programs. When I started TEFL I was asked if I'd want to stay to work there, I said yes, and then three successful weeks into TEFL I interviewed with Tom and afterwards was offered a six month ESL teacher experiment During my time teaching I took two extra TEFL certifications offered at Maximo: Teaching Business English and International Exam Preparation. It helped solidify my goal to do more ESL around the world. Maximo has really affordable, comprehensive, useful TEFL training, take advantage of it! ABOUT WORKING AT MAXIMO AND LIVING IN CUSCO. Maximo is the best-known and most well-regarded institute in Cusco. This is because they import a US university 'student-center' model to Peru. (Imagine you're at your student union at your college back home) This is pretty foreign concept to the Peruvians but they absolutely love it. Cusco is the center of tourism in Peru, the majority of the people you teach will be associated with the tourism industry. These people deal with gringos all day then come to Maximo to hang out with their friends, drink the free tea and coffee, Facebook on the free internet, and try to talk to the volunteers to practice their English. For them, being a Maximo student is as much a social experience as an opportunity to learn conversational English. I know this because I sometimes worked as the tutor for Maximo's tutoring service in the cafe/atrium, interacting with most of the school's 1200+ English learners. This is important to know to be successful at Maximo. Maximo is fun, Maximo is social. If you want a cultural experience (why else do ESL?), that's all the Peruvians want to give you. If you give them a fun, accessible English classroom, they will treat you like a little celebrity. Now this is important because Cusco can seem to the passerby to almost have a "Disney World-Inka Village" facade. But you will get past this as your students will invite you, just for example, to dinners with their granma, weekend trips with their brother in the jungle, treks to sites the regular gringos don't know about, and a place to chill outside of the historic center of the city. That is the most rewarding experience, so much more than a regular job. THE JOB. You will work 30 hours a week, teaching six hour-long classes a day. Generally, you will have the same class for three months, giving you an opportunity to know your Peruvians really well. You will be working in a team of 18 other English teachers, who as fellow travel-junkies were the funnest coworkers. You will probably live in a house or apt with your coworkers, and hang out with them a whole damn lot in and out of work. The Teacher family is a priceless resource living in a foreign city. At Maximo I had a teacher room/lounge with my own locker, internet access, a fridge, and a TV to watch. Downstairs I had a ESL office with a library of ESL books (really helpful to me as the tutor to students who wanted resources besides the regular books, but they're available for all teachers), construction paper, etc. for when you're feeling crafty, CD's for listening activities. You have a Peruvian staff to deal with problems for you. Monthly they have a TEFL graduation reception you and a guest are invited to and when I was there, there were also two special holiday receptions (Christmas and May Day). In general a very resource filled and comprehensive workplace. I could keep going on about how much I enjoyed my time in Cusco and at Maximo. I was given the opportunity to get to make really good friends from around the US and UK, and the native population. Maybe that's to be expected with every ESL job, but I especially enjoyed my time working at Maximo and living in Cusco. It's a pretty big enterprise (TEFL, ESL institute, a travel agency, and a volunteer placement service that brings you into contact with all sorts of cool folk) which translates to a pretty big experience. "Justin, what sucked about it?" Well there were downsides, that's why it's called a job. But they were the same as I've had or will have in any other job in my life. Everything else I have written is honest, my coworkers and friends will tell you that I loved Cusco, and loved "being" Peruvian. It's really saying something when your job enhances your general life experience, and is not just a way to finance it. Maximo and Cusco was a hell of a lot of fun, a great experience, and to be serious a great first step in what I hope to make a career out of ESL. I will not hesitate at all to sign another six-month contract with Maximo Nivel. Send me a message if you have any questions. Back to top naturegirl321Joined: 04 May 2003Posts: 9041Location: home sweet home Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 11:22 am Post subject: Re: Great first teaching experience, would 110% do it again! Justin_esl wrote: During my backpacking trip, my friends and I first stayed with a friend in Lima who was teaching ESL for the Technological University of Peru (UTP in Spanish). He was only 19 and only had his high school diploma, no TEFL certificate, just native English--ESL demand is very high in Peru!--and was living a very nice life in a beautiful neighborhood (Lince). . It's EFL, not ESL, when you're in a foreign country. As for the high demand for English classes in Peru, maybe, but other places like ASia are higher. The issue I have with Peru is the whole no visa thingy. And then giving jobs to teachers who are 19 and have no university education. Both of those work against teachers who want a real salary and a legal visa. Lince is an ok neighbourhood, but it certainly isn't Miraflores, San Isidro, or La Molina. You're not going to find heaps of expats in Lince. As for MN, I've heard good things about them. I hope to continue to hear good things and hope that they continue to set high standards. ie, not accept unqualified teachers. Glad you had a good time, but keep in mind that while some 19 years old are suited for TEFLing, many aren't, and it's becuase of this that salaries in Peru are low and you can't get the visas, flights, or housing that you could get in China. Also glad you got a cert, it's a big help in the class and gets your foot in the door. MN has to be good, with all the franchising they're doing, the must have a good business model. Their name always crops up when someone talks about Cusco. THough I will say this about MP in general, if you're from Cusco you get a good deal. If you're Peruvian or have residency it's decently priced. As a foreigner, you're going to pay through the nose. We spent $700 for 5 days and 4 nights, that included everything from the taxi to our house to hotels, MP admissions, flights, and taxi back home. Whereas $700 would probably be what a foreigner would spend in a day. The triple pricing system really stinks. Are you still in Peru? 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Here are some links to websites with more advice on how to encourage young children to explore and talk about their feelings, and a downloadable sheet with practical tips from the book's consultant on helping children manage their emotions.
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Managing emotions
Find advice about how to help children manage their emotions from Holly Docherty, the consultant for this book.
Websites to visit
Talking about feelings
Find short videos to help introduce the idea of talking about feelings. (Click on the playlist for more clips.)
Why do we get angry?
Jessi and Squeaks talk about feeling angry and how to control it when getting in angry isn't the right choice.
Help children manage feelings
Advice and strategies about how to help children manage different feelings.
Games and activities
Find games and activities about worrying, fear and other feelings. (Click on links in the "Games & Activities" box. NB Videos are restricted to the US and its territories.)
Websites to visit
Guessing game
Try a guessing game about feelings. (Click on "Guessing Feelings" then match faces with feelings. The answers include questions to help you talk about feelings with your child.)
Draw your feelings
An online activity with simple painting, drawing and stamp tools.
How to keep calm
Find out how breathing and counting to ten can help you stay calm.
Breathing exercise
See how breathing can help you relax.
Websites to visit
Feelings and emotions
Printable guides to teaching children about feelings and emotions.
Age-by-age advice
Tips and activities about emotions, self-awareness and social skills. (Choose a topic then choose your child's age.)
Developing emotional skills
Advice on helping small children develop emotional skills.
Learning to forgive
Watch a video about how to help kids learn to forgive others.
Developmental milestones
Social and emotional developmental milestones: 2 months to 5 years. (Click on an age for photos and videos.)
Emotional skills
Printable resources on feelings and emotional skills. (Scroll down and click on "Backpack Connection", "Family Articles" or "Teaching Social Emotional Skills".)
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My first books
All about feelings
How are you feeling today? This fun, friendly and reassuring introduction to feelings is designed to help young children recognise, understand and name how they're feeling and learn to talk about and manage their emotions in helpful ways.
"The perfect introduction to helping little ones understand and handle their often confusing and jumbled-up emotions."
Lancashire Evening Post
Felicity Brooks is an Editorial Director and writer at Usborne Publishing. She studied English and Drama at Exeter University and worked as an actor, teacher and lexicographer before starting work in children's publishing in the late 1980s. She has written and edited hundreds of children's titles, including stories and novelty books for pre-schoolers and books about history, geography, languages, science, maths, nature and the arts. Her books have won the TES Senior Information Book Award, the Aventis Science Books Prize, the SLA Information Book Award, the Sheffield Baby Books Award and Practical Pre-school Gold and Silver Awards.
The perfect introduction to helping little ones understand and handle their often confusing and jumbled-up emotions, and with useful notes for grown-ups at the back and links to websites for more advice, everyone at home, nursery or school is guaranteed to feel better when the last page has turned!
Lancashire Evening Post
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By Steven A. Morelli
CHICAGO – While the East Coast braced for a hurricane on Monday, LIMRA's CEO sounded the alarm about a different but also historic disturbance whirling toward the insurance industry.
While acknowleging the impact of Hurricane Sandy, and expressing concern for those in its path, Robert Kerzner delivered his dire warnings about another storm effecting the insurance industry during his annual address to hundreds of insurance company executives. Many of those concerns during the opening general session spoke right to agents.
Carriers are exiting markets in droves and in many cases leaving the country altogether. Companies are dropping entire lines of business, particularly in variable annuities and long-term care. The largest of the companies are looking to Latin America, Europe and Asia for business.The disruptions are unprecedented in their scope, Kerzner said: "This has never happened before on this scale."
Many forces are feeding the storm, but Kerzner focused on two fronts in particular, demographics and regulation (with an assist by persistently low interest rates). Although demographics play a part in sunnier days, regulation is pretty much all dreary, all the time, in Kerzner's estimation.
Regulatory changes are having a profound impact on companies with some of the pressure on capital requirements coming from harmonizing with international practices. Just the accounting standards alone are staggering for companies. Ireland, for example, faced a tenfold increase in data points required by adopting Solvency II standards.
"There are regulatory issues being debated now across the globe that could have cataclysmic effects on our business," Kerzner said.
The United States is eyeing another piece of European financial fashion that would change how insurance is sold and could mothball the classic American insurance agent. That is the fee-based sales model, which more countries are requiring – and banning commissions. In 2013, three additional countries, the UK, the Netherlands and Australia, will ban commissions, Kerzner said. Some Asian nations are considering commission restrictions.
"Regulators believe producers paid on commission have a bias and an inherent lack of objectivity and that a fee-based system eliminates the problem," Kerzner said.
But those restrictions might have the opposite effect and eliminate advice for many clients and reduce business. Although Europeans and Americans say in surveys that they would like a flat fee rather than a salesperson being paid a commission. But ask them what they would be willing to pay and that's where it all falls flat because consumers don't want to pay very much, about $100, far less than fee-based advisors usually charge.
As regulators struggle to shape a fiduciary standard, Kerzner cautioned against developing one that ends up working against consumers. If they do not, or cannot, pay for fee-based advice and commission-based advisors are not available, Americans will not get the financial protection they need.
"We must not let regulators and legislators pass well-intentioned legislation that makes it more difficult for middle class people to get basic advice," he said.
Research shows why consumers need guidance to truly understand the consequences of their actions and to make the right decisions, Kerzner said.
"Behavioral economics tells us there are many things people believe they need, but it takes what one researcher calls a visceral reaction to get them to act," he said. "Life agents and financial planners who meet with clients provide the guidance and tell the stories that trigger the visceral reaction."
And it is not just regulators who don't seem to get this. Some companies also seem to be missing that point.
"Some big names in financial services are spending a lot of money on TV ads trying to convince consumers they don't need advice," Kerzner continued. "They can do all their planning and investing online by themselves. However, the more you study the research on how consumers make financial decisions, the more you understand why there is a need for advisors."
He pointed out that the dynamic is the same with investments. Clients without advisors jumped out of equities when the market was down but those with advisors stuck with it until stock values rose, while do-it-yourselfers lost out on the recovery.
Impact on Guarantees
Capital requirements are tightening at the same time companies are struggling with stubbornly low interest rates, reducing carriers' ability to replenish, let alone build, reserves. Something has to give and that something is often the very thing that has driven growth in life insurance and annuity products – guarantees.
Guarantees have been the bedrock of the industry's promise to consumers and the solid base that supported growth in the worst financial crisis in decades. But with the pressures that Kerzner outlined, combined with persistently low interest rates, will not allow companies to sustain guarantees.
"There won't be 30-year guarantees on term," Kerzner said. "A UL with guarantees may become something that is displayed at the Smithsonian."
Went a Little "Dark"
Having placed the industry on the metaphorical ledge (and that was without The Fiscal Cliff), he then talked it down. "While we may be on the edge of the precipice," Kerzner said, "what we do now can alter the outcome."
Some of the promising trends: demographics, market opportunity and cross marketing.
Demographics are shifting in favor of what the insurance industry has to offer. "With 10,000 boomers turning 65 each day, and the total number of retirees growing to 65 million by 2025, there is a real need for accumulation and de- accumulation products," Kerzner said.
And it's not just the boomers -- "Generations X and Y are reaching the point where they will be great prospects for life insurance. And 56 percent of Gen Xers believe they need more life insurance."
Market opportunity is growing for smaller companies filling in where the larger companies are pulling out.
"We are seeing this now in the annuity market as new and smaller players are entering," Kerzner said. "Annuities represent 40 percent of the assets of life companies and will remain an important line of business. In an era where the risk of living too long is now greater than dying too soon, annuities are not going away. People want what annuities offer – protection from running out of money."
Annuity growth has been built on guarantees. The next wave has to come from somewhere else, from rethinking how annuities are marketed, Kerzner said. Rather than focusing on accumulation, the message could be more about lifetime security, particularly as employers dial down their defined benefit programs.
Tht message is already catching on with single premium immediate annuities (SPIAs).
"Post downturn, we saw views about SPIAS change with people more willing to give up control of assets to trade for lifetime income," Kerzner said. "Even with record low annuity rates in 2011, SPIA premium grew 7 percent. … People no longer think about retirement as just a pile of money. They are more concerned about getting a check in the mailbox every month."
Cross marketing is another area of opportunity illustrated by a couple of recent examples:
-- MetLife has a deal to sell life insurance at Walmart, where Humana is already selling health coverage.
-- Liberty Mutual is partnering with some life insurance companies that are referring property and casualty prospects to them.
"Historically unthinkable models like this will continue to emerge as companies look for ways to ways to cross-sell and generate fee income by leveraging their customer base," Kerzner said.
But the future belongs to those who know how to plumb data, Kerzner said. The industry has mountains of numbers -- there might be better ways of finding the gold in those hills.
"How can we use information like this to target prospects for our producers and help them be better prepared for sales calls?" Kerzner asked. "Data is king. We need to better leverage it."
Once data finds the right prospect for the right producer, it still comes down to the story. Kerzner said the insurance industry has a good one to tell and should learn how to tell it well. "One thing we need to do immediately is tell our story better by delivering positive messages about our industry to consumers, legislators, regulators and even our own employees."
Steven A. Morelli is editor-in-chief for InsuranceNewsNet. He has more than 25 years of experience as a reporter and editor for newspapers, magazines and insurance periodicals. He was also vice president of communications for an insurance agents' association. Steve can be reached at email@example.com.
© Entire contents copyright 2012 by InsuranceNewsNet.com Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted without the expressed written consent from InsuranceNewsNet.com.


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Nothing says rugged outdoorsman like a hollowed out tree trunk with an iPhone connected to it. That's not actually true. But the iTree iPhone/iPod dock would fit perfectly in a ski lodge, cabin, or Ewok dance club.
Created by KMKG studios, each iTree is custom built using trees from the forests of Austria and is expertly hollowed out to produce optimal sound. Customers can choose the wood, length, and the technology they want included in their dock. If you're a jet setter and you can swing a trip to Austria, you can even pick the tree. Be sure to bring your favorite arborist because each iTree costs approximately $15,000.
Hipster Ewok DJs will be happy to learn that they can get a turntable installed into their iTree. Perfect for that post-Empire defeating party with the rebels. [KMKG via Geeky Gadgets]


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Auditors for the state tried unsuccessfully for days to see the financial records of former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's video gaming company as it teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, documents show.
Emails obtained by The Associated Press under a public records request show that David Gilden, an attorney for the state Economic Development Corp., made a series of frustrated attempts in May to get its auditors access to 38 Studios' general ledger, email and file servers.
Schilling's firm — which was lured to Rhode Island from Massachusetts in 2010 with a $75 million loan guarantee approved by the development agency's board — laid off its entire staff on May 24. Earlier in the month, 38 Studios' board approved filing for bankruptcy protection.
As the company's troubles spilled into public view, Gov. Lincoln Chafee accused 38 Studios of "stonewalling" — even as the firm sought frantically to secure state film tax credits that it apparently hoped to sell to raise money to stay afloat.
"It was so hard to get information from them," Chafee told The Associated Press this week. "Nothing was forthcoming. There were so many mixed messages. Everything kept changing."
Chafee was a vocal opponent of the loan guarantee on the campaign trail in 2010, but said he became the company's "biggest cheerleader" once the deal was done.
Schilling has accused the governor of having an "agenda" and making comments that contributed to his firm's demise, even though the 38 Studios board had taken the first step toward bankruptcy by the time Chafee said anything publicly about the company's troubles.
38 Studios filed for bankruptcy protection on June 7. The company and an affiliate, 38 Studios Baltimore, together owe creditors about $272 million and had combined assets of about $22 million, according to bankruptcy filings. Rhode Island is by far the largest creditor.
State and federal authorities have opened investigations into the firm's finances, but have declined to comment on the details.
A series of emails flew back and forth between Gilden and top 38 Studios officials as Deloitte tried to begin the audit, which he said was provided for under the loan agreement. Gilden requested on May 25 that the auditors be allowed in that day or the next.
Gilden wrote to Chief Operating Officer William Thomas and Director Thomas Zaccagnino on May 26, saying he hadn't heard back about access.
Thomas replied he was working with very limited staff and needed to arrange to hire back some employees to give the auditors access; he said he was hampered by the long Memorial Day weekend.
In a May 27 email, Gilden said EDC required "access immediately" and wanted to know who was providing security at the company's Providence headquarters — where the servers and documents were kept — and what the "status" of the servers was.
Thomas said he believed the company had taken appropriate security steps. He said someone from the state could inspect the premises that day for "security effectiveness" but that he didn't expect to have the "necessary technical staff" to make the financial records available for several days.
On May 28, Memorial Day, a security official hired by the state toured the facility and viewed the servers, according to copies of the emails.
On May 29, Gilden again wrote to Thomas and Zaccagnino, saying the auditors were "standing by." Thomas replied that he wanted more specifics on what they wished to access.
"We will cooperate with your request once we totally understand the specifics of your request, have the appropriate technical/administrative/financial capabilities available to meet your needs," Thomas said.
Gilden on May 30 outlined what the state wanted and said again auditors were prepared to begin their work that morning.
Thomas replied that the company was trying to secure funds for the audit — the 2010 financing deal required 38 Studios to pay for it — and was seeking an opinion from its legal counsel.
The next day, Gilden laid down a deadline.
"Again, while I understand the unusual circumstances with respect to your staffing issues, it has been several days now since we requested access for our auditors," he said. "Another day's delay, notwithstanding your staffing issues, will in our view constitute a denial of our right to audit, particularly when our auditors can make a copy of the general ledger in a matter of hours and continue their work off site."
He added: "We need to be able to report today that we are proceeding with the auditing."
That afternoon, apparently after a conference call on the matter, Gilden sent Thomas another email, saying an auditor was standing outside 38 Studios.
EDC spokeswoman Judy Chong didn't comment on when auditors got access and declined to otherwise discuss the May standoff. Thomas said he had no comment.
Christine Hunsinger, a Chafee spokeswoman, said the governor's top priority has always been to protect the taxpayers' interest.
In this case, she said, "There were steps taken to ensure that stuff didn't walk out the door."


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text: The Caldwell family is an eclectic crew to say the least. Through these collections of photo galleries, videos, and writings, one will easily recognize what makes these characters, artists, and athletes so unique. Stimulated by ubiquitous artwork and a passion for outdoor exploration, instilled in them by their father, Will, the Caldwell boys have taken to life with a keen eye for beauty, action, and adventure. This site strives to showcase these endeavors, past and present, professional or personal, in a way that everyone can be inspired as they have. Enjoy!


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Makes: 4 servings
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
1 cup fresh blackberries or raspberries, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1 pound chicken tenders, cut in half crosswise (see Tip)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons cornmeal
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Mash blackberries (or raspberries), mustard and honey in a small bowl until it looks like a chunky sauce.
Sprinkle chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Place cornmeal in a medium bowl, add the chicken and toss to coat (discard any leftover cornmeal).
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook the chicken, turning once or twice, until browned and just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes total (thinner nuggets will cook faster than thicker ones). Serve the chicken nuggets with the berry mustard.


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Autumn Winter 2019
For Autumn Winter 2019 I have been thinking about what women want, about modern femininity and about how to curate those ideas into a collection for today. Our woman tells a story through each of the looks. She embraces our signature silhouettes, both fitted and softer, clothes that are wearable but still have the ability to let us dream. There's almost a cinematic mood, an elevation, a character embedded within a narrative. She's proper but she's definitely not prim. You can feel a sense of her life through the clothes that she wears.


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'Fair seed-time had my soul, and I grew up
Foster'd alike by beauty and by fear;
Much favour'd in my birthplace…'
The poet William Wordsworth, who wrote these lines (from The Prelude, 1805), was born in a fairly substantial house in Cockermouth, in what is now Cumbria, in 1770.
William was the second child of John and Ann Wordsworth. John was the agent for Sir James Lowther's Cumberland estates. The house was owned by the estate and was 'tied' to the agent's position. For a number of years it must have been filled with the sounds of the growing brood of Wordsworth children, five in all.
Tragedy struck in 1778 when Ann Wordsworth died, and John died five years later, with the children having to be sent into the care of relatives elsewhere. But the period in Cockermouth seems to have been a particularly formative experience for William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, as it imbued them with a sense of the beauty of the Cumbrian landscape.
The house was given to the National Trust by the Wordsworth Memorial Fund in 1938. By that time there had been a number of subsequent owners, and no furniture or other objects remained from the Wordsworths' time. In 2004 the National Trust instigated a restoration project to bring the house's appearance back to what it may have looked like in the 1760s and 1770s.