text:
Hydraulic Fracking Blog
This blog has moved to http://www.hydraulicfrackingblog.com/ ... you should be redirected shortly.
Marcellus operator unable to stay administrative proceeding regarding alleged water pollution
On October 7, 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") filed a complaint against a Marcellus operator with the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board ("the Board"), alleging that the operator had violated Pennsylvania's Clean Streams laws. Prior to the complaint, the operator had filed a declaratory judgment action in Pennsylvania state court. In the declaratory judgment action, the operator sought to establish the number of days that alleged violations occurred. The operator alleged that an offer of settlement by the DEP, which the operator said miscalculated the number of days, constituted sufficient grounds to find that a controversy existed such that a declaratory judgment action was appropriate.
In response to the DEP's October 7 complaint, the operator filed a motion to stay the administrative proceedings relating to the complaint. The operator argued that resolving parts of the dispute before the Board will be a waste of time because any finding will be appealed to the court in which the declaratory judgment action is pending. In response, the DEP noted that it has filed a motion to dismiss the operator's declaratory judgment action on the grounds that the operator had failed to exhaust administrative remedies and was simply forum shopping.
On October 28, 2014, the Board denied the operator's motion to stay. The Board said that the "case is precisely the sort of case that is the raison d'être for the [Board]," and noted that a stay of Board proceedings is "an extraordinary measure that should only be granted for compelling reasons." The Board then opined that there was "significant value and efficiency in allowing . . . discovery [in the Board proceedings] because that factual development will eventually be needed one way or the other." Ultimately, the Board was skeptical that that motion to stay was anything other than a dilatory tactic and refused to grant a stay that, in the Board's opinion, would have little benefit to the administration of justice.
This post was written by Barclay Nicholson (barclay.nicholson@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 3662) and Jim Hartle (jim.hartle@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 5695) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
on Friday, October 31, 2014
Labels: Marcellus Shale
Seismic activity and fracking concerns prompt new rules for oil and gas disposal wells in Texas
On October 28th, the Railroad Commission of Texas ("RRC") amended its existing oil and gas disposal well regulations to require seismic activity data in permit applicants, provide for more frequent monitoring and reporting for certain wells, and allow modification, suspension, or termination of permits on grounds that a disposal well is contributing to seismic activity. Specifically:
Applicants for a disposal permit must provide U.S. Geologic Survey ("USGS") data regarding seismic events within a circular 100 square mile area centered on the well (a radius of approximately 5.64 miles).
The RRC may require additional information, including logs, geologic cross-sections, pressure front boundary calculations, and structure maps.
The RRC may require more frequent monitoring and reporting for disposal wells for which conditions may exist that would prevent fluids from being confined to the injection interval.
The RRC may modify, suspend, or terminate a permit if disposal is contributing to seismic activity, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
The amendments will be published in the Texas Register on November 14, 2014, and will go into effect on November 17, 2014. The new rules are unlikely to pose a significant additional burden for most new wells and the estimated 50,000 existing oil and gas disposal wells in Texas. However, if seismicity increases in the area of a well, the RRC will now have explicit regulatory provisions allowing it to impose injection pressure and rate limits, a temporary injection ban, or even outright cancellation of a disposal well permit.
The amendments are the result of growing public scrutiny of hydraulic fracking and concerns over the past several years of a connection between earthquakes and the disposal of frack flowback and produced water. Although disposal by underground injection is not new—the first federal Underground Injection Control regulations were promulgated in 1980—opposition to fracking, new wells, and certain seismic events have spurred many recent studies and debates.
In March 2014, the RRC hired a seismologist to assist the agency in understanding the potential impact of oil and gas extraction activities and to clarify the root causes of earthquakes that some contend are connected to fracking. RRC Commissioner David Porter commented that bringing a seismologist on board would allow the agency "to further examine any possible correlation between seismic events and oil and gas activity and gain a more thorough understanding of the science and data available."[1]
In its introduction of the text of the now-final amendments, the RRC states that "[w]hile few earthquakes have been documented over the past several decades relative to the large number of disposal wells in operation, seismic events have infrequently occurred in areas where there is coincident oil and gas activity."[2] Therefore, the amendments incorporate several provisions that require additional collection and evaluation of seismic activities near proposed disposal wells, and the potential to impose additional monitoring and reporting of seismic data for areas surrounding existing disposal wells.
Amendments to Section 3.9 and Section 3.46
The new amendments modify Title 16, Sections 3.9 and 3.46 of the Texas Administrative Code, relating respectively to Disposal Wells and to Fluid Injection into Productive Reservoirs. Although these sections regulate disposal into different types of formations, the language in both sections adopts the same new requirements and provides the RRC with the same level of authority.
Section 3.9 governs disposal of saltwater or other oil and gas waste by injection into formations not productive of oil, gas, or geothermal resources.[3] Section 3.46 governs fluid injection operations, including disposal, involving reservoirs productive of oil, gas, or geothermal resources.[4] Of note, although Section 3.46 regulates injection into productive formations for both enhanced recovery and disposal, the new language relating to seismic activity applies only to wells permitted for disposal.
The new requirements for applicants are found in Sections 3.9(3)(B) and 3.46(b)(1)(C). The amendments to these two subsections require applicants for disposal permits to include with the application a printed copy or screenshot showing the results of a survey of information from the USGS regarding the locations of any historical seismic events within a circular area of 100 square miles centered around the proposed disposal well location.
The above provisions are the primary difference between the amendments proposed by the RRC in August 2014 and the final amendments that are now adopted. The proposal would have required that applicants include USGS historical seismic event information for within the estimated radius of the 10-year, five pounds per square inch ("psi") pressure front boundary of the proposed disposal well location. Ultimately, the RRC agreed with several comments that this requirement was too complex and had the potential for error and, instead, adopted the 100 square mile area language discussed above.[5]
The other amendments formally recognize the RRC's authority to regulate seismic activity related to the disposal wells. For example, if the well is to be located in certain areas seen as having an increased risk that fluids will not be confined to the injection interval,[6] the amendments authorize the RRC to request additional information during the permitting process (Sections 3.9(3)(C) and 3.46(b)(1)(D)) and more frequent monitoring and reporting of injection pressure and injection rates (Sections 3.9(11)(A)–(B) and 3.46(i)(1)–(2)). For certain wells, the RRC might impose additional monitoring as a condition of the issued permit. One would also expect that, after identifying an increase in seismic events, the agency would impose increased monitoring on existing wells in the area.
Additions to Sections 3.9(6)(A)(vi) and 3.46(d)(1)(F) amend the RRC's existing authority to modify, suspend, or terminate a disposal permit to allow such an action based on grounds that the injection is likely to be or has been determined to be contributing to seismic activity. These actions would require notice to the well operator and a hearing. This amendment could allow the RRC to terminate permits, but could also be used to impose limits on injection rates and pressures, or other conditions intended to mitigate any contribution to seismic activity.
Read the final rule.
[1] See http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/news/032814/.
[2] See http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/media/24613/adopt-amend-3-9and3-46-seismic-activity-102814-sig.pdf.
[3] 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 3.9.
[4] 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 3.46(a).
[5] Of note, the RRC may still require that applicants submit pressure-front data; however, this data would likely be requested only if the well is an area "where conditions exist that may increase the risk that fluids will not be confined to the injection interval." See infra text accompanying note 6. A "pressure front" is defined as the zone of elevated pressure that is created by the injection of fluids into the subsurface. A "10-year, five psi pressure front boundary" is defined as the boundary of increased pressure of five psi after 10 years of injection at the maximum requested permit injection volume.
[6] The RRC identifies the following conditions as several factors that may increase the risk that fluids will not be confined to the injection interval: complex geology, proximity of the basement rock to the injection interval, transmissive faults, and/or a history of seismic events in the area shown by information from the USGS.
This post was written by Eva Fromm O'Brien (eva.obrien@nortonrosefulbright.com or +1 713.651.5321), Jennifer Caplan (jenn.caplan@nortonrosefulbright.com or +1 713.651.5372) and Bob Greenslade (rgreenslade@fulbright.com / 303 801 2747) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Environmental Practice Group
on Thursday, October 30, 2014
Labels: Texas
Environmental groups lose court challenge over fracking water use
The British Columbia Supreme Court has dismissed a legal challenge to decisions of the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) to grant successive, short-term approvals to EnCana Corporation to withdraw fresh water from B.C.'s lakes, rivers and streams for use in hydraulic fracturing operations. Under B.C.'s Water Act, all surface water is owned by the government and diversions are only allowed pursuant to a two year approval or a long-term license. A two year approval application is subject to less regulatory scrutiny than a long-term license application, and does not require the same public notice requirements.
The OGC granted various two year approvals to EnCana. The Western Canada Wilderness Committee and the Sierra Club filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to vacate the OGC's decisions to issue successive, two year approvals for water withdrawals from the same source. The petitioners claimed that although no one approval was for more than two years, multiple approvals were granted back to back over multiple years to EnCana for the same purpose and for diversions at the same locations, thereby effectively violating the two year term limit. The petitioners said that the OGC should have required EnCana to apply for long-term licenses instead of successive two year approvals.
The Court found that the Water Act did not prohibit the OGC's practice and deference should be given to the OGC in how it manages the issuance of approvals and licenses. The Court dismissed the claim.
This post was written by Barclay Nicholson (barclay.nicholson@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 3662) and Alan Harvie (alan.harvie@nortonrosefulbright.com or +1 403.267.9411)from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
on Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Labels: _Canada
The New York Court of Appeals rules on local ban on fracking
The New York Court of Appeals recently denied an energy company's motion for rehearing in Matter of Wallach v. Dryden. Matter of Wallach was a consolidated appeal in which the court heard challenges to local fracking bans enacted in the Towns of Dryden and Middlefield. The parties challenging the bans argued that the local laws were preempted by state law.
The court held that the Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Law (OGSML) did not preempt local bans on hydraulic fracturing. The court reasoned that the towns had authority to enact the zoning laws banning fracking under the doctrine of home rule. In the court's view, the OGSML only regulated oil and gas operations. Although the local laws would impact hydraulic fracturing, the court concluded that the ordinances were focused primarily on zoning and, thus, not preempted.
In its motion, the energy company relied on several cases in Colorado holding that state law preempted similar local fracking bans. A court in West Virginia has also found that state law precludes a city from prohibiting hydraulic fracturing. The energy company's position was that the precedential value of Matter of Wallach is limited. The parties challenging the ban in Middlefield did not file a motion for rehearing.
Read the court's decision in Matter of Wallach.
This post was written by Barclay Nicholson (barclay.nicholson@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 3662) and Johnjerica Hodge (johnjerica.hodge@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 5698) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
on Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Labels: Colorado
Proposed class action filed in Illinois state court challenging denial of fracking permits
Amy Pollard and a number of mineral rights owners have filed a proposed class action against the state of Illinois in the Circuit Court for the Second Judicial Circuit of Illinois. Plaintiffs allege that Illinois's refusal to grant fracking permits violates their rights under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution as well as their rights under the Illinois constitution. Specifically, Plaintiffs argue that the state's conduct constitutes an unconstitutional taking without just compensation.
Although Illinois law permits fracking, the state has failed to issue regulations governing fracking permits. Oil and gas operators have therefore been unable to obtain drilling permits. Plaintiffs allege that their mineral rights are worthless without a permit because they cannot receive any royalties until drilling commences. In the complaint, Plaintiffs state that mineral rights owners have already leased thousands of acres to oil and gas operators.
Plaintiffs request attorney fees and at least $50,000 in damages for each member of the class. The class is limited to owners of mineral rights in the New Albany Shale formation in Wayne County. Plaintiffs estimate that the class could ultimately include more than one thousand mineral rights owners.
Read the complaint.
on Monday, October 27, 2014
Labels: Illinois
Pennsylvania bill requiring monthly reporting of natural gas production heads to the Governor
On October 15, 2014, Pennsylvania legislators approved a bill that would require monthly reports of natural gas production from wells in unconventional formations. Operators of such wells are currently required to report natural gas production to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on a semi-annual basis.
The legislative impetus to approve the bill may be connected to recent royalty complaints. In particular, one operator has come under increased scrutiny from the Governor, who recently called on the state's attorney general to investigate allegations of royalty underpayment. Complainants have also filed suit against the operator regarding those allegations.
However, the monthly-reporting bill has another logical basis: landowners are paid royalties on a monthly basis, so monthly production reports could help serve as a way for those landowners to verify that their royalty payments match the actual production of natural gas. Thus, even for operators, the bill may have some benefits if it increases landowner confidence that the operators are properly compensating them for the use of their land and mineral resources.
Labels: Pennsylvania
Do UK regulatory changes signal large-scale shale gas exploitation?
The 14th onshore licensing round closes on October 28, 2014 for both conventional and 'unconventional' oil and gas exploration, including shale gas. The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) expects about 50-150 unconventional licences to be awarded in the round.
There is general consensus across industry and Government that a more streamlined regulatory regime and improved land access rights would facilitate shale gas projects. DECC has recently considered proposed changes regarding land access and sub-surface rights to reduce barriers to shale gas development in the UK.
Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences (PEDLs) allow companies to pursue a range of activities involving energy reserves, including unconventional gas, subject to necessary drilling/development consents and planning permission. Some companies drilling mainly for conventional oil and gas are now drilling deeper than they might have to investigate the shale potential in their licenced areas ("coring" is foreseen in these cases but no fracking is currently involved).
Changes in planning permissions
Proposals for shale gas exploration or extraction (like all other reserves) are subject to approval by the Minerals Planning Authority (MPA) for the area where the reserve is located. Since January 2014, the requirement to notify individual owners and tenants of land where only underground operations will take place has been removed; only those where aboveground work is planned must be served notice.
In addition, although "material considerations" may be allowed in planning permission decisions, the Supreme Court held that issues such as loss of property value, loss of view and opposition to the principle of development are not "material" considerations. The MPA local planning authorities also have greater freedom to act on oil and gas extraction projects than they normally would because the Government excluded these projects from the aegis of the National Planning Policy Framework, the major infrastructure planning regime in the UK.
Proposed land access reforms
In the 2010 landmark Bocardo case[1], the Supreme Court found that an oil and gas company had committed trespass by drilling and installing pipelines under the landowner's land, even though the deepest well was 2,800 ft below the surface.
The case confirmed that any activity on or under a landowner's land, even deep underground, will constitute trespass. Under the current regime, coming to an agreement for access with multiple landowners or pursuing so-called ancillary rights under statutory law, can cause long delays. The Government's proposed changes include:
granting automatic underground access rights to shale gas operators for horizontal drilling at least 300m below the surface;
a voluntary community payment of £20,000 for each unique horizontal well that extends more than 200m laterally (for projects benefitting the community);
public notification of drilling proposals and details of the voluntary payment.
The proposal does not apply to any work above 300m depth; therefore, access for the drilling pad itself will be subject to negotiation with the landowner or the ancillary rights regime.
Still it appears that legislation will be put before Parliament to implement a more streamlined system and rights of access. With the exploration licenses expected in the current licensing round, the outlook is positive for greater shale gas exploration and production in the UK.
[1] Bocardo SA v Star Energy [2010] UKSC 35
This post was written by Lucy Bruce Jones (lucy.brucejones@nortonrosefulbright.com or +44 20 7444 5159) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
Labels: _United Kingdom
Revisions to proposed fracking regulations in California
California recently circulated its third version of S.B. 4., a bill passed last year that sets forth rules regarding well stimulation operations. The California Department of Conservation's Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources received over 100,000 comments from the public regarding the first version of S.B. 4. The second version of the bill also received a significant number of comments.
The third version of the bill features several changes from the previous versions. For example, the threshold for reporting seismic activity occurring near wells has been increased to require a magnitude of at least 2.7. In addition, whereas well operators initially had to apply for a water permit before applying for a fracking permit, operators may now apply for both permits simultaneously. The twenty-day deadline for requesting water quality testing has also been amended to permit residents to request testing irrespective of whether twenty days have passed since the resident received notification that well stimulation would occur. If the twenty-day period has passed, however, the resident would be responsible for paying for the testing.
Multiple groups have expressed displeasure with the bill. Some environmentalist groups have argued that the state should not permit fracking. Even members of the oil and gas industry have noted that aspects of the bill are problematic. The public has fifteen days to submit any comments on the bill.
Read S.B. 4.
Labels: California
DOJ and Pipeline Operator spar over the proper way to calculate a Clean Water Act penalty
On October 8, 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice (the "DOJ") filed a motion regarding the proper way to calculate a Clean Water Act ("CWA") penalty. The dispute turns on whether the penalty for a prohibited discharge of oil should be based simply on the amount of oil discharged or instead on the amount of discharged oil that makes its way into a navigable body of water. In its motion, the DOJ argues that the plain language of the CWA calls for penalties based on the amount of oil "discharged" without any requirement that the oil reach a navigable body of water. The pipeline operator has previously argued in court filings that such a measure improperly extends the CWA beyond its terms and would represent a Congressional overstep of the Federal government's Commerce Clause authority.
While at its heart the dispute is a matter of statutory interpretation and constitutional law, its result may well have major impacts on the rest of the litigation. If the court determines that the DOJ's reading of the CWA is correct, proving the amount of oil discharged may not be too complicated. The DOJ could prove the amount by, for example, showing the volume of oil pumped into the pipeline and the volume of oil that reached its intended destination, with the difference approximating the amount of oil discharged. However, if the court follows the pipeline operator's reading of the CWA, the DOJ will likely be presented with significant evidentiary challenges, because once the oil was discharged, it likely dispersed in complex, difficult-to-track ways.
The dispute is currently before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Middle District of Pennsylvania holds lessor is bound by change of ownership provision, lessee properly extended lease
In a case of first impression in Pennsylvania, Judge Matthew Brann of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania held that an extension payment made by a predecessor-in-interest of the lessee to a predecessor-in-interest of the lessor was sufficient to extend the lease, where the lessee did not have notice of the change in ownership as required by the lease.
In Danko Holdings, LP v. EXCO Resources (PA), LLC, the lease at issue provided that the lessee was not bound by a change in ownership "until furnished with such documentation as Lessee may reasonably require." The original parties to the lease made several assignments of interest, but neither the lessors nor their successors provided the lessee or its successors with notice of the change in ownership. The plaintiff, Danko, was a successor of the lessor. Danko sought a declaration that the lease had expired by its own terms because the predecessor of defendant EXCO made the extension payment to the original lessors who, at the time of the payment, had already assigned their interest.
Judge Brann held that because EXCO and its predecessors had not been provided with notice of the change in ownership, the payment made to the original lessors was sufficient to extend the lease under the change in ownership provision. As the issue was novel under Pennsylvania law, Judge Brann relied on authority from other state and federal courts, as well as prominent oil and gas treatises, to conclude that change of ownership clauses are valid features of oil and gas leases and are strictly construed. Moreover, Judge Brann held that constructive or actual notice of the change in ownership will not obviate a change of ownership clause. The plain language of the lease required Danko or its predecessors to provide documentation of the change in ownership.
Judge Brann's opinion.
This post was written by Barclay Nicholson (barclay.nicholson@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 3662) and Michael Gaetani (michael.gaetani@nortonrosefulbright.com or 724 416 0400) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection proposes changes to oil and gas enforcement policies
On October 4, 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ("PADEP") published notice of a draft policy titled "Standards and Guidelines for Identifying, Tracking, and Resolving Oil and Gas Violations" (the "Proposed Policy"). The Proposed Policy contains new processes and revises existing guidelines and will have an impact on how operators interact with the PADEP.
The Proposed Policy introduces a new, detailed process for how the PADEP will handle water supply contamination complaints. The Proposed Policy contemplates that an onsite investigation will be conducted within 4 business days of receiving the complaint, and a final determination made within 45 calendar days, unless there are extenuating circumstances. The PADEP may order the operator to provide temporary water supplies to the complainant either before or after the final determination on contamination is made, depending on whether the water supply is located within the "rebuttable presumption area" (1,000 feet for a conventional well and 2,500 feet for an unconventional well). If a final positive determination of contamination is made, the PADEP shall issue a notice of violation ("NOV") to the operator and, after allowing an opportunity for the operator to respond, shall issue an administrative order to replace or restore the affected water supply unless (1) the water supply has already been replaced or restored, (2) the investigation request has been withdrawn, (3) the operator and water supply owner have reached an agreement, or (4) the water supply is no longer contaminated or diminished.
The Proposed Policy also addresses existing guidelines and policies. One of these changes provides for more aggressive issuance of NOVs, which will now be issued for all violations noticed during an inspection, unless the violation is corrected by the end of the inspection visit. Currently, an NOV will issue only if the violation is not corrected within 14 days of the inspection visit. Other topics addressed by the Proposed Policy include a revised well inspection schedule, the process for on-site inspections, the issuance of administrative orders, permit suspension and revocation, the imposition of civil penalties, and a 180-day negotiation deadline for certain enforcement documents.
The PADEP is accepting public comments on the Proposed Policy until November 2, 2014. View the Proposed Policy.
Eighth Circuit refuses to overturn jury verdict despite allegations that verdict was tainted
In Hiser v. XTO Energy, Inc., the Eighth Circuit affirmed a jury verdict against XTO Energy, Inc. (XTO) and rejected XTO's argument that the district court should have granted its motion for a new trial. The appeal was heard by Judge Duane Benton, Judge Michael J. Melloy, and Judge Bobby E. Shepherd. Hiser involved allegations by the plaintiff that she suffered damages due to XTO's drilling operations on a neighbor's property.
During deliberations, the jury asked the district court whether XTO's drilling operations included fracking or only drilling. The judge responded that the jury could only consider evidence presented by the parties. After XTO moved for a new trial, the parties submitted affidavits from multiple jurors. The jurors stated that they discussed fracking before the court's instruction; however, those discussions ceased after the court instructed them to only consider the evidence presented at trial.
The jurors disagreed on the extent of their fracking discussion. Whereas one juror stated that they discussed the potential negative effects of fracking on the plaintiff, another juror stated that there was no discussion of the negative impact of fracking. Indeed, another juror stated that they merely discussed fracking generally. The jurors also disputed whether they discussed earthquakes, a topic that was mentioned only briefly at trial.
The Eighth Circuit rejected XTO's argument that the district court abused its discretion by not ordering a new trial. The panel reasoned that the district court's instruction adequately reduced any potential risk of prejudice. Moreover, the panel noted that there was no evidence of prejudice. Even assuming that the jury discussed earthquakes before the court's instruction, the panel concluded that the discussion did not impact the verdict or prejudice XTO.
Furthermore, if the jury discussed earthquakes after the court's instruction, the panel reasoned that there was no prejudice because the discussion did not reference the plaintiff or XTO. Lastly, the panel held that even if the jurors discussed extraneous information, XTO did not demonstrate that it suffered any prejudice or that the verdict was impacted.
Read the opinion.
Labels: Arkansas
IPAA response to proposed rule on transportation of crude oil by rail
The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) recently submitted comments regarding the proposed rule concerning the shipping of crude oil by rail. In the rule, the Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) specified, among other things, that the tanker car fleet currently used must be retrofitted within a two-year period to comply with heightened standards specified in the rule.
The IPAA and NDPC commented that, according to industry experts, at least six years are needed to replace the current fleet. Imposing a two-year phase-out would, in the IPAA and NDPC's view, hinder oil producers from timely providing the market with crude oil. Additionally, the IPAA and NDPC argued that the PHMSA unnecessarily targeted Bakken crude oil because it does not impose a heightened safety risk. For support, the IPAA and NDPC relied on several reports that Bakken oil is not more dangerous that crude oil in other areas of the United States.
Read additional concerns raised by the IPAA and NDPC.
Labels: North Dakota
Twelve senators weigh in on rules for fracking on public lands
In a letter dated September 30, 2014, twelve Senate Democrats urged the implementation of "the strongest possible safeguards" for the use of hydraulic fracturing on Federal lands. The letter comes on the heels of the Department of the Interior sending rule(s) for "governing the practice of hydraulic fracturing on public lands" to the Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") for finalizing.
While the letter does not have the level of specificity one would expect the eventual rule(s) to have, the Senators urged the inclusion of three requirements they deem "imperative":
"[r]obust requirements for public disclosure of all [fracking fluid] chemicals and additives;
a free, searchable public database containing such disclosures; and
"[s]trong and consistent requirements for well construction and integrity and wastewater management for every well drilled on public lands . . . ." In the Senators' words, the "rule should serve to build on existing state standards in a way that ensures there is a floor of protection in all states."
The text of the rule(s) has not yet been released. However, you can review the May 2013 draft of the rule(s)."
This post was written by Barclay Nicholson (barclay.nicholson@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 3662) and Jim Hartle (james.hartle@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 5695) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
Labels: _United States
Bill proposal to prohibit entry of fracking drill cuttings waste into New York
Senator Ten O'Brien proposed a bill on Monday to prohibit landfills in New York from accepting drill cuttings waste. O'Brien, a member of the Senate's Environmental Conservation Committee, voiced concerns of the potential environmental damage that could be caused by the waste. This measure is supported by groups such as the New York League of Conservation Voters.
O'Brien's proposal is one of several proposals targeted at hydraulic fracturing waste in New York. Another proposed bill requires municipal wastewater treatment facilities to satisfy additional statutory requirements before accepting hydrofracking wastewater. Other legislation targets the transportation of hydraulic fracturing byproducts into and from water treatment plants. In fact, local laws in Niagara Falls and Buffalo prohibit the transportation of those products.
Attempts to impose additional regulations on fracking have failed, however, to garner sufficient support in the State Senate. For more information about the bill proposals discussed above, please visit the New York State Senate website and review Bill S7783-2013 and Bill S5123A-2013.
Labels: New York
Oil rail safety transport improvements will be costly
Proposed federal regulations on oil rail transportation will be costly to implement. Responding to concerns about the increase of oil rail transport and several high profile accidents, the US Department of Transportation ("DOT") has proposed new rules to strengthen the safety standards for the rail transport of crude oil and ethanol. These improvements include new tank car standards, oil spill response plans and requirements for securing unattended rail cars.
Over a 20-year period, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration ("PHMSA") estimates that it will cost billions of dollars for stakeholders to enact the improvements necessary to comply with the proposed regulations. Though rail carriers and rail car manufacturers and owners likely will shoulder most of the costs, oil and gas companies will experience rising costs in higher purchase prices, lease rates and additional fees as the rail industry seeks to offset its higher operating costs. Further, the proposed regulations include requirements for lower speed limits and rail routing risk analyses, which could lead to transportation delays and longer delivery routes.
Currently, the proposed rules do not require oil and gas producers to "stabilize," or remove natural gas liquids, the crude oil from the Bakken Shale before shipping it by rail. However, because the DOT has concluded that Bakken crude oil has high volatility, analysts predict that a stabilization requirement may be forthcoming. Stabilizing crude oil prior to rail transport will significantly costs for oil and gas producers.
Read more about new federal oil rail safety regulations.
This post was written by Barclay Nicholson (barclay.nicholson@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 3662) and Katie McNearney (katie.mcnearney@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 5698) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
About the Hydraulic fracking blog
Norton Rose Fulbright has formed a shale and hydraulic fracturing task force in response to the increasing importance of natural gas and shale, in particular, in the US energy mix and the issues involved in exploring and producing this abundant resource.
Hydraulic Fracking publications
Trade secrets and the regulation of hydraulic fracturing
The Shale Gas Handbook
Ranked Top 10 - Texas Bar Today
Norton Rose Fulbright's Shale and hydraulic fracking site
_Canada (28)
_Europe (8)
_South Africa (1)
_United Kingdom (7)
_United States (58)
Eagle Ford Shale (1)
llinois (1)
Marcellus Shale (11)
Pennsylvania legislation (2)
Sabine (1)
Utica shale (3)
Marcellus operator unable to stay administrative p...
Seismic activity and fracking concerns prompt new ...
Environmental groups lose court challenge over fra...
The New York Court of Appeals rules on local ban o...
Proposed class action filed in Illinois state cour...
Pennsylvania bill requiring monthly reporting of n...
Do UK regulatory changes signal large-scale shale ...
Revisions to proposed fracking regulations in Cali...
DOJ and Pipeline Operator spar over the proper way...
Middle District of Pennsylvania holds lessor is bo...
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protectio...
Eighth Circuit refuses to overturn jury verdict de...
IPAA response to proposed rule on transportation o...
Twelve senators weigh in on rules for fracking on ...
Bill proposal to prohibit entry of fracking drill ...
Oil rail safety transport improvements will be cos...
About Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy site
Norton Rose Fulbright's Hydraulic fracturing site
© 2015 - Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
nortonrosefulbright.com | Privacy | Disclaimer
More Norton Rose Fulbright Blogs


text:
Jazz Composition Major
Greg Hopkins
ghopkins@berklee.edu
Advanced Jazz Arranging for Large Ensemble
Jazz Composition 3
Post Bebop Harmonic Innovations
Directed Study in Jazz Composition
Concert Jazz Orchestra
Performances with Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Lena Horne, Dizzy Gillespie, Gladys Knight, and various Motown artists
Former arranger and jazz trumpeter with the Billy Maxted and Buddy Rich orchestras
Performer and arranger on RCA Records
Arrangements and compositions published by Kendor and Studio P.R.
Director of Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra
Leader of quintet and big band with CDs on the Summit label
B.M., Michigan State University
"To me, the Jazz Composition Department is the nucleus of Berklee. It's graduated some of our most famous alumni including jazz writers like Alan Broadbent and, of course, Quincy Jones. Herb Pomeroy started the department, and he really set the direction of the school in the '50s when he started teaching here. So the department has a lot of history."
"I love the concept of fusion. We attract students from all over the world, who bring with them their own ideas, their own innate ethnic rhythms, harmonies, melodies, and sometimes instruments. And they combine this with the American ideal of jazz."
"I think you have to bring yourself into the music and not just replicate other people's music. That's my whole philosophy. I'll assimilate all I can about Duke Ellington's music, for instance. And I'll try to write some things in his style—not steal, but borrow. Then I'll let that sit in my system and figure out how I want to use it. I want to create my own language. Some of his sounds, textures, or vocabulary might come out in my music. But my ideas will come out, too. That's kind of what we do in the program."
Embedded video for Greg Hopkins

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Add all of this to a frying pan until the chocolate has melted! Once it has melted, pour half of the chocolate fudge mixture into silicone cupcake holders and place them into the fridge for 30-40 minutes, longer if you have time!
Use the remaining chocolate to pour on top of the coconut and peanut butter mixture! Your are basically layering!
Top with pistachios, coconut flakes, maca powder. Whatever you like. Then place them back into the fridge for at least an hour until they have all hardened!
I had to add this because I am literally a fan of icing. I'm that person who will eat all the icing and leave the actual cake.
If you do have chocolate let over, simply add the icing sugar to it and stir until it becomes thick. Add a bit of almond milk if you have to.


Karpenskiy license covering 4,180km² is in the Saratov Region. The licence area contains a producing oil field discovered by the company in 2007 in a supra-salt horizon and exploration potential in other identified structures in supra-salt, intra-salt and sub-salt horizons.
Vostochny Makarovskoye license ("VM") covering 17.8km² is in the Volgograd region. The Vostochny-Makarovskoye gas-condensate field, Volga Gas' principal field by reserves, commenced production in October 2012 with two wells. Further development drilling was completed in 2015 bringing the total number of wells to four.
Dobrinskoye license is located 5 km from VM. The Dobrinskoye field is a producing gas and condensate field. A Gas Processing Unit ("GPU") built at the Dobrinskoye field site has been upgraded and is being used to process gas from both the Dobrinskoye and VM fields. Further modifications are in train to increase the permitted capacity of the GPU to facilitate full scale production from both fields.
Urozhainoye-2 license was purchased at a government auction in September 2007. The license covers 354km2 and is located approximately 15km to the north of the Company's Karpenskiy Licence Area and is in close proximity with up to several gas, condensate and oil fields.
Muradymosky license was issued in May 2018 with an initial geological study and evaluation commitment valid until 2023, by when the company may either commit to drill and exploration well or relinquish the licence.
The Company continues to focus its efforts on growing production from the Vostochny Makarovskoye and Dobrinskoye fields, developing additional reserves at its Uzen oil field and exploring identified structures on the three main exploration blocks. The Company will also continue to seek potentially value accretive opportunities to acquire other oil, gas and condensate reserves.
Uzenskoye field Oil storage tanks at the Uzenskoye field site.
Exploration drilling Drilling operations on a shallow (supra-salt) exploration well in the Karpenskiy licence area.


text:
Esa-Pekka Salonen appointed first-ever Artist in Association at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet
Beginning this season, Salonen will assume a diverse and comprehensive role as a conductor, composer, artistic advisor and ambassador. His five-year engagement begins with the current production of Elektra and continues through 2021.
The Finnish National Opera and Ballet (FNOB) has appointed composer, conductor and creative force Esa-Pekka Salonen Artist in Association, a newly created, five-year position. In this capacity, Salonen will have a broad remit: conducting performances, introducing his compositions into the repertoire and acting as artistic advisor. The Artist in Association relationship includes duties beyond artistic tasks, as Salonen will act as an ambassador for the FNOB in developing new partnerships.
Salonen's first appearance on the podium will be at the premiere of Elektra on 2 September. He will also conduct the four premieres of the FNOB's new Ring Cycle beginning in 2019. His other conducting duties will be announced separately for each season.
"We have always been interested in the art and thinking of Esa-Pekka Salonen, whether as a conductor, a composer or a cultural personality. We are pleased that at this point in his remarkable career he is willing to commit to wide-ranging support of Finnish opera and ballet. He will inspire both performers and audiences", says Lilli Paasikivi, Artistic Director of the Finnish National Opera.
"During the last thirty years, the majority of my work as a conductor and composer has taken place abroad. It feels good to finally make long-term plans in my native country, and especially at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, where the flame of artistic ambition is bright and powerful", says Esa-Pekka Salonen. "Opera interests me more and more as an art form, and I'm very enthusiastic and excited about the future collaboration with the excellent team of the FNOB."
The FNOB will also appoint a conductor to lead performances throughout the season and oversee the continuous improvement of the orchestra.
Another aim of the new venture is for Salonen to mentor emerging Finnish conductors: the young and talented Klaus Mäkelä has been appointed as Salonen's assistant for the upcoming Ring Cycle.
Main Stage 2.9.2016 – 15.9.2016
Performances and tickets
Esa-Pekka Salonen to conduct his first Ring cycle in Helsinki
CircOpera
Main Stage 16.9.2016 – 1.10.2016


text:
George Lloyd - The Road Through Samarkand MP3 Audio HOT
George Lloyd - Road through Samarkand - Audio
for two pianos
George Lloyd writes: "During the summer of 1972 I wrote a number of piano pieces. I had been watching the yellow-robed, shaven-headed, chanting, bell-ringers dancing up and down Oxford Street, London.On the title page of "The Road through Samarkand" I added, "...with burning hearts they danced their way from Calais to Calcutta, but what did they find?".
The boisterous Road through Samarkand is a splashy and highly inventive toccata, written as a bravura solo piece for virtuoso John Ogdon, who gave the premiere performance in New York in 1972. The piece has been brilliantly expanded for the present performers, It has catchy syncopated touches but ends disconsolately (although with a final surge of energy) as the travellers fail to find salvation in the East. Played by Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow
Your browser does not support HTML5 video or audio.


text:
And the new hotness is...
Quickish!
Quickie: Exhibition Bowls: Do You Care?
(I didn't write a post about the Tebow Super Bowl ad here yesterday, but I did do a long post over at TimTeblog.com -- check it out. It says everything I would have written here.)
The most intriguing game of the weekend is not in Mobile (Senior Bowl) or Miami (Pro Bowl) but Ithaca, NY, where Harvard is playing Cornell in a battle of the two best hoops teams in the Ivy League.
But all eyes -- or at least some eyes -- are on the single-star power at the Senior Bowl (Tebow) and the non-star power at the Pro Bowl (where the big storyline is the players who AREN'T playing). The big question is: Will fans watch?
Will fans watch the Senior Bowl because of their intrigue over Tebow? His inclusion in the game sparked a run on ticket sales -- will curious fans tune in on TV? And will fans watch the Pro Bowl because -- well -- it's the first Sunday without non-exhibition pro football in 21 weeks? The players may not want to be there, but I'm predicting fans tune in (at least enough to keep the game as a pre-Super Bowl event in the SB host city).
The Bowls (Senior and Pro) lead today's SN column, but there is a lot more:
*Kurt Warner's retirement: Or will he pull a Favre?
*NBA All-Star Snubs: Josh Smith vs. David Lee
*Ken Griffy: 40 and sexy?
*Steven Jackson: Yikes
*CBB Games of the Weekend: More than Ivies.
*Super Bowl ads: Focus on the Family vs. GoDaddy
*Why Carrie Underwood and not Ke$ha.
See the whole thing here. More later.
-- D.S.
Posted by Dan Shanoff at 1/29/2010 08:49:00 AM 1 comment:
Quickie: Arenas, Tebow, Warner, More
I'd like to think that I don't write about Tim Tebow gratuitously -- I can picture almost all of you saying, "Ha!" -- and yet of all the days when I could clearly justify leading today's SN column with him, I bump him down to the second spot, behind Gilbert Arenas.
Maybe I'm just projecting your Tebow Fatigue (or fatigue that I continuously write about him), but there are two separate Tebow issues this week: One is the Senior Bowl, which I covered on Monday. (Rightfully so: He's THE story of the Senior Bowl and the biggest storyline of the NFL Draft. I'm hardly the only one talking about how he's doing in Mobile.)
But the second is his controversial Super Bowl ad. I had covered the inklings of the ad on TimTeblog a month ago -- I should have put some money down back then that it would become a huge issue in the slow week before the week before the Super Bowl, because it has.
Everyone is weighing in -- many did it last week (I revisited it at Teblog last week, too, an analysis I have adjusted my opinion on slightly), but it went a little more mainstream this week: Joy Behar talked about it on The View, and yesterday Sarah Palin made it the subject of her widely followed Facebook page, elevating it further.
It's fair to say that it has become the most talked-about ad of the Super Bowl -- which is saying something (and undoubtedly was something that Focus on the Family had to have planned for, giving them way more value for their money than the simple $2 million payment to CBS).
While I have talked about it at TimTeblog, I haven't really covered it here. I'll do that in a post later today. But there's no question that the story is "national" and "mainstream." One more data point about Tebow's prominence as an athlete, whether in college or the pros.
More you'll find in today's column:
*Arenas done for the season: Let the healing (or negotiations) begin? As a huge Arenas and huge Wizards fan, I actually hope they can work it out and he can stay on the team. But I suspect that they'll end up paying him a ton of money to play for someone else. Great...
*Kurt Warner retiring: I have said this before and say it again in the column -- Warner is the single-greatest individual player story in NFL history. He went from Arena League-playing, grocery-bagging nobody to a Hall of Fame quarterback, the ultimate rags-to-riches story.
*It's hard for me to get too excited about New Mexico beating BYU -- both are going to make the NCAA Tournament, so it's not like they were playing a knock-out game. I had thought UNM was overrated, so it was a very good win -- although The Pit is a huge advantage.
*One more reason to think the Baseball Hall of Fame is a joke: They are forcing Andre Dawson to be enshrined in an Expos hat, even though he personally wants to wear a Cubs hat. How could the Hall not let the player pick their own hat? This seems like an overreach.
Tons more in the column. Check back later for more.
Posted by Dan Shanoff at 1/28/2010 08:26:00 AM 3 comments:
Tablet Mania
Like a lot of other people, I'm genuinely excited about the announcement about Apple's new "tablet" product today.
I do think it will be a game-changer, for consumers and even for old-line media companies, which hopefully will be as concerned with innovation as monetization.
I will leave you with this simple equation:
Apple tablet + Red Zone Channel = !!!!!!!!!!!
(I don't get Red Zone through my cable network, but if I was given the opportunity to subscribe to an a la carte mobile version of it for my phone and tablet, I would pay a lot, just as I would for March Madness. Let's start at my willingness to pay $100 for the season and go from there.)
Quickie: State of the Sports Union
On the day of the actual State of the Union, I try to put together a "State of the Sports Union" -- and, usually, it's a pretty good report. This year is no exception, leading today's SN column. (Sorry for the bad link yesterday.)
The NFL has never been stronger. The NBA is in a renaissance. MLB has its king back on top. College football has BCS issues, but fans care more than ever. College hoops -- thanks to last night's South Carolina upset of Kentucky -- is wide open for March.
Golf? Well, Tiger was humiliated in 2009, but that only sets up a "redemption" storyline in 2010 (not that golf media will EVER reference Tiger's off-course dalliances).
All in all, things are going REALLY well in sports right now. Should ticket prices be lower, to make going to games more affordable? Sure. But if you've got your HDTV -- and your new tablet -- you're better off at home anyway.
Complete SN column here, featuring:
*South Carolina saves the college hoops season!
*A wee bit on Tebow at the Senior Bowl (just a bit, promise)
*A look at SN's CFB preseason Top 10 (Miami at 6?)
*Ben Sheets: This is the new Moneyball?
*What's next for Favre? Eh: Would rather talk about what's next for the Vikings.
Check out the whole thing. More later. Meanwhile, what's YOUR take on the state of the sports union?
Quickie: Tebow Freaks Out The Draftniks
There is a force out there in sports -- call it the "draftnik-industrial complex" -- that has tried to entrench itself as the experts in the NFL Draft: Analysis, grades, etc.
And Tim Tebow must drive them crazy.
He is the most prominent draft prospect in the recent history of the NFL Draft. Therefore, they HAVE to have an opinion about him.
For the most part, the draftniks (the combination of mostly anonymous scouts and independent draft experts) have not been kind: They are quick to praise Tebow's "intangibles," but essentially gut his skill-set, at least for the role of NFL quarterback.
Maybe that's fair, maybe it's not. Maybe they are being extra-harsh because they get more attention if they are bearish on his potential.
They make pronouncements, like giving him a grade as a "3rd-rounder," maybe 2nd-rounder. Todd McShay makes it sound like he is being forced to upgrade Tebow to an early-2nd-rounder. (He uses the made-up word "overdraft" -- expect to hear that a lot in the next few months.)
Here's the thing that must drive the draftniks crazy:
Because of his popularity, his regional tie to north Florida and Jacksonville's position in the Top 10 of the draft, Tebow will very likely be a Top 10 pick.
We can definitely argue about whether that is a reach for the Jaguars -- or to what extent marketing should ever come into play for a team making a 1st-round selection.
But what is obvious is that the draftniks look like fools if Tebow goes in the Top 10 -- heck, if he goes in the 1st round. Because it means that they are being ignored.
And here's the insidious part of the whole thing: If draftniks are ignored, they are irrelevant. They are exactly what their critics claim they are -- something that draftniks fight like crazy to beat back.
It's almost Zen-like: If the draftnik has a prospect graded as a 3rd-rounder and the player goes in the 1st, does the draftnik make a sound?
Here is where we get into a seemingly odd dynamic: At some point, the draftnik must reconcile their "mock" draft with... "reality."
No one cares about the grades -- they care about the mock. And if you say Jimmy Clausen is going No. 10 to the Jags and Tebow isn't taken until the mid-2nd round, and Tebow actually goes No. 10 to the Jags, you are -- more than anything -- wrong.
And while draftniks are historically wrong about their mocks to a staggering degree, this would be particularly, egregiously wrong.
Consequently, there is a moment of cognitive dissonance: The experts' honest-to-God opinion and the "reality" of the very mock drafts that have made the draftniks so popular to begin with.
The draftnik must decide if they would rather be right or reflect reality -- ultimately, reflecting reality IS being right, whether the draftnik agrees with it or not.
So the draftnik enters a vicious cycle: Right but wrong or wrong but right?
And, to make this all the more absurd, we're all of 24 hours into this process.
(I promise that unless I think Tebow is the lead story of the day -- and it did lead my SN column today in part because he was the lead story on SN.com -- I will keep most of my Tebow analysis to TimTeblog.com. That said: It's not me -- Peter King, Chris Mortenson, all the ESPN draft folks, all the NFL Network draft folks... they all recognize Tebow as the story everyone wants to talk about. The irony, as I noted on Twitter yesterday, is that he's going to go No. 10 to the Jags and we'll all wonder what the fuss was about.)
More in today's column:
*Preview of LeBron-Wade combo in Miami next season!
*Syracuse has the goods to beat Kentucky in March.
*Ben Sheets is NOT "Moneyball."
*Sick of the Super Bowl storylines yet?
Complete column here. More later.
Quickie: Feel The Schadenfavre!
Oh, I could have led with the Saints today, but as someone who has promoted "schadenfavre" for a very very long time, how could I not lead today's SN column with the way his season ended last night?
First of all: What a game. Couldn't have been more dramatic. When you read the column, you'll see that I actually had gained some level of zen acceptance that Favre was -- on one ankle -- going to lead the Vikings to the last-second win in the rocking Super Dome, thus simultaneously crushing the dreams of Saints fans (and their ancillary supporters) and launching what can only be described as the most painful two weeks of fawning coverage of all time.
But then... that INT. Like it was scripted. Like it HAD to end. So improbable and yet so probable at the same time, it was like some sort of mythological enigma.
(Then we got to that OT coinflip. If you were following me on Twitter last night, you saw my allergic reaction. Seriously: Can this be the moment that the NFL finally changes its system? Or will it take a "Coin-Flip Super Bowl Champ" to make it happen?)
Anyway: For all my talk about Jets-Saints being superior to Colts-Saints in the Super Bowl, I can live with Colts-Saints. These are the best teams in each conference -- we have known that since about the one-third mark of the season. It should be a wild display of scoring and rabid New Orleans fans and media love for Peyton Manning. Oh, and Katrina. Take a drink every time someone mentions Katrina. You'll be drunk enough throughout the two weeks to blur the experience.
As for the losers: I don't want to talk about Favre next season, except to say that he would be crazy to retire now -- the Vikings will be even better next season, and obviously, they can win the conference. And the Jets have only one problem: Anything but a Super Bowl trip will be a let-down. Consider the expectations completely blown out of whack. (But they might just get there in the next few years.)
The other big story today is the Tim Tebow Show down in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. He is the most prominent participant in Senior Bowl history. I'm not sure if that means much, but it reflects his status as one of the -- if not THE -- most intriguing NFL Draft prospects of all time.
We're all going to talk and write a LOT about him over the next three months. The irony is that the Jaguars are going to take him with the No. 10 pick and that's going to be that. It doesn't matter what other teams' scouts think of him. It doesn't matter what Todd McShay or Mel Kiper thinks of him. It doesn't matter where he projects.
He's going to the Jags at 10, and the only thing he's going to do this week or at the Combine in a few weeks or in private workouts between now and Draft Day is clear the low expectations that have been set for him and make it that much easier for the Jaguars to take him (because no team in the Top 9 is going to use their pick on him, no matter how good he looks in workouts).
See the entire SN column here. More later, and if you're intrigued by Tebow at the Senior Bowl, keep an eye on TimTeblog.com.
Quickie: Time For Saints to Be Super
Counting down until the Jets-Colts and Saints-Vikings games...
*In the vapid 2.5 seasons since Florida cut down its second straight national championship in basketball, last night's buzzer-beating game winner was the best moment for the program I've seen. (Memo to coaches: See how Donovan just let the guys run a play and didn't demand they take a time-out? I love that.)
*Northwestern beats Illinois: When a team has never been to the NCAA Tournament, games in the middle of January can qualify as "must-win" for March Madness. NU got it.
*Kansas State had exposed Texas as overrated early last week -- and UConn is a tough place to play -- but that was a tough loss for the Longhorns, precisely the kind you file away when you don't take UT to make it to the Final Four on your bracket in March. (Speaking of K-State, they turned around and got beat by Oklahoma State.) The only team that really seems to be as awesome as they look: Kentucky, No. 1 with a bullet.
*Anyone see that Georgia thumping of Tennessee coming?
*LeBron edges Durant in a match-up that totally met the expectations: 37 pts, 9 ast, 12 reb for LeBron; 34 points, 10 rebounds for Durant. And the Cavs escaped by a point.
*Urban Meyer's "leave of absence" was never going to be substantial. He was always going to stick with recruiting through national signing day. He was always going to be integral in spring practice. There is plenty of time between the two for him to chill out a bit. The (wrong-headed) assumption was that "leave of absence" meant that he would actually step away from the program, when in reality he was simply reducing his workload...slightly.
*East-West Shrine Game: Kafka! (You get the sense that Todd McShay thinks that Mike Kafka is a better NFL QB prospect than Tim Tebow. Then again: McShay thinks that everyone is a better NFL QB prospect than Tim Tebow.)
*Miguel Tejada back to the Orioles. It feels like only yesterday he was an uber-paid superstar with no taint of the PED scandal.
*Get ready for a week of Tebow insanity from Mobile, Alabama. (And that's not just me saying it -- you will be inundated from all corners about it. It is not just the biggest Senior Bowl storyline of the week, but he is the biggest Senior Bowl storyline of all time.)
Posted by Dan Shanoff at 1/24/2010 01:42:00 PM No comments:
danshanoff[at]gmail
Twitter: @danshanoff
Quickish
Quickish.com
Like via Facebook
Questions? Email me.
DanShanoff.com is a sports-blog spin-off of my long-time ESPN.com column, "The Daily Quickie." Anchored by an early-morning post of must-know topics, the blog is updated frequently throughout the day with new posts and user comments.
2010 BlogPoll Top 25 Ballot
1. Bama 2. TCU
TIMTEBLOG.com
TimTeblog.com: Obsessive (but still journalistically credible!) coverage of the life and times of Tim Tebow.
HOW TO RAISE A FAN
Varsity Dad
Because your kid ain't LeBron.
A new blog from Dan Shanoff
Deadspin Guest-Posts
01/08: LSU, OSU and '08
01/07: Bowl Wrap-Up
12/31: 2008 Out/In List
12/26: Look-Back, -Ahead
12/17: Bowlstravaganza!
12/10: Playoff + Heismania
12/03: Oh, Stop Griping
11/26: It's Down to Three
11/19: Then There Were 4
11/12: Gotta Love Kansas
11/05: Who's Number 2?
10/29: "Fall Madness"
10/22: Tyranny of Unbeatens
10/15: BCS Apocalypse
10/08: USChadenfreude
10/01: Season...Ruined!
09/24: Tebow Time!
09/17: Contenders emerge
09/10: LSU: Clarity at No. 1
09/03: Michigan: Unranked!
08/27: The 25-Hour Pre-Game
08/20: BCS Perfect Storm in '07?
NYTimes PLAY Mag Essays
10.23.08: Sports/Baby Names
09.25.08: Why Not Us?
09.04.08: Giant Lesson
07.24.08: Favre Immunity
05.01.08: No BCS Reform
01.24.08: 19-0 vs. 18-1
12.13.07: Imperfect Season
10.04.07: Glorious BCS Mess
9.07.07: Good-Newz NFL
7.19.07: Cub Fan, Cuban!
DS.com "Bonus" Posts
What Makes a "Real" Fan?
Roots of Fandom, Cont'd
Should Leitch Replace Reilly?
DS.com Commenters
Deadspin (Daulerio)
With Leather (Zerkle)
Kissing Suzy Kolber
EDSBS (Orson)
FireJoeMorgan
True Hoop (Abbott)
ProFootballTalk (Florio)
Free Darko (Shoals & Co.)
D.C. Sports Bog (Steinberg)
Fanhouse (AOL)
Awful Announcing (Powell)
The Basketball Jones
WSJ's Daily Fix (Fry/Bialik)
On The DL (Dan Levy)
We Are The Postmen
Big Ten Wonk (GBNF)
TimTeblog
Ladies...
Saurian Sagacity
Baseball Prospectus: Unfiltered
The Wizznutzz
Slam Online (Mutoni)
Ballhype
Sunday Morning QB
FanIQ
Cold Hard Football Facts
Armchair GM
ProTrade
Darren Rovell (CNBC)
UniWatch Blog (Lukas)
Navel-Gazing
DanShanoff.com
Daily Quickie (Final Edition)
Quickie Chat Archive
Dan's Wikipedia Entry
Technorati Authority Ranking
Technorati Links (Old URL)
Interview with The Big Picture
Dan on Deadspin
Dan on Wall Street Journal Online
Dan on HuffPo's Eat the Press
Dan on "ATH" (Old - Coming Soon)
New! Dan on MySpace (Yikes.)
BUY THIS T-SHIRT!
danshanoff.com (1)
Extreme Navel-Gazing (1)
gilbert arenas (1)
mlb hot stove (1)
navel-gazing (2)
nba draft (1)
nfl coaching (2)
quickie (1)
relaunch (1)
shaq (1)
steve nash (1)
super bowl xli (2)
things I wish I wrote (1)


Known as tehillim in Hebrew, the Book of Psalms is an ancient anthology of religious poetry written by King David and other legendary figures. It appears in ketuvim – Writings – as part of the Hebrew Bible, and is recited by Jews world-over in addition to their daily prayer services. Our selection of tehillim books offers a beautiful way to introduce Jewish spirituality into your daily life.


Never Forget Your Study Abroad Experience!
In wake of the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami, colleges and universities around the country have been canceling their Japan programs and bringing home their students who had planned to spend their semester soaking up the Japanese culture.
Until recently, studying abroad was a popular expedition for undergraduates caught by the travel bug, and looking to experience the world beyond daily campus life. But there seems to be a new trend on the horizon! Now, more and more graduate students are venturing beyond their classroom studies to immerse themselves in the benefits of learning abroad.
Due to the recent disappearance of a California student studying abroad in Madrid, we thought compiling a list of helpful tips would help you feel safe while enjoying your time abroad!
An Insider's Guide to Hostels: Do You Know Where You're Sleeping Tonight?


text:
Sinovel Wind Group
Catching a Chinese IP Thief: How the FBI Tracked and Caught Sinovel | The Cipher Brief
in Global News
Resentment, an insatiable appetite for women and an even larger appetite for cash are all elements that led to an insider threat that spelled a devastating theft of U.S. technology by a Chinese company.
But this time, the culprit was caught – or at least, the company behind him was.
On Jan. 24, 2018, after deliberating for less than half a day, a federal jury in Madison, Wisc., found Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd. guilty on all counts of stealing the software technology of AMSC, a U.S. company.
Sinovel's actions were "nothing short of attempted corporate homicide," in the words of John Vaudreuil, then the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
For decades, Chinese firms have gotten away with stealing U.S. technology. What is different about the Sinovel case is that for the first time, a Chinese company has been charged and convicted of crimes in a U.S. federal criminal court.
Source: Catching a Chinese IP Thief: How the FBI Tracked and Caught Sinovel | The Cipher Brief
Trump says US generals feel Beirut blast was likely an 'attack' | Military Times
Hong Kong postpones elections for a year 'over virus concerns' | BBC News
National Guard coronavirus missions extended until 2021 | Military Times


It's no secret LA is all about health and wellness, which is good news for you if you want to make good on your wellness New Year's resolutions for 2018. The city is brimming with spots that will help you stay on track this year. Here are three of our favorites!
Consider Gratitude in Beverly Hills your go-to spot for healthy food in 2018. The menu here is filled with healthy options Angelenos go gaga for such as chips and guac, the dazzling kale salad, or the vivid acai superfood bowl. And if you're feeling a little more adventurous, dive your fork into raw pad Thai noodles or mole abuelita enchiladas.
It doesn't get more LA than going to a meditation studio to meditate but don't knock it until you've tried it. Mindfulness is quickly becoming more and more mainstream thanks to the abundance of benefits it provides. If 2018 is the year you're committing to slow down and prioritize your wellbeing, then pop into The DEN Meditation for a class. There are tons to choose from including mindfulness meditation, sound baths, reiki, and kundalini. Oh, and did we mention it's a celebrity go-to? So you might just find yourself getting your meditation on next to one of your favorite stars.
In order to stay inspired and motivated to exercise all year long, ditch the boring gym routine for something a little more fun like regular sweat sessions at Y7 Studio. This isn't your typical yoga studio where easy flows are the name of the game. Classes here are intense, heated, and set to thumping hip-hop music. To boot, the studios are lit up by candles giving the entire workout a dreamy vibe. Expect to leave dripping in sweat and feeling amazing.


Emmerson Reid, aged 65, also known as "Gully" or "Sarge" late of Hilton Road, Maxwell, Christ Church and formerly of Paradise Road, Spooners Hill, St. Michael. Retired mason of JADA Construction.
Son of the late Muriel Reid-Blackman.
Father of Curtis and Gregg Morris.
Brother of Sheryl, Patricia and 2 others.
Friend of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Alleyne and Mervyn King.
The funeral of the late Emmerson Reid, takes place in the Chapel of Tudor's Funeral Home, The Ivy, St Michael on Friday, February 1, 2019 where relatives and friends are asked to meet at 10:00am for the Service. The cortege will then proceed to the Westbury Cemetery for the Interment. Flowers may be sent to Tudor's Funeral Home no later than 9:45am on Friday. The body will be repose for viewing in the Chapel of Tudor's Funeral Home on Thursday, January 31st, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm.


This is a placeholder page for Jack Juras, which means this person is not currently on this site. We do suggest using the tools below to find Jack Juras.
You are visiting the placeholder page for Jack Juras. This page is here because someone used our placeholder utility to look for Jack Juras. We created this page automatically in hopes Jack Juras would find it. If you are not Jack Juras, but are an alumni of Ashtabula High School, register on this site for free now.


Models – Stefano Maderna, Jessica Bleier. On him: Orlebar Brown. On her: Cavalli, Vince Camuto.
Here are images from my just released editorial for Garmany of Red Bank, one of the best clothing stores in the U.S.
Models – Stefano Maderna, Jessica Bleier. On him: Belstaff, Splendid, Eleventy. On her: Ecru, Vince Camuto, Versace.
To see the entire fashion spread click here for the Spring/Summer '16 issue! My editorial starts on page 106!
Models – Stefano Maderna, Jessica Bleier. On him: Isaia, PT01. On her: Marissa Webb, Alexander McQueen.
Models – Stefano Maderna, Jessica Bleier. On him: Moncler, Goodlife, Common Projects. On her: Moncler, Rebecca Taylor, J Brand.
This entry was posted in Current Affairs, Everything!, Fashion, Travel on April 13, 2016 by Marcellas Reynolds.


text:
Geeks 4 Justice
Geeks 4 Justice Articles
About Geeks4Justice & Sarah
Gaming for Charity
Daniel Bell and the End of Ideology in the West
At the beginning of the Sixties modern society had undergone vast and amazing changes in the realm of politics, sociology and history. During the previous ten years the Korean War had been fought and "won," the Vietnam conflict had just begun and the Suez Crisis resulted in tensions rising between Egypt and Israel. In addition to the open conflict of […]
At the beginning of the Sixties modern society had undergone vast and amazing changes in the realm of politics, sociology and history. During the previous ten years the Korean War had been fought and "won," the Vietnam conflict had just begun and the Suez Crisis resulted in tensions rising between Egypt and Israel. In addition to the open conflict of war many nations were continuing to undergo decolonization while technological advances spurred the world into an increased sense of connectedness and discovery. When Daniel Bell wrote about "the end of ideology in the West" he was attempting to embrace a brave new world in which the horrors of the first two world wars could be left behind as the ideologies that had led to the deaths "of millions in concentration camps and death chambers" were finally beginning to die out, while in Africa and Asia ideologies would continue to grow and ferment (Lemert, 2009, Kindle Version location#8214-8225 & 8272-8285). What Bell failed to realize was about ideologies in the West was that they were not dying simply evolving or being transformed to appear harmless, yet remain active when one needed them to lead others to social change, violent or peaceful. While war and the ideologies supporting them have not yet reached the scale it had during the first two world wars they have still been very destructive aspects of the world, which Bell failed to foresee in his theory when he wrote of the end of radical ideals.
Though radical ideals appear to be growing rapidly in areas of Africa and Asia we must also look to our own society in order to analyze ideological changes. Our own nation, which many citizens believe to be a moderate and logical voice of reason, has given way to fierce beliefs at each end of the political spectrum. While most citizens, I believe, are moderate the extremely liberal and extremely conservative political factions have taken to television, the airwaves and the Internet spreading their own vitriolic criticisms of the other side. Most of the people throwing the insults at one another can remain rational and non-violent yet some members of our society interpret their caustic speeches and ethics as a means to participate in violent acts of protest. For example, in the recent shooting of Representative Giffords in Arizona there has been a great deal of debate as to whether the "lock and load mentality" (Howard, Jan. 8, 2011, Forbes) contributed to the act. The man charged is now known to have a history of mental illness but one cannot discount the possibility that constant political name-calling may have been a contributing factor and resulted in this violent social movement of the shooter. Both the Tea Party conservatives and the extreme liberals appear to believe that their commentaries are not weapons.
According to Bell there are three factors that allow for an idea to become a social movement and thus an active weapon. First it must simplify ideas. The Tea Party is a perfect example of the simplification of ideas. At the website www.teaparty.org the organizer has created a list of core values that are extremely simplified and straight to the point. For example they believe that a "stronger military is essential, gun ownership is sacred, English as a core language is required and that intrusive government should be stopped" (http://www.teaparty.org/about.php#what , Jan 31, 2011). Though what they fail to do is provide coherent, solid means of achieving these goals in order to direct their members in a non-violent manner. They claim that these core beliefs are valued truths and that nothing should stand in the way of them, Bell's second factor in "rousing" a social movement. The movement calls on the nostalgia of America's past revolutionaries by saying we are "the beneficiaries of their courage" and have a divine calling to stand up for these conservative beliefs. Finally, they demand commitment to action, Bell's final factor, by soliciting donations, arranging protests, letter writing campaigns and often one-sided social media entries and televised speeches aimed at promoting Tea Party ideologies (Lemert, 2009, KindleVersion, Location#8248-8260). At the same time we cannot solely single out the conservative parties as liberal parties have also taken advantage of many of the same tactics to ensure subscribing members move to action. Bell called the ideologies of Africa and Asia "parochial, instrument and created by political leaders" (Lemert, 2009, KindleVersion Location#8272-8285) what he failed to realize is that American ideologies, such as Tea Party beliefs, have remained largely the same way.
Today's some of our greatest ideological fears are stemming from developments in Africa and Asia but also from Middle Eastern countries as well, which Daniel Bell predicted (Lemert, 2009, KindleVersion Location#8272-8285). In a very recent conversation with a Muslim friend from Pakistan, Omar Alam, I asked what he believed was the primary cause of the rise and spread of radical Islam. Having been born in Pakistan and raised in Saudi Arabia for most of his life Omar had observed the radicalization of young men in families whose subsistence was at or below the poverty line. He commented during our conversation that many families would opt to attempt to educate the children they considered to be "smartest" while the "least intelligent" child would be sent to a religious school to study with an Imam. Some were radical, while others were not but the poverty was a key piece, he believes, in the radicalization of young Muslims. The radical movements all rely on the three factors previously discussed that were outlined by Bell. They simplify (and often distort) the Quran, they establish their claims as absolute truth and they demand, often violently a commitment to action on behalf of the movement. The same factors are also found in movements of fundamental Christianity and Zionism. No radical movement is innocent.
If we were to take each movement without looking at the specific beliefs or actions involved in committing to those beliefs we would find a very simple common emotion, anger. According to Bell our search for a cause stems from a sense of frustrating, unending anger. It is the most motivating and potentially damaging emotion for mankind because of its ability to cause and spread the outbreak of violence. Current situations in Northern Africa are perfect examples of how ideologies and causes can cause outbreaks of tension between groups or citizens and politicians. Citizens of Tunisia, Jordan, Yemen, Egypt and as of the morning of January 31, 2011 – Sudan have, in a domino like-effect, taken to the streets in protest of what many of them view as corrupt politics and politicians (Beinin, Jan.31, 2011, Foreign Policy Blog) . Protestors have been calling for radical reforms within their nations; the people have demanded political and economic changes after years of despotic rule. They are experience what Bell described as "deep, desperate almost pathetic anger" (Lemert, 2009, KindleVersion Location#8285-8296). Ideologies, as Bell predicted, are multiplying and spreading in Africa and Asia.
What then, do Bell's predictions mean for us as we move forward? The new ideologies are ones in which you cannot face a known and apparent enemy on an open battlefield as soldiers did during the first two World Wars. If we are combating radical ideologies we cannot face the soldiers in the fight with weapons of violence and win. Anger must be confronted at the deepest, most simple level. We must discover and confront our own ideologies that are responsible for enhancing and fostering the emotions and beliefs growing in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. We must confront poverty, we must confront despotic rule and the lack of human rights and we must confront cultural imperialism. None of the ideological aspects that Bell believed to have been destroyed between 1930-1950 truly died. We still face imperialism; we still face destructive wars, genocide and the ideologies that brought them to the forefront of human history. They have simply donned a new mask and are arising from new soil.
Beinin, Joel. (January 31, 2011). Egypt at the tipping point?, Foreign Policy. Retrieved from http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/01/31/egypt_at_the_tipping_point.
Howard, Carol. (January 8, 2011) Gabrielle Giffords Shooting and Sarah Palin's Conscience. Forbes. Retrieved from
http://blogs.forbes.com/carolinehoward/2011/01/08/gabrielle-giffords-shooting-and-sarah-palins-conscience/
Lemert, Charles. (2009). Social Theory: The Multicultural and Classic Readings, Weslyan University: Westview Press. Amazon Kindle Edition.
Tea Party Website. (January 31, 2011). retrieved from http://www.teaparty.org
Posted on November 28, 2016 0 By shanisko	Uncategorized Posted in Uncategorized
shanisko
Born and raised in Utah, I have a PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. My primary interest is in how memory of conflicts affects future conflict. My dissertation is on Generational Memory in Tipperary, Ireland.
I graduated from Weber State University with a BS in History focusing on 20th Century American History. My thesis was "Walt Disney's Defense of American Culture" and focused on his work during World War II and the Cold War.
In August of 2010 I graduated with a Master of Social Science from Syracuse University. My thesis was "Jane Addams use of Emotions in Social Change".
My current academic interests are the preservation of human rights, genocide prevention and civil society with specific focus on the Middle East and Africa. I currently teach as an adjunct professor at Weber State University in Women's and Gender Studies and am interested in Gender and Popular Culture, specifically related to Science Fiction, Fantasy, and "Geek" culture.
Next Post Geeks 4 Justice Podcast
Previous Post Dear President-elect Trump


Hi and welcome to my Patreon page. A wee bit about me...foregoing an art scholarship in 1982, (yup I am actually that old), I joined the military directly after graduating high school, and put any art career on hold for a while, 26 years to be exact, in order to serve and protect others.
I served in both the United States Marine Corps (10 glorious years), as well as the Army (another 16), but whatever clime and place I was sent, my passion for art never waned. After an honorable discharge, I set off to fulfill my long sought after dream and got my B.S. in Animation Technology.
My art style can best be described as clean and deliberate with a strong penchant towards pop culture, graphic novels, pulp fiction, political satire, and other forms of quirky humor, (when I say quirky, I means it).
I'm so glad you took the time to stop by and I hope you will consider supporting me and my crazy art. Ever since leaving the military as a 70% disabled veteran, my hope is that Patreon will allow me to make some big changes in my life.


text:
Tapeswori era un comitato per lo sviluppo dei villaggi (VDC) del Nepal situato nella Provincia No. 1 e nel distretto di Udayapur, è stato abolito dal marzo 2017 in seguito ad una riforma amministrativa.

Al censimento del 1991, aveva 9704 abitanti.

Note

Collegamenti esterni

Comitati per lo sviluppo dei villaggi del Nepal

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The tricks and treats of the holiday create hazards for your four-legged friends.
Just because one Halloween blends into another for you doesn't mean your pet takes it in stride.
Pets are used to routine, and noisy doorbell-ringing, costume-wearing strangers arriving at your door is unsettling for your dog, cat or other pet.
Consider these seven tips from Levy and other animal experts to keep your pets safe and happy during the trick-or-treat season.
Doorbells, loud voices and other sounds can cause a pet to panic and even bolt out of a house. Sure, you should always keep leashes on pets during Halloween, even when they're inside. But go a step beyond that.
Of course you'll want to provide food, water and places for elimination, too. Bailey Deacon, director of communications for the Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter, says when you enter the room to visit your pet, consider ditching part of any costume you have donned, especially masks that can confuse and frighten animals.
Most people know that sweets can be dangerous and even fatal for dogs, cats and other animals. But young kids may not recognize the hazard and slip such goodies to pets. And there are other dangers, too. Pets may eat candy wrappers, ribbons and paper. The items can get stuck inside them and make them ill or even necessitate emergency surgery. Keep candy up high and explain to kids why sharing it can sicken the pet, says Deacon.
Ideally you'll want to do this before Halloween for several reasons including helping them acclimate.
One vital element is to teach the pet that seclusion does not equal punishment. Bank rewards her dogs with treats and soft music whenever they willingly go into their crates.
Another safety precaution: Keep the outdoor pets inside for at least a few days after the holiday, too, just to avoid any post-holiday harm, says Levy.
There's nothing wrong with putting a costume on your dog or pet if the animal is comfortable. But take care when selecting one, reminds Deacon. Pets must be able to easily see, breathe and walk in a costume, says Deacon. If they can't, they can get hurt or might bite or scratch others. It's a good idea to make sure the costumes doesn't have buttons, bells, pins or other small items a pet can chew and swallow.
"We suggest a fun Halloween bandanna for pets that don't enjoy wearing costumes," says Deacon. Bank added a button that read "That's Hot" to her dog's lead a few years ago and said it was a Paris Hilton costume.
Another safety precaution: Don't wait until the big day to try the costume on your pet. If you rush to put it on before guests arrive, you add an extra layer of stress to the animal. That can also cause your pet to bite, scratch or otherwise act out.
Some pet owners know their dogs and other animals are social enough to join them as they accompany trick-or-treaters. It's still a good idea to keep a close eye and hand on your dog, no matter how social, says Deacon.
"Keep in mind that lots of small children may approach and pet your dog," she says. "While we hope their parents have taught them to ask first, with all the excitement of the holiday they may forget." Fear and panic can cause dogs and cats to act out so watch them closely.
That sounds like a no-brainer, but it's easy to lose track of your pet's exact whereabouts during the excitement of Halloween. Candles can easily burn a pet, or get knocked over by a pet, causing property damage or injuring the pet. If you have the option, choose battery-operated lights. If you're out with your pet, stay vigilant around flames.
Every holiday animal shelters are overrun with lost animals that have missing or incorrect identification. Although it's the pet owners' responsibility to find the animal – call the local shelters every day if this happens to you – animal control and shelter staff will try to find identification and return the animal to you. Make their jobs easier by tagging and/or microchipping your pet and keeping records current.
What tricks and treats do you have for caring for your pet at busy times of the year? Share with us in comments below or on our Facebook page.


Digital Works is a full service web design firm specifically tailored to the self storage industry. We take pride in our work and customer service and hope you will feel the same way. We work hard to promote, maintain, and build your online presence so that you don't have to.
We don't just build web sites; we build SEO web sites. That means that our code is written and structured to maximize Search Engine results. We monitor all our clients web sites and fine tune keywords, content, title tags, links and all relevant factors to ensure that our clients get the greatest return on their investment.
We are constantly innovating, researching and building new ways to promote our clients on the web. When we come up with new, effective strategies we will implement these into our clients web sites as part of our ongoing web packages. Our goals is not to just simply build you a web site. Our goal is to turn visitors into customers and increase conversion rates. After all, what good is a web site if it doesn't bring you customers?
Matt is the Founder and President of Digital Works. He has a 4 year Bachelors of Computer Art from The University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, has 8 years experience as a operations manager for a self-storage facility in Indiana, and 9 years experience in Web Development and Search Engine Optimization especially in the self-storage industry.


Christian singer Michael W. Smith performed his song "Friends" at President George H.W. Bush's funeral on Wednesday.
President Bush, who fought a long battle with vascular Parkinsonism, died on Friday, at the age of 94.
According to Newsweek, Bush requested that his close friend, Smith, sing "Friends" at his funeral service.
According to Christianity Today, Smith met Bush in 1989, when he performed at the White House for Christmas. The two became fast friends, they even went on vacation to Greece together.
Reportedly the two bonded over their shared friendship with the late Billy Graham, who died at the beginning of 2018. "One thing that tied us together was his relationship with Billy Graham. There were times we would get Billy Graham on the phone and talk," Smith said.
This was the second major loss for the Bush family this year, as George H.W. Bush's wife, Barbra, died just eight months before the late president.
Bush's son, President George W. Bush confirmed his father's death in a statement released Friday. The statement read, "Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H. W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens," he said.


text:
Q: ExtJS check tree state Is there a built-in/standard way to check a state of a tree (or component in general) - if it's loaded or not, rendered or not? There are listeners to react to these, but - the use case is if we can check if tree is loaded in delayed afterRender. It's easy to provide our own, but standard is preferable.

A: I have found that tree.getView().getTreeStore().loading exhibits the desired behavior. So unless I'm mistaken about its behavior or unless there are caveats/issues, that can be a solution

A: One way to do the check if something is already rendered is to check for .el.dom:
if (Ext.getCmp("foobar").el && Ext.getCmp("foobar").el.dom) {
   // YES!!!
}

Btw, we use ExtJS 3, I'm not sure if this works with other versions of ExtJS too.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
France's FRR plans Japan equity RFP, eyes EM rise
The €36 billion pension reserve fund will invite bids in January for the mandate, as the current one approaches its end. It also expects to increase its emerging markets allocation over time.
Japan: Time for mandate renewal
France's biggest pension fund will in January invite asset managers to bid to run its €700 million ($792 million) Japanese equity portfolio. Fonds de Reserve pour les Retraites (FRR), also known as the pension reserve fund, is also likely to raise its allocation to emerging markets, the bulk of which is invested in Asia.
The €36 billion fund employs three firms to run active Japanese equity mandates, whose five-year tenure will expire at the end of 2019, said Olivier Rousseau, FRR's executive director and chairman of the asset manager selection committee. The current managers are Capital International, JP Morgan Asset Management and Schroders.
"We will renew the mandates with a new RFP [request for proposal] in January," he told AsianInvestor. "The process will last the whole of 2019, so we will award the mandates to new managers at the end of the year. They may be the same or different ones."
FRR has been happy with the performance of the current mandates, added Rousseau, but he declined to comment further.
Olivier Rousseau
Meanwhile, over time the fund expects to increase its allocation to emerging market equities, which has been stable at 6% of AUM for some years. But it has not decided on the timing of such a move as yet.
"We don't single out Asia in our GEM [global emerging market] fund investments," said Rousseau, "but of course Asia accounts for 70% of the benchmark." It also has €130 million in a frontier markets fund run by Schroders.
"The main story for us at the moment is: when is it time to invest more in emerging markets?" said Rousseau. "We've been tempted to do it but we have held off, and so far, unfortunately we've been right because the market has gone from bad to worse.
The MSCI Emerging Market Index has plunged 24% since peaking on January 26 after a sustained two-year rally.
For FRR, this is likely mostly the result of worries about economic growth in China. When the Chinese authorities are seen as making a decision to support the economy to push the growth rate back up, said Rousseau, then there will be an emerging-market rally.
As to how FRR allocates to EMs, it does so entirely via mutual funds, as the fund is not permitted to hold EM securities directly (including through mandates).
The processes to open local-currency accounts in all the EM juridictions pose operational and legal issues for FRR, with huge administrative constraint, explained Rousseau. "It is also difficult for us to monitor the delivery-versus-payment risk in some emerging countries."
FRR's EM equity portfolio forms part of its overall risk asset allocation of 55%. Of this, 8% is in emerging market debt, also entirely via mutual funds. EM equities represent 6%, developed market equities 36% and developed market high-yield debt (listed and unlisted) around 5%.
The other 45% (known as 'hedging assets') comprises euro investment-grade corporate bonds (17%), US investment-grade corporate bonds (13%) and liability cashflow matching and cash (15%).
frr pension japan
Japan pensions seen building exposure to illiquid assets
The country's corporate pension funds have traditionally favoured hedge funds in the alternative space but this is expected to change as they ramp up exposure to private markets.
Hans Poulsen
To DC and not DB: Japan's pension challenge
The country's companies are trying to shift their employees from defined benefit to defined contribution pension schemes to avoid spiralling pension payment costs.
Why Japan's pension savers are looking to personal plans
The country's private sector employees are increasingly looking to personal pension savings, dubbed Ideco, over concerns they aren't putting enough aside for retirement.
Japan's GPIF hands CIO role to Goldman Sachs veteran
Continuity in asset allocation and investment strategy is widely expected at the world's largest pension fund as it replaces Hiromichi Mizuno with an experienced banker.


Thursday's sinking of a duck boat in Missouri isn't the first time trouble with the tour vessel turned fatal. At least 39 people have died in duck boat accidents in the past 20 years.
"They are dangerous on land and on water. They are death traps and sinking coffins," he told CNN in an email.
The "Ride The Ducks" boat embarked on its trip when the weather was calm, the president of the businesses' parent company said, and was making its way back to land when it was overcome by massive waves and strong winds that "came out of nowhere" and had picked up due to the weather.
Five international college students were killed when a tour bus and a "Ride The Ducks" boat collided in Seattle. At least 44 people were injured in the accident, which took place on the Aurora Bridge. All the people who died were bus passengers, police said.
Two Hungarian student tourists died when a 250-foot sludge barge towed by a tugboat overran the disabled 33-foot "Ride The Ducks" tour boat on the Delaware River, plunging the amphibious vessel and its 35 passengers and two crew members underwater. The sightseeing "duck boat" was anchored in the shipping channel after being shut down because the boat's operator saw smoke and feared an onboard fire.
The tugboat pilot admitted that he was distracted by his cell phone and laptop for an extended period of time before the collision, that he piloted the boat from the lower wheelhouse — where he had significantly reduced visibility — and that he did not maintain a proper lookout or comply with other essential rules of seamanship, according to federal prosecutors. He was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for his role in the incident.
The NTSB determined that the vehicle took on water through a loose rubber boot and sank because it didn't have reserve buoyancy, meaning there was nothing to help it float. The agency said that the boat's canopy was a major impediment to the passengers' survival.
One survivor said, "If you had the cover off, everybody would have had a chance," the NTSB report says.


The Rev. Handloss has served parishes in Massachusetts, Maine and Missouri as Rector, Associate, Assistant and curate. She has served as a consultant for independent Schools In Missouri, was Dean of her convocation in Missouri, served on numerous Boards and commissions, headed up environmental commissions and co-wrote the first environmental Policy for the National Episcopal Church In 1991. She was one of the founders of The Episcopal Women's Caucus.
June 2012 after earning her Master of Divinity degree at the Episcopal Divinity School.
lives. Her ministry is one of encouragement and empowerment.
Jeanne has been our organist since about 1985 and has been involved in music since childhood. After graduating from Sacramento State College, California, she taught elementary school, then joined IVS (International Voluntary Services) and spent seven years (1965-1972) in Vietnam as an English teacher, supervisor of English-teaching volunteers, teacher of English and business skills for the construction conglomerate RMK-BRJ, and, later, English professor at the Saigon Medical School. In Vietnam, she met her future husband, Harry (Buz) Johnson, an Army officer from Medway whose ancestors and family were members of Christ Church, which is how she came to be here. She and Buz have two sons, Josh and Harry III, and three grandchildren.