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Oil Exports
In late June, in a story that was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), had issued a private letter ruling for Pioneer Natural Resources (Pioneer) and Enterprise Products Partners LP (Enterprise) which allowed the companies to export lightly processed condensate from their Eagle Ford, Texas, production. The ruling had actually been issued earlier in the spring, but had been kept confidential. It nonetheless triggered a widespread media overreaction — akin to Alan Greenspan's famed "irrational exuberance" — with expectations that the ruling heralded the coming end to the U.S.'s long-held crude oil export ban. While not wholly irrational, such expectations are likely overly optimistic.
The Obama Administration and the Department of Commerce have nonetheless stressed that the ruling does not constitute a policy change and is not the first step towards the removal of the crude oil export ban, nor is it a blanket approval for all condensate exports. Enterprise exported its first cargo of condensate in August to a Japanese trader, and a number of similar applications for export permission are expected to follow from other industry participants.
The law and the letter ruling
In understanding the law and the BIS ruling, it is first important to note that lease condensate is considered crude oil under current Department of Commerce and Department of Energy guidelines. One problem, however, is that there is no standard definition of condensate. In general, condensates are light hydrocarbons that are typically in a gaseous state in underground reservoirs but liquefy at surface temperatures and pressures. They generally have an American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity of greater than 50 degrees, but there is no firm line between an ultra-light crude oil and a condensate. Condensate-like hydrocarbons are classified into two basic categories:
•Lease condensate — the liquids that condense from a natural gas well at surface temperatures and pressures;
•Plant condensates — the pentane-rich liquids that are removed from the wet gas stream at a gas processing plant.
Both types of material are largely similar in chemical composition. While the former is considered crude oil and generally not exportable, the latter is considered a petroleum product — a natural gas liquid (NGL) — and is exportable.
Secondly, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) restrictions apply to crude oil (and by extension to lease condensate) "which has not been processed through a distillation tower." While at first glance, it would appear that the BIS was narrowing the export restrictions in its ruling (i.e., allowing condensate exports), rather, it appears to have broadened the definition of "processing" in its ruling. The BIS ruled that the Pioneer/Enterprise stabilization units that remove some of the more volatile components of the lease condensate stream would constitute "processing." Speaking at a recent Energy Information Administration (EIA) conference, Jacob Dweck, an attorney with Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, noted that the Pioneer/Enterprise ruling was a "technical legal exercise" confirming that once condensates are run through a distillation tower, such as in a stabilizer, where they are broken down into distinct product streams, they can be exported under existing regulations. Essentially, the BIS ruled that the processing technologies used by these companies meet the minimum criteria for export.
The BIS ruling does not provide a blanket approval for the export of unrefined crude oil or condensate, and may simply be a relatively narrow interpretation based on specific facts and circumstances. It does, however, expand the definition of what constitutes a refining process and what is then considered an exportable product.
Issues and Implications
The surge in light sweet oil production (also known as light tight oil) has triggered supply and demand imbalances and logistical bottlenecks that have resulted in inland North American crudes trading at a discount relative to international crudes. The problem is compounded by the mismatch with the U.S. refining system, which is geared toward processing heavier, more sour crude, thereby limiting to some extent the market for light sweet crude oil and condensate. Allowing some of the surplus to be exported, in theory, would remove many if not most of these market distortions. While any steps to improve upstream realizations would be welcomed by producers, refiners who have benefited from access to advantaged crude are generally less welcoming of an easing or lifting of the export ban.
With U.S. condensate production expected to continue to grow strongly, total condensate production could possibly double by 2020 from an estimated 800,000 b/d today. A partial lifting of the ban to allow condensate exports would be particularly attractive to upstream operators in the wet gas or condensate window of the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas, given that the Eagle Ford Shale is expected to account for more than half of total U.S. condensate production.
Stabilization is a fairly common and simple process. It is less complex than simple distillation, topping or hydroskimming done at a conventional refinery, and is also less complex than condensate splitting, which physically breaks the condensate into its component fractions, such as naphtha, distillates and various NGLs. In contrast, stabilization typically separates out the lighter, more-volatile components, which then go back into the wet gas stream and on to a gas processing plant, from the heavier liquids (still a very light oil), making it more stable for transportation. This slightly heavier product is considered an attractive refinery or petrochemical feedstock. As noted earlier, the BIS ruled that the processing technologies used by Pioneer/Enterprise met the minimum criteria for export. BIS did not, however, specify how far down the processing continuum one could go (i.e., how little processing had to be done) and still qualify for export. Additionally, the geographic nexus of the processing was not specifically addressed in the ruling — notably, the Pioneer/Enterprise processing occurs at a separate midstream facility, not at the production site. Whether this was an important distinction is unclear. The relative costs per barrel of the various options along the processing continuum are, of course, important. As noted by John Auers of Turner, Mason & Company at the recent EIA conference, stabilization may be a cost-effective option for some operators, with capital and operating costs for stabilization units generally less than one-half of those for condensate splitters.
Another important implication of the BIS ruling is that condensate from approved facilities and processes like those of Pioneer/Enterprise needs to be segregated and not comingled with non-approved condensate. This requirement will inject an additional layer of logistical complexity in the transportation system as well as at the export facility (e.g., pipeline batching and segregated storage).
It is also important to note that the BIS export application process and the private letter rulings are by law, totally confidential. No public hearings are held, and there is no public way to track pending applications or the content of those applications, either before or after a decision is reached. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Nevertheless, we do believe that subsequent condensate export applications will be forthcoming (and certainly given the confidentiality of the BIS process, may already be under review). Administrative law precedents would imply that BIS has very limited discretion to deny applications that are substantively identical to the ones that have already been approved.
Political opposition to loosening the restrictions on crude exports has primarily come from those worried about the potential impact on U.S. gasoline prices, given the assumption that exports would presumably cause U.S. crude prices to rise and thus, by extension, U.S. product prices would similarly rise. Countering that argument, however, is the assumption that these exports would exert some downward pressure on global oil prices thus putting some downward pressure on global product prices as well.
How could U.S. energy export policy change and what are the principal options?
•Presidential authority: the President has the authority to approve exports of crude oil at any time if they are deemed in the national interest. Conversely, the President has the authority to ban or restrict the export of petroleum products, if deemed in the national interest. However, given the current political environment, such actions must be seen as very challenging and very unlikely.
•Congressional repeal or modification of the statute: repeals and modifications of the statute are remotely possible but also considered highly unlikely and certainly not before the November congressional elections.
•Formal change to the regulatory language and rule-making process: some would see the Pioneer/Enterprise ruling as the first sign that such an option could be considered.
•Flexible reading of the current regulatory language: given the Pioneer/Enterprise ruling, this option appears to be the most likely and least controversial.
In short, we do not see any imminent material change in U.S. energy export policy as it pertains to crude oil, rather we see a series of incremental policy clarifications and reinterpretations of what is consistent with the country's national interest — what could be described as "policy creep." More specifically, as a result of these further policy clarifications, we would see a clear path to increasing condensate exports over time. Quite possibly, given that the key standard is on processing (and, specifically, on distillation) rather than the feedstock itself, the next major decision could focus on whether crude oil (rather than condensate) put through a stabilizer (with minimal distillation) could qualify for export.


Elevating a manufacturer's B2B appeal grew leads by 65% and tripled average order value.
Protech Composites is a carbon fiber manufacturer that partners with innovative companies — from well-known brands like Boeing, NASA, and MIT to start-ups like xCraft and C3 Powersports — to deliver exceptional products.
Before engaging with Decoder, Protech Composites focused most of their marketing efforts on consumers. However, with 90%+ of their revenue coming from business-to-business sales, the path toward growth would require a significant shift.
With a clear idea of their ideal customers in mind, they came to Decoder to revamp their branding and digital presence to attract more high-volume, high-margin partners.
Protech's sales and marketing problems stemmed from focusing on the wrong audience. Their site spoke about why to use carbon fiber and in what applications, but not about Protech's extensive custom capabilities or how they are reinventing what it means to be a supplier — which are far more important to the businesses that supply 90%+ of their revenue.
Likewise, marketing efforts were largely driving e-commerce sales, which generated a high volume of transactions, but low revenue and profit margins.
Understanding what Protech's big business-to-business customers cared about revealed exactly what messaging and marketing would be successful: demonstrating their versatility, reliability, fast turnaround times, and customer service orientation.
Using those insights, we developed a new brand positioning and design direction aligned with their most profitable market segment (engineers and procurement staff at large manufacturing businesses). At the same time, we completely rethought and rewrote their messaging and content to be laser-targeted to those audiences' needs and concerns.
Having identified custom orders as the biggest revenue generators, we also intentionally decided to de-emphasize the online shopping experience — focusing on leveraging it as a way of showing off products and capabilities rather than a direct sales tool.
While small e-commerce orders dropped off as expected, B2B leads jumped 65% and average order value grew 200%. The result was not only more leads, but also higher lead quality and big ticket sales.


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public:
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    virtual ~CStateMonsterHittedHide() {}

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#include "monster_state_hitted_hide_inline.h"

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


You may first think of Barry Manilow's song Copacabana when you see this collection but you will be far from the Copa when you head to the golf course with Tail's newest collection. As golf continues to be a favorite game of all ages, you may feel inspired to play wearing the Tail Ladies Copacabana Collection.
For over 40 years, Tail has been providing golf apparel with fabulous styling and dependable sizing. Every outfit is built to give ladies comfort and total freedom of movement. Aside from classic tailoring, the brand's fabric is known for complete moisture management, sun protection, and comfort stretch technology.
If you haven't checked lately, Tail Ladies Copacabana Collection presents a new assortment of women's golf apparel for those who love classic styles. Whether you are looking for a gift or shopping for yourself, you will love this sublime Tail Ladies Copacabana Hester Short Sleeve Golf Top. It has faded argyle patterns and prints that strike a balance between youthful style and the classic, traditional look. This is a perfect outfit if you want a less intense color but still want to remain fashionable.
This lovely short sleeve golf shirt is made from 91% polyester and 9% spandex which makes it very soft to the skin. It has a mock neck collar and black zip placket that creates contrast to the overall design.
If you are aiming for a cool outfit, you wouldn't go unnoticed with the Tail Ladies Copacabana Ophilia Short Sleeve Golf Shirt. It has a lovely convertible peach collar that blends perfectly with the interlink design. Just snap close the buttons to turn the collar into a turtle-neck.
If you want a girly feel but still want to look professional, you will love the Tail Ladies Copacabana Cheryl Golf Dress. Made from polyester, spandex this dress provides optimum comfort while you're trying to perfect a putt from the edge of the green. It comes with a convertible collar, snaps, zipper pockets and shorties.
A lot of women may want to wear golf dresses but may be too concerned about the fit and comfort of them. Fortunately, this dress is made from a performance jersey, which lets you enjoy freedom of movement while on the course. Since it has a straight A-line cut, it can perfectly fit around your hips. It is also 36.5" in length so you can bend freely without worrying about your back.
There is so much to discover about the world of golf and fashion when it comes to the Tail Ladies Copacabana Collection. For women golfers who are looking for a classic style, this is a perfect collection to add to your wardrobe.
This entry was posted in ladies golf apparel, ladies' golf attire, Tail ladies golf apparel and tagged Tail ladies golf apparel on December 12, 2016 by admin.


text:
" Articles in Category: AP	"
Justice Stevens RIP and Could That 'Ridiculous' Case Kill the ACA?: 'BradCast' 7/17/2019
Failing the Barr Exam: 'BradCast' 3/26/2019
Guest: Heather Digby Parton; Also: Trump border 'emergency' survives override vote; DoJ moves to kill ACA; Senate holds 'sham' vote on GND...
On today's BradCast: The coverage by the corporate media --- and response by many Democrats --- to Attorney General William Barr's terse, misleading 4-page summary of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report after two years has, by and large, been atrocious in innumerable ways. [Audio link to show follows below.]
We're joined today by HEATHER DIGBY PARTON, who has been covering the corrupt Trump Presidency for years now, including its various Russia-related storylines and other criminal probes at Salon and Digby's Hullabaloo. Among our several related topics of discussion today: Shameful failures by the media and others to demand independently verifiable evidence of speculative allegations both before the confidential Mueller Report was finally delivered to Barr and the subsequent failure by many of the same organizations and individuals in their credulous reporting of Barr's bare-bones, "very, very clever political document" summarizing the sprawling, two-year probe.
Rather than learning from mistakes, many in the media seem to be repeating them all over again in the wake of Barr's memo, which some justifiably regard as a "whitewash" or "cover-up" by a man who was selected by Trump, in no small part, for his previously stated opposition to the probe and to the very notion that any President can legally be charged with Obstruction of Justice. There's much more related conversation here today --- including on the substance of Barr's letter, Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein's curious complicity, and the GOP's premature victory laps --- but you'll have to tune in to listen.
Also on today's program: Though Democrats led a decisive 248 to 181 vote today (with 14 Republicans) in hopes of overriding Trump's veto of the resolution blocking his phony "national emergency" declaration, the effort fell 38 votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed. In the Senate, where 12 Republicans previously voted with Democrats, 59 to 41, to block the President previously, no override vote will now be held since a two-thirds majority vote is required in both chambers. AP described Trump's overwhelming loss in both chambers as a "victory" for the President today, and it will now be left to challenges in court to block Trump's order diverting billions appropriated by Congress to the military to instead build his border wall. Mexico is still not paying for it.
Then, in a major reversal of their previous legal position, Trump's Dept. of Justice filed documents in an appeals court Monday to support striking down the entire Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") as unconstitutional. While Jeff Sessions served as Attorney General, DoJ had "only" supported gutting provisions that limited premium prices insurers could charge for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Under Barr, however, the Administration now seeks to kill the entire landmark healthcare law. If successful, as many as 30 million Americans would lose their access to affordable healthcare coverage;
Finally, Desi Doyen joins us for our latest very busy Green News Report, as fossil fuel-related climate related disasters continue in the U.S. and around the world, while the Trump Administration plows billions of tax-payer dollars into troubled nuclear plants and the Senate GOP carries out a "sham" vote on the Green New Deal, in hopes of mocking the initiative...
Article Categories: Texas, AP, Georgia, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, New York Times, Mainstream Media Failure, Accountability, U.S. House, Dept. of Justice, U.S. Senate, Immigration, Health Care, KPFK, Donald Trump, Rick Perry, Nuclear power/weapons, Russia, Climate change, Extreme weather, BradCast, Rod Rosenstein, Robert Mueller, William Barr, Green New Deal
Trump's True Colors: Build a Wall or Confront the Opioid Epidemic: 'BradCast' 12/28/2018
Guest-host Angie Coiro with Robin Marty on the Post-Roe World; Navy Seal James Hatch, Pt. 2...
By Angie Coiro on 12/28/2018 5:33pm PT
On today's BradCast, you have me as your host - Angie Coiro - as Brad and Desi catch some breath over the holiday.
In our first few minutes, stay with me while I connect some dots: Trump's wall demands, and the opioid death toll in America. What he's willing to spend on those two issues tell us a lot about him: time, money, interest, commitment, and especially honesty. It's a bit numbers-heavy, but worth the time, I think.
Robert Mercer is stepping back into the shadows, putting out less to buy elections and reportedly losing influence as a result. Then the latest in the eternal riddle: why the hell does anybody trust Wells Fargo with their money?
We take a good long look at abortion today - starting with the latest from Ohio - and tomorrow, as ROBIN MARTY discusses her new book, A Handbook for Post-Roe America. She makes a good case that it doesn't really matter if Roe gets overturned in court; we're fighting a system that's biting away at it so efficiently and relentlessly, we need to prepare anyway.
And we wrap with the second part of my interview with JAMES HATCH, Navy Seal and survivor of the effort to free Bowe Bergdahl in Afganistan. He tells his story - and that of his charity, Spike's K9 Fund, in his book Touching the Dragon.
Article Categories: CNN, NBC, Texas, AP, Washington Post, 9/11, New York Times, Environment, PBS, Barack Obama, Immigration, Democrats, U.S. Supreme Court, Economy, EPA, Clarence Thomas, Donald Trump, Coal, BradCast, Oceans, Water, Steve King, Civil disobedience, Steve Bannon, Wells Fargo, Election 2018, Gender equality, ICE
Death Penalty for Abortion: 'BradCast' 11/21/2018
Guest hosted by Angie Coiro, with wisdom from historian Adam Hochschild; Abortion rights update; John Roberts vs. Donald Trump; Saudi Arabia torture reports; urban housing insights, and more!...
On today's BradCast, I'm in for Brad today --- Angie Coiro, host of In Deep with Angie Coiro.
Quite the contrast between all the news Brad and Desi had to fit in yesterday, and the relatively quiet developments today; everyone's hitting the road. Except Donald, who's hitting Twitter, and SCOTUS chief John Roberts, who's hitting back.
We start with a round-up of news, including three abortion stories (yes, politicians in Ohio want you dead if you get or give an abortion); three tales of adults adulting, even in DC; and a story out of Saudi Arabia that makes it even more astounding that Trump loves the Crown Prince (and Saudi-tied profits) so dearly. Plus a look at Robert Reich's antitrust take on Facebook, Google, and Amazon.
Then long-time historian/journalist ADAM HOCHSCHILD discusses his book, Lessons from a Dark Time --- a collection of his work from over the decades. (A warning here for those who are sensitive to sexual assault discussions, as that does come up.) We talk about prison reform, redefining gun issues, and how far the Nazi Germany metaphor might play out in the US.
Housing activist and journalist RANDY SHAW has a book, too, and it has an unusual take on the urban housing crisis: it's a generational thing. Generation Priced Out documents his investigations in twelve major US cities, seeking both factors and fixes. In addition to the more universally-recognized culprits, he sees a less-discussed one: Baby Boomer resistance to housing the next generations.
And at the very tail end of the hour, a little something to make you smile --- to get you into the Thanksgiving spirit of gratitude. I'll let you check it out for yourself.
Article Categories: CNN, AP, Washington Post, New York Times, San Francisco, Barack Obama, FEC, Los Angeles, Torture, Economy, Donald Trump, Robert Reich, IRS/Taxes, BradCast, Saudi Arabia, Civil disobedience, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amazon, Jamal Khashoggi
Election Battles Raging On in FL, AZ, GA: 'BradCast' 11/9/2018
Guest-host Angie Coiro w/ the latest on that and other news; Also: Amber McKinney on DACA; D.D. Guttenplan on a progressive future...
By Angie Coiro on 11/9/2018 7:07pm PT
On today's BradCast, I'm in for Brad and Desi today – Angie Coiro, of In Deep with Angie Coiro.
My guests are AMBER McKINNEY, from Law360, discussing the DACA ruling from the 9th circuit and Trump's latest royal edicts on immigration; and D.D. GUTTENPLAN, editor-at-large at The Nation, and author of the new book The Next Republic: The Rise of a New Radical Majority.
Of course, we have to start off with a lovely story: the Wall Street Journal reports that Donald Trump's been caught red-handed, connected directly to the hush money sent to former mistresses.
Then it's onto the two ongoing big stories: horrific fires in Northern and Southern California, and the elections grinding on in Florida, Arizona, and Georgia. Both the NAACP and a passel of retired generals have weighed in against GOP interference.
A review of the numerous headlines on Trump's efforts to alter immigration policy by presidential proclamation, and his loss in the 9th Circuit court on his efforts to undercut DACA.
A sprinkling of good news (Ruth Bader Ginsberg already back and work! Thousands in the street protecting Mueller!), then D.D. Guttenplan with his new book on revolutionaries rejuvenating our republic.
Article Categories: Election Irregularities, Florida, CNN, Election Reform, AP, Arizona, Georgia, Voting System Certification, Election Fraud, New York Times, Voting Technologies International, Journalist Intimidation, Environment, FBI, NPR, Democrats, Republicans, U.S. Supreme Court, Los Angeles, Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump, Keystone XL, BradCast, Germany, Civil disobedience, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Election 2018, Robert Mueller, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, ACLU, Stormy Daniels/Stephanie Clifford, Michael Cohen, Stacey Abrams, David Pecker, Jim Acosta
Some Dare Call It Treason. But They're (Probably) Wrong: 'BradCast' 7/25/2018
Guest: BRAD BLOG legal analyst Ernest A. Canning; Also: Good news from the courts for voters in FL, IA; Bad news for GOP deficit hawks (if such a creature actually even exists)...
Donald Trump's grip on reality seems to be slipping more and more each day. Or, at least his interest in reality is slipping, if not his interest in deceiving his supporters and everyone around him about demonstrable reality. That sentiment was, perhaps, best summed up when, on Tuesday, the five-time draft dodger declared at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) annual convention in Kansas City: "What you're seeing and what you're reading is not what's happening." Got it?
Among the things that actually are happening, as covered on today's BradCast. [Audio link to show follows below]...
The Administration now (quietly) concedes they were wrong about last year's massive tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy paying for themselves through a rise in federal revenue. In the first half of 2018, we now know, corporate tax revenue plunged to its lowest level since such data was first tracked beginning in the 1940s. Thanks to slashed corporate tax rates, federal revenues are now lower than the then-historic plunge following the 2017 economic collapse. And, with that, deficits are now set to rise above $1 trillion annually for the foreseeable future. That, of course, is the exact opposite of what Trump, his White House and Congressional Republicans told Americans last year when pushing for their new tax rates and even worse than real economists at the time had predicted.
Then, after former CIA Director John Brennan declared Trump's "performance" at his joint press conference with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki last week was "nothing short of treasonous," the White House announced they were seeking to remove his security clearance, along with five other former top U.S. intelligence officials (two of whom no longer have such a clearance anyway) who have been critical of the President's behavior and statements regarding the investigation into Russia's alleged cyberattacks and other interference in the 2016 Presidential election.
The rank politicization of security clearances by a White House may be unprecedented and even one of many impeachable offenses by this President, but does his behavior regarding Russia really rise to "treason", as Brennan argued? BRAD BLOG legal analyst ERNEST A. CANNING joins us today to discuss his recent article on the Constitutional definition of "treason" (the only crime defined in the founding document and one that is punishable by death) and whether the charge could possibly apply to Trump, given that we are not --- at least officially --- "at war" with Russia.
Canning, while he's here, also details two very encouraging court rulings handed down in advance of the crucial 2018 midterm elections, one from a federal court in Florida yesterday, and the other from a state court in Iowa today --- both regarding GOP attempts to restrict early voting and other related issues. In Florida, as Canning explains, the judge described the state's GOP-run state Election Division's restrictions on creating early voting sites at state colleges and universities displayed "a stark pattern of discrimination" in violation of the U.S. Constitution's 26th Amendment. And, in Iowa, the court ruled the Republican state legislature's newly enacted law and GOP Sec. of State effort to promote it "substantially and directly interfere with Iowans' constitutional rights to vote."
Finally today, speaking of reality, on Tuesday the Kremlin made clear they had no intention of accepting Trump's invitation for Putin to come to Washington D.C. this fall for a second summit. That, despite Trump and his Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders previously declaring that plans were already being made for the meeting. Today, White House officials were finally forced to admit the meeting will not, in fact, take place, though the admission was misreported by some in the media as, naturally, the White House pretended it was their choice, not Russia's...
Article Categories: Fox 'News', Florida, Election Reform, AP, Iowa, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, Rights And Freedoms, U.S. Constitution, Impeachment, Mainstream Media Failure, Accountability, Republicans, Vote-by-Mail, Economy, KPFK, Donald Trump, Russia, Rick Scott, Paul Ryan, IRS/Taxes, Vladimir Putin, John Brennan, BradCast, Ken Detzner, Bob Corker, Election 2018, Robert Mueller, Helsinki, Christie Todd Whitman
'Green News Report' - May 24, 2018
IN TODAY'S RADIO REPORT: EPA blocks mainstream news outlets from water contamination summit; Texas chemical plant explodes days after EPA rescinds safety rules; Shutting down coal plants delivers immediate benefits to pregnant mothers, babies; Kilauea's lava flow threatens geothermal plant; 10 million gallons of fracking sludge spilled into Wisconsin river; PLUS: National Park Service study on climate change is released, uncensored... All that and more in today's Green News Report!
IN 'GREEN NEWS EXTRA' (see links below): Hitting climate target will save world $30 trillion in damages; Trump Admin joins fossil fuel companies in climate fight against cities; Coyote Carnage: the gruesome truth about wildlife killing contests; New Jersey Governor Murphy signs nuclear plant bill environmentalists opposed; New documents show why EPA chief Scott Pruitt wanted a "campaign-style" media operation; Nuclear waste storage project In New Mexico draws criticism; White House mulled whether to simply 'ignore' federal climate research ... PLUS: Pollution turns India's white marble Taj Mahal yellow and green... and much, MUCH more! ...
Article Categories: CNN, California, Texas, AP, Wisconsin, Environment, Censorship, Green News, EPA, Fracking, Coal, Scott Walker, Oil, Climate change, Oceans, Dept. of Interior, Scott Pruitt, Public lands
ICE Busted in DACA Case; SCOTUS Approves Wage Theft; TX, FL GOPers Oppose Voter Registration: 'BradCast' 5/22/2018
Guest: Slate's Mark Joseph Stern; Also: EPA blocks mainstream media outlets, forcibly removes reporter, from water contamination event...
On today's BradCast: A host of important and troubling news items that you're probably not hearing much about as the corporate media continue their seemingly non-stop focus on investigations into massive Trump corruption. [Audio link to show follows below.]
First, a disturbing move by the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday suggests a very dark moment for American democracy as reporters from AP, CNN and elsewhere were blocked from attending a water contamination event held EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. One AP journalist is said to have been "forcibly removed" from the building. That, just about one week after reports that the Trump Administration is blocking the publication of a major new report finding widespread water contamination across the country. That study is reportedly being withheld because the Administration believes it would be a "public relations nightmare" for the chemical companies involved, if it was released.
Meanwhile, a federal court on Monday found Texas in violation of both the U.S. Constitution and the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) for refusing to allow residents who update their drivers license online to register to vote at the same time, as required by the 1993 law. The Republican-controlled state appealed the ruling to the rightwing U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals just minutes after it was issued by the U.S. District Court judge, all but assuring the case, originally filed in 2016, will continue beyond this November's mid-terms.
And, speaking of Republicans who don't want certain people to vote, in Florida, John Ward, a GOP candidate for the U.S. House, was caught on videotape arguing that U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico who moved to the Sunshine State following the devastation of Hurricanes Maria and Irma last year, should not be allowed to register to vote in Florida and should go back "where they belong".
Next, we're joined by Slate's fantastic legal reporter MARK JOSEPH STERN to offer clarity on two disturbing, and very important cases this week.
The first is the story of a 24-year old DACA recipient from Seattle who was brought here by his father when he was five years old and detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency last year just after Trump took office. Daniel Ramirez Medina, a "Dreamer" with no criminal record, legally working in the U.S. after twice receiving protected status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, was arrested by ICE in February of 2017 when they went to his house to detain his father. ICE subsequently booked Ramirez, lied about him --- blatantly doctoring a document to make it appear Ramirez admitted to being a member of a non-existent gang (he never was) --- in order to remove his protection and begin deportation proceedings.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez, a George W. Bush appointee, found that ICE repeatedly lied about Ramirez and to the court about their evidence against him. "Judge Martinez is no flaming liberal, but he looked at the evidence before him, and he was clearly disgusted and incensed by what the agency had done," says Stern.
He describes how Ramirez was saved, for now, only due to his protected status under the Obama-era DACA program, which Trump continues to try to kill. "The only reason that this story rose to the top, and that it actually got before a federal judge who could rule on it, is because this guy is lucky enough to have DACA status. So he had this extra layer of protection that most undocumented immigrants don't have." Unfortunately, the dishonest tactics ICE attempted to use against Ramirez are usually successful, Stern says, explaining, "ICE agents do this all the time".
Then, we turn to an outrageous 5 to 4 decision by the stolen, rightwing U.S. Supreme Court this week that demolished the clear, statutory right established by decades-old New Deal-era labor reforms, allowing employees to file collective class-action lawsuits against their employers for wage theft.
As Stern explains, Monday's hypocritical and legally erroneous majority opinion in Epic Systems v. Lewis [PDF], written by the corrupt, self-proclaimed "textualist" Justice Neil Gorsuch (who occupies the seat stolen for him by the GOP Senate after Antonin Scalia's death in early 2016), was blasted by a furious Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her minority opinion, as the ruling, according to Stern, "effectively legalizes low-level wage theft" and is "nothing less than catastrophic for workers across the country."
It's really even worse than you may have heard --- if you even heard anything about it. But, Sterns adds with a glimmer of hope, the law in question that was blatantly misinterpreted by Gorsuch's judicial activism could very easily be amended for clarity in order to reverse this SCOTUS decision. The fix, however, would likely require a Democratic Congress and a cooperative President.
Finally, Desi Doyen joins us for the latest Green News Report, with some insane new climate denialism by Republicans on the U.S. House Science Committee, and some much more encouraging news on several other related fronts from Britain to San Francisco to China...
Article Categories: Florida, CNN, Texas, AP, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, Rights And Freedoms, U.S. Constitution, Journalist Intimidation, Accountability, Environment, San Francisco, Voter Registration, Immigration, Republicans, U.S. Supreme Court, EPA, KPFK, Donald Trump, U.K., NRA/Gun Violence, China, NVRA, BradCast, Donald Blankenship, Water, Electric vehicles, Puerto Rico, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Scott Pruitt, Election 2018, Neil Gorsuch, DACA, ICE
'Green News Report' - September 14, 2017
IN TODAY'S RADIO REPORT: Desperate conditions in the Caribbean and US Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricane Irma; Eight dead in sweltering Florida nursing home as power remains out for millions; New major gasoline spill and new lawsuits in the wake of Hurricane Harvey; PLUS: Understanding the impact of a warming world on extreme weather events... All that and more in today's Green News Report!
IN 'GREEN NEWS EXTRA' (see links below): Damage from hurricanes adds to growing cost of climate change; Economist's view: Learning from Harvey; Harvey wrecks up to a million cars; The looming Superfund nightmare; Too much CO2 behind nutrient collapse in most plants; Why getting the power back on in Florida could take weeks; US House votes to block climate rules; CA sues Trump Administration over fuel economy standards; Trump Administration delays limits on toxic metal releases from coal plants... PLUS: Irma Won't "Wake Up" Climate Change-Denying Republicans. Their Whole Ideology Is on the Line... and much, MUCH more! ...
Article Categories: Florida, Texas, AP, Environment, FEMA, Green News, EPA, Oil, Climate change, Extreme weather, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma
'Trump the Independent'?! Seriously, MSM?!: 'BradCast' 9/12/2017
Corporate media falls for 'Trump pivot' again. Callers ring on on that, VA finally decertifying touch-screen voting systems, and much more...
On today's BradCast, the corporate media fall for it again. They always do. [Audio link to full show follows below.]
Over the past several days, following Donald Trump's agreement last week with the Democratic Congressional leadership to extend the nation's debt ceiling (to pay our bills!) and continuing funding the government for another three months, the corporate media have been falling over themselves to declare "Trump the Independent" (AP)! A President who is "upending 150 years of two-party rule" (NYTimes) and out-Bull Moosing even Theodore Roosevelt as a "populist dealmaker able to cut through the mores of Washington to get things done" (WaPo), as he finally carves out a "bi-partisan path" forward!
We open the phone lines today to tons of callers to see if they're buying that ridiculous narrative from an easily-played corporate media any more than I am.
Also today, as we try to begin catching up with some important news that has otherwise gotten washed away in recent days by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, the Virginia Board of Elections has finally decertified the easily-manipulated, oft-failed, 100% unverifiable touch-screen voting systems used in some 22 voting jurisdictions in the state. The race is now on, in advance of their gubernatorial election this November, to replace them with verifiable paper ballots systems.
Then, after more calls on that as well, Desi Doyen joins us for the latest Green News Report, with the continuing aftermath of the devastating and deadly Irma disaster, and a few folks who are pushing back against climate change denialism from several different surprising places...
Article Categories: Election Reform, AP, Washington Post, Voting System Certification, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, Virginia, New York Times, Touch-Screen DREs/BMDs, Mainstream Media Failure, U.S. House, Hillary Clinton, U.S. Senate, John McCain, Health Care, Democrats, Republicans, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, KPFK, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, Extreme weather, BradCast, Election 2017, Hurricane Irma
TRUMP DUMP: Much Too Much: 'BradCast' 2/17/2017
Guest host Angie Coiro with guests: Lisa Graves of Center for Media and Democracy; Sarah Jaffe of 'Belabored'...
On today's BradCast, it's a Trumponanza, guest hosted by yours truly, Angie Coiro.
First a roundup of the latest threats and inanities, including the Trump camp's denial of a darned convincing report from AP about setting the National Guard loose to sweep out undocumented immigrants. Scott Pruitt scores both a win and a loss within twenty-four hours; Arlene's Flowers' claim that it can discriminate against gay couples on the basis of art (!) falls down. And: why a Rasmussen poll and a Pew Research poll can be so far apart, and why that matters at all; and the Case of the Sudden Trademark Protection, a suspicious gift from China to our equally suspicious president. That emoluments case is practically building itself at this point.
And that's just in the first ten minutes! Then Lisa Graves from the Center for Media and Democracy goes into detail on Pruitt developments. She says the Center's victory over Pruitt in an Oklahoma court --- mandating that he turn over thousands of emails from during his tenure as the EPA suing Oklahoma Attorney General --- has a direct connection to his lightning-fast ascendancy to the EPA chair.
Sarah Jaffe, host of the Belabored podcast, explains why Trump's relationship with union workers is so complex.
Finally, a suggestion for organizers of the upcoming Day without Women protest: think ahead about the women who can't afford to take a day off.
Article Categories: CNN, AP, Rights And Freedoms, Environment, U.S. Senate, Democrats, Marriage Equality, EPA, Donald Trump, Coal, ALEC, Oil, Oklahoma, AFL-CIO, BradCast, Scott Pruitt
Avalanche of Lies: The Pence/Kaine VP Debate: 'BradCast' 10/5/2016
Guests: Salon's Heather Digby Parton, Crooks And Liars' John Amato...
On today's BradCast, coverage and analysis of this year's one and only (thank God!) Vice Presidential Debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia on Tuesday night between Hillary Clinton's centrist Democratic running mate Sen. Tim Kaine of VA and Donald Trump's religious right Republican running mate Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana. [Audio link is posted below.]
It was, in my opinion, as I noted on The Twitters last night, the worst Presidential or Vice Presidential debate in modern U.S. history, thanks in no small part to the disastrously horrible moderator, CBS News' Elaine Quijano. Her questions seem to come straight off of Fox "News" (where CBS News chief David Rhodes previously worked, coincidentally), failed to follow up any answers, failed to either keep decorum between the two candidates or at least get out of their way, and failed to raise real issues of note --- such as gun violence, race issues, health care, global warming, LGBT issues, campaign finance or voting rights, to name just a few --- effecting the actual everyday lives of Americans.
Mike Pence is a man who has argued smoking doesn't cause cancer, denies climate change, couldn't run for President himself in 2016 because he screwed up so badly on the anti-LGBT bill he signed in Indiana, in December of just last year tweeted "Calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. are offensive and unconstitutional" in response to Trump's call for same --- and, yet, Quijano couldn't muster up a single question on any of those incredibly disturbing things from Pence's career.
But it was also the remarkable avalanche of lies, as offered by the very impressive if astonishingly dishonest GOP Veep nominee, which made the evening simply jaw-dropping at times. Some of those lies were rebutted by a struggling, over-eager Kaine. Others have since been left to those in the media who care to sort such things out.
That's where we come in, I guess. I'm joined today to try and make sense of all of the above by Heather Digby Parton of Salon and the Hullabaloo blog, John Amato, founder of the Crooks and Liars blog and, of course, our own Desi Doyen.
Buckle up and tune in as we "whip out that Mexican thing again"...
Article Categories: Fox 'News', Iraq War, Indiana, AP, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, Virginia, National Security, Rights And Freedoms, Mainstream Media Failure, Hillary Clinton, Immigration, Health Care, Democrats, Republicans, Marriage Equality, LGBTQ, CBS, Economy, KPFK, Donald Trump, Voting Rights Act, Russia, Climate change, NRA/Gun Violence, Election 2016, Syria, Social Security, BradCast, India, Mike Pence, Tim Kaine, Elaine Quijano
Parade of 'Deplorables' (Because We're Gonna Need a Bigger Basket): 'BradCast' 9/13/2016
Today on The BradCast, hate crimes are on the rise as Trump, Republicans and their supporters pretend to be outraged by "basket of deplorables", and the corporate media is all too happy to help them out. [Audio link posted below]
Amongst the stories covered today's program:
• NYC Trump supporter attacks two Muslim women pushing strollers.
• Muslim woman set on fire in NYC.
• Mosque torched in Fort Pierce, FL.
• Oregon supporter hangs effigy of Clinton on the interstate.
• Trump supporter punches protesters at Asheville, NC rally where Trump accuses Clinton of running a 'hate-filled campaign'.
• Despite her mischaracterized remarks and misreported statement of "regret", Clinton's "basket of deplorables" comments was on the mark.
• AP finally deletes two-week old inaccurate tweet about their misleading report on the Clintons' charitable foundation.
• KY's Republican Governor suggests bloodshed will be needed if Clinton wins.
• Super Typhoon Meranti is strongest of the year, heads toward Taiwan.
• August 2016 is warmest month ever recorded on Planet Earth.
Oh, and some good news for both the economy and the climate. But you'll have to tune in for those!
Article Categories: Florida, California, Oregon, AP, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, New York, Mainstream Media Failure, Accountability, Environment, Hillary Clinton, Kentucky, Republicans, Economy, KPFK, Donald Trump, Climate change, Extreme weather, Election 2016, BradCast, Race, Matt Bevin, Pam Bondi
Special Coverage: CA, NJ, ND, SD, NM and MT Primary Results, Fallout and Voting Problems: 'BradCast' 6/8/2016
PLUS: A bonus SECOND hour of special coverage with calls from tons of Southern California voters and poll workers, all live from KPFK!
On today's very busy, very lively BradCast (and extra, special, surprise, bonus hour of The BradCast!), we cover the results of the latest (and, thankfully, final for this cycle) 'Super Tuesday' primary contests in California, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Montana yesterday. [Audio links to both hours posted below!]
After coverage of responses from all three remaining candidates (Trump, Clinton and Sanders) to last night's reported results, and where they will each go from here, we take a look at some of the reported problems that folks had casting their votes, particularly here in Los Angeles County (the nation's largest voting jurisdiction).
Are the problems being reported in California as "just chaos" (LATimes) and "mired in voting problems" (HuffPo) as bad as some are reporting them to be? The main concerns, at this hour, seem to involve failed electronic ballot readers at L.A. polling places (which don't actually tabulate votes anyway) and voters forced to cast Provisional Ballots (some 240k in LA County alone) for a variety of reasons, some legit, some a bit more troubling.
Both voters and poll workers --- lots of them! --- call in today to report on polling problems from Tuesday, views on the primary in general, on AP reporting the Democratic contest as over on Monday before voters even voted on Tuesday, and much much more on today's show. In fact, the phone lines were so busy, with so many callers, that KPFK asked us to continue on for an unprecedented second hour of our special coverage! Both of which are now posted below...
Download MP3 (BONUS HOUR!) or listen online below...
Article Categories: Election Irregularities, California, Election Reform, New Jersey, AP, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, New Mexico, Paper Ballots Legislation, Touch-Screen DREs/BMDs, Montana, Hillary Clinton, Voter Registration, Vote Caging, Democrats, Republicans, Los Angeles, Vote-by-Mail, South Dakota, KPFK, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, North Dakota, Election 2016, BradCast
AP's Massive Disservice to Voters; Plus: Dems Join Big Tobacco to Kill Vaping: 'BradCast' 6/7/2016
Guest: Prof. Jonathan H. Adler on 'Baptists, Bootleggers and E-Cigs'...
I usually try to avoid talk about elections on election days themselves, but the AP, NBC, CNN and all the rest in the corporate media gave me little choice on today's BradCast, even as millions of voters go to the polls today in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. [Audio link to show is posted below.]
Last night, just after we got off air, Associated Press decided to declare that Hillary Clinton had "clinched" the Democratic nomination. Their reporting was based on conversations with unpledged Super Delegates who do not actually cast their vote in the nominating process until the end of July (July 25th, to be specific), at the Democratic National Convention. So, with their misleading, inaccurate pronouncements of the Democrats having 'selected a female nominee for the first time in history' (they haven't --- yet), I offer a word or two today --- okay, a rant or two --- on the amazing disservice those news organizations have done to voters (not to mention the Clinton and Bernie Sanders campaigns, their supporters, the DNC and American democracy itself) with their inaccurate and misleading misreporting.
Then, I'm joined by Jonathan H. Adler, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Business Law & Regulation at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, to discuss the strange bedfellows who've joined forces in support of onerous new FDA regulations on life-saving vaping (e-cigarette) technology. We've discussed the topic on the show on a number of occasions in the past (most recently here), not only because half a million Americans still die each year, unnecessarily, from cigarette smoking, but because, bizarrely, it has largely been Democrats and other supposedly anti-tobacco crusaders who have been leading the deadly campaign against vaping, making it much harder for smokers to quit smoking in the bargain.
Why would Dems be fighting --- alongside Big Tobacco(!) --- to kill the vaping industry, despite scientific studies finding e-cigarettes to be at least 95% safer than smoking and the UK's Royal College of Physicians (the equivalent of the office of the Surgeon General in the U.S.) recent pronouncement: "in the interests of public health it is important to promote the use of e-cigarettes...as widely as possible as a substitute for smoking"?
In her recent article, "Democrats Work With Big Tobacco and Big Pharma to Choke the Vaping Industry," at the American Media Institute (and at the NY Observer), journalist Monica Showalter offers an answer. She details the "strange bedfellows against vaping," citing both Big Tobacco's support of the crippling new FDA regulations, along with massive donations given by Big Pharma to big name Democrats in the U.S. Senate, just as those politicians came out in favor of restrictions on vaping. The Big Pharma companies include those which control the multi-billion dollar smoking-cessation nicotine industry that produces products such as nicotine gums, patches and, yes, inhalers!
Adler, the co-author of a study titled "Baptists, Bootleggers and E-Cigarettes", joins us to explain the strange coalition, and the powerful history of the "Baptist and Bootleggers" political/economic theory, where seemingly opposing groups, such as bootleggers and religious opponents of alcohol, worked together to keep Prohibition going as long as possible in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century.
A similarly fascinating and powerful (and bizarre) political and financial coalition seems to be at work here, as Adler explains, to blunt the nascent and life-saving e-cigarette industry, despite recent studies showing, for example, "that when restrictions are imposed upon electronic cigarettes that either make them harder to get or make them more expensive, teen smoking rates go up. The idea that we could adopt policies in the name of public health that increase teen smoking rates should really be frightening."
Also, what should be similarly frightening to Democrats and others who claim to be against smoking, according to Adler, is that the Big Tobacco companies have been very supportive of the onerous FDA regulations no being applied to vaping products. Those are costly new rules that Big Tobacco can afford to comply with, but Mom and Pop vaping shops, currently leading the industry in the U.S., simply cannot. "The major tobacco companies asked [for] and supported the FDA's proposals to regulate e-cigarettes," Adler tells me. "Indeed, Phillip Morris is largely credited with helping to write the statute under which these regulations were adopted."
Finally, we end another very busy BradCast today with our latest very busy Green News Report!...
Article Categories: CNN, California, NBC, BRAD BLOG, New Jersey, AP, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, Rights And Freedoms, New Mexico, Touch-Screen DREs/BMDs, Montana, Mainstream Media Failure, Accountability, Environment, Hillary Clinton, Health Care, South Dakota, KPFK, Bernie Sanders, North Dakota, Election 2016, BradCast, Vaping/e-cigs
Is Bi-Partisan Criminal Justice Reform Really a Possibility?: 'BradCast' 6/6/2016
Guest: Tom Giovanetti of the Institute for Public Innovation | Plus: MSM can't wait to call it for Hillary and Maher says socialism saves capitalism...
Today on The BradCast: is reform of our criminal justice system really possible given, the vast divide between Republicans and Democrats in Congress? One conservative joins me today to say "Yes!" and explain why. Also, the corporate media prepares to call the race for Hillary Clinton on Tuesday and Bill Maher argues that socialism is needed to keep capitalism from eating us alive. [Link to audio of show is posted below.]
First up, voters in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana are getting ready to vote on Tuesday in the final, multi-state Primary Day of the Democratic nomination cycle, after both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands gave the bulk of their delegates to Hillary Clinton over the weekend. (Washington D.C. will, officially, hold the final primary of the season on June 14th.)
While we prepare to vote tomorrow here in California, and for whatever messes will almost certainly come along with it, folks in Florida (and Georgia and South Carolina) are battening down hatches for Tropical Storm Colin, marking the third-named storm of the season in the Atlantic, a record for this early in the year.
At the same time, the corporate media is preparing to declare Clinton the Democratic nominee on Tuesday, most likely after the close of polls in NJ, despite the fact, as Bernie Sanders continues to note, she is unlikely to have won enough pledged delegates to officially win the nomination until unpledged Super Delegates actually cast their votes at the Democratic convention in late July. As Cenk Uygur argued over the weekend with CNN's Brian Stelter, a lot could happen to change the minds of those party insiders before then, so why does the MSM insist on continuing to tip the scales in her favor with misleading reporting? (As I write this item, and before any state has voted Tuesday, when nearly 700 delegates will be up for grabs, including 475 alone here in CA, Associate Press just sent my iPhone a "breaking news" alert to inform me that, based on their tabulation of unpledged Super Delegates, Clinton "will be first woman to top major party ticket." So, take that, voters!)
Then, Tom Giovanetti, President of the right-leaning Institute for Policy Innovation, explains what he sees as a very real opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to come together to reform the U.S. criminal justice system, now that this nation leads the world in incarceration rates. Giovanetti even goes so far, as he did in a recent op-ed at Dallas Morning News, to commend President Barack Obama for his recent commutations of non-violent drug offenders and to call on fellow conservatives to join with progressives to reform what he describes as a bloated, legacy "tough on crime" system that makes little sense and even violates basic social and economic conservative tenets.
"It's fairly rare that we find ourselves agreeing with progressives and liberals on solutions to problems. This is probably one of the rare exceptions," Giovanetti tells me. "Progressives and Liberals have been at the forefront of talking about some of the abuses in the criminal justice system, the problem with mandatory minimum sentences, and things like that. I think conservatives are really only beginning to realize that there's a problem here. So I think for my colleagues on the center-right of the political spectrum, this is sort of an emerging issue."
He goes on to explain why reform is so overdue, how Democrats and Republicans are working together for reform in a number of state legislatures, and the path that he sees to move forward on the federal level. I remain dubious, particularly on that final score, but Giovanetti offers his reasons for optimism here in an encouraging conversation in which he even calls out some of his own for hypocrisy on this issue.
Finally, as Republicans continue to pretend they hate socialism, Bill Maher explains how capitalism is now out of control and eating our nation alive. "It's eaten our democracy, it's eating our middle class, it's eaten our health care system, our prison system, our news media, and even our food system." All of that and more on today's BradCast. Eat up!...
Article Categories: Florida, CNN, California, New Jersey, AP, BRAD BLOG Media Appearance, Mainstream Media Failure, Accountability, Environment, Dept. of Justice, Hillary Clinton, Bill Maher, Democrats, Republicans, Media Reform, KPFK, Bernie Sanders, Climate change, Extreme weather, Election 2016, Steve Scalise, BradCast, Puerto Rico

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Is It Worth Starting A Digital Marketing Agency?
Using search engine optimization and other monetization methods, you can quickly rack up a bunch of customers to pay you for services. But is it really worth it? The digital agency model has a ton of ups and downs because of the overhead and obligation to provide results.


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Spending time with James and Amy I know this to be true, they are creative and strong, steadfast in the vision for their future. Lumin is a coalescence of two very different personalities, backgrounds and cultures, that somehow come together in a chaotic unity. It is altogether magnificent and well-considered design, I would wear every piece.
If you could both have dinner with any fashion designer dead or alive who would it be?
Not necessarily a designer – but a fashion influencer and icon, we'd love to have dinner with Iris Apfel. She's the complete opposite of what LUMIN is about, but her approach to fashion and style is unique and special that we can't help but be fascinated by her.
If you could raid any designer's closet, who would it be?
This is a tough one, but if we had to choose it would probably be Phoebe Philo's closet! Her chic boyish style is always impeccable, looks effortless and is so easily carried through from day to night… what's not to love?
If you could invite any designer to your next show who would it be?
We think having a designer like Rei Kawakubo of Commes des Garcons at our show and getting feedback from her would be invaluable. We are big fans of her design aesthetic and often get inspiration from it. She has also created a successful global business and has mentored other young designers into creating their own growing business… so she really knows what's she's talking about.
If you could be a fly on the wall in any designer's studio who would it be?
It would be a real eye opener for us to be inside Karl Lagerfeld's studios. He is the creative head of two international luxury fashion houses, as well as his namesake brand. To get a small glimpse into his daily work like, and how he manages it all would be so interesting!What advice would you give your 21-year-old self? As cliched as it sounds, we'd tell our younger selves to just go for it and not be scared to try! If it doesn't work out, it doesn't matter because the process will have led you to an entirely new place with a fresh point of view!
Do you guys have any major fashion regrets or are they all just fun expressions for you?
Is there ever a right or wrong? We definitely have fashion regrets! There are times when our younger selves should not have stepped out in public… what were we thinking wearing that?! But we've found that as you learn more about yourself, you come into your own and start to appreciate your sense of style more… so technically we don't believe there are rights and wrongs (although…denim tracksuits are never a good idea). It's best to just follow your gut and wear what makes you feel amazing!
What is your take on the thought that many of the most innovative designers, wear a uniform? Be it because of decision fatigue or wanting to save all creative energy for work and do you find yourself wearing some form of uniform?
We totally think that creative people often have a uniform or staple wardrobe pieces they wear regularly. We both have started doing that too… it makes the "getting ready" routine easier in the mornings by having a few fewer decisions to make. It works for some, and probably not for others. Some people express themselves with clothing, others express themselves in the things they create – we're those kinds of people!
What is your dream fashion destination/ holiday?
Most probably, our dream vacay would be somewhere like Seoul, South Korea – the fashion is insane, it would be so inspiring to be in such a completely differently environment!
What is your idea of a perfect capsule wardrobe for the modern South African woman?
For a long time, it seems as though the trends has been towards bombarding South African women with bright colours and bold prints. But as our fashion sense starts to develop as a country, South Africa woman should look to more classic pieces that focus on quality, good design and attention to detail. Understand what colours work for you and build a wardrobe that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of looks.
We've come to realise that we design everyday clothing, but not necessarily for the everyday person. Our woman is someone who enjoys fashion but doesn't necessarily feel the need to be eccentric in the way she dresses. She enjoys comfort, but in something that can express her a unique approach to fashion.
What designers currently excite & terrify you?
Locally, we really like what AKEDO is doing. We feel the designs are really representative of a new wave of luxury South African fashion that has global relevance. And designers that terrify us… well… it would have to be (mentioning no names) those that believe South African women are still about the frills and fuss, the diamantes and tacky glitz and glam. That whole aesthetic feels quite outdated and it's terrifying that people are still peddling it.
Dinner & Netflix OR Dinner & the club?
If it's dinner in bed and Netflix then we're in.
Popcorn & Bubbly OR Nachos & Craft beer?
Popcorn and bubbly for sure! Fewer calories, much better for our diets.
Snap chat or Insta Stories?
Insta stories… we're old school like that. What is Snap chat anyway?
What are your current pet peeves in fashion or life in general?
In general, we're peeved that too many South Africans view H&M and Forever 21 as fashion meccas… when in actual fact it's just pretty average clothing.
Who/ what/ where do you think influenced who you are today and therefore what you create?
We've been influenced by so many people and things in our lives, it's hard to pinpoint. But it would most likely be our parents, who said to not be scared of creating our own journeys and turning our creativity into something special!
Do you have any rituals you do every single day?
A cold shower in the morning and a cup of black coffee to get the day going!
What's the least glamorous aspect of being a fashion designer?
Driving around Joburg city centre to source fabric when it's particularly hot and you're sweating like a beast.
What do you personally find the most rewarding aspect of being a creative and influencer in the fashion industry?
It's probably the best feeling when people "get" our work and really understand what we're trying to create. It's also really cool when customers young and old love your work and can imagine themselves wearing it… it definitely says we're on the right track!
We really want to build up our local fashion industry so other markets like New York, London and Paris take note of what is going on here… we want to be part of making that a reality, for future fashion designers to come!
What issues are close to your heart? What makes you mad? What would you like to use your platform for?
Slowing down fashion is something we're passionate about. Big corporations have created a frenzy of fast fashion, and all sense of design and quality has been thrown out the window. We're definitely aiming to work towards creating garments that can last a lifetime, and that are beautifully designed and created.
Who are you the proudest of in your life?
When we stop and take a moment to reflect, we're really proud of ourselves and each other. What we've accomplished in a short space of time, as well as where we still want to go – it makes us proud.
What makes you excited about being a South African designer?
Having travelled a bit to other countries, coming home is always exciting. It's made us realise South Africans definitely have personality, which we love! When we believe in something, we're totally passionate about it!
Who are James and Amy away from the Brand?
When Amy's not managing business operations for LUMIN, she actually loves doing some gardening (her vegetable patch is her joy and pride)… when James has free time, he's probably binge-watching a series like Project Runway or America's Next Top Model.
What does a typical Jozi weekend look like for you?
We're both pretty, much homebodies, we enjoy vegging out and just lazing around the house. Being outdoors is great too and sometimes we'll venture out into the great outdoors (i.e. the botanical gardens for a picnic).


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Welcome to the Tampa Bay
Welcome to Tampa Bay, an area that encompasses three counties and is "home" to over 2 million residents. It's a home filled with sunny beaches and bright futures. It offers great business opportunities and low costs for doing business. It's where Tampa Bay Buccaneers' fans cheered their winning team on to Super Bowl glory in 2002 and their favorite hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, on to the 2004 Stanley Cup victory. It's also home to the "Number 1 Zoo in the United States for Kids."
It has the largest performing arts center in the southeast. The largest science museum in the south. And the cultural arts district in downtown Tampa is expanding every day, with the recent addition of the Patel Conservatory which helps both young and mature actors, artists, musicians and performers perfect their craft.
It's one of the few markets in America with two major metropolitan newspapers. The #1 ranked airport in the country. And Tampa is the only city in America that celebrates the glory of being a pirate and all the festivities that Gasparilla offers during one whole month each year.
If you're looking for a great way of life, it doesn't get better than Tampa Bay. There's no state income tax. Low property taxes. And Tampa offers a lower cost of living than other major southern cities, including Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte and Charleston.
As a region, the commitment to excellence in education is impressive, and is essential for providing an educated, talented workforce for area businesses. Tampa is also one of the most Literate Cities in America, ranking 16th in the country among cities with more than 250,000 residents.
It's a region that attracts millions of tourists each year, who appreciate its mild winter climates, tropical summers, spectacular sunsets and beautiful beaches. To those of us who choose to live here, these are every day pleasures--not just vacation moments. We go fishing before heading into the office. We walk on the beach at sunset. We enjoy wearing shorts in January. And we are thankful, with each and every sunny day, to have made the decision to live in Tampa Bay.
We have a healthy economy, as well as some of the best healthcare facilities in the United States, including H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, two trauma centers, a medical school (which works in conjunction with two major hospitals) and three hospitals ranked as "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News and World Report.
Like most Americans, the residents of Tampa Bay are proud of the men and women who serve in the military. And we're honored that MacDill Air Force Base is located here in Tampa. It's the headquarters for two major commands; special U.S. Operations Command and U.S. Central Command. And it's also where Coalition Village is located, comprised of representatives from 65 nations who are working together to combat terrorism. The Tampa Bay MSA is also known as a top growth market for manufacturing, especially for the medical industry.
You can choose to live in a historic bungalow - or a high rise by the Bay. You might live in a country club community - or a lakeside villa might be right for you. Tampa Bay has a wide range of residential choices to fit every budget and lifestyle. Just remember, the sunshine, sunsets and gulf breezes are free!
We invite you to explore all the treasures of Tampa Bay. The Chamber's relocation guide is designed to help you find the answers to all of your questions. We've included maps throughout the publication to help you choose the right home, school, health care resources and more. The more you find out about Tampa Bay, the more we're certain you'll decide to make this special region your home. We look forward to calling you our "neighbor." The communities of Tampa Bay provide a burgeoning economy and unfound diversity, both ripe with possibilities, that ultimately enable residents to capitalize on the potential richness life has to offer.
Tampa Bay has experienced exponential growth over the last couple of years placing it as a top contender for corporate relocation and corporate expansion for companies worldwide. As the gateway to Florida's High-Tech corridor and home to multiple universities and colleges with prime research facilities, Tampa Bay presents an abundance of corporate opportunities that welcome established corporations, and nourish emerging corporations immersed in their first expansion.
**content from the Tampa Chamber of Commerce


If you don't receive your license key email after purchasing please check your spam/junk/bulk mail folders! They have a habit of going into there with some email providers.
You can also automatically recover your license keys using your original purchase email. The key(s) will be emailed to the original address.
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This is one of the most effective ways to use coconut oil for hair growth.
Coconut oil is one of the few carrier oils which can penetrate the hair shaft. When used properly, it can stimulate hair growth and help you retain length.
Most people suffer from retarded hair growth and from retaining hair length. These two issues are the reasons behind the myth that states "African hair can't grow too long".
The term Prepoo comes from two words: pre and shampoo. As it indicates, it's a process carried out before shampooing. This helps prevent hair breakage and protein loss during shampooing.
Detangle your hair and section it into different parts. Gently apply the coconut oil from your roots right to the ends of your hair, and twist.
Cover hair with a plastic bag and tie down with a scarf. Let it sit overnight, and wash off the next day.
Stimulating the scalp helps increase blood circulation which in turn stimulates hair growth. This is one of the most effective ways to use coconut oil for hair growth.
Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 4 drops of either peppermint oil, rosemary oil, or thyme oil. Apply on scalp and massage for about 10 minutes. Do this thrice a week, or daily if you have stunted hair growth. You will notice a difference in 2 weeks.
Oil treatments help eliminate tangles and knots which happen to be one of the reasons why we find it difficult to retain length. Wash and deep condition hair thoroughly.
Take ¼ cup of coconut oil and warm by placing the cup in a bowl of hot water for some minutes.
Section your hair and apply the hot oil from roots to ends, paying attention to your ends.
Wear a plastic bag over hair, and place a warm towel over it. Rinse oil out after 1 hour.
These are just a few ways you can use coconut oil for hair growth.
Visit Molonga naturals and get coconut oil 100% pure ship to you.


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Articles by: Saral Sarkar
Is Collapse of Our Civilization Unavoidable?
The question put above should not surprise anybody who is informed about the state of the world today. In the past, other civilizations have collapsed or withered away. So our civilization too may not be able to avoid that fate. Currently, this possibility is being associated with global warming,1 But even earlier, the end of the current civilization was speculated on[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — Comments are Disabled —	Climate Change
Thunberg's Problem. A Problem Without A Solution?
For the last two or three months, I have been following the news on the school strike movement of teenagers, the purpose of which is to urge the grown-ups, particularly the politicians, to immediately do what is necessary to solve the problem of global warming, which is resulting in what has been summarized in the term "climate crisis". As Greta[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — 2 comments —	Climate Change
Thunberg's Problem. A Problem Without Any solution?
India's Unwelcome Immigrants Problem – Identity Politics Beats Class Politics
For many decades now, all over the world, identity politics has become a major cause of social conflict. Masses of common people have been forming themselves into racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic identity groups, and, from time to time, they have been fighting against each other, often by violent means, for power and a higher share of the given resources[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — Comments are Disabled —	Human Rights
Foreword: For many decades now, all over the world, identity politics has become a major cause of social conflict. Masses of common people have been forming themselves into racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic identity groups, and, from time to time, they have been fighting against each other, often by violent means, for power and a higher share of the given[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — 3 comments —	India
From Marxist Socialism to Eco-Socialism — Turning Points of a Personal Journey Through a Theory of Socialism
At the beginning of the journey stood the most famous two sentences of Marx, which I read as a college student: "Philosophers have hitherto only interpreted the world in various ways; the point however is to change it."1 I was immediately faced with a dilemma. There was no need for me to interpret the world; that had already been done for us by Marx,[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — 6 comments —	Environmental Protection
Understanding Secessionism In The Era Of Globalization — An Eco-Socialist View
In September 2014, I had occasion to write an article entitled Unity or Separation? – Did the Scots Decide Sensibly?1 In that year, the provincial government of Scotland, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and a large part of the Scottish people, who wanted to secede from the United Kingdom, held a referendum on the question. A majority voted No. The secessionists were[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — 2 comments —	Globalisation
There is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch, For Humans
On 28th July, I posted an essay of mine entitled The Global Crisis and Role of So-called Renewable Energies in Solving It on this blog-site (see below). It had been published a few days earlier in the online magazine Insurge-Intelligence as a contribution to a symposium on renewable energies (https://medium.com/insurge-intelligence/how-clean-is-clean-energy-why-renewables-cannot-solve-the-global-crisis-10205baeb781). Several readers responded to it with comments, both positive and negative. Prof. Mark Diesendorf, another[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — 1 comment —	Resource Crisis
The Global Crisis and Role of So-Called Renewable Energies in Solving It
Aspects and Causes of the Crisis The climate crisis is only one aspect of the global crisis. Yet, generally speaking, Western governments, media, politicians, NGOs, and publicists have been trying to make us believe that it is the only dangerous and the only global crisis. It appears that for them all other crises in the world are only partial or regional problems of secondary[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — 2 comments —	Alternative Energy
Giving Rights To Trees. But Forgetting The Forests That Are Destroyed
Some four weeks ago, I posted my text on the "Rights of Rivers" (see here!), with which I had responded to a discussion that was going on in a google discussion group called Radical Ecological Democratic List. That was the beginning of another discussion in the said group: on the right to life of individual chimpanzees. A participant had informed[Read More…]
The Ecology Movement Is Not A Social Movement — A Response To John Foran's Article On The How-Question
John Foran has issued a wake-up call, a "call to arms", and addressed it to colleagues and comrades:1 I feel spoken to. Not only because of its subject, but also because I am both a colleague and a comrade of Foran. I have namely been both studying and writing about social movements as well as actively participating since the 1950s[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — 2 comments —	Counter Solutions
Saving The Planet, American Style — A Critical Review, And Some Thoughts And Ideas
Planet Earth, our habitat, is in dire straits And our world is suffering from various crises, conflicts and problems. There is hardly any sign that something is seriously being done to solve these problems. Some Americans – not government officials, not corporate big-wigs, but civil society activists – have now come forward to save the earth and, along with it,[Read More…]
by Saral Sarkar — 1 comment —	Counter Solutions


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Women: Remarks at National Center for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Women's Event
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Well, again, thank you all. You just heard from the (inaudible). Peggy, I appreciate your leadership enormously. I know you've been involved in STEM and – for a lifetime, almost, and I know that you're – whether it's in Microsoft or elsewhere, you've been always pushing the engagement with women. I'm told when first (inaudible), you always asked this: "How can I advance the closing of the gender barrier?" And so I appreciate that very much.
Just so you all know that I practice what I preach, I have two deputy secretaries at the State Department. Right now, one is an acting secretary because Bill Burns just left – she is a woman. And the permanent deputy secretary for management is a woman. Four of my six under secretaries of State are women. And five of my six regional assistant secretaries of State, the bureaus regionally, are women. And if you look at – (applause) – my two daughters and my wife – (laughter) – I am allowed to go home at night.
But seriously, all my political life, I've had – been blessed with a tremendous balance in my office without regard. And it's never been done arbitrarily. It's really interesting that just – if you're open to it and you're looking for talent and you find it. And so I've been very lucky and I've always had a pretty strong split. And some things, we've obviously tried to reach and create a balance, because sometimes it's been harder, and I'm talking particularly about – if you're also concerned about having your company look like the face of the country you're in, you may have to reach more proactively to try to make sure you do. But it's really important to do so, in my judgment.
What's interesting is – and I've seen this all over the world in conflict and conflict resolution – if women are playing a significant role in the politics of the country, there really is a difference in conflict resolution, and particularly in war and avoidance of war. And women are very important to peacemaking. So whatever it is in the either genes or hormones or whatever – (laughter) – we need to make sure there is that appropriate balance. I was privileged to be in the Philippines when Cory Aquino rose to power. I was very involved in that election early on. And interestingly, a lot of countries surprisingly had women help where you wouldn't necessarily expect it – in Pakistan and India and various places.
So there are people telling me that in the United States, we're overdue. I don't know if we'll do anything about that or not in the near term, but that's not for this discussion. (Laughter.) I am told, however, that the Asia Pacific region loses apparently some $89 billion a year from the restrictions on women's participation in the economy. And that is very striking when you consider that narrowing the gender gap in some emerging economies could boost GDP in those economies by at least 10 percent. And a rise in female income in Latin America already was judged to have reduced poverty by 30 percent over the last decade. So it makes an enormous difference, and that's what we're after.
So to cut to the chase here, let me say very quickly that is why we are launching the Women and the Economy Dashboard. And what we all know is that what gets measured gets done and has an impact. So we're establishing the first regional baseline on women's economic participation. And this initiative is really very simple: The Dashboard is going to help us track the critical indicators of women's economic success – female labor force participation, financial literacy, educational attainment – all of these kinds of things will be measured. And that will set a clear benchmark for women's participation in the economy, monitoring progress, and supporting countries in their efforts to get women into positions in business where they're leading and able to inspire and be role models, obviously, for future generations. This is going to support our G20 and our post-2015 development goals in addition. It's going to be a very important part of what we're going to put out on the table next year.
We're also launching a regional network called WE-APEC, and a lot of people ask me – this is true in Afghanistan, for instance – I met some extraordinary women entrepreneurs and they've been models. They came over to Washington and we did an event with Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton together in order to celebrate what women are doing and try to highlight what's possible. And a lot of people asked me frequently, said, "What can we do to help, how do you get at this, where do you find women who are qualified," and so forth.
So WE-APEC is going to answer those questions by helping companies be able to identify future private sector leaders, link them to training programs and loan guarantees, and then connect their networks to global supply chains. And as we all know, capital chases confidence and opportunity together, and this will help provide both. So this will be an important step. We are confident in women's empowerment and I think could even become a model for what could take hold in other places elsewhere in the world.
So governments obviously have a critical role to play, but the private sector can do, frankly, a lot more a lot faster if you want to know the truth. We can exhort, we could leverage to some degree. But Walmart is promoting women throughout its supply chain. It's equipping them with the tools they need to be successful in raising food, in manufacturing products, in manufacturing retail outlets. Chevron's International REACH program – scholarship program has already helped more than 470 women from 51 countries get a college education. Microsoft has enabled 38 million students – half of them girls – to learn how to code. And all of these are steps that are going to empower people and guarantee that progress continues.
So it's very, very clear that global markets will go like this and there'll be a lot of different ups and downs and changes, but I can't think of anything that will have a greater impact on fighting back against some of the ignorance, some of the resistance to modernity, and some of the false assumptions and theories which people use to keep people down in a lot of parts of the world than empowering women more and more. And there are too many countries where women are sidelined, literally, and grotesquely in some places. I'm a guy who has played sports and I don't mind an occasional sports analogy. The simple reality is no team can win with half its players on the bench. It's that simple. And we therefore have to do everything possible.
So I'm delighted to be here to be part of this initiative. I hope these efforts by the State Department will encourage and contribute. But I can guarantee you that the State Department, this Secretary is going to prove you don't have to be a woman to be able to keep the Department focused on these issues. (Laughter, applause.)
Distribution channels: Human Rights
Women: Women in STEM: Past, Present, and Future Panel Discussion
Women: Fortune's Most Powerful Women To Mentor Women Leaders From Around the World
Women: Observance of International Women's Day


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Online Exotic Pet Sales: A Comprehensive U.S. Review
In the U.S., a mishmash of mostly ineffective laws is allowing the online sale of exotic pets to flourish, with little to no oversight or consequences.
FULL TEXT The full text of this article is available.
Summary By: Faunalytics | This is a summary of an external study | Published: January 5, 2017
Photo by Flickr user quasarkitten
In the United States, it is surprisingly easy to purchase an "exotic" companion animals such as a monkey, tiger, snake, or sloth by visiting an online marketplace. While some state and federal laws exist to regulate ownership and commerce of exotic animals, there is little to no oversight of the sale of exotic animals online. This leads to a scenario in which millions of animals are being bred, shipped, and purchased throughout the U.S. To shed light on this issue, Born Free USA, an animal advocacy non-profit, recently published Downloading Cruelty: An Investigation into the Online Sales of Exotic Pets in the U.S., an overview and analysis of the volume of online exotic pet sales in the U.S.
Born Free USA researchers examined 1,816 online classified ads selling exotic animals over a three-month period on four classified ad websites. They identified 3,706 animals for sale—a number they declare to be "shockingly high"—in locations in Washington, DC, and every US state except Vermont. They also identified a large diversity of species for sale, including primates, large cats, marsupials, raccoons, exotic rodents, and snakes and other reptiles. Additionally, they found that the majority of animals for sale were under one year old.
In regards to ad content focused on animal welfare and care, the researchers found that the vast majority of ads provided no instructions for care, no history about the animal(s), and no information about the animal's health or behavior. Additionally, only nine ads stated that the animal for sale could be harmful, and only 43 required any sort of background information about the buyer. The authors conclude that these numbers "clearly demonstrate the profit-driven, cavalier attitude on the part of most breeders and sellers toward the welfare and future of the exotic pets."
The report also provides an overview of potential dangers to both animals and people arising from exotic pet ownership. They note that it is "impossible for a person to provide a suitable and healthy environment for an exotic animal within the confines of a home." As a result, exotic pets often suffer abuse and neglect including being removed from mothers at a young age, receiving inadequate food, housing, and socialization, and undergoing mental and physical trauma due to isolation and the inability to express natural behaviors.
The authors also list multiple incidents in which people have been seriously harmed by exotic pets, warn about potentially catastrophic disease outbreaks in humans originating from wild animals, and describe how exotic pets can be a strain on both law enforcement resources and non-profit sanctuaries that "become the dumping ground for unwanted animals."
The final portion of the report discusses current legislation addressing ownership and commerce in exotic pets. The authors note that 19 states have a ban on the private ownership of most exotic animals, 12 have a partial ban, and 14 require pet owners to obtain a license or permit. However, many of these laws are poorly monitored and difficult to enforce. They further state that there are no federal laws that ban exotic animal ownership in general and no laws against commerce in exotic reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. The authors do praise the federal Captive Wildlife Safety Act, a law passed in 2003 that prohibits interstate commerce in big cats as pets and has seemingly helped reduce the big cat trade in the U.S.
The report ends with a set of recommendations for legislation, website policies, and public education. Specifically, the authors call on Congress to pass the Captive Primate Safety Act, a law that would prohibit interstate commerce in primates, as well as the Big Cat Public Safety Protection Act, a law that would prohibit private ownership of big cats entirely. They also call for a federal law prohibiting people from buying exotic animals in interstate commerce over the internet and laws in every state prohibiting the private ownership of exotic animals. They further recommend that classified ad websites work to restrict or eliminate ads for exotic animals, possibly through a certification process, and they express hope that their report will educate the general public about the animal welfare and public safety risks inherent in exotic pet ownership and discourage people from buying exotic animals over the internet.
Advocates can find further details, including overall exotic animal trade numbers, species-specific information, and a state legislation infographic, in the full report on the Born Free USA website (see link below).
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/a3e_downloading_cruelty.php
Author: Faunalytics
Faunalytics is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to helping animals by providing useful information to advocates to help them increase their impact.
COMPANION ANIMALS OTHER TOPICS WILDLIFE
Animal Cruelty | Animal Law | Breeding | Conservation | Education | Exotic Pets | Strategies | Wildlife Trade | Wildlife
Dylewsky, K. (2016). Downloading Cruelty: An Investigation Into The Online Sales Of Exotic Pets In The U.S. Retrieved from Born Free USA Website: http://www.bornfreeusa.org/a3e_downloading_cruelty.php
Animal Tracker 2018: Importance of Animal Protection
In 2018, at least 75% or more of U.S. adults said that the welfare and protection of animals is "very" or "somewhat" important in every issue area.


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Russians Told Why They Love Their Cities
Specialists of the Russian job search service conducted a study and found out whether the residents of Russia love their cities. It turned out that 67 per cent of respondents love the city they live in, 26 per cent of respondents are neutral, and 7 per cent do not like their cities. Sochi appeared to
Tatarstan Residents Named Their Favourite School Teachers
Russian analysts announced that Moscow (24%), St. Petersburg (10%), the Moscow Region (6%), and the Krasnodar Territory (4% each) appeared to be in the top list of the country's regions with the highest demand for specialists from the field of education. As specialists stated, the most popular among the teachers in Tatarstan were specialists in
Fun | Movies | 08.09.21
Over Half Russians Prefer Films of Domestic Production to Foreign Ones
The majority of Russians (60 per cent) prefer watching Russian films to foreign ones, which follows from the data of the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VTsIOM), TASS reports. In addition, 23 per cent of respondents said that the quality of Russian cinema has improved over the past few years, although about 44 per cent
Experts Told About Russians' Love to Travelling by Bus
Tourists interviewed by the OneTwoTrip online service told how often they choose a bus for travel, RIA Novosti reports. Experts conducted a study among 1,380 service users and found out that 52 per cent of them travelled by bus at least once in their lives but more than half of them (56 per cent) considered
Russians Told Why They Love Their Jobs
Job search service Rabota.ru and Viber messenger have found out what people in Russia value their work for. The results of the study showed that in their work, residents of Russia most of all value a friendly team (40 per cent), a convenient schedule (39 per cent), and company stability (31 per cent). Another 29
Russian Employers Named Older Employees' Top Qualities
Specialists of the Rabota.ru job search service and Sberbank NPF conducted a joint study and found out how Russian employers treat applicants over 50 years old and what their qualities are especially appreciated. According to the survey results, Russian employers named the main advantages of candidates over 50 years old a responsible attitude to work
Young People Less Likely Than Other Russians to Choose Money Instead of Career Growth
When choosing between a salary raise and a promotion, most Russians will choose money, according to a survey conducted by SuperJob job search service specialists. At the same time, young people under 24 are more interested in career growth than others, and Russians over 45 are more interested in raising their incomes. The results of
Recommended | Insight | Around Russia | 03.04.21
Russians Named Top Comedians in Country
Specialists from the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VTsIOM) presented data from a survey timed to coincide with April Fool's Day, which was traditionally celebrated on April 1. During the study, experts found out who is the favourite comedian of Russians. Russians chose Evgeny Petrosyan and Mikhail Zadornov to be their favourite humorists (15 per
Russians Named Best Cities for Moving
Specialists of the Rabota.ru job search service conducted a study and found out which cities most of all attract Russian residents and where they would like to move (multiple choice). According to the results of the study, 51 per cent of the surveyed are currently not ready to move to any other city at all.
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TOP 5 Russians' Favourite Applications for New Smartphone
Specialists of the 'Romir' research holding studied what applications Russians use on their smartphones most often and what they download first. It turned out that many of the applications included in the list for preinstallation under the new federal law on preinstalling applications on smartphones sold in Russia are already used by residents of the
Recommended | Culture | Insight | Around Russia | 11.03.21
Most Russian Women Dreamed About Flowers on March 8
Specialists of the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VTsIOM) conducted a survey among Russian women and found out how many of them received the presents they were dreaming about on Women's Day. On March 8, 2021, most women in Russia received flowers as a gift (66 per cent), which is the most popular and desired
Russian Experts Studied Gender Differences in Purchasing Behaviour
Experts of the 'Romir' Research Centre studied the consumer activity of Russians over the past year and prepared a comparative analysis of the purchasing behaviour of men and women. According to the results of the study, almost all Russian women were going to the stores and purchased FMCG products over the past year. On the
Moscow Traffic Police Named Women's Favourite Cars
Foreign cars of black and white colour turned out to be favourites of the Moscow female drivers, the city Traffic Police department reports. The specialists conducted a rapid analysis of the preferences among women who own private vehicles and found out how the tastes of women changed from 2015 to 2020. The list of the