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Commonwealth vs. Independent Countries: How Does Puerto Rico’s Economy Measure Up?

September 2, 2004
Copyright © 2004 CARIBBEAN BUSINESS. All Rights Reserved.

The option of independence as a political-status alternative for Puerto Rico has received very little support or votes since commonwealth began in 1952. Yet, during the latter half of the 20th century, there has been a proliferation of countries worldwide that have become independent nations. Membership to the United Nations more than tripled from 51 in 1945 to 191 in 2002. Many are small nations with economic performances that differ greatly, and few have done well or performed economically better than Puerto Rico has over the past 50 years. The great majority of these newly formed small nations haven’t done well economically.

Some of the new independent nations benefited from the impressive expansion of the global economy from 1950 to 2000, growing significantly despite their small scale. Nevertheless, others such as Sao Tome & Principe, Comoros, the Solomon Islands, Bhutan, and Equatorial Guinea remain extremely poor, with a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita ranging from $280 to $700 a year, wrote Richard Cooper of Harvard University in a paper presented at the World Bank’s Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics in May 2004.

The economic growth and success that took place during the second half of the 20th century wasn’t evenly distributed. In the 1950s, world per capita income increased by 2.8%; in the 1960s, it grew to 3%; in the 1970s, it declined to 1.9%; and during the 1980s, it dropped even further to 1.3%, then increased slightly to 1.5% in the 1990s. The per capita income in the U.S., however, has increased by an annual average of 2.2% in the past 50 years. During that same period, Western Europe’s growth averaged 2.7%, while Asia’s was somewhat higher at 3.4%; Latin America’s growth was 1.7%, slightly higher than Africa’s 1%.

Puerto Rico’s economic growth during the 1950s and 1960s wasn’t an isolated case. The whole world was growing, although Puerto Rico was doing so at a faster rate–as a result of industrialization and trade with the U.S.–according to respected economic historian Angus Maddison.

A glance at Latin America, the Caribbean

According to the World Bank, the per capita gross income (GNI) of Latin America and the Caribbean in 2003 was about $7,080 (purchasing power parity dollars). This amount is less than half of Puerto Rico’s per capita GNI of $16,320 and less than one-fifth of the States’ $37,500.

Gross national income (GNI) is the same as gross national product (GNP). The term was recently adopted by the World Bank to replace GNP.

Within Latin America and the Caribbean–which includes some of the largest developing economies, such as Brazil and Mexico, and some of the smallest, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic–a great inequality in terms of wealth distribution persists. Approximately 25% of the population in the region lives in extreme poverty (defined as living on less than $2 a day), and 50 million of those, or 9.5%, of the population in severe poverty (living on less than $1 a day), according to the World Bank. Modest growth returned to the regions in 2003, when the GDP increased by an average 1.3 %, after a contraction of 0.6 % in 2002, according to the World Bank.

Argentina continued recovering rapidly after its acute financial crisis. A series of external shocks, including the Brazilian crisis and the rise of the U.S. dollar against most currencies, combined with a high public debt that was hard to service and declining industrial activity to contribute to Argentina’s economic crisis. The Andean countries performed well, with Chile, Colombia, and Peru recording growth above 3%. Ongoing political uncertainties, however, caused Venezuela’s economy to deteriorate further during the first half of 2003.

In 2003, Central America grew by an average 3.1%, and it looks set to sustain that growth, thanks to the recently signed U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement (Cafta) and continued improvement in worker’s remittances from the U.S. as their economies recover.

The Latin America and Caribbean region has benefited from workers outside their respective countries sending currency back to their country of origin. In 2003, they sent a record $38 billion in remittances to their families. Workers in the U.S. were the biggest contributors, sending $31 billion according to a report prepared for the Inter-American Development Bank. These remittances are higher than the foreign direct investment in the region and the official financial aid. With these remittances, the U.S. has indirectly been contributing to the development of these independent nations and to their citizens’ well-being. According to Donald Terry, who heads the Multilateral Investment Fund of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the actual numbers (remittances) are probably somewhat higher.

The Caribbean lagged in the recovery seen in the region as a whole. The Dominican Republic experienced a crisis in the banking sector, while in Jamaica, the extensive debt hampered growth. In August 2004, the IMF warned about Jamaica’s "very high level of public debt and the associated vulnerabilities of the economy, exacerbated by the high degree of indexation of the debt to exchange rates and short-term interest rates."

Political instability in Haiti escalated into a full political and humanitarian crisis early in the year. The situation becomes worse in countries such as Honduras, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Bolivia, which are not only poor but also heavily in debt, according to the World Bank.

"Closing the Gap in Education & Technology," a World Bank study published in 2003, indicates that many Latin American and Caribbean countries suffer from a knowledge and technology gap. As a healthy investment climate is linked to a country’s capability to mobilize skills, technology, and innovation to increase productivity, economic performance prospects in most countries in the region don’t seem too promising unless major advances are made to close this gap.

Comparisons with commonwealth

With an estimated per capita gross national income (GNI) of $16,320 (PPP) in 2003, Puerto Rico was ranked by the World Bank as having the 52nd-highest GNI in the world. PPP is an international dollar that has purchasing-power parity in a local economy with the U.S. dollar.

Argentina and Chile were closer to Puerto Rico than any other Latin American nation, but even then, Argentina, with $10,920, and Chile, with $9,810, had just 67% and 60%, respectively, of Puerto Rico’s per capita GNI. These countries were followed in the ranking by Costa Rica, with $9,040, and Mexico, with $8,950. Even Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, ranked No. 86, with a per capita GNI of $7,480. Oil-rich Venezuela ranked No. 124, with $4,740, less than 30% of Puerto Rico’s per capita GNI.

In the Caribbean, only the small economies of the British territories of Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, with populations of 65,000 and 43,000, respectively, reported higher per capita GNI than Puerto Rico, according to World Bank statistics. Supporters of Puerto Rico’s independence emphasize that the nations of the Bahamas and Barbados have achieved per capita GNI somewhat similar to that of Puerto Rico. However, the circumstances of these countries are entirely different from Puerto Rico’s. The Bahamas and Barbados have small populations of close to 300,000 each, which is less than 10% of Puerto Rico’s almost four million, and their economies are also relatively small compared with Puerto Rico’s.

Steady growth in tourism receipts and a boom in the construction of new hotels, resorts, and housing have contributed to the Bahamas’ economic growth. Its geographical location, less than 50 miles from the Florida coast, has been instrumental to the Bahamas achieving a per capita income of $16,140.

The Bahamian economy is heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking, both promoted greatly by its proximity to the U.S. Tourism alone accounts for more than 60% of the economy, and 75% of all tax revenues are provided by the tourism sector, which directly or indirectly employs half of the labor force of about 150,000, a little over 10% of Puerto Rico’s almost 1.4 million. Manufacturing and agriculture together contribute approximately a tenth of the Bahamian economy and show little growth, despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects rest heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector, which in turn depends on growth in the U.S., the source of most of the visitors.

Like the Bahamas, Barbados has a relatively small population; therefore, the total country’s economic output doesn’t need to be very large to have a positive impact on the economic well-being of the population. Barbados has benefited from the government’s efforts to develop the tourism sector, offshore banking, informatics, and privatization. Even relatively small investments in the Barbadian economy go a long way toward improving the people’s economic conditions, contrary to Puerto Rico. Barbados has a total labor force of less than 140,000, or just slightly more than 10% of Puerto Rico’s.

With an average per capita GNI of $7,080 (PPP) in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2003, the region has less than half of Puerto Rico’s per capita GNI. The commonwealth, even with its inadequate economic performance, has been able to widen the gap between its per capita GNI and the average in Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Mexico and Costa Rica. In 1975, Puerto Rico’s per capita GNI was $2,650 (PPP), only 30% higher than the average in Latin American and Caribbean countries of $2,040 (PPP). By 2003, the difference had increased to over 100%. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions. Chile, for example, has recently not only been able to keep pace with Puerto Rico but has been closing the per capita income gap.

Chile, slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana and with a population of almost 16 million, four times that of Puerto Rico, implemented sound economic policies in the 1980s, which it has maintained since. These policies have contributed to steady growth and have helped to secure the country’s commitment to a democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation. A three-year-old Marxist government was overthrown in 1973 by a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto Pinochet, who ruled until a democratically elected president was installed in 1990.

In 1975, Chile’s per capita GNI of $1,270 was 48% of Puerto Rico’s $2,650. It was still around 50% in 1985, after which the gap started to narrow; in 2000, the gap had closed to almost 59%. In 1975, Chile’s per capita GNI was 17% of the States’; by 2003, it had increased to 26%, according to World Bank statistics.

The U.S. and Chile concluded negotiations on a bilateral free-trade agreement (FTA) in December 2002. The FTA, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2004, immediately eliminates tariffs on 87% of bilateral trade and will establish duty-free trade on all products within a maximum of 12 years. The advantage of being part of the U.S. market that Puerto Rico has had over its Latin American neighbors since becoming a U.S. territory is disappearing as these countries gain free access to the same market.

On Aug. 5, the Dominican Republic joined five Central American nations in Cafta. Although Puerto Rico still maintains a considerable positive per capita income gap with all of them, this agreement will contribute to reducing Puerto Rico’s competitive advantage in relation to free trade access to the U.S. market. The additional integration of these and other Latin American and Caribbean economies with the U.S. should propitiate their economic convergence with Puerto Rico and the U.S.

Although Puerto Rico is still way ahead of most of the small independent countries that arose around the world during the second part of the 20th century, and of many that had previously gained their independence, a few examples are cited when Puerto Rico’s potential economic performance is discussed to illustrate what independence could represent for the island. Among these are Singapore, Ireland, and Israel.

Singapore, which with 267 square miles is 7.6% the size of Puerto Rico, was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world’s most prosperous countries, with strong international trading links and one of the world’s busiest ports. During the early years following its independence, Singapore benefited from the generally prosperous world economic situation in the mid-1960s. Trade with Japan and the U.S. increased substantially, with Singapore becoming a supply center for the U.S. during the Vietnam War.

Singapore’s population of 4.3 million is comparable to Puerto Rico’s almost four million. In 1960, Singapore’s GNI of $669 million was 39% of the commonwealth’s $1.7 billion. By 1980, they were approximately even, at $11 billion each; and by 1990, Singapore’s was $16 billion bigger. In 2002, the difference was over $40 billion. On a per capita basis, Puerto Rico’s GNI in 1975 was larger than Singapore’s $2,470 (PPP) by $180; in 2000, Singapore’s $23,780 exceeded the commonwealth’s $15,130 by $8,650.

Singapore established six principal economic development policies that contributed to the growth of its economy. These are investment in an efficient and transparent government; active promotion and acquisition of foreign direct investment; creation of a pro-business environment, specifically a favorable tax system; promotion of free trade; introduction of a tight monetary policy; and encouragement of high savings to build local capital.

Singapore has a diversified economy. Electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil-drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore-platform construction, life sciences, and trade are the country’s main industrial sectors. Manufacturing accounts for approximately 25% of Singapore’s GDP, while services account for 70%. Electronics manufacturing makes up half of Singapore’s total production. In 2003, the country’s unemployment rate was 4.7%.

Singapore has an excellent infrastructure and is well served by air, sea, and telecommunications connections. One of the world’s busiest ports, Singapore is the hub and transshipment port for the Asian Peninsula countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China, connecting about 400 shipping lines to more than 700 ports worldwide. Singapore doesn’t only have outstanding seaport facilities; Singapore Changi Airport is a leading air hub, recognized worldwide for its efficiency. Its quality infrastructure, skilled work force, and excellent service in cargo handling have won high acclaim from users. There is also an 83-kilometer mass-transit system with 48 stations, complemented by a cargo rail service.

Singapore also is well-plugged-into the international financial system. It is the fourth-largest foreign exchange trading center in the world, the fifth-largest trader in derivatives, and the ninth-largest offshore lending center. The Singapore Exchange is recognized as a leading stock market in Asia and one of the world’s leading derivatives exchanges.

This economic success hasn’t come cheap, however. Although not a one-party political system, the government has been virtually under the total control of the People’s Action Party. The administration, led by Lee Kuan Yew from when the country achieved independence in 1965 until 1990, when Goh Chok Tong was elected prime minister, hasn’t hesitated to stop the rise of any effective opposition.

Holding a monopoly on power and opportunity in a small country, the party could easily co-opt the willing and suppress dissidents. The traditional bases–students and labor organizations–of opposition groups in the past were tightly circumscribed. Control of the broadcast media was in the hands of the government, and economic pressures were applied to any newspapers that became too critical, according to a Library of Congress study of Singapore.

For too long, the government’s leadership has held the paternalistic view that only those who had brought the nation through the perilous years after independence could be trusted to make the decisions that would keep Singapore on the narrow path of stability and prosperity. The majority of Singaporeans scarcely dissented from this view. Singapore Inc., as some observers refer to the country, has spent all its history under the same management or successors handpicked according to a meritocratic system.

When Puerto Rico is compared with small independent countries in Europe, Ireland is almost always mentioned. Ireland isn’t a newly independent country; it gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1921 and withdrew from the British Commonwealth in 1948. In 1970, almost 50 years after the country achieved independence, Ireland’s GNI of $4.5 billion was lower than Puerto Rico’s $4.7 billion.

Ireland, which competes with Puerto Rico for industrial investment, established the Ireland Investment Development Agency (IDA), an organization that works as a one-stop shop for investors. The IDA uses a selective process to attract foreign investors, particularly investments from pharmaceutical, medical devices, and biotechnology corporations. Ireland offers the lowest corporation tax rate in Europe, at 12.5%; a young, skilled, well-educated work force with relevant technological and business skills; protection of intellectual property; a positive environment for research and development; and an advanced and competitive industrial infrastructure.

The Irish government’s economic policies are directed toward the creation of a stable economic environment that is supportive of the needs of business. Ireland’s economic growth rates in recent years have consistently been among the highest among those ranked in the Organization of Economic Cooperation & Development. Ireland offers investors a stable, profitable, English-speaking base to serve world markets. This is why more than 1,050 overseas companies have made Ireland their location of choice.

In 1973, the Irish Republic became a member of the European Union, which has helped the country converge with the wealthier members on the European mainland. Ireland’s decision in 1999 to adopt the euro as its currency, joining 11 other European Union members, has also contributed to its economic convergence toward its wealthier and bigger neighbors in Europe, such as Germany.

Although it has a similarly sized population of 3.9 million, Ireland is seven times larger in land area than Puerto Rico. Ireland, like Puerto Rico, has a strategic location on major air and sea routes, but there also lies the big difference. Ireland is in Europe, not in the Americas, and most trade in the Americas isn’t with European nations but with the U.S. It is logical and good business practice for Ireland to seek economic and political integration within Europe, as many argue it should be for Puerto Rico to pursue further integration with the U.S. mainland.

The Irish strategy of integration has outperformed Puerto Rico’s autonomous economic model. In 2000, the per capita GNI of Irish citizens was $25,970, or $10,840 higher than Puerto Rico’s. In 2002, Ireland’s GNI of $98.8 billion was more than twice Puerto Rico’s $45 billion.

Israel is also mentioned when comparing Puerto Rico’s economic performance with that of independent countries. Israel has a population of 6.2 million and is approximately the size of New Jersey in terms of land area, and at 8,017 square miles more than twice the size of P.R. Its per capita GNI is one of the highest in the Middle East, surpassing all of its oil-rich Arab neighbors except for the United Arab Emirates. Israel’s 2003 per capita GNI of $19,200 (PPP) was $2,880 higher than Puerto Rico’s.

In 1960, Puerto Rico’s GNI of $1.7 billion was 59% of Israel’s $2.9 billion; by 2002, Israel had climbed to $100.9 billion, compared with Puerto Rico’s $45 billion. On a per capita basis, however, it is quite a different story. In 1975, Puerto Rico’s per capita GNI of $2,650 was 59% of Israel’s $4,530; it was 63% a decade later and 78% in 2000. On a per capita basis, Puerto Rico has been doing much better than Israel, converging toward that country’s originally higher per capita GNI.

The U.S. has had a long-term commitment to the security, well-being, and economic development of Israel. President Harry S. Truman said in a speech on Oct. 28, 1948, "It is my responsibility to see that our policy in Israel fits in with our policy throughout the world; second, it is my desire to help build in Palestine a strong, prosperous, free, and independent democratic state. It must be large enough, free enough, and strong enough to make its people self-supporting and secure." The U.S. has lived up to its commitment and its aid has been instrumental to Israel’s economic performance.

According to the American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, Israel has received more direct aid from the U.S. since World War II than any other country. Since 1949, total assistance to Israel from the U.S. has amounted to $97.8 billion, including the proposed $2.6 billion for 2005. Once a traditional economy, based mainly on agriculture, light industry, and labor-intensive production, Israel has become a knowledge-based economy with internationally competitive telecommunications, high-tech, and agro-technology industries. Israel’s military expenditures are another important part of the economy; in 2003, they totaled $9.11 billion, or approximately 9% of the nation’s GDP.

Israel’s economy has also benefited from a rather unique situation: the influx of Russian immigrants. The number of Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union topped 750,000 during the 1990s, bringing Israel’s population from the former Soviet Union to one million, one-sixth of the total, and adding scientific and professional expertise of substantial value for the Israeli economy. The situation is exactly the opposite in Puerto Rico, where there has been a scientific and professional exodus.

Although the commonwealth’s economic performance has been lacking in comparison with the U.S. mainland states, this isn’t the case in comparison with the vast majority of small independent nations that have emerged over the past 50 years. According to the World Bank’s 2003 per capita GNI ranking, Puerto Rico surpassed the vast majority of independent countries, including all of the independent republics of Latin America, none of which have been able to reach the wealth levels of the U.S. mainland. Independence has not been an economic or political panacea for the majority of small independent countries around the world.

Global competitiveness

Competitiveness is the key in the global economy. In its "First Report to the President & Congress" in 1992, the U.S. Competitiveness Policy Council said competitiveness is the degree to which a nation can, under free trade and fair market conditions, produce goods and services that meet the test of international markets while maintaining and expanding the real incomes of its people over the long term. The Competitiveness Advisory Group said, "Competitiveness should be seen as a basic means to raise the standard of living, provide jobs to the unemployed, and eradicate poverty."

According to the IMD’s 2004 World Competitiveness Yearbook, a world-renowned and comprehensive report ranking 60 national and regional economies, the U.S. is the most competitive nation in the world, with an index score of 100. The intelligence unit of San Juan-based research firm QBS recently performed a competitiveness assessment of Puerto Rico to integrate the island into the IMD rankings. Puerto Rico’s competitive index score was 62.5, which would give it a global ranking of 35.

In comparative international economic terms, being a territory of the U.S. has been positive for Puerto Rico; the economic growth and improvements have been substantial. The territory has progressed from being the "poorhouse of the Caribbean" to being the "poorhouse of the U.S.," the wealthiest economy in the world.

Next week, CARIBBEAN BUSINESS will examine the economic performance of the Freely Associated States.

Gross National Income (GNI) Per Capita Comparison of Selected Countries

1975 / 1980 / 1985 / 1990 / 1995 / 2000

Ireland: 3,260 / 5,420 / 7,640 / 11.400 / 15,820 / 25,970

Singapore: 2,470 / 4,970 / 7,710 / 12,170 / 18,350 / 23,780

Israel: 4,530 / 6,940 / 9,500 / 12,530 / 16,400 / 19,490

Puerto Rico: 2,650 / 4,530 / 6,000 / 8,860 / 11,770 / 15,130

Chile: 1,270 / 2,380 / 2,970 / 4,450 / 7,050 / 8,890

GNI: A World Bank economic title for GNP (gross national product)

Analysis: CB Research & QBS Intelligence Unit

Source: World Bank

2004 World Competitiveness Ranking & Score

No. 1 USA (100)

No. 2 Singapore (90)

No. 10 Ireland (80)

No. 26 Chile (70)

No. 33 Israel (63)

No. 35 Puerto Rico (63)

No. 42 Colombia (57)

No. 57 Mexico (43)

No. 60 Argentina (37)

Analysis: QBS Intelligence Unit

Source: IMD

This Caribbean Business article appears courtesy of Casiano Communications.
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O. Turin N. 57093
Other nos.: O. Turin inv. no. 10378, O. Turin suppl. 6395
Description: Limestone, 9.5 x 8 cms. Damaged; chips have come off the left and right edges, causing loss of writing. Two sides; obverse: five lines; reverse: six lines. Black ink. Top obverse = top reverse.
Classification: letter
Keywords: bread - conflict - textile
Provenance: Deir el-Medina; excavations Schiaparelli 1905.
Publication: Lopez, Ostraca ieratici 2, 9 (description), pl. 51-51a (facsimile, transcription); Wente, Letters , 164 no. 264 (translation)
Dates mentioned: -
Dates attributed: D yn. 20 (Lopez)
Contents: Letter in which the addressee is told that the message has been received, after which a conflict is referred to. The addressee is told that he knows the way of the Hr.y , who has not provided food and clothing.
Terminology: -
Names/Titles: an. (Hr.y ; rev. 4); Imn (deity; obv. 2); PA-Ra (deity; obv. ~3#); PtH (deity; obv. 2)
Remarks: -

Record last updated 2005-05-27


Nebuchadnezzar's Greatest Present - Descriptive writing

Essay by BenqHigh School, 10th gradeA, April 2007

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The hanging gardens of Babylon, also known as the hanging gardens of Semiramis, were for centuries one of the Ancient World Wonders, and their disputed existence intrigued architects and historians for decades. The descriptions of the gardens were not only exaggerated but also described as a true paradise impossible to reconstruct.

The gardens were said to be built by Nebuchadnezzar II in 600 B.C to cheer up his homesick wife, Amytis. The real name for the Gardens comes from the Greek word ÃÂÃÂkremastosÃÂÃÂ and the Latin word ÃÂÃÂpensilisÃÂÃÂ, which means not really ÃÂÃÂhangingÃÂÃÂ, but ÃÂÃÂoverhangingÃÂÃÂ, which could mean the Gardens hung from a group of terraces or balconies. The Greek geographer Strabo, who described the gardens in the first century B.C, wrote that the gardens consisted of vaulted terraces raised one above another, and resting upon cube-shaped pillars.

Although no records have ever been found accounting the gardensÃÂÃÂ existence, tablets found at the city of Nineveh describe similar architectural marvels, and ruined Mesopotamian palaces have similar sections, but in a much smaller scale.

These tablets by historians who could have had an approximate overview of these gardens, which differs among historians, since no-one can be totally sure about them. Heredoctus (one of many historians, who described the hanging gardens of Babylon) said the whole mass was supported on stone columns, where streams of water emerging from elevated sources flew down sloping channels. These waters irrigated the whole garden saturating the roots of plants and keeping the whole are moist. Hence, the grass was permanently green and the leaves of trees grew firmly attached to supple branches.

Personally, I believe that although some historians assume the Gardens are a legend, the story remains fascinating, interesting and that involves huge chunks of architectural mastery, and since it has been a point of study for so many generations of people, the Gardens have been an example for global culture and will remain so until their existence is definitely discarded, or the Gardens are rebuilt for our own pleasure and enjoyment.

(340 words)Source : Wikipedia


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Marin County Psychological Association
Marin County Psychological Association

Anxious Children and Teens

Author: Dr. Tracy Ryaru

Anxiety is a natural part of childhood. In fact countless daily experiences can trigger anxiety. Although it may sound odd at first, some anxiety is actually beneficial. For example, anxiety about getting burned may cause children to avoid hot stovetops. However, anxiety may also have incredibly challenging effects.  For some children and teens anxiety significantly interferes with school, family relationships, friendships and other important parts of their lives. When anxiety profoundly impacts the life of a child or teen an anxiety disorder may be present.

Anxiety Disorders

Approximately 1 in 8 children (under age 18 years old) develop an anxiety disorder (“Children and Teens,” n.d.). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5), children and teenagers sometimes experience the following anxiety disorders:

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Children, and sometimes teens, experience significant fear and anxiety about separating from people with whom they are closely attached (e.g., parent, caretaker). This could include an intense fear about leaving a parent to attend school. Separation Anxiety Disorder refers to a level of fear and anxiety that is well beyond what is expected given the age of the child (5th ed.; DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association; 2013).

Selective Mutism: Children, and sometimes teens, consistently do not speak in situations where speaking is expected, but do speak in other situations. For example, a child may not speak at school but speaks without hesitation at home (5th ed.; DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association; 2013).

Social Anxiety Disorder (also known as Social Phobia): Children and teens are extremely fearful of interacting with others, especially in situations where there is the possibility of being criticized (5th ed.; DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association; 2013).

Specific Phobia: Children and teens experience significant fear about specific objects and situations. For example, a teenager may be extremely fearful of dogs, and as a result put tremendous effort into avoiding all situations where dogs might be present (5th ed.; DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association; 2013).

Agoraphobia: Children and teens experience intense fear or avoidance of a variety of situations. This may include public transportation, open spaces, enclosed spaces, etc. For those who have agoraphobia, the situation is frightening because they believe something horrible will happen. For example, they may feel like escape would not be possible, something embarrassing may occur, or that there would be no help should panic symptoms begin (5th ed.; DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association; 2013).

Panic Disorder:  Children and teens experience repeated panic attacks that include intense fear of having another panic attack, feeling like they are “going crazy” and/or changing behavior to avoid things that may trigger an attack. Panic attacks are time limited and involve a variety of symptoms, including, but not limited to heart palpitations, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, shaking, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and/or fear of dying (5th ed.; DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association; 2013).

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Children and teens experience extreme worry about multiple parts of life that are difficult to control, and the amount of worry exceeds what would be expected (5th ed.; DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association; 2013).

Causes of Anxiety Disorders

The exact causes of anxiety disorders are not yet fully understood. However, what is known is that anxiety appears to be triggered by a combination of stress and genetics (“Anxiety: Causes,” 2012). Children and teens experience a variety of stressors, including but not limited to, challenging relationships with peers, family difficulties, learning differences, grief/loss, trauma and medical challenges. Also, children and teens with a family history of anxiety are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.

Treating Anxiety Disorders

Parents should seek guidance from a mental health professional if the anxiety that their child or teen is experiencing is interfering with his/her typical activities (“The Anxious Child,” 2012). A range of options exist to help children and teens with anxiety. A mental health professional can assist clients with determining the best treatment approach given the presenting symptoms. These may include specific types of therapy, or medications, or a combination of the two. Psychological assessments may also be used to learn more about the type of anxiety present, including underlying difficulties that may be contributing to the anxiety. They can then serve as a “road-map” to give increased direction to therapy. It is important that anxiety disorders be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent challenges in the future, such as academic difficulties, friendship challenges and/or decreased self-esteem (“The Anxious Child,” 2012).

Below are MCPA Members with specialties in this area:

Philip M. Alex Ph.D. Geraldine Alpert PhD
Ann Bernhardt Ph.D. Ann Buscho Ph.D.
Laura Cabanski Dunning Ph.D. Danielle Casden Clinical Health Psychologist
Valerie Crawford Ph.D. Janice Cumming Ph.D.
Sharon Cushman Ph. D. Claire de Andrade Psy.D.
Diane Engelman Ph.D. Jodi Engstrom PsyD
Bert Faerstein Ph.D. Sue Fleckles Ph.D.
Patricia Frisch Ph.D. Christine Gazulis Ph.D.
James K. Goetz Psy.D. Laurie Goren PsyD
Kate Gustin PhD Diane Harnish PhD
Meghan Harris Psy.D. Katharine Hatch Ph.D.
Annette Holloway Psy.D. A. Raja Hornstein Psy.D.
Brooke Jackson Psy.D. Dan Kalb PhD
Jacob Kaminker PhD Haleh Kashani Ph.D.
Margot Kirschner PsyD Jonathan Kopp Ph.D.
Dorothy ("DeLee") Lantz Ph.D. Julie Maccarin Ph.D.
Alexandra Matthews Ph.D. Deb Nelson Psy.D.
Robert Nemerovski Psy.D. Summer Nipomnick PhD
Barbara Nova Ph.D. Annice Ormiston PsyD
Anka Paine PsyD Jeremy Peterman PhD
Diane Pickett Ph.D. Maria Jose Prieto PhD
Jennifer Rice Ph.D. Robbin Rockett Psy. D
Anne-Olivia Rose Psy.D. Frederick Rozendal Ph.D.
Tracy Ryaru Ph.D. Roberta Seifert Ph.D.
Joan Steidinger Ph.D. Alyssa Steiger Psy.D.
Shelly Stolesen Ph.D. Diane Suffridge Ph.D.
Beth Cooper Tabakin Ph.D. Amy Torchia PsyD
Julie Wolfert Psy.D. Jane Zich Ph.D.

Marin County Psychology Association (MCPA) provides this listing service for licensed psychologists who are current association members. The people on the list have entered and have direct control over what is posted. MCPA does not verify this information. We hope this service helps you find an appropriate psychologist to fit your needs.


Aircraft: Through World War I

Click to view all Aircraft: Through World War I articles starting with the most recent.

Coanda 1911 Monoplane prop Coandă 1911 Monoplane - Romanian Henri Coandă’s 1911 aircraft utilized wing warping and two 70 hp (52 kW) Gnome rotary engines coupled to a single propeller. It was one of the first twin-engine aircraft to fly.
Deperdussin-de Feure store rear Deperdussin-de Feure Model 2 - The Deperdussin-de Feure Model 2 was designed by Georges de Feure and built in France in 1909. The unique aircraft featured a canard design, contra-rotating propellers, and movable wings to alter the center of pressure.
Dubois Riout front wings down DuBois-Riout Ornithopter - Ornithopters are aircraft that use flapping wings to achieve flight. French engineer René Riout built his first full-size ornithopter in 1913. Although impressive, the machine was not a success.
Papin-Rouilly Gyroptere (Gyropter) - The French Papin-Rouilly Gyroptere was an early attempt at vertical flight. However, its design was deficient, and its unique power and control systems proved too advanced for 1915.
PKZ 2 engines 3 Petróczy-Kármán-Žurovec PKZ 2 Helicopter - Stephan Petróczy von Petrócz, Theodor von Kármán, and Wilhelm Žurovec combined their abilities to create a tethered helicopter that used three La Rhône rotary engines to power contra-rotating rotor blades.
Rumpler Loutzkoy-Taube front ground Rumpler-Loutzkoy-Taube Aircraft - Boris Loutzkoy’s power system was the first to employ coaxial propellers that rotated in the same direction. Installed in a Rumpler-Loutzkoy-Taube aircraft in 1912, the system was not a success.


Industry News | March 11, 2015

Hot Sauce Gains Popularity in U.S.

Hot sauce is hot right now, according to the NPD Group, a leading global information company. Fifty-six percent of households have hot sauce on hand in their kitchens, and sriracha, a relatively new Asian hot sauce, is already stocked in 9 percent of total U.S. households and 16 percent of households headed by someone under age 35, according to NPD’s recently released audit of U.S. kitchens. The popularity of hot sauce also extends to away-from-home dining experiences. Cases of hot sauce shipped from foodservice distributors to restaurants and other foodservice outlets increased by double-digits over the past two years, reports NPD’s SupplyTrack.

Classic Louisiana-style hot sauce is still the leader in terms of case volume shipped from distributors to U.S. foodservice outlets, but shipment growth has tapered off because of the wide variety of hot sauces now available, finds NPD. Case shipments of some habanero hot sauce flavors, particularly habanero with fruit flavors like mango, grew triple-digits in the year ending December 2014 compared to same period year ago. There were double the cases shipped of Chipotle hot sauce flavors and srircha in 2014 than in the previous year, finds SupplyTrack, a monthly tracking service that tracks every product shipped from major broadline distributors to their foodservice operators.

Females, ages 18 to 44 and 55 to 64, and males, ages 18 to 54 and 65-plus, eat more than the average amount of hot sauce over the course of a year, according to NPD’s ongoing food and beverage market research, National Eating Trends. Females, ages 45 to 54 and 65-plus eat less than the average amount. Males, ages 55 to 64, eat an average amount. Dual-income, no-kids households, commonly referred to as DINKS, eat more hot sauce than any household lifecycle. Consumers in the South eat more hot sauce than any other region of the country, but those in Central and Western U.S. also eat an above-average amount. Eating less than an average amount of hot sauce are those consumers in the East.

There is a scientific explanation as to why consumers are willing to subject themselves to the burning sensation on their tongue and watery eyes that eating hot sauce often causes. The burning sensation is caused by capsaicin, a natural chemical that sends a burning sensation from the nerve endings in the mouth to the brain. The body defends itself against the pain sensation by secreting endorphins, natural painkillers that cause a physical rush, which is similar to a runner’s high.

“Hot sauce is clearly part of the diet of many U.S. consumers, and it’s a food that crosses gender, age, ethnicity, and income,” says Annie Roberts, vice president, NPD SupplyTrack. “Hot or pepper sauce is a large seasoning category, and for foodservice manufacturers and operators it’s about understanding the category’s share; where the category is growing and where it isn’t; and from which other categories it’s stealing share.”


The epidemiology of longevity and exceptional survival.

The field of the "epidemiology of longevity" has been expanding rapidly in recent years. Several long-term cohort studies have followed older adults long enough to identify the most long-lived and to define many factors that lead to a long life span. Very long-lived people such as centenarians have been examined using case-control study designs. Both cohort and case-control studies have been the subject of genome-wide association studies that have identified genetic variants associated with longevity. With growing recognition of the importance of rare variations, family studies of longevity will be useful. Most recently, exome and whole-genome sequencing, gene expression, and epigenetic studies have been undertaken to better define functional variation and regulation of the genome. In this review, we consider how these studies are leading to a deeper understanding of the underlying biologic pathways to longevity.

DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxs013

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Cite this paper

@article{Newman2013TheEO, title={The epidemiology of longevity and exceptional survival.}, author={Anne B. Newman and Joanne M . Murabito}, journal={Epidemiologic reviews}, year={2013}, volume={35}, pages={181-97} }


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Catholic Church “fathers” are men who came after the death of the apostles and started preaching doctrines utterly opposite the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. They were made” saints” by Catholics, idols and icons are made of them and they are prayed to and worshiped. They were exactly the men the true Apostles forewarned before they died: “that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”. - Conrado J. Obligacion member of INC-1914.

That’s the ridiculous thing I ever heard! TRULY A PROMPT ATTENTION IS NEEDED.

Complete Apostasy Theory – Two points of Contradictions
By c.pio

If someone is telling you that you are a cheater and cannot provide any proof (because in truth there are none) to substantiate his claim, that person is a LIAR. According to the Sacred Scriptures that the act of deceiving, concealment or distortion of the truth for the purpose of misleading others originates to SATAN; clearly in Apostle Peter statement when he confronted Ananias with a profound words:  “why has Satan filled your heart to lie” [Acts 5:3].

With this in mind, let us scrutinize if the statement is true and the accuser was not a liar.

[utterly opposite the teaching of Christ..]

As we read on the Sacred Scriptures (bible), Christ’s teaching in Matthew 16:18:

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my CHURCH AND THE GATES OF HADES SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT”. And in Matthew 28:20:“And behold, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE END OF THE WORLD.”

Clearly, Christ built a Church and the gates of Hades shall not overcome it and he is with us till the end of the world. But if we are going to compare it to accuser’s statement; it seems to us that he did not believe to the promises of Christ. Who then is the one utterly teaching an OPPOSITE TO THE TEACHING OF CHRIST?

[utterly opposite the teaching of the Apostles..]

Apostle Paul instructions to Timothy

“and what you have heard from me before many witnesses ENTRUST TO FAITHFUL MEN WHO WILL BE ABLE TO TEACH OTHERS ALSO."[2Tim.2:2]

Why does Apostle Paul needed to instruct Timothy to entrust to other faithful men all what he also received if after them (apostles), no truth anymore? Don’t tell me that the Holy Spirit is a liar when He inspires Paul while writing his epistle? Or the accuser’s statement per se is utterly teaching an OPPOSITE TO THE TEACHING OF APOSTLES?

Again in John 14:26 and John 16:13:

"The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name, HE WILL TEACH YOU EVERYTHING AND REMIND YOU OF ALL I HAVE TOLD YOU" [Jn 14:26];

"But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, HE WILL GUIDE YOU TO ALL TRUTH" [Jn 16:13]

Christ our Lord is sending an Advocate (the Holy Spirit) that will teach and remind all what Christ told to them and the most important thing is that they WILL GUIDE THEM TO ALL TRUTH.

It is first fulfilled in the accounts of Acts of the Apostles

“And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues, as it were of fire, and is sat upon every one of them. And they were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the HOLY SPIRIT gave them to speak.” [Acts 2:1-4]

But this HOLY SPIRIT that will TEACH REMIND AND GUIDE THEM TO ALL TRUTH has been received by others also and not exclusively for the Apostles.

[Acts 2:38] “..And you shall received the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT”

[Acts 2:41] “they therefore that received his word were baptized and there added in that day about THREE THOUSAND SOULS”

[Acts 10:45] “All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.”

No wonder why Apostle Paul instructed Timothy in [2Tim.2:2] because he (Paul) is faithful to Christ’s words; he knew from the beginning that the same HOLY SPIRIT that TEACH, REMIND AND GUIDE THEM (APOSTLES) TO ALL TRUTH WILL ALSO THE ONE WHO WILL TEACH, REMIND AND GUIDE TIMOTHY AND THE REST OF THEIR SUCCESSORS TO ALL TRUTH.

Another penetrating truth that we must take also, the experience of Paul,

“He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I AM JESUS, WHOM YOU ARE PERSECUTING,” he replied [Acts 9:4-5].

It is no longer the Church, IT IS CHRIST HIMSELF! So if the Church that Christ founded from the beginning as per the accusers’ claim that this Church is totally apostatized, DOES CHRIST HIMSELF APOSTATIZED?

Majority of biblical scholars (protestant alike) agreed that in the first century (apostolic age) NO SO CALLED “BIBLE” WAS EXISTS like what we have today, even in the second century NO OFFICIAL LIST of which books and epistles are true written by the Apostles (remember lots of Gnostic Gospels are in the circular at that period like Gospel of Judas, Gospel of Tomas etc.) none of which completely agree on which books have sufficient authority to be included. BUT IT TOOK TWO HUNDRED YEARS AFTER THE APOSTOLIC PERIOD before we got a list which books are truly written by the Apostles [Athanasius Bishop of Alexandria successor of Christ Apostles] and UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF POPE DAMASUS I, we received the OFFICIAL LIST OF ALL BOOKS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BIBLE WHICH IS THE SAME THAT WE HAVE TODAY [Council of Rome 382AD]

Both persons that we mentioned is a successor of the Apostles, so if the accuser’s statement is true:

WHY THEN THEY USE THIS BIBLE AS PART OF THEIR FAITH KNOWING THAT THIS BIBLE (ALL BOOKS THAT INCLUDED HERE) IS A TESTIMONIAL FAITH OF THE THIRD CENTURY CHRISTIANS? [Testimonial Faith in making a decision (to name a few) that the Gospel of Matthew must be included while Gospel of Tomas be regarded as false one.]

In the end, the lack of scholarly facts to substantiate the hypothesis combine with unfamiliarity in the bible accounts would be the major problems in the part of IglesianiManalo INC-1914 and other accusers to stand and accuse the TRUE CHURCH – THE CATHOLIC CHURCH as APOSTATIZED CHURCH from the beginning.

“Then Peter said, Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you
have lied to the Holy Spirit” “… you have not lied to men, but to GOD” [Acts 5:3-4]

To summarize let Christ speaks [John 14:15-21]

Christ Promise that he will not abandon his Church.

Let us remember Polycarp who had been the disciple of John the Apostle of Christ: received his martyrdom(burned alive) for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Let us remember Ignatius of Antioch disciple of Peter (and Paul) apostles of Christ fed to the lions for the sake of God’s Kingdom. From Christ to his Apostles to Apostles successors forewarned before they died: “that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”. AS WE SHOWN ABOVE, WHO SPREAD THE DOCTRINES OF DEVILS?

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  1. Santiago Vargas:

    If you are in argument with INC about the so called apostasy of church ask them a valid document supporting their claim. If they cannot show any, then you have nothing to argue.

  2. This is the precise reason Mister why I wrote this article, knowing that they don’t have any valid document/s that will support their claim, they keep on accusing Catholic Church as such. Mister, I know that it seems to you that I am fundamentalist (as seen in each articles that I wrote) but I’m not, this is only a responsorial thing.

  3. I am the first poster above:

    If INCorporation members are the first Christians as they always claim without proof documents, why they do not give respect to the martyrs during those time. Note that those first martyrs are murdered during the time of the apostles; for example St. Stephen, deacon, was stoned to death at Jerusalem; he is venerated as the first Christian martyr. During his martyrdom, the apostles are still alive and St. Stephen is supposed to be INC's "kapatid". But why they never give honor or respect to St. Stephen? but instead they give Manalos the lordly-respect.

    This is funny in the sense that they do not recognized those martyrs for Christian faith. Is it because Catholic did first respect those early Christian martyrs? And they do not want to make "gaya-gaya puto maya" in respecting those martyrs who fought for the survival of the Christian Faith. It seems obviously, so I assume that they do not even give recognition to the apostles. But they are die-hard to the Manalos. Isn't it a sign of cultism? Being fanatic to the so-called messenger?

  4. nice and profound insight.

    God bless. and wish you in advance a Joyful New year.

  5. That the fathers of the Church teach something which it is not biblical is totally nonsense. My point is this: we have the biblical exegesis of the Fathers of the Church which are in tuned with the apostles who walked with Christ, it fallows then, that we, Catholics, have the Doctrine of the Church which is totally biblical. These individuals suffer from biblical myopia. How can one argued that, by “Scripture alone,” one have disclosed the real meaning of the gospels and the epistles of the apostles. It is absurd to say the least, that 1500 years later Luther and Cramer have discovered the true of the New Testament. We have 2,000 years holding the same dogmas (implicitly or explicitly), and our lovely friends about 500 years holding that amongst the 39,000 sects none of these sects hold the same doctrine. The only doctrine they have in common is that they are against the authority of the CC. They have two doctrines in common “sola scripture and by faith alone.” For these people who hates the Catholic Church, one must be clear when preaching to them: extra ecclesia nulla sallus. God bless

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It is cold today. Not bitterly cold, but cold enough to layer. I've never really liked Grey, but somehow I developed a fondness for the shade. All of a sudden I realised how much fun is to be had when playing around with metallic shades.  It's a neutral colour, capable of being worn with many other colours. So why not wear Grey? Besides, it doesn't have to match. It's amazing how many options are discovered when you suddenly let yourself open for a change. Grey with Taupe, Grey with Camel, Grey with Teal, Grey with Grey...... so get on with it and play with your clothes to make new discoveries. When I bought this jacket, with it's unusual pattern and texture, resembling felt being piled and flattened, hidden  away in a store in the village of Como, Italy, it was an instant love affair, but one that died a sudden death since I had no idea what to wear with it. I then embarked on a playful  discovery with endless possibilities laying it out on a flat surface, mixing it up with other things in my wardrobe. I allowed myself a style challenge and all of a sudden I have a plethora of new outfit options. Moral of the story, don't think of Grey as being pale. Play with your clothes to make new discoveries.

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Sturgill’s “Sugar Daddy” Goes Electric

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Answering the Questions Parents Ask

April 08, 2016

Can a player wear any jewelry on the field? Players are not permitted to wear jewelry such as, but not limited to, rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. The only exception is jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific condition. Sunglasses are permitted.

Are pitchers allowed to wear arm sleeves? A baseball pitcher can wear an arm sleeve, but it must be fully covered by an undershirt. And, any part of the pitcher’s undershirt that can be seen must be a solid color, and the sleeves cannot be white or gray. A softball pitcher may wear and arm sleeve, but is not required to cover it. Also, a pitcher cannot wear any items on his/her hands, wrists, or arms which may be distracting to the hitter. So, if your child plays baseball and wants to use an arm sleeve on the mound, keep a long-sleeved dark-color undershirt on hand.

What exactly is the mandatory play rule? During regular season play, every rostered player present at the start of a game will participate in each game for a minimum of six defensive outs (basically, two full innings in the field, however those six outs do not need to be consecutive) and bat at least one time for regular season games.

For tournament games, mandatory play is adjusted slightly. During tournament play, there is no mandatory play requirements for the Senior League Divisions. At all other levels, if a tournament team has 13 or more eligible players in uniform at game, then every player on a team roster shall participate in each game for a minimum of one at bat. If a tournament team has 12 or fewer eligible players in uniform at a game, then every player on a team roster shall participate in each game for a minimum of six consecutive defensive outs and bat at least one time.

Can my son or daughter use a bat weight on the bat to prepare for an at-bat? No. The traditional batting donut is not permissible, but a weighted bat sleeve is. In addition, the on-deck position is not permitted in the Little League (Major) Division and below.

Why does Little League have pitch count regulations for baseball? The answer is simple – to protect young arms. Player safety is paramount, and we’re proud of the regulations we’ve put in place. The healthier Little Leaguers® are, the more games they’ll play, which results in them having more fun with their friends. Pitch count rules differ for several divisions. Please visit Regular Season Pitching Rules for more information, and be sure to alert your team’s manager if your child pitches in youth baseball programs other that Little League.

What does an uncaught third strike mean? Mistakenly called a “Dropped Third Strike,” this is when a batter becomes a runner after the third strike called by an umpire, or a pitch is swung on and missed by a batter, is not caught by the catcher. For the hitter to be eligible as a runner, however, first base must be unoccupied or first base is occupied with two outs. To put the batter-runner out, the defense must tag the batter or first base before the batter touches first base. An uncaught third strike does not apply to play below the Little League (Major) Division.

During a play at home plate, does a runner have to avoid the catcher, whether he or she is sliding or not? A play at the plate is no different than a play at any other base. A player must slide or attempt to avoid the defensive player. There is no “must-slide rule” in Little League.

Can players wear sunglasses on the top of their hat? Yes.

In softball, is a face guard necessary on a helmet? A face guard on a helmet, whether worn at the plate or as a safety precaution in the field, is optional.

Does the catcher need to wear a long-model chest protector? In 2014, Little League International amended its regulations, allowing catchers to wear either a long or short-model chest protector.
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Land Administration - Why

Access to land and other natural resources is an important basis for the livelihood of poor people. This access must be stable and secure. The main objective of land administration is to secure stability in relation to the division of land between individuals, groups of individuals or other legal entities.

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The goal is to accumulate a virtual $1 million by practicing healthy habits — there are more than a dozen ways to earn dollars each day. As participants record daily activities (worth more or less, depending on degree of impact) and answer questions in a clever TIP$ game, their prize money adds up.

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AGATHA CHRISTIE Books Reading Challenge

Why Agatha Christie books' Reading Challenge?

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Years ago, I stumbled upon a book called " Sleeping Murder ' by Agatha Christie. I bought it but did not read it. I have never read any of her books before. It was a time when I was slowly realising that I really like suspense stories. I was staying in a hostel then.

 One day, a girl preparing for her medical entrance examination happened to see this book on my shelf. She borrowed it from me. I was surprised for I had never seen her whiling away her time by reading other books. She just took two hours to finish it.

When she returned it, I said " Why did you hurry? You should have taken more time."

She told me " Chechi ( sister), it is an Agatha Christie book. How could you just put it down without knowing who the killer is."

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I have read 18 AC books. But I haven't reviewed most of them. Now, I am going to do it. This will give me an opportunity to read her books again.
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When an individual seeks chiropractic health care and I accept this individual for such care, it is essential for both to be workingtowards the same objective. Chiropractic has only one goal. The goal is to eliminate Subluxations within the spinal column, which interferes with the expressionof the body's innate wisdom. It is important that you as the patient understand both the objective and the method that will be used to attain our goal. This will prevent any confusion or disappointment.

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If you desire advice, diagnosis, treatment for thosefindings, I will recommend that you seek the services of a health care provider who specializes in the area. Regardless of what the disease is called, I do not offer to treat it. Nor do I offer advice regarding treatment prescribed by others. MY ONLY PRACTICE OBJECTIVE is to eliminate major interference to the expression of the body's innate wisdom. My method is specific adjusting to correct vertebral and joint Subluxations.

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KUKA System Software

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Furthermore, designed specifically for lightweight robots such as the KUKA LBR iiwa and the KUKA Mobility product range, KUKA Sunrise.OS is a system software package for planning innovative robot applications.


Council Requirements For Food Stalls

or you apply for a day license (add 45$ council fee). please download and fill out this questionnaire (click this link to the questionnaire)

Food safety advice for food stalls at temporary events. The following basic facilities are required: If outside an awning, side-less tent, or umbrella to keep food out of direct sunlight. If ground is wet or unsealed use, vinyl floor covering or plastic non-slip clip mats. Adequate number of tables or benches for storing, preparing and displaying your food. Hand wash facilities are compulsory at all stalls where open food is present or cooking is occurring. Require portable hand washbasin or water container with tap, liquid soap, paper hand towels and a bucket to collect wastewater. This is to be set up and in use before your stall opens. Hands should be washed before any food is handled. A bucket containing water is not acceptable. Clean disposable cloths, water, detergent, sanitiser and drying cloths. Store cleaning items separately from food. Disposable containers and utensils, preferably recyclable for selling your food. Do not overcrowd your stall with too many staff. Rubbish bin. First aid kit. Food handlers Suitable clothing, clean apron, head covering or hat. Long hair should be tied back and minimal jewellery worn. Smoking is not allowed at the stall at anytime, if you leave the stall to smoke remove your apron and wash your hands when you return to the stall. Unwell persons should not be present at the stall or have handled any food before the event. Hands should be washed and gloves changed on a regular basis; e.g. after handling raw foods, using the toilet, handling refuse, touching face/hair, coughing or sneezing Plastic gloves are not a substitute for regular hand washing. Keep it simple, choose foods that can be cooked and served safely. Buy your ingredients close to the event; do not buy foods past their expiry date. Protect your food during transport to the event. Foods should be covered/wrapped or stored in clean sealed containers. Do not expose foods to contamination from dust, dirt and people. At the stall use, sneeze guards, clear plastic covers to display and protect your food. Officers will remove and dispose of any unprotected food. Store raw foods such as unwashed fruit and vegetables, raw meat and fish in separate containers from cooked and ready to eat foods. Use separate cutting boards, tongs and knives when handling and cooking raw and ready to eat foods. Wash hands in between handling raw and cooked foods. This is to prevent bacteria from raw foods/juices cross contaminating cooked and ready to eat foods. High risk foods such as tofu, dairy items, cooked rice, cooked meat and fish etc must be kept either cold (below 4 Â°C) or piping hot (above 70 Â°C).This applies prior to the event, during transport to the event, during storage at the event and when displaying foods at your stall. Cold storage: use freezers, fridges, chilly bins â€“ have enough ice or ice packs to last you throughout the event. Do not overload your chilly bins/fridges, ensure the lid can be tightly closed, have layers of ice in between and on top of the food. Take small portions from your chilly bin leaving the majority of your food cold inside the chilly bin. Hot foods: cook to order, this will ensure that your food is fresh and this will prevent food being stored at your stall for long periods. If you cook your food in advance, ensure it is piping hot at all times, this includes prior to and transport to the event. Do not cook large quantities of food prior to the event. Bain maries/hot cabinets must be preheated to the correct temperature before use. This equipment does not cook or reheat food; it only maintains the temperature of the food. You must cook/reheat your food before you place it in the bain marie/hot cabinet. Regularly stir the food to ensure it is kept hot throughout. Do not top up existing batches of food with new food, always finish the older food first. Candle warming trays may not be sufficient to maintain your food at the correct temperature especially in cold/windy conditions. Thermometers can be used to check your foods are being maintained at the correct temperature. Sanitise your thermometer before use and in between checking the temperature of different foods. Officers will remove and dispose of food that is not being kept at the correct temperature. Preparation and cooking of food must be off the ground. Use tongs, spoons and forks when serving food; do not handle food with your hands. Do not allow customers to touch or handle your food. Stall operators are responsible for serving food to customers. Have a separate staff member to handle money only. Contact details: Telephone: For advice or an appointment: Ph:(09) 301 0101 Fax: (09) 353 9091 Visit us at: Auckland Council, 35 Graham Street, Auckland Central Write to: Auckland Council, Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 Temporary food stall checklist Please keep this page for your reference temperature control during transport to event awning/canopy - keep food shaded from sun ground covering e.g. polythene sheet, drip trays under BBQ's refuse bin with lid and liner storage for waste oil and wastewater recycling bins adequate washable bench space/tables for food preparation/storage all foods covered - wrapped/packaged, display cabinets, sneeze guards, enclosed containers etc sufficient sealed containers to ensure food is not stored directly on ground hand washing facilities: 20L water container, soap, nailbrush, paper hand towels, container for wastewater: compulsory requirement for stalls with open foods or cooking on site food grade detergents and disinfectants & clean disposable cloths (stored separately from food) utensil washing facilities: container for washing utensils, washing up brush, paper towels cleaning chemicals - detergent and food grade sanitiser adequate ice supply/cool blocks adequate water supply facilities to keep cold: chilli bins with lids, sufficient ice packs facilities to keep food hot: efficient heating facilities, stirring spoons sauces and condiments in squeeze dispenser or sealed packs separate containers for raw and cooked foods separate tongs, chopping boards for raw and cooked foods disposable plates/cutlery/cups etc - preferably recyclable taste testing/sampling - do not allow double dipping, single serve only protective clothing: aprons/hats - long hair tied back money and food handled separately first aid kit: all cuts and sores covered no animals at stall no smoking at stall Anyone who is ill or has an infection must not handle, prepare or work with food. If you want to apply for a day license please download and fill out this questionnaire.


The Good Wife Mystery: Is Cary Gay?

Bi, Felicia?

Pardon the pun, but something queer is happening with The Good Wife‘s Cary Agos in Season 7 — and we mean that in every sense of the word.

During the CBS drama’s Season 7 premiere, Matt Czuchry’s character had a moment — an out-of-left-field moment that might’ve been sexually charged, or might’ve just been a misunderstanding — with a young associate played by Phillip Shinn.

Their connection began after Cary encouraged Lockhart-Agos’ junior attorneys to come to him with their concerns, then wound up getting Shinn’s character a few minutes in front of the firm’s partners to present an idea for new management software. When the pitch ultimately got rejected, Cary swung by his underling’s office at the end of the workday to break the news, pulling up a chair, leaning in, and adding, “I don’t want you to give up on pitching new things, so just come to me and I’ll walk it in with you, OK?”

good-wife-cary-gay-romanceThe young lawyer definitely heard the part about “pitching new things,” placing his hand atop Cary’s as his boss smiled and offered to be there if Shinn’s character “ever needed anything.”

Cary promptly pulled away — the way you’d expect from a character who, despite the series’ limited focus on his personal life, has always appeared to be straight by virtue of his long-term physical (and sometimes romantic) relationship with the now-absent and sexually fluid Kalinda. “It’s just the way you were talking,” offered Shinn’s character, to which Cary replied, “No. No, I wasn’t.”

The “what the heck is going on here?” subplot continued in last Sunday’s installment, as Shinn’s character lingered in Cary’s office at the end of a meeting to apologize for the misunderstanding and then drop this peculiar tidbit on his supervisor: “I want you to know I’m not gay.”

Before you accuse us of making a big gay mountain out of a heterosexual molehill, let’s remember that Good Wife creators/showrunners Robert and Michelle King are nothing if not efficient storytellers. When they introduce an idea or a random plot thread, you can bet it’ll somehow be woven into the larger fabric of the show.

And that raises the question: What’s the endgame for Cary and the puppy-eyed brunette? We can only imagine a handful of plausible scenarios:

cary-gay-on-the-good-wife* Cary is gay, bisexual or at least questioning his sexuality — and the Kings have introduced Shinn’s character as a means of exploring that territory. The idea shouldn’t be entirely inscrutable to anyone with a fleeting awareness of the Kinsey Scale; lest we forget, Cary spent most of Season 6 in jail and/or desperately fighting to stay out of the clink. Major trauma has a way of jolting people into pursuing unexplored truths and pushing them to live their most authentic lives. Could Cary have had a same-sex romance in high school or college? Might that explain some of the iciness between him and his father? Did his handsome employee’s advance awaken something dormant in his psyche? Stay tuned!

* Conversely, Cary might be as straight as a Steven Seagal movie — and the Kings have introduced Shinn’s character for some other purpose. A number of TVLine readers commented on TVLine’s Episode 2 recap that perhaps the young associate is setting up his boss for some kind of sexual harassment lawsuit. What if the arc is more about Cary taking the time to mentor a young man who’s struggling with his sexual orientation? Or maybe the Kings are secret fans of the Beyoncé-Idris Elba campsterpiece Obsessed — and Cary is about to experience some scary and unwelcome romantic overtures.

* A third and least likely/least appealing possibility is that the Kings merely threw a couple of random scenes into their first two Season 7 installments to stir the pot, make viewers go “huh?” and prompt TV writers such as myself to fuel the publicity machine with “Is Cary going gay?” headlines. That would be a massively disappointing stunt for a show that — even in its least successful moments — has always been meticulously written and impressively committed to genuine character motivation.

I honestly can’t think of any other way to explain what’s going on in Cary Agos’ world in Season 7, but perhaps you can.

Take our poll below to vote for what you think the Kings are up to, then share any additional theories in the comments!


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Accueil > Suède > Repères historiques > Parcours historique > 17e-19e siècle : la Suède est une société agraire

17e-19e siècle : la Suède est une société agraire

The history of modern Sweden is rooted in the agrarian society which revolved around the local parish, the struggle for survival and belief in God. It was during this agrarian epoch that Christianity was established and organised as a national religion in Sweden. The geographical division of the congregations of the Church of Sweden in terms of local parishes evolved as part and parcel of the needs of agrarian society.
Production consisted largely of what nature could provide. The family constituted the basic entity of production and social relations were local in character and based on the family. Society was predictable and governed by tradition. The local regional bond fostered a settled way of life and patterns of living which favoured continuity. The seasons of the year created a general cyclical view of time : people expected the future to repeat the experiences of the past. Changes were looked upon as something threatening since they risked interfering with repetition and continuity. Security, stability, continuity and family solidarity were fundamental values. These values were legitimised and preserved to a great extent by the church.
Until the middle of the nineteenth century, the church and society were intertwined in a way that it is difficult to imagine today. Church and state, parish and municipality, formed essentially one and the same object. A certain proportion of the members of the Swedish Parliament consisted of clergymen and thus formed an integral part of the state in steering social development. The local priest (who was always a man) was a person of unquestioned authority and functioned in various ways as a civil servant and state official with legal, educational, informational, and custodial duties. Human activities from birth to death took place within the framework of the rites of the church. Because of the strong position of local society and the slow pace of change, the values of society and the church could be handed down from one generation to another without any great changes. Citizenship was combined with baptism and confirmation meant a coming of age and an entry into the adult world and its values according to the classical rites of passage. Divine service functioned not simply as a religious ceremony but equally as a central meeting place for various social activities. Public announcements from the pulpit during the service were important sources of information. According to Swedish law, every citizen was obliged to participate in Holy Communion at least once a year. The church was also responsible for the greater part of society’s care services, including care of the poor, health care and teaching.

April 2014
4 octobre 2012


Land Values – Don’t Cut Your Cake Before It’s 10 Years Old (Summer 2008)

The rampant increase in land values during the past few years has created a few goldmines for those carving up and selling land. Historically the IRD has paid little attention to this area, but that’s likely to change so it would be wise to consider the question of tax liability before IRD does.

The following is a brief overview on some of the more relevant rules in relation to developing and dividing land.

Best tax-wise

Essentially, if you haven’t purchased land to sell for a profit, the longer you hold it the better your position is from a tax point of view. If that period is more than 10 years, the profit on the sale will only be taxable in limited circumstances. The 10-year period doesn’t start from when the property purchase settles it runs from the date the agreement goes unconditional.

Income Tax legislation may capture profit from “an undertaking or scheme…begun within 10 years”. If the land has been held for less than 10 years, the time, money and effort put into carrying out the subdivision will determine if the profit is taxable. If the work required to compete the subdivision is “minor”
the profit won’t be taxable. If it is not minor, in other words “more than minor” the profit will be taxable.

The use of the word “minor” in the tax legislation causes a few problems for the average person and the tax specialists alike, as it is subjective. What you might consider “minor” the IRD might onsider “more than minor”.

Case law is used as a guide, but there hasn’t been a court case in recent years involving the modern trend of subdividing rural land into three to five sections. Every case is unique and the answer depends on its own facts, so the prudent person would get some advice from a tax professional on their proposed plan.

Subdivide with care

If you decide that waiting until the 10 year period has passed is the answer, you need to be careful that you don’t “commence” subdivision before the 10 year period runs out, as it will still be taxable. Deciding when a subdivision commenced is also tricky, so it best to do nothing if you can wait. If the land has been held for more than 10 years, the scheme can’t be what is referred to as a “major development” if it is to remain non-taxable. Major developments refer to the types of subdivisions you find on the edge of most cities, where the residential housing is slowly devouring neighbouring rural land.

This level of subdivision will often require roading, contouring, footpaths, streetlights and drainage.

More considerations

As a further sting in the tail, you may encounter an unexpected tax bill if you sell land within 10 years of acquisition, even if you have not subdivided it. If you sell your land at a profit, and at least 20 percent of that profit arises because of a change (or the likelihood of a change) to the legal nature of the land, some of the profit may be taxable.

The types of changes include a zoning change, or a change in respect to the land made under the Resource Management Act. However the taxable profit is reduced depending on the number of years it has been held, at the rate of 10 percent per year.

If the proceeds of a land sale are taxable for any of the reasons discussed above, there are exclusions that may apply. But that’s another story!

Published in WINE Hawke’s Bay Summer 2008.

Serious about your success?


New Delhi: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) congratulated star shuttler P.V. Sindhu for winning the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix and announced a cash reward of Rs.5 lakh for her efforts on Sunday.

P.V Sindhu
P.V Sindhu

Third-seeded Sindhu won the women's singles title with a straight games (21-15, 21-9) victory over Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland in the final in just 32 minutes at the Spice Stadium herin New Delhi on Sunday.

It was Sindhu's second win in Malaysia, having won the title before in 2013.

"I congratulate her for this stupendous win. She won the title in 2013 and this time she was quite keen to achieve the feat again and she did it. I am proud of her and wish her luck to win more such titles in the future," BAI president Akhilesh Das Gupta said in a release.

"This victory comes at a time when winning and being in form is important, keeping the upcoming RIO in mind and I am certain she will be a force to reckon with in the upcoming event."


Triggers Properties

Allows you to select which trigger(s) to assign to a task. A trigger is a system event, condition, time value or interval that causes a task to automatically execute. For more on triggers, see About Triggers.

NOTE: A task must have at least one trigger to run automatically, however, it is not a requirement. Tasks that have no triggers assigned can still be run manually from the Task Administrator by highlighting the task and clicking the Run button.

Practical Usage

Ideally used to make a task completely automated from start to finish. Attaching a trigger to a task allows

The following triggers will start the task

Displays triggers attached to the task (if any). More than one trigger can be added to a

Click this button to add a trigger to the task. A dialog titled Triggers appears (as shown below). Choose from AutoMate's available triggers to specify what should cause this task to run (i.e. Schedule, Hot-key, Window pop-up or other event) by highlighting the trigger and clicking the OK button. The properties of the selected trigger then appears. After entering the desired properties, click OK to save the settings and close the properties window.

Click this button to modify properties of an existing trigger.

Press this button to clear all text that appear under the Notes about this task parameter.

See Also

Details Properties

Errors Properties

General Properties

Logon Properties

Logging Properties

Priority Properties

Security Properties


GlobalFoundries employees hospitalized after acid exposure Wednesday; injuries 'not serious'

The employees, who experienced burning sensations to their eyes and noses, went to Saratoga Hospital for evaluation and observation at about 11:30 p.m., were held overnight and released Thursday morning.

"Most of the liquid was contained within the cabinet, but some material leaked onto the subfab floor," Bullard said. "Two maintenance technicians were called to investigate and during this process they experienced some irritation in their eyes and noses. Neither of the individuals was injured. As a precaution, a large area in the subfab was barricaded and decontamination of the outside of the tool and within the chemical cabinet occurred throughout the day (Thursday)."

The $6.9 billion microprocessor factory is located at Luther Forest Technology Campus in Malta. GlobalFoundries recently announced plans for a new research and development center, and has begun laying the groundwork for a possible second fab at the tech park.

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Mortgages: Don’t Be Fooled By The Averages by Michael S. Canter and Matthew D. Bass, AllianceBernstein

US mortgages today have little in common with the risky loans made before the housing crisis. But some market participants aren’t treating them all that differently. We think that’s a mistake—and an opportunity.

The confusion, in our view, stems from how people assess default risk. Before investors and analysts buy a residential mortgage-backed security (RMBS)—or assign a credit rating to one—they naturally want to know something about the quality of the underlying mortgage loans and the potential for defaults. The easiest way to do that is by reviewing average credit statistics.

For instance, there are FICO scores, which assess the overall credit strength of borrowers. Loan-to-value ratios (LTV) compare the size of the loan to the value of the property. And debt-to-income ratios indicate how much of a borrower’s monthly income goes to debt payments.

The Problem with Averages

Here’s the problem with focusing on the top-level averages: they can be misleading. These credit statistics (and a few others) can tell you a lot about the probability of default for an individual mortgage loan. But when those same statistics are averaged across thousands of loans in an MBS, they become less meaningful.

The really meaningful aspect of loan analysis is how the different credit metrics relate and interact to define the riskiness of individual loans. For instance—do borrowers with low FICO scores also have high LTV ratios, meaning weak credit and high debt? Or do they have strong credit and more debt? And how are the different risk levels distributed throughout the RMBS?

Piling Risk on Top of Risk

The practice of having multiple high-risk red flags in an individual loan is known as risk layering. Some risk layering is inevitable—borrowers rarely have perfect credit. But even a small increase in the number of negative credit metrics in a loan pool can substantially increase default probability. In other words, risk layering—not average credit metrics—drives RMBS performance. The more risk layering there is, the higher the chances of default and the greater the potential loss.

Before the housing crisis hit, non-agency RMBS had a lot of risk layering. After all, subprime lenders routinely originated interest-only loans, and lent money to borrowers without verifying their income or even requiring a down payment. This is a big reason why so many underlying loans defaulted when the housing bubble burst. We estimate that about half the losses pre-crisis RMBS experienced were driven by risk layering.

Battle of the RMBS Vintages

Many casual observers might look at surface-level metrics on the new risk-sharing transactions from government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and assume that the underlying loans would default in large numbers if the US housing rebound were to reverse course. A closer look at the collateral suggests that isn’t necessarily true. [Risk-sharing transactions are also known as Credit Risk Transfer (CRT), and are issued under the names STACR (Freddie) and CAS (Fannie).]

Comparing pre-crisis RMBS to the new risk-sharing transactions (Display) shows that risk-sharing transactions have much less risk layering. We can see this by looking at the presence of various combinations of credit metrics that indicate riskier loans.

For example, we isolated mortgage loans where the borrowers had both low FICO scores (weak credit) and high debt-to-income ratios. In the 2006 agency RMBS, 10.3% of underlying mortgage loans had that combination; for the 2015 risk-sharing transaction, only 0.3% did. We saw the same disparity in other risky credit combinations: weak credit combined with high leverage (a high loan-to-value ratio); and high leverage combined with a high debt-to-income ratio. All of these risky cohorts were much smaller in the new risk-sharing transactions.

Today’s Mortgages Are Different

That’s because, as we’ve noted before, lending standards are extremely tight—only high-quality borrowers are getting loans. Borrowers with lower-than-average FICO scores tend to have offsetting positives: maybe they’ve made a large down payment, or have a very low debt-to-income ratio or loan-to-value ratio. As a result, we think these transactions would come through another period of market stress or housing slowdown with few defaults.

Some investors, though, are acting as if it were still 2007. They’re treating the new breed of mortgage-backed securities from GSEs as if they had a lot of risk layering. As a result, we think many risk-sharing transactions are cheap relative to the amount of credit risk being taken. If you have the patience and resources to dig deeper into the underlying loans, this presents great relative value.

As we’ve said before, we think the GSE risk-sharing transactions offer a great opportunity to get access to newly originated loans in the $10.5 trillion US mortgage market. It may be underappreciated now—but we doubt it will stay that way.