Employment Discrimination Lawyers and Labor Law Lawyers

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Can a US company employ a foreigner telecommuting from abroad?

Is a US company allowed to employ a foreigner telecommuting from abroad? E.g. a Frenchman living in Ecuador? Without a greencard/visa/work permit, since he does not live in the US?

If no: Which is the law which interdicts it?

If yes: Under which circumstances? Does he have to open his own company?

How about taxes and customs duty? I think he does not have to pay US taxes if he spends less than 122 days per year in the US (see Wikipedia on "tax exile"). How can the US company handle this?

Which employment laws do apply? I have found this: http://www.gentrylocke.com/showarticle.aspx?Show=242
Hi virus, thank you for the answer. So if it is a multinational company with a branch in the foreign country, it is of course no problem. The branch adheres to local laws and pays local taxes. What if there is no local branch?

sure, it can

as the foreign employee (individual or company) works outside US, the american immigration, employment and tax laws do not apply.

Hijra/eunuch at Shivananda circle harass women - absence of police control

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If you work a job that only pays commission, do you file taxes differently. Why don't minimum wage laws apply

Is there some other type of employment that this falls under so that the companies don't have to pay minimum wage?
He gets a paycheck and a w2 from the company he works for. There is just no base pay, so if he sells nothing he makes nothing. Otherwise he gets commission on what he sells. I don't think that would be self employed would it?

its called self employed and you are responsible for your own taxes (best advice is pay on your earnings quarterly) most sales positions are like this

Legislation Updates - October 2010

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Does anyone know where the law is for a verification of employment?

is there a texas state or federal law stating that the employer is not allowed to give out an employers salary even with borrowers authorization to qualify for a home mortgage loan, more or less, an FHA loan?
if there is please give me a link.
or if there as anything regarding them having to with permission.

there is no law either state or federal, if they have a signed authorization they are free to give it to whomever has the authorization, if it was done without your permission there is little you can do unless it caused serious financial harm

Sallie Mae-Westwood Diploma Mill Federal Student Loan Fraud #2

Budget benefits for all
As you chair the proceedings of this august assembly, the image of my father late D A Rajapaksa who occupied your seat once as the Deputy Speaker comes into my mind.
Non Payment Of Employees - Shandon Day Spa and Salon - Glassy Nails

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The Lost Crusade
Paul Facinelli sought to expose a wrongful conviction. It cost him his career.
Toronto Police hit cyclist from behind, wrongfully arrest him in order to protect themselves Pt 1

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'I worked hard serving this community'
Weekends in Tahoe. Regular trips to Hawaii. Nannies, even.
Detailing the FY2011 Budget

employment law question?

religious practices such as wearing certain clothing:
a.) need not be accommodated by the employer.
b.) must be allowed only if the position does not involve interaction with the public.
c.) need not be accommodated if other employees object.
d.) must be accommodated y the employer unless it would cause undue hardship.

Must be accommodated.

Some examples for clothing might be jobs that require specific uniforms.

HEADWEAR CAPS HATS BEANIES FIRE RESCUE POLICE ARMY NAVY MARINES - WWW.BHFASHIONCO.COM

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What is the left trying to do to us?

Soon, it will be passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would criminalize traditional morality in every workplace with 15 or more employees. After that, they will try to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act. Finally, they aim to pass an "anti-bullying" law that will threaten schools with losing federal funds if they refuse to force kids to read Heather Has Two Mommies and Gloria Goes to Gay Pride. The agenda is breathtakingly ambitious, and would be unimaginable to previous generations.
Finally, they aim to pass an "anti-bullying" law that ......

For those with low IQ's "FINALLY" means "LASTLEY" or "IN CONCLUSION".... it does NOT MEAN "yeeey! Finally!"

Don't worry November is almost here.

Motivating Employees- An employee speaks

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News in brief
Here are a selection of brief news items from this week’s paper edition, and possibly a few news briefs that didn’t make it in the paper.
Glesner Richard C LLC - Madison, WI

Jane Addams and her coworkers at Hull-House did all of the following except?

Jane Addams and her coworkers at Hull-House did all of the following except

1. establish a day nursery for the children of working mothers.
2. pressure Congress to restrict the flow of poor immigrants to the United States.
3. pressure legislators to enforce sanitation regulations and pass laws protecting the urban poor.
4. run classes, a laundry, an employment bureau, and recreation programs.

2 seems very odd to me as they HELPED poor immigrants in the U.S.

That would be my guess.

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Diligence drives golden law career
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The quintessential boy wonder was born with a drive to succeed, and worked his way swiftly to the top. In May, the West Virginia Bar Association named 35-year-old Matt Kingery young lawyer of the year. He was president of his law sc...

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Maternity Leave - Rights for Employees

Rights for employees

By law, all pregnant employees are entitled to ordinary maternity leave of 26 weeks. Employees who worked for their employer continuously for at least 12 months are also entitled to an additional maternity leave. Employees may have additional leave rights under their contracts. Employees have the right to return to work at the end of their maternity leave. If refused, or otherwise treated unfavourably, they may also have additional claims for unfair dismissal and sex discrimination.

Prescribed procedure

To take maternity leave, you must follow a prescribed procedure. You will have to inform your employer of your pregnancy, the expected week of birth, the date on which you would like to start your maternity leave and, if you are absent from work for a pregnancy-related reason, the reason for your absence.

You cannot start your maternity leave before the beginning of the eleventh week before the expected week of birth, unless you gave birth earlier. You may start your leave before the notified date if you are absent from work for a pregnancy-related reason.

Maternity leave periods

By law, there are two maternity leave periods:

Ordinary maternity leave. This lasts for 26 weeks. You have the right to return to your old job at the end of your leave on terms and conditions no less favourable than would have applied if you had not been absent on leave, provided you give your employer at least 28 days’ notice. During your leave, you are entitled to your contractual benefits, except for remuneration. You are likely to be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).

Additional maternity leave. This is available if you have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks at the beginning of the 14th week before the expected week of birth. It starts at the end of the ordinary maternity leave and can last for up to an additional 26 weeks. Your contract of employment continues during the leave period and some contractual benefits and obligations remain in force. You have to give your employer at least 28 days’ notice if you want to return to work. You have the right to return to your old job or to similar job on no less favourable terms.

If you also have a right to take maternity leave under your contract, you may take advantage of only the more favourable of your rights.

Remedies

If your employer breaches any of your maternity rights, or otherwise treats you unfairly because you are pregnant, you are likely to have a sex discrimination claim. In addition, if you are not allowed to return to work at the end of your maternity leave, you will be treated as having been dismissed and may have a claim for automatic unfair dismissal. If you are made redundant whilst on leave, you may also have a claim for redundancy payment.

For unfair dismissal and sex discrimination, the most common remedy is compensation. Compensation for sex discrimination has no upper cap but will be limited to an amount which will put you, as far as possible, in the position you would have been in had you not been discriminated against.

Compensation for unfair dismissal is divided into a basic award and a compensatory award. The compensatory award depends on your actual losses and is capped. You have to take reasonable steps to minimise your losses, for example, to look for another job.

If your employer breached the terms of a contractual leave policy, you may also have claim for breach of contract.

Complaints

You should make your complaints at the employment tribunal which is local to where you work (or worked). Sex discrimination, unfair dismissal and breach of contract claims must normally be presented within 3 months of the effective date of termination. A claim for redundancy payment has to be made within 6 months of the relevant date. Only in truly exceptional circumstances, a tribunal may allow you to make a complaint out of time. You may, as an alternative, bring a breach of contract claim in the county or high court, within six years of the effective date of termination.

If you would like to find out more about the services that we provide, please visit our website mfg Solicitors Maternity Rights

About the Author

mfg Solicitors Employment Law advice on all issues relating to your employment.

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Event honors Disability Act
It was easy to identify people celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Sunday at the Town Common. Not because of their wheelchairs or other assistance devices, but because they wore bright orange T-shirts.
2009/10 Provincial Premier's Awards Finalist - Employment Standards Branch

Are disabled people protected against individual, informal verbal discrimination?

I was wondering whether the law, in the UK, protects people with disabilities from being discriminated against on a personal and individual basis.

For instance, if I was at home, and a flat-mate repeatedly refused to tailor their behaviour to my disability, would they be liable ot face discrimination charges?

I am asking whether the law operates to protect disabled people from discrimination by individuals, not just in transactions and employment.
MJ, comments like that are not appreciated, and are extremely offensive to people suffering from serious disabilities. I know you played the 'disabled people are in my family' card, but quite simply, it doesn't absolve you of any blame in your own personal discrimination against them. Next time you cross the street, don't bother looking.
Wow, some very bigoted people are answering this question. How much hatred do you have of people who are born in more unfortunate circumstances than you?

It's disgusting.

just goes to show that an idiot is an idiot is an idiot. regardless of there personal situation. Do not generalise personal attacks on yourself to the whole disabled community. its the sign of an idiot. my advice is to never speak your vile nonsense again.

we are working very hard to educate people about disabilities and having a lot of success. but every now and again an idiot turns up and tries to show themselves as some self appointed spokesman for the disabled.

My advice to you is try to realise that its not your body that crippled but your mind and you should try to place yourself in front of a moving lorry at your earliest convenience.

lastly there is a reason that every comment is negative but i am sure that you would never see that.

against idiot

Too Old to Work | Age Discrimination | Channel 4

Imperial Valley Employment Lawyer Arsenal for Damages, Severance Pay and Employment in Imperial Valley for Job Discrimination or Retaliation

Never have there been so many tools for Imperial Valley employment lawyers to help people recently fired to win damages for discrimination, to seek a better severance package, including not only a longer period of pay benefits, but also other items, most important of which can be a longer period of health insurance benefits following the termination, or even to save the employee’s job.

If you’ve been fired from your job as a result of discrimination or retaliation, been harassed or the victim of a hostile work environment, or paid less than a person of the opposite sex for the same work for no other valid reason, visit our website at http://www.CaliforniaAttorneysLawyers.com and call us at any of the numbers easily found on our website.

In Imperial Valley and throughout California where private employers and government offices have laid off people in the hundreds and thousands, sometimes on a weekly basis there is substantial fear among those who have recently been terminated and those who are in fear that they could be next to be let go. In areas such as the Imperial Valley area where unemployment and foreclosures are at their highest in the state, many employees who have been discriminated against or fired in retaliation for complaints of harassment and who previously feared making any complaint, now feel they have nothing to lose.

Some employees are filing class action lawsuits based on everything from age and sex discrimination to discrimination against veterans. Individual claims are being made for overtime pay that the employees never received and retaliation for whistle blowing or reporting harassment.

One of the best tools for Imperial Valley employment lawyers is often the employee’s company manual and other memos of the company which often lay out glowing descriptions of how fair the company will be in their employment practices. Such manuals often describe all of the types of actions which the company claims they will not tolerate including the various forms of harassment and how the company will never take a retaliatory action against anyone blowing the whistle on harassment at the company.

Such manuals provide a powerful tool to the employee and the employment lawyer to show the company exactly how they violated not only the law, but also the company’s own employment guidelines. Faced with such violations of the principles the company itself laid down and promised to their employees, it is difficult for such companies to argue that they didn’t realize how they were supposed to respond to an employee’s reports of harassment or that they didn’t know they couldn’t fire someone for making such reports.

Employees must keep in mind that under California law, complaints alleging discrimination or retaliation must be filed with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement in California within six months of the alleged discriminatory or retaliatory action by an employer, except in certain circumstances.

Some of the laws enforced by the Labor Commissioner in the State of California which prohibit discrimination and retaliation include discrimination or retaliation for threatening to file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner, for taking time off to serve as a juror, be a witness in court or to attend judicial proceedings related to being a victim of a crime or related to a victim, for discharging victims of domestic violence, for taking time off to seek medical or psychological treatment related to domestic violence or a sexual assault, for taking time off to go to a child’s school at the request of a teacher, for disclosing his or her wages, for engaging in political activity, for being a whistle blower (not the real whistles), for being paid less than employees of a different sex for the same work unless based on a bona fide factor other than sex, or for complaining about safety or health conditions.

For Imperial Valley Employment Lawyers such as myself who are also Women’s Rights Lawyers, when President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 in late January, he remedied a great injustice and provided employment and women’s rights attorneys with yet another tool in our arsenal to fight for employee’s and women’s rights.

Now women in California and the rest of the nation have a law that gives them the ability to redress the wrong suffered upon them by society in allowing men to receive more money for the same work from an employer and limiting the rights of women to bring a claim for pay discrimination.

In the past, women were required to file suit within 180 days after first being paid unfairly, even if the discrimination of being paid less than male workers in the same jobs continued. And if a woman failed to discover that male workers were being paid more for the same work, a woman still could not hold her employer accountable if she didn’t learn of the unfairness and take action within 180 days of first being paid the lesser rate.

Under the Fair Pay Act of 2009 signed into law by President Obama, the statute of limitations of 180 days starts with each discriminatory paycheck, rather than when the employer starts to discriminate. So long as a woman in CA files her claim within 180 days of receiving any discriminatory paycheck, not just the first one, she is considered timely in bringing her claim.

An important aspect of the Act is that the effective date of the Act is retroactively set at May 28, 2007, which will allow it to apply to all compensation discrimination claims that have been filed on or after that date.

Women can sue for back pay awards for up to two years before she files her employment discrimination claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Fair Pay Act of 2009 does not change the two-year back pay limit.

Under the Act, an unlawful practice occurs when a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is adopted, when a person becomes subject to the decision or practice, or when a person is affected by the decision or practice, including each time wages, benefits or other compensation is paid.

California also has it’s own version of the Federal WARN Act which in certain circumstances requires 60 days warning before laying off workers. Under the 2003 California version of the Act, the requirement of 60 days warning applies to establishments with 75 or more employees who have been employed for at least 6 of the previous 12 months, who layoff or relocated 50 or more employees within a 30-day period. There are also various exceptions to the rule.

For the elderly employee laid off, an important ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court has given added protection to older workers. Elderly persons who file employment discrimination lawsuits no longer need to prove that an employer acted intentionally. It is enough that the employee can prove that the layoffs had a disparate effect on the elderly workers.

Layoffs of caregivers providing care to sick family members may also violate federal law.

And all of these tools are still in addition to the tools Imperial Valley employment lawyers have against employers who practice discrimination based on sex, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation, or who subject their workers to a workplace that constitutes a hostile environment.

Visit our website at http://www.CaliforniaAttorneysLawyers.com and call us if you have been discriminated against or are the victim of retaliation by an employer in Imperial Valley or if you have been receiving less pay than a person of the opposite sex for the same work by your employer for no other valid reason.

It is thus imperative that an employee being laid off who is provided with a separation agreement and release of all claims against his employer consult with an employment attorney to determine if there weren’t violations of any of these laws and others that can assist the employee and his or her attorney to negotiate a larger severance package.

If you have recently been fired, are in fear of losing your job or if you have been presented with a separation agreement or severance package and have been discriminated against, harassed or are the victim of retaliation in Imperial Valley by your employer, we invite you to call our office.

About the Author

Visit our website at http://www.CaliforniaAttorneysLawyers.com if you are the victim of employment discrimination, retaliation or of discriminatory compensation in California. We have the knowledge and resources to be your Imperial Valley Employment Lawyer and Imperial Valley Employment Attorney anywhere in Southern California from Imperial Valley to Orange County, and Los Angeles to Palm Springs and all points in between, including Irvine, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Santa Barbara, Oceanside, Newport Beach, San Diego, Santa Ana, Riverside, Ontario and Palm Desert.

San Francisco Employment Discrimination

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Related Information
Before the ET, Ms Williams argued, successfully, that the pilots were entitled to holiday pay at a weekly rate based on all three components of remuneration.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers is Gold Level Sponsor of the 2008 Massachusetts Family Business Awards

DATELINE: BOSTON, MA…

The law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA is pleased to announce its Gold level sponsorship of the 2008 Massachusetts Family Business Awards program, an annual competition designed to promote and highlight the many achievements of Massachusetts-based, family owned businesses.

Ed Tarlow, a founding member of Tarlow, Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has been instrumental in the creation of the Massachusetts Family Business Awards program, now entering its second successful year. Tarlow teamed up with Ted Clark, the Executive Director of The Northeastern University Center for Family Business, to develop the program, honoring the most successfully run and managed family businesses in Massachusetts.

The firm’s tax and estate planning attorneys regularly advise business owners and their families on the complexities of estate planning and administration, taxation and corporate law. Attorney Richard Breed notes, “The Family Business Awards Program provides a unique opportunity to salute the numerous contributions of family owned businesses, which are too often overlooked. We have built lasting relationships with many family owned businesses over the years and we look forward to providing continued assistance and support to this critical segment of our local economy.”

Recent statistics indicate that more than 80 % of all business enterprises in North America are family owned and operated, and that they account for 60% of total U.S. employment, 78% of all new jobs, and 65% of wages paid. Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers focuses on working with family businesses, in particular, assisting them with the challenges of business succession between generations, as well as with issues involving corporate law, taxation, litigation, and estate planning.

The 2008 Massachusetts Family Business Awards event will be held on May 8, 2008 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA. Speakers will include Jim Kaloyanides, President and COO of New England Coffee, and Phyllis Godwin, Chairman, Granite City Electric Supply. David Wade, award-winning journalist and co-anchor of WBZ-TV News’ weekday newscasts at morning and noon will serve as Host of Ceremonies for the event.

Please visit www.nuffi.org for tickets, or for more information about the Massachusetts Family Business Awards program.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients. Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

In addition to taxation and estate planning, the firm’s areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law. The expertise and collegiality of the firm’s fifty plus members, associates, and support staff has consistently resulted in the building of lasting relationships of trust and confidence.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com

About the Author

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Candidate Q & A: Chairman, Cobb Commission
This is a special election to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Sam Olens. Tim Lee served as the northeast Cobb commissioner since 2002 until he entered this race in April. Larry Savag...
White & Case Blames Low Attrition for Layoffs

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Laws Questions and Answers

Do I invite my ex-in laws to my wedding?
I dont talk to my ex husband but me and his parents are always calling each other up to say hi. We see each other at church functions and stuff. But would it be like an insult to them for me to invite them to my wedding? Me and my.

Do illegal immigrants who work in the U.S pay any kind of taxes?
If not then why are they aloud to protest as if they are law abiding citizens?? If they do pay taxes, and follow our laws then why are they such a problem? I do think it is wrong to enter the nation illegally, but they are.

Do judicial laws truly favor the rich? (Those who can afford high powered lawyers/ can influence judges)?
Note all those recent cases where criminals get away with commiting all kinds of crimes. Our system favors the rich in two ways. First, if you are rich enough, you can hire an army of the best lawyers, expert witnesses, and provide.

Do laws that are difficult to enforce or prove punish honest people?
I am thinking of illegal immigration and the impact it has on employers who are unwilling to accept false social security numbers or pay in cash. I am also thinking of some of the ethical obligations imposed on lawyers like duties to disclose model rule 4.1. The.

Do lawyers vote liberal or conservative? Where's the stats?
Liberal. Trial lawyers love Democrats, as they are anti-big business and tend to pass laws that give lawyers a greater chance to sue and make money. - Cheney's probably vote liberal. - why you need a lawyer? - not every lawyet is a trial lawyer. What about corporate lawyers,.

Do Publishing Companies Enforce Copyright Infringement Lawsuits?
I have a friend who was selling solutions manuals on ebay (PDF files) and ebay stopped the listings but not before he sold several manuals. My friend is not a bigtime operator and didn't know the copyright laws. One of the publishing companies recently sent him a letter telling him that he.

Do schools still teach kids about not breaking laws, like they taught me in the 1950's?
of course! I am so sick and tired of people dumping on younger generations. THere has always been bullies, and a few bad apples that broke the rules and up set the wider public. Just because you have some idealized picture of.

Do the laws today protect people from discrimantion at the workplace?
What kind of lawsuits go to cout over discrimination in the workplace? Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA), which protects men and women.

Majority of Americans support stricter gun control laws?
so rednecks do you realize that you are minority? Should we Americans protect you ? LOL http://www.pollingreport.com/guns.htm.laws I'm sorry, but the fact that you used 'LOL' in your statement really threw me off. - NOPE, we have the guns, we can protect ourselves. Professing themselves to be wise,.

Marriage laws what is it and why do we have them?
Marriage licencse are regarsterd by law why is that? Marriages under the common law (the law from England and the Middle Ages), were essentially contracts. Marriages were very important. Land, money, alliances, goods, soldiers, and ships would be exchanged between families as part of a marriage. Some people.

Massachusettes hidden camera laws.?
It is legal for a business to install and record people in a public business, specifically without the consent or knowlege of employees. Yes except in private places like rest rooms & dressing rooms. They do not have to notify employees in break rooms or work stations. - Yes it is. The only places they.

Massachusetts Obesity Law?
Massachusetts is pushing a law that would prohibit discrimination based on weight. Why are obese people now considered a recognizable group and why should laws be passed to compensate the weak? Our airlines went through this a few years ago with the obese. They had to decide if the obese should pay for one or two.

Mayor Bloomberg of NYC is as close to a dictator as Sadaam?
Because he quit smoking, he pushed laws to ban smoking in all places, because he eats healthy, he bans transfat from restaurants, now because he doesn't want traffic in manhattan, he is trying to impose an $8 charge to come into the city by vehicle. Where is.

Michigan statutory rape laws ?
okay my boyfriend is 17 , and i'm 15 . We are exactly 2 years and 2 days apart ?? He keeps spazzing because my dad doesn't like him and he thinks that once he turns 18 he's going to try and take him to jail because i'll only be 16 . i dont.

More Loopy laws?
It's against the law for a woman to be topless in public unless they're an assistant in a fish store. women should be allowed to go topless when they want, life would be great. - Oh that is TOO funny! Is that so the fish will slide down her back into the aquarium when they accidentally.

Moving out of the Home?
Hey. I live in West Virginia, and I know all about the emancipation laws. However, I am already seventeen, and I dropped out of school to be at the care of my mom who has lymphoma. We are trying to get home schooling in order, but it may not be possible. I know that.

My aunt just passed away but no will?
She owned a home before she died and did not have a will. My sister and I are the only two living relatives of hers. Who gets the property? If she died intestate all of her assets will pass to her heirs as specified in her state's intestacy laws. State laws.

My best friend is 18 and his girl is 16 about to be 17.. is it illegal if she's 17?
let me know Being 17 is not illegal. - Depends on the state. - Depends on the state. - is what illegal? for them to be dating? no. If they have sex, it depends on the laws from your.

My car has been repaired for the same defect more than four times and the problem is still occurring?
what should I do? should i take the help of a lawyer ? Take the help of Lawyer. Your issue comes under lemon law. Lemon laws often vary from state to state and may not necessarily cover used or leased.

My DUI was expunged earlier this year, an I still required to have a SR-22 even though 'not guilty' was enterd
Expungement is NOT the same as 'not guilty'. You need to check the laws of your state to see how this affects you. However, it is LIKELY that you no longer need SR-22 because as far as.

My Employer Wanted me to Break the Laws of EEOC?
My supervisor hired me (HR Recruiter) to help her with knowing employment laws. She told me not to hire people of a protected class (blacks) within certain zip codes. She also asked how she could fire a pregnant woman because, 'I can't have someone taking off time from work'..

My neighbor has long branches that hang over my fence. Can I cut them without his permission?
Depends on where you live. Generally, yes. But. most states in the U.S. have strict liability arbor laws. That is, if you kill or damage the tree by your action, then you pay. Be carefull. Take a look at the prices.

Myspace, facebook or other social networking site laws?
Name all the laws or causes of action you can think of that relate or could relate to a person's participation on a social networking site. For instace, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, identity theft, etc. Have fun! Let's see how many we can name, and if you know of.

Need answers about my employers obligation on 'paid' activities?
My job has told me that if I do NOT go to counseling that I will be fired. My question is, 'do they have to pay me for time missed due to this or is it my loss'? What are the laws on this type of situation? I think it.

Need answers on 'confidentiality' laws?
Am wondering if anyone knows about this, or where I can go to see if my employer is breaking the law with disclosing my 'private' record and coversations with other management and employees? I thought that my rehab worker at work had to keep my file and our discussions private?? find out if the.

New Laws? If a child takes drugs to school, is it a Federal issue? DO state laws now mandate a crime such as?
this no longer remain as youthful offense. My friend was told this offense would remain in her son's record after he is 18? Wondering if Colunbine or 'No child left behind' laws changed the statute to.

Non Americans for stricter gun laws in America, please answer this?
I don't expect you to have a different conclusion if you've done this, but I would like to know if you've ever given thought to why so many of us prefer non highly restrictive gun laws. In my observation, most of you judge guns either by crime rates.

Now What to do?
The day before yesterday, the greatest amok shooting massacre in the history of this country unfolded before a very unsuspecting, surprised, and shocked community in Blacksburg, Virginia. But Sen. Harry Reid, a democrat, along with others who should now be in a very good position to make significant changes in laws that are undoubtedly at.

Ok but what does the Executive Branch deal with besides Bush like what kind of laws?
When someone asks this kind of question, it makes me wonder where you went to school. If it was in the US you have had 12 years to study this. There are three branches of government.. The Legislative, the Executive and the.

Once convicted i think all peadophiles should be hung do you?
why do we put up with the stupid laws when our kids are not safe I would not go saying this in Vermont. you would be public enemy #1. O'Rielly all tho a big mouth at time who loves to hear himself talk, does have my respect for.

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House Session 2010-04-15 (18:26:35-19:26:58)

Should You Talk to Law Enforcement Officials?

Introduction – This is written as a result of dealing with people around the world who get questioned by the police officials regarding various events. Whether or not these people are guilty is not the point of this writing. The point is to show how foolish it is to talk to the law enforcement officials in most countries where there is still something left of a constitution or justice system.

Why Do the Police Want to Talk to You? – To convict you and/or someone else. They do not come to talk in order to exonerate people. The prosecutors in the USA have no legal need to make any efforts to collect evidence that would exonerate you of any guilt. This they call exculpatory evidence. They do have a legal requirement to make the defense aware of any evidence that they did get possession of that would exonerate the accused, but they do not have to go out and see if they can collect evidence to show that the accused is innocent.

They are there to convict the accused and that is the long and short of it. Do not be confused with the morality of not convicting the innocent so the law continues to look for the guilty. I never heard of any law enforcement official promoted for proving the innocent to be innocent. They do get promoted for convictions. A conviction is a conviction, is a conviction, period.

Martha Stewart – She went to jail for lying to a Federal Officer. She was not convicted of what the police went to discuss with her. If you erroneously make an incorrect statement to a Federal Officer then you are guilty of the felony of lying to Federal Law Enforcement Officer. It is incumbent on you to prove in court if charged, that this error was made as an innocent mistake. This would be after tens of thousands of legal bills and months if not years of being in the criminal justice system. Now if you refuse to talk to the law enforcement officers then you have removed yourself from any chance of being arrested for lying to a Federal Officer. Right here you have sufficient grounds to never talk to them. Martha Stewart tried to talk her way out of it.

The police are not there to see if you are guilty or innocent. They are there to “clear cases” or get convictions. All they care about is what they can convict you of. You need to understand this. If there is no questioning (you refuse to talk to them) then there is no going somewhere else with their investigation as a result of you really things not beneficial to you that they would have otherwise been unaware of. If Martha Stewart just said “No” to their questioning she would not have gone to jail.

Police Tactics – If the police had a case against you with evidence, they really have to arrest you. To not do so is unusual, irregular and can cause problems for the police later on. Lets say you repeat the crime while they delayed arresting you and it gets out that they were stalling. They would be in trouble and possibly sued by the subsequent victims. To not arrest you can be construed as corruption, obstruction of justice, dereliction of duty amongst other things. The point of this is if the police had evidence of you being guilty of a crime they would not come and chat about it with you.

They would arrest you, read you your rights, take you into custody and then they would start working on you from a position of strength in that you are in custody. Even if you do get arrested never ever talk to them. Just keep asking for your lawyer. Admit to nothing, deny nothing, have no conversations about anything. Just shut up and wait for your lawyer. No police person is your friend and they are not trying to help you in any way. Many times the police think they have a case, make an arrest and the prosecutor kicks it out later. They may have enough probable cause for an arrest but yet at the same time lack the evidence to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. So they try to arrest you and then scare you into talking knowing their charges are garbage.

Ok so if the police are coming to chat with you, discuss documents, motives, allegations, money matters, etc it is ONLY to gain more evidence against you. They are not trying to exonerate you. They very well may be trying to find out if you had any conspirators and then charge several people collectively with the crime plus conspiracy. They love multiple defendants so they can get them to pleas bargain against each other for lesser sentences. This is their main modus operandi. Law enforcement agencies are conviction driven agencies. No one counts how many times they cleared an innocent person and this is not what promotions are based on.

When they developed DNA tests many people got out of jail because it was proven by DNA testing they did not do the crime. Many of these people were sitting in jail for decades. Police will railroad people lots of times simply because they can. When the police come to talk to you they are trying to get more evidence or more probable cause for subpoenas, search warrants, depositions of yourself and/or others etc. This will assist them in building a case. If they seem to not understand say a financial transaction they have a record of, do not explain it even if you think you are innocent of what they suspect and can explain it. You may unknowingly be guilty of something else you do not even know is a crime.

Do not talk to them. Do say let me call my lawyer. Say I do not wish to talk to you at all. Do not be intimidated by their threats of arrest etc. If they could arrest you they would have already done so. Understanding the financial transaction is their problem, not yours. They have nothing or they would have arrested you. Do not assist them. When the police arrest you they know you are going to be represented by counsel and their games are over at that point. If they have evidence they do not care and will arrest you. Your explanation will not be of interest if they have hard evidence. Tell it to the judge is what they will say.

What If I Can Convince the Police I am Innocent? – Let’s say you do convince the police of this, it could happen, anything is possible. The police cannot come into court and testify that you said so and so and they believe you are innocent. This would be excluded as hear say evidence by the prosecution. Even if you got the police won over the prosecutor would not allow this into court. Forget trying to get the police to be your ally.

Financial Crimes – These are the rage now due to failing real estate markets and stock markets. The charge is usually fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. They seem to be based on loan applications in general. The person walks away from the real estate and the bank takes a hit. Then the bank reviews the credit application and sees things it does not like. Can be what they perceive to be overstated income, understated operating expenses, overstated assets, and overstated appraisals whatever. They try to create a criminal case and file complaints under city, county, state or federal laws. Next you find out your business associates, friends, neighbors and relatives are being contacted by law enforcement officers discussing you and your business dealings. You see bank and financial records get subpoenaed. Eventually they come and talk to you. Never talk to them. They are talking to you because they do not have enough to arrest you and are fishing for more. Ignore them 100%. Do not give them any documents at all. They will charge you if they get enough evidence. Do assist them by talking to them or giving them anything. If they are talking to your friends, relatives and business associates then rest assured there is a good chance you will be indicted. If you think you may have overstated something or understate something regarding loan applications then get ready for a criminal case based on current trends (April 2009). Go start interviewing criminal lawyers right away. Do not wait to see what happens, go right now and start getting expert advice.

What Will Happen If You Get Indicted – You will be formally arrested. The authorities will probably not be polite and not ask you to come in for booking, you might flee. They will view you the same as an armed robber or thief. You will be booked. Possibly you will be released on your own recognizance. You may need to post bond. If it is Federal crime expect your passport to be taken. Your real estate will have the title clouded by liens. Your banks accounts will be have liens as well. You will have to report to something like a probation officer until the trial is over. You will have to ask for permission to access your money and they will control how much you can get to spend. They are not going to let you spend your money on lawyers; they want your money to cover their prosecution expenses.

You will not be allowed to leave the USA. You will see that you are guilty until proven innocent. The Federal system is designed to get you to plead guilty and take a plea with some jail time. State, City and County prosecutions tend to be easier to deal with. Local law enforcement agencies and local prosecutors do not have the budgets that the Federal Government has. They need to watch their expenses. All prosecutors like to pursue cases where there is a reasonable chance of recovering money to cover their costs of the prosecution.

How Federal White Collar Criminal Cases Are Made – This is a trend we have seen in recent years. The investigation times tend to be in the two-year range from the time the person first learns of the investigation until criminal charges are filed. Usually it starts with subpoenas being filed for financial institution records and computers. Then people will be calling telling how they were interviewed about you. If there is hard evidence against you, you may be charged as the only defendant. We see a whole lot of cases where there are a number of people charged at the same time. Can be up to dozens. After a few months what you will see is defendants pleading guilty in a plea bargain.

After they plead they go to a debriefing hearing with the prosecutors and criminal investigators. They tell all they know about the case and the other defendants. If they lie or fail to be open and tell all they know, the plea bargain gets rescinded. The ones to plead first get the shortest sentences. Generally they keep the jail time to at least 2 years. Then later on you see a few more people plead getting slightly longer sentences. Then the ones left have to deal with several people offering testimony about their guilt. Yes the witnesses are also co-defendants and plead guilty for a lesser sentence but this is a nightmare to deal with in court for your lawyer.

The idea is to lay out enough charges for the person to die in jail if they get convicted of all charges. This makes fighting the charges sort of frightening. The alternative is to take 4 or so years in jail for a guilty plea. You can still have a life again; only it will be as a convicted felon. After a few months you find out your criminal attorney who was so positive in the beginning will be encouraging you to plea. He bilked you good for fees and he does not want to bother with the hard work of trial preparation and a trial. If you appeal a conviction the appellate lawyer may see that he did shabby work and this exposes the criminal lawyer for a civil action from you for the fees you gave him. This will adversely affect his malpractice insurance. So he tries to get a reasonable amount of money from you and not expose himself by encouraging you to plea. Your situation takes a second place to his. Your lawyer doesn’t care about you as much as he or she should, and the prosecutor doesn’t care about you, your family, your situation or the morality of what they are doing to do at all. What fun.

Can You Leave the USA After You Are Indicted in Federal Court – No! Your passport will be taken away. How can you leave? You now need a passport to exit the USA. Sure you could try and sneak out and then this would be another charge they would charge you with if they caught you. Bad idea. How good are you at traveling internationally without documents when there are warrants out for you, Interpol alerts etc. ill advised. You could sneak out in a go fast boat and risk getting shot at when you refused to stop. People ask us about this all too often. They say can you send me a passport by mail? We say of course not. Only fake passports are sold this way. They would not work on exit since you have no entry visa in the passport and in the computer system. You would be questioned, fingerprinted, and then charged with unlawful flight, violating terms of release and whatever else they threw at you.

If you get indicted start thinking about a plea right away so you can be first with a shorter sentence if this is your intention or think about beating them in court. These are your two choices. The Federal Courts have an 87% conviction rate counting the plea bargains of course. There are people who win criminal cases in Federal courts. Today winning or getting convicted has little to do with whether or not you are guilty. The law you are charged with breaking could be unconstitutional. The way evidence was obtained could be unconstitutional. The confessions of others could have been obtained in violation of law and ethics.

What About Vehicle Stops? – Ok here there needs to be some talking to the Police. They need to see if you are coherent or drunk. Keep the discussions to a minimum. Do not give permission to the police to search your vehicle or you for any reason. If they threaten to bring drug dogs, get a telephonic search warrant etc; tell them you do not want them to search the vehicle. Do not get into discussions as to destination, residence, work, etc.

If the police run on ask them if the stop is over and if you can leave. When you get stopped roll down the window slightly so talking can he heard and you can hand them the license and registration. No matter what no permission to search for any reason. If the police ask you if there is anything in the car he should know about answer NO. Do not say more than this just let him talk. Getting him to talk means you have control over the police person. Why should they need to know about anything in your personal property? The police may give you a ticket. Fine. If you hire a traffic ticket lawyer you will have say a 75% chance of beating the ticket in court and this costs a few hundred dollars at most. So there is not much of a downside to being uncooperative to the police.

If the police tell you to get out of the car, try to do so and lock the car right behind you. They may force you to open it or force you to give them the keys, but would be unlikely. Police now will taser you for any infraction of not doing what they say to do. They may tolerate some brief questions from you but will soon threaten the taser. You can say I am not giving you permission to open my car. Make sure you speak for the dashboard camera and microphone many police cars now have. See I said it for the camera is a nice thing to say to the officer. In a police state you have to tolerate the police bullying you in the name of the war on drugs, terror or crime. So keep your mouth shut, comply with requests like sit here, stand here, and be quiet. Sign the ticket since they will arrest you if you do not. And it will soon be over.

Keep asking him if the traffic stop is over every time he stops doing anything or talking to you. A traffic stop legally is like an arrest. You are lawfully detained and cannot leave until the traffic stop is over. Make a point of very obviously looking at his badge, nameplate and car number. Burn this into your memory. Address him by name or badge number. Basically the goal is to get out of there as fast as possible with or without a ticket. Tickets are generally easy to beat in a trial. Generally 50% of the time the officer will not show up. So right there if he does not show up in court you win and there is a 50% chance of this. When he does appear your lawyer if any good will win 50% of the time. So you have a 75% chance of winning. You have an excellent chance of beating the ticket.

If it is a driving under influence there are expert witnesses that can help a good traffic lawyer beat these offenses with very good odds as well. These expert witnesses are often pharmacologists with Doctorate Degrees and can really destroy the alcohol tests the police administered in a court. They are not cheap but they are effective. So do not get into hoping for leniency by allowing searches or by participating in extensive lines of questioning. Getting out of any sort of traffic violation is far less complicated and less threatening than getting out of a serious criminal case.

What About At The Airport – If you live in or travel to a police state there are no rights. Answer questions about what you have, where you have been, purpose of trip etc. Keep the answers brief and direct. Stand there and stare blankly awaiting the next question. The idea is to wait until the official gets bored and gives up. Do not lie. Do not possess anything that is illegal. What can they do to you? Make you open luggage. Big deal. Again when you have a police state this is what you get.

How Simple Airport and Border Interrogations Work – Do not think that by understanding some simple interrogation techniques you are an expert. You are not practiced, never rehearsed; never saw yourself on video etc. This is just a little insight into their tactics. In these types of settings the government officials are trying to move a large amount of travelers through as rapidly as possible. They have little time to spend on random interrogations. When you go to a booth and present your passport they will do a swipe of the passport. They will then look at a computer monitor. They are probably looking to see if you are on a manifest of some arriving flights if an airport. They may be looking at your picture. They may be looking at very little information at all, depends on the computer system and the country.

They will usually ask you something to get you talking. They want to see if you are nervous and hear your accent. These people are generally not well trained. If they get a signal of something being out of the ordinary they turn it over to a more experienced person. These people are at least 75% clerks even if they have badges and guns. Their guns may be unloaded or they might not be allowed to carry the gun with a round in the chamber. They may have to leave their guns at the workplace in the evening along with their badges. They are low-level law enforcement officers, mostly performing clerical duties. They do not want you to know this.

The more serious law enforcement types at an airport may decide to talk to you. Never ever approach any law enforcement person at any airport to ask them anything. Try to refrain from this. Asking them anything triggers the pushing of a 'lets do more scrutiny on these people' button. Remember this. Best advice is to ask no one any questions. You are on camera and people are watching you and if they see anything they will have you questioned. So be a dumb traveler shuffling his feet in the line acting bored, a little irritated only and resigned to waiting to get through the line.

The interrogation technique often employed in airports, ports or land border crossings is simple. Not every country is exactly like this but you will be surprised at how similar it is when you know what to look for. You are asked a few simple questions that can easily be verified like by looking at your ticket and passport so you would be unlikely to lie or be deceptive about such answers especially since they are not incriminating questions to answer. Things like where did you come from, what airline, what flight, how long were you gone, who are you traveling with, etc. This is to get a reading on you. They are watching your face for signs like squinting, raising eyebrows, snarling, listening to your voice for fluctuations, studying your speed of speech, time to answer, where you look when answering and your body language like rubbing hands, shuffling feet etc.

After the investigator gets a feel for how you will answer a question truthfully he sends in a heavy question like – how much money do you have on you, do you have any drugs or illegal medicines on you, etc. Then he watches to see if when you answer everything is the same or if he hit a nerve and you answer the heavy question differently than the easy simple questions. Of course an intelligence agent or professional criminal would practice these techniques on video from several angles to get polished at it. An intelligence agent would also have experience in questioning people, which helps a lot. This is not anything to do with serious interrogation techniques that take a long time to learn and deploy. There is no getting the confidence, fear, trust etc. of the subject since time is so short. You can easily research this on the Internet and there are books that deal with this subject. It is always going to be learning common sense techniques, never a silver bullet.

Telephone Calls from Police – Hang up immediately. How do you know who they are? There is no reason to provide any information at all to a phone caller. If the police are going to arrest you or question you regarding something serious they will not call before coming. They need the element of surprise on their side.

Suspicious Police and Impersonators – There are all sorts of counterfeit police credentials floating around. No law enforcement agency is exempt. Do you know what different law enforcement agency credentials look like? Try finding examples on the Internet. You can’t. How do you know they are real? Do you know if badges from a certain department all have numbers on them even for the high-ranking officials or not? How many law enforcement agencies does your country have, do you know all their names and what their badges and ID cards look like?

Tell the person who says he is an official you want to call the law enforcement agency from the phone number listed in the phone book to see if they really are who they say they are. A lot of experienced law enforcement agents will tell you what page in the phone book to go to in order to find their agency phone number. If possible do this from behind a closed door. If they come to your house and show you credentials look at them through the peephole and get their name and phone the agency to see if they have someone with that name in the department and if he is supposed to be at your house now. The law enforcement officers always will radio in that they are going to your address before getting out of the car for their own protection. If the dispatcher does not hear from them after a while they will know the last place they went on foot and start looking for them at that location.

People can go to jail for a long time for impersonating a police officer so if you phone in an impersonator they are going to freak out. Best if you are behind a closed door. They will not have a lot of time to get away and will probably not want to start bashing doors down, favoring escape instead. You can also call the police if you suspect a person is impersonating a police officer. Tell the police he has a badge that looks like he bought it in a toy store and is making you very scared. They will come fast. Police hate police impersonators perhaps more than child molesters. You can try calling a law enforcement agency different than the one they are presenting badge or credentials for.

Never believe anyone who just shows a badge. They all should have impressive looking ID cards with photos. You can tell the suspicious officer you called the police or not. If you think the police are real like you verified them by calling their department then say you do not want to talk to them. Never open doors. If they had a warrant for search or arrest they would probably be pointing guns at you and pounding down the door. The street scene would be full of marked vehicles with lights and radios.

Forget all this babbling about we can get a warrant open the door. Ignore it. People impersonating police officers in various countries have been known to use these false credentials to commit rapes, robberies, kidnappings and murders. Take people impersonating police very seriously and get help from law enforcement immediately. Never let them tell you that you will be in trouble for verifying that they are authentic officers of the law. No real law enforcement officer would ever prevent you from verifying their identity. If they surround your house and say they are conducting a raid come out now with your hands up look outside to see what is going on. If you see a lot of marked police cars with the lights on and radios cackling it is probably a legitimate raid. If you see only unmarked cars I would say that you should not cooperate until you call the police to verify their authenticity. If they pushed it I would just shine them on and use a cell phone to call the local police and report it as a home invasion by a gang with guns threatening you if you do not open the door. If you get a phone call saying it is a real police raid, disregard it. This can be the bad guys. Do not open the door until you get verification. They will be trying to roust you to open before you make the call. Best to just make the call without telling them you are doing so.

Buy time by like talking in a language foreign to the region. Say in the local lingo you do not speak the language. This will confuse them briefly. In some regions of the world this is the way kidnappers and robbers work. It is also the way dishonest police work. Be careful. Retreat to a safe area and get the police there and fast. After you have called the police if they are acting like they are going to break in tell them you are armed and will shoot and the real police are on the way.

Real police will consider waiting for their friends to show up. The best choice for impersonators under these circumstances is to retreat at this point. The chances of a good crime scene for them are really over and they know this and will opt to be free to rob again another day. Police impersonators are a serious threat. Sometimes it can be a retired law enforcement officer working as a private detective trying to get information only. They may be using their retired credentials or false credentials relying on their ability to control an interview professionally. This sort is not very dangerous but treat the threat as dangerous anyway.

Lie Detectors – In a word these do not work. Voice stress analyzers also do not work. They have never been proved to work. They are only an interrogation tool designed to intimidate people into confessing during an interrogation. The course of training for a lie detector operator is about 12 weeks. You could learn how to operate the machine in hours. It is a course in interrogation.

Never take a lie detector test for any reason, period. Results can be rigged. Governments use them because the deception gets confessions and admissions. It is also a fear tactic to keep the employees in line. These stupid tactics ruin people’s lives. There is a web site that explains the stupidity of these various lie detectors, studies that have debunked them repeatedly with consistency as well as the various easy to learn methods of defeating them.

http://antipolygraph.org/

Governments have taken to using drugs for interrogations with and without lie detectors many years ago. Never agree to be drug interrogated. These drugs get people to lapse into comas and worse. If you cannot drive under drugs how the heck can you answer questions accurately? Again more intimidation and scare tactics.

-Aurelia Masterson, www.panamalaw.org

About the Author

Aurelia Masterson is an associate of Panama Legal law firm (http://www.panamalaw.org). She has years of experience in the field and now shares her observations of current events, politics, and law with the Internet community. She can be contacted at: aurelia@panamalaw.org.

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Project Management for Event Management Industry

Project Management for Event Management Industry:

Event Management Projects is the process by which an event is planned, prepared, and produced. As with any other form of management, it encompasses the assessment, definition, acquisition, allocation, direction, control, and analysis of time, finances, people, products, services, and other resources to achieve objectives. An event project manager's job is to oversee and arrange every aspect of an event, including researching, planning, organizing, implementing, controlling, and evaluating an event's design, activities, and production.

Event Management Projects has been described as an "emerging profession" due to the fact that no academic, government-issued licensing, or private occupational certification credentials are required to practice this complex and responsibility-laden enterprise. Without such credentials, "professional" status is suspect and subject to degradation by the actions of untrained and inexperienced practitioners who are simply not aware of the scope of what needs to be learned in order to be qualified to work in this profession, as well as the scope of the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with such endeavors.

Event Management Projects encompasses a multitude of types of events. Although the Projects industry has delineated itself into various categories, all represent the planning and production of an event that brings people together at a particular time, in a particular place, for a particular purpose.  The event genres that may be considered as falling within the Event Management Projects profession for the purposes of this project are illustrated in Table 1.

Table 1

The Event Genre of Event Management Projects

Business & Corporate Events

Any event that supports business objectives, including management functions, corporate communications, training, marketing, incentives, employee relations, and customer relations, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

Cause-Related & Fundraising Events

An event created by or for a charitable or cause-related group for the purpose of attracting revenue, support, and/or awareness, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

Exhibitions, Expositions & Fairs

An event bringing buyers and sellers and interested persons together to view and/or sell products, services, and other resources to a specific industry or the general public, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

Entertainment & Leisure Events

A one-time or periodic, free or ticketed performance or exhibition event created for entertainment purposes, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

Festivals

A cultural celebration, either secular or religious, created by and/or for the public, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events. (Many festivals include bringing buyer and seller together in a festive atmosphere.)

Government & Civic Events

An event comprised of or created by or for political parties, communities, or municipal or national government entities, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

Marketing Events

A commerce-oriented event to facilitate bringing buyer and seller together or to create awareness of a commercial product or service, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

Meeting & Convention Events

The assembly of people for the purpose of exchanging information, debate or discussion, consensus or decisions, education, and relationship building, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

Social/Life-Cycle Events

A private event, by invitation only, celebrating or commemorating a cultural, religious, communal, societal, or life-cycle occasion, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

Sports Events

A spectator or participatory event involving recreational or competitive sport activities, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.

 

The Proposed Knowledge Domain Structure

Professional knowledge, which consists of technical knowledge, specialized skills, and ethical standards used to function within a professional jurisdiction, must be transformed into formal knowledge systems combined with experiential or situational knowledge systems.

 

The Uses of the Domain Structure

The proposed domain structure can serve numerous purposes and uses, not the least of which is the illustration of the scope and complexity of this profession to internal and external constituents and stakeholders, current and future practitioners, and allied and supplier industries, thereby increasing respect and reverence for the profession of Event Management Projects and legitimizing and "expertizing" the functions of event management.

 

The Next Stage

Further development, improvement, expansion, and ratification of the Event Management Projects depends on the review and input of a broad variety of industry practitioners, experts, certification bodies, and academicians from the full spectrum of event genres and industries.

 

Event Management Projects is an intricate weaving of the process and the scope of management functions. As illustrated below, the functional units (grouped by domain) form the warp fibers—the foundation threads of the fabric of an event. The processes—or weft threads—are interwoven through these foundations for each event, with the evaluation thread from one event forming the research thread for the next event.  If you eliminate one of the threads, the fabric of the event is weakened, leaving holes or places where it may unravel.

 

 

The Design domain focuses on the artistic interpretation and expression of the goals and objectives of the event project and its experiential dimensions, and is often the area of Event Management Projects that draws individuals to the occupation due to its creative opportunities.

 

Many of the units and topics represent specific specializations, disciplines, or its own distinct industry, with its own body of knowledge and credentials, some requiring specific licenses in many jurisdictions, with which the event manager must interact or subcontract in order to plan and produce an event.

 

At this stage the knowledge domain structure represents a simple mapping of concepts. It is not practical to numerically quantify the units or topics contained in the various certification competency blueprints, vocational qualifications, guides, and texts because, as yet, standard units and terminology have not been adopted by the industry as a whole. This initial taxonomy of general Project Management will serve as a platform that will enable expert participants, from a variety of disciplines around the world, to continue its refinement and develop a shared understanding and interaction.

Table 2

The Taxonomy of the Administration Knowledge Domain for event project management

UNITS

TOPICS

Financial Management

Accounting / Auditing

Asset Management

Bid Preparation

Budget Development

Business Plans

Cash Flow

Cash Handling Procedures

Change Controls

Cost/Benefit Analysis

Cost Controls

Cost Estimating

Credit Policies

Economic Impact

Financial Reporting

Fixed / Variable Costs

Foreign Currency

Inventory Control

Investments

Payables & Receivables

Pricing Structures

Profit Objectives

Purchasing Controls

Rate Negotiation

Resource Definition

Human Resources Management

Behavior Policies

Benefits Management

Conflict Resolution

Discipline

Employment Regulations

Hiring / Induction

Job Analysis

Job Descriptions

Labor Relations

Leadership

Motivation

Organizational Structure

Orientation

Paid Staff / Employees

Payroll Management

Performance Evaluation

Professional Development

Recognition Programs

Recruitment

Seasonal Staffing

Succession Planning

Supervision

Team Building

Temporary / Casual Labor

Temporary Staffing

Termination

Training

Uniforms

Union Labor

Volunteers

Information Management

Briefings / Debriefings

Communication Equipment

Communication Planning

Communication Protocols

Confidentiality Agreements

Database Management

Documentation Procedures

Document Design

Evaluation / Analysis

Feedback Systems

Information Acquisition

Information Asset Protection

Information Distribution

Intelligence Gathering

Lead Retrieval Systems

Library / Archives

Monitoring & Reporting

Presentations

Photography / Videography

Privacy Policies

Record Keeping Procedures

Procurement Management

Bid Solicitation

Change Controls

Contract Management

Performance Evaluation

Procurement Policies

Purchasing Procedures

Quality Control

Reimbursement Policies

RFPs / Briefs

Specifications Definition

Source Definition

Source Selection

Systems Management

Bookkeeping Systems

Change Control Systems

Communication Systems

Database Systems

Decision Making Systems

Document Generation

Governance

Integration Management

Inventory Systems

Knowledge Management

Maintenance Systems

Procedural Manuals

Purchasing Systems

Reservation / Booking Systems

Routing Systems

Security Systems

Technology Management

Computers

Digital

Electronics

Email & Voice Mail

Internet / Intranets

Office Equipment

Telecommunications

Video

Web-based

Wireless

Time Management

Activity Definition

Activity Sequencing

Change Controls

Critical Path Analysis

Deadline Definitions

Duration Estimation

Gantt Charts

Planning Tempo

Production Schedules

Program Agendas

Running Order

Schedule Control

Schedule Development

Time Lines

Table 3

The Taxonomy of the Operations Knowledge Domain for event project management

UNITS

TOPICS

Audience Management

Access Controls

Admission Controls

Admission Systems

Arrival / Departure Modes

Credentialing Systems

Crowd Management

Group Movements

Guest Relations

Housing Systems

Manifests

Pedestrian Traffic Flow

Protocol Requirements

Queue Management

Registration Systems

Seating Systems

Ticketing System

Ushering Systems

Communications Management

Announcement Protocols

Briefings / Debriefings

Channel Distribution

Command & Control

Communication Equipment

Contact Lists

Delegation

Event Orders

External Connectivity

Guiding / Coaching

Interpreter Services

Notifications

On-site Communications

Production Book

Public Address Systems

Scoring Systems

Translation Services

Verification Documentation

Infrastructure Management

Emergency Services

Gas Services

Handicap Services

Housekeeping / Maintenance

HVAC Systems

Lighting Systems

Medical Services

Parking

Participant Equipment

Power Services

Power Distribution

Recycling

Seating

Sewage Services

Shipping Services

Telecommunications

Traffic

Transportation

Utilities Usage Fees

Waste Management

Water

Logistics Management

Action Plans

Ceremonial Protocol

Checklists

Contractor Coordination

Dismantling

Installation

Loading Dock Management

Move-in

Move-out

Precedence Order

Replenishing

Requirements Definition

Running Order

Scope Definition

Staging / Marshalling

Task Analysis

Task Assignment

Task Identification

Task Interdependence

Task Monitoring

Terminology Agreement

Program Design Management

Activities

Alcohol Management

Ancillary Tours

Catering Management

Celebrities / Performers

Ceremonial: Invocation

Certification Requirements

Children's Programs

Companion Programs

Competitions

Educational Objectives

Entertainment Management

Event Components

Exhibits

Feasibility Analysis

Gap Analysis

Learning Environments

Needs Assessment

Speakers / Participants

Sport/Recreational Activities

SWOT Analysis

Theme Development

Site Management

Ceremonial Equipment

Décor

Environmental Controls

Equipment Rentals

Furnishings

Maps

Mobile Facilities

Perimeter Controls

Signage

Site Development

Site Inspection Criteria

Site Plans / Diagrams

Site Selection Criteria

Site Selection / Contracting

Staging Equipment

Storage

Temporary Structures

Tenting

Stakeholder Management

Accountability

Authenticity

Client Management

Committees

Constituents

Cultural Differences

Economic Objectives

Facility Personnel

Government

Host Community

Media

Military

Officials & Authorities

Participants

Political Objectives

Prioritized Objectives

Protocol Management

Tourism / Convention Bureaus

Technical & Production Management

Audiovisual Services

Entertainment Equipment

Equipment Rentals

Lighting Equipment

Multi-Media

Performer Equipment

Projection Systems

Pyrotechnics

Sound Distribution

Sound Equipment

Special Effects

Stage Configurations

Staging Requirements

Technical Producers

Technical Rehearsals

Technicians / Engineers

Table 4

The Taxonomy of the Marketing Knowledge Domain for event project management

UNITS

TOPICS

Hospitality Management

Catering

Ceremonial Equipment

Client Entertainment

Dressing Rooms

Guest Services

Gifts / Amenities

Housing Services

Lounge Facilities

Ready Rooms

Reception Areas

Sponsor Benefits

VIP Services

Marketing Plan Management

Branding Requirements

Customer Intelligence

Customer Needs / Benefits

Customer Relationships

Database Building

Demographics

Differentiation

Image Enhancement

Loyalty / Affinity Programs

Marketing Objectives

Market Research

Market Segmentation

Marketing Mediums

Marketing Messages

Niche Marketing

Positioning

Product Definition

Product Pricing

Psychographics

Retention Marketing

ROI Evaluation

ROO Evaluation

Schedule Definition

Situation Analysis

Strategic Marketing

Target Market Definition

Materials Management

Advertising Specialties

Awards / Prizes

Badges / Passes / Credentials

Brochures

Coupons

Distribution

Flyers

Forms

Invitations

Media Kits

Newsletters

Posters

Printing Production

Printing Specifications

Programs

Registration Packets

Tickets

Videos / CD ROMs / DVDs / MP3

Merchandising Management

Brand Management

Collectables

Commemoratives

Concessions

Customer Service

Display

Distribution

Licensing

Logo Wear

Manufacture

Packaging

Souvenirs

Promotion Management

Advertising

Broadcasting

Ceremonies

Contests / Sweepstakes

Couponing

Cross Promotions

Direct Mail

Displays

FAM Tours

Giveaways

Internal / External

Internet / Intranet

Logo Management

Media Tie-ins

Narrowcasting

Networking

Pod-casting

Product Demonstrations

Product Sampling

Proof of Purchase Discounts

Sales Promotions

Special Appearances

Stunts

Trade Show Participation

Web-based

Public Relations Management

Disaster Recovery

Disaster Response

Media Conferences

Media Contact Lists

Media Kits

Media Previews

Media Relations

Media Releases

Photo Opportunities

Publication Articles

Requests for Coverage

Spokespersons

Sales Management

Box Office Operations

Cash Handling Procedures

Concession Sales

Coupon Redemption

Merchandise Sales

Proposal Delivery

Proposal Development

Proposal Packaging

Sales Techniques

Sponsorship Sales

Ticketing Operations

Web-based Sales

Sponsorship Management

Benefits Delivery

Benefits Packaging

Commercial Sponsorship

Cross Promotions

Donor & Patron Gifts

Grants & Underwriting

Image Management

In-kind Donations

Selling Sponsorships

Servicing Sponsors

Solicitation Proposals

Sponsorship Kits

Target Definition

Target Solicitation

Table 5

The Taxonomy of the Risk Management Knowledge Domain for event project management

UNITS

TOPICS

Compliance Management

Accessibility (ADA)

Alcohol / Liquor Laws

Antitrust Laws

Assembly Occupancy

Codes & Regulations

Consent Forms

Environmental Protection

Exemptions

Fire Safety

Food Service Codes

Intellectual Property

Licenses

Merchandise Licensing

Music Licensing

Permits

Releases

Safety Inspections

Sanctioning Bodies

Special Effects Codes

Union Jurisdictions

Waivers

Work Permits / Visas

Emergency Management

Audience Preparation

Civil Disorder

Command Structure

Communications Plan

Crowd Control

Disaster Preparedness

Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Earthquake

Evacuations

Fire

Flood

Hazardous Materials

Medical Services

Mutual Aid Agreements

Power Loss

Response Accessibility

Response Equipment

Response Services

Severe Weather

Shutdown Procedures

Spokespersons

Terrorism

Threat Assessment

Training & Drills

Transportation Incident

Triage

Vehicles & Equipment

Warning Systems

Health & Safety Management

AED / CPR Certification

Chemical Hazards

Equipment Training

Fall Protection

Fire Safety Systems

Infectious Materials

Lighting / Visibility

Manual Handling Procedures

Noise Levels

Occupational Hazards

OSH Requirements

Pollution

Protective Equipment

Safety Meetings

Sanitation Systems

Slip & Trip Hazards

Structural Integrity

Waste Management

Insurance Management

Additionally Insured

Business Insurance

Cancellation

Certificates of Insurance

Contractually Required

Errors & Omissions

Event-Specific Insurance

Income Loss

Legal Requirements

Liability Exposures

Liquor Liability

Negligence / Liability

Property Loss / Damage

Workers Compensation

Legal & Ethics Management

Anti-Discrimination Laws

Attrition / Cancellation

Behavior Policies

Confidentiality

Contract Execution

Contract Management

Contract Negotiation

Dispute Resolution

Employment Laws

Equal Opportunity Policies

Fraud

Freedom of Information Act

Fundraising Laws

Gift Acceptance Policies

Liquor Laws

Not-for-Profit Laws

Perquisites

Privacy Laws

Public Assembly Laws

Public Safety Laws

Statutory Compliance

Taxation Laws

Terms & Conditions

Traffic / Transport Laws

Zoning Laws

Risk Assessment Management

Cause/Effect Analysis

Contingency Plans

Crisis Plans

Decision Tree Analysis

Documentation

Fault Tree Analysis

Hazard Mapping

Incident Reporting

Influence Diagram

Prevention Plans

Probability / Severity Analysis

Residual / Secondary Risk

Response Planning

Risk Analysis

Risk Avoidance

Risk Control

Risk Diffusion

Risk Documentation

Risk Fields

Risk Identification

Risk Mitigation

Risk Monitoring

Risk / Opportunity Analysis

Risk Resilience

Risk Retention

Risk Transference

Scenario Exercise

Walk-Through Inspections

Security Management

Access Control

Briefings

Command Center

Communications

Contracted Personnel

Credentials

Crime Deterrence

Crowd Control

Deployment

Detection Sweeps

Emergency Assistance

Equipment

Escorting

Guarding

Incident Reporting

Incident Response

Law Enforcement

Peer Security

Personal / VIP Protection

Private Security Personnel

Property Protection

Stewarding

Surveillance

Vehicles

Volunteer Personnel

 

 

 

 

Overview of Theme Design Management

The application of theme development principles and cultural iconography to communicate and integrate the purpose, message, image and branding of the event project.

Major Functions

Performance Elements

Theme Principles

·         Capture attention and create interest and involvement

·         Communicate and reinforce purpose and message

·         Establish a context and create attendee expectations

·         Integrate into a cohesive whole

Theme Development

·         Determine expectations through research and consultation

·         Identify core concepts, topics, and/or messages

·         Create multiple dimensions

·         Integrate essential characteristics of theme into a clear concept description

Cultural Iconography

·         Explore the cultural icon domains

·         Work from the familiar

·         Recognize and respect cultural and individual diversity

·         Distill the imagery

Creativity

·         Use a broad spectrum of stimuli

·         Conduct brainstorming and other idea-generating exercises

·         Remove restrictions of assumptions and tradition

·         Combine ideas in new ways and make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas

Theme Integration

·         Visualize all the event elements and link them to the theme

·         Incorporate the five senses

·         Integrate branding into all aspects of the event experience

·         Verify the operational and logistical practicality

 

The Case Study Analysis

 

Major Functions

Assessment

Theme Principles

• Celebrate the history of the Games and Italy's rich contributions to theater, art, music, fashion, style, and sports heroes throughout the centuries
• Showcase the city of Turin and the assets of the region
• Meet IOC specifications for ceremonies
• Create a spectacle for worldwide television coverage

Theme Development

• Torino Games motto "Passion Lives Here"
• Essential characteristics of "Rhythm, Passion and Speed"
• Host objective to highlight and promote "all things Italian"
• Portray the Olympic ideals

Cultural Iconography

• Italian iconography

o        Film and theater; Fellini, Roberto Bolle of the La Scala Theatre

o        Art; Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus," Umberto Boccioni's sculpture "Unique Forms of Continuity in Space"

o        Music; Renaissance trumpeters and drummers, Luciano Pavarotti, Puccini

o        Fashion; Armani, Moschino, supermodel Carla Bruni

o        History; Medieval Sbandieratori flag wavers, Renaissance and Baroque acrobats and floats

o        Sports; Olympic medalist participants, Formula One race car

• Olympic iconography

o        Double X symbol of the twentieth Olympiad

o        Olympic rings

o        Olympic colors of blue, black, red, yellow, and green

o        Olympic torch, cauldron, and flame

o        Torino Games logo

o        Dove as the symbol of peace

Creativity

• Aerial acrobatics
• Disco music for athlete parade
• Dove formation with vertical choreography
• Ferrari Formula One race car
• Olympic Flag carried by women only
• Olympic Flame ignition
• Olympic Rings
• Pavarotti Opera stage
• Pulsing heart and giant skier choreography
• Recessed piazza in stage for athlete seating
• Sparks of Passion inline skaters with flaming helmets
• Synchronized "swimmer" routines through spandex piazza cover

Theme Integration

• Passion

o        Bronze flame-projecting anvil

o        Beating heart dance routine

o        Olympic torch entry and flame ignition

o        Pyrotechnics

• Rhythm

o        Drums in opening segment

o        Disco music for athlete parade

o        Medieval Sbandieratori flag wavers

• Speed

o        Sparks of Passion skaters with flaming helmets

o        Skateboarders and inline skaters

o        Giant skier formations

o        Ferrari Formula One race car

• Peace

o        Honor Guard of the Carabinieri and the Alpini

o        Jacques Rogge speech

o        Acrobatic formation of dove

o        John Lennon's "Imagine"

Possible Discussion Topics

• How "all things Italian" were highlighted and promoted
• The iconic elements for:

o        Turin in specific

o        Italy in general

o        The Alpine region

o        The Winter Olympics

o        The Olympics in general

• Historical origins of the various cultural icons and iconic elements used
• The design benchmarks (highest, first, largest, etc.)

 

Integration Example — Speaker Selection

 

 

 

Integration, a Core Value of the framework, reflects the critical need to coordinate, synchronize and merge the variety and multitude of interactions, dependencies and interconnected elements included in an event project to ensure decisions incorporate all the factors influencing and influenced by those choices.

 

When you view the scope of the functional areas of the knowledge domains, as shown below, which illustrate the full scope of the responsibilities assigned to event organizers, it becomes clear that one item, one decision, or one element will be shaped by and will have an impact on every other aspect of the event project.

 

 

 

Let's look at one element: selecting a speaker for a conference. This function would be under Content Development (or Content Management) within the Design domain.

 

Factors regarding this one element will interact with every other domain's functional areas and decisions made about this speaker must be integrated throughout the scope of functional areas. For example, the chart below illustrates some of the questions and issues that must be considered for this single facet of the event project.

 

Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive, nor does it take into account the fact that there are typically numerous speakers selected for even a small conference, and perhaps hundreds for a sizable convention. Also remember that when you answer any one of these questions, that answer must then be considered in the context of every other functional area.

 

ADMINISTRATION

Financial

• What is the speaker's fee or the honoraria to be paid? How and when will that payment be handled?
• If no fee or honoraria, is there any other form of compensation for which the variable costs need to be included in the budget?
• Will we be paying for the speaker's airfare?
• Will we be buying the ticket or reimbursing the speaker for it?
• Are there contractual specifications for or limits on what fare we will pay for (economy, business class, first class)?
• Will we be paying for the speaker's hotel accommodations?
• Are there incidentals (meals, ground transportation, etc.) that we will or will not reimburse?
• Will speaker thank you gifts need to be purchased?

Human Resources

• Who is responsible for or has the authority to conduct speaker selection?
• Who will serve as the pre-event liaison for the speakers?
• Who will serve as the on-site liaison for the speakers?
• Do we need someone to meet the speaker at the airport?
• Do we need an escort for the speaker to the site and / or on site?
• Who will give the introduction for the speaker's session?

Information

• How will we collect session proposals or abstracts?
• How will we handle correspondence with the speaker, e.g. session acceptance / denial, invitations, confirmations, thank you letters, etc.?
• What forms will we need the speaker to fill out, e.g. AV requests forms, room set-up requests, session taping approvals, etc.?

Procurement

• What types of speaker solicitation documents will we use, e.g. call for papers, call for abstracts, session proposal forms, etc.?
• What specifications need to be included in solicitation materials, e.g. acceptable / suggested topics, session deliverables, target audience or content track, etc.?
• What equipment or services will be need to be ordered for this speaker's presentation, e.g. projection equipment, audience response systems, staging, captioning services, etc.?
• How will we handle on-site changes and other requests?

Stakeholders

• Are there any controversial issues surrounding this speaker that might cause problems in connection with his/her appearance, e.g. opposition, potential protests, political affiliations, etc.?
• Are there strategic economic or political alliances that may be developed or enhanced by selecting this speaker?
• How will the performance of this speaker and the value of his/her appearance be evaluated? How will this be used in communications with various stakeholders or stakeholder groups?

Systems

• How will the speakers selected be incorporated into database systems, e.g. registration, badge processing, membership, etc.?
• Will we be using an abstract management system for online submissions, speaker communications, PowerPoint and handout collection, etc.?

Time

• When do we need abstracts or session proposals submitted?
• By when do sessions and speakers need to be selected and confirmed?
• How and when will we schedule sessions and presentations, e.g. time slots, tracks, keynotes, etc.?
• How long will sessions be, e.g. one hour, 90 minutes, half-day, etc.? How long will this speaker's presentation be?
• How will we handle scheduling for speakers providing numerous different or repeat sessions?

DESIGN

Content

• Has a needs assessment identified this topic or this speaker as suitable or desirable?
• Has this topic been identified as necessary to meet educational requirements?
• In what way is this speaker qualified to deliver this content?
• What format will be used for this topic, e.g. keynote speech, facilitated interactive presentation, workshop, etc.?
• How will we ensure speaker will deliver valuable content without blatant commercials for his/her products or services?

Entertainment

• Will the speaker need a specific rehearsal time or period?
• Will the speaker need a special room where he/she can organize or prepare for his/her presentation?
• Will the speaker be expected to be part of or involved in any ancillary activities, e.g. golf tournament, exhibits, receptions, book signings, etc.?
• Does the speaker need any coaching regarding presentation skills?

Environment

• What type of seating configuration does the speaker desire / require, e.g. theater style, classroom, round table, etc.?
• Does the speaker need special equipment, décor, or supplies procured and/or delivered?
• Will the presentation include audience participation, and, if so, what will that require, e.g. steps onto stage, special aisles, etc.?

Food & Beverage

• Will speaker be invited to or included in some / all meal functions for the conference?
• Does the speaker have any dietary requirements?
• Will exclusive water stations / bottled water be provided for speakers?
• Will there be refreshments provided in a speaker ready room?

Production

• Will the speaker be providing a PowerPoint and/or video presentation?
• Does the room need special lighting for his/her presentation, e.g. darkened room, spotlighting, etc.?
• What type of microphone(s) will be required, e.g. lectern, hand held, wireless, standing, etc.?
• Will the speaker be using or demonstrating any special or theatrical effects, e.g. pyrotechnics, fog effects, sound effects, etc.?

Program

• Where in the program agenda does this speaker appear, e.g. day, time slot, track, etc.?
• Are there any scheduling conflicts that will affect attendance at this speaker's presentation?
• Is this session required for specific credits or certificates, and, if so does this session meet educational requirements, e.g. duration, content level, etc.?
• Can this session accommodate anticipated attendance, e.g. room capacity, repetition within agenda, etc.?

Theme

• Is there linkage between this presentation and the theme of the conference?
• Will conference branding need to be included on handouts and/or PowerPoint presentations?
• Has speaker been advised of any cultural or corporate customs on what must be avoided or incorporated into his/her presentation, e.g. attire, jargon, current events, gestures, etc.?

MARKETING

Marketing Plan

• Is this speaker appropriate for or affiliated with the conference's target market?
• Does this speaker offer an entry into specific niche markets that could be exploited, e.g. track categories, exhibitors, etc.?
• Has this speaker presented at previous conferences, and, if so, what were the satisfaction scores from previous evaluations?
• Should this speaker be specifically highlighted in promotional activities?

Materials

• What materials are needed from the speaker, e.g. handouts, PowerPoint presentation, etc.?
• Will the speaker be providing additional handouts or amenities only at the session, e.g. checklists, workbooks, samples, etc., that need to be approved and/or promoted?
• How will speaker be promoted in the program book, e.g. bio, photo, session description, etc.?
• Will speaker presentations and/or handouts be provided to attendees in a handbook, CD, and/or on the web?

Merchandise

• Will the speaker be allowed to sell own books or other products after his/her session?
• Will audiotapes of the sessions be created for sale to attendees?
• Will the speaker be asked to provide items for conference amenities or prizes, e.g. books, discount coupons, etc.?
• Will speaker be given logo-imprinted items as thank you gift or in-room amenity?

Promotions

• How, where, and when will speaker solicitation activities be conducted?
• What materials do we need the speaker to provide for promotional activities, e.g. photo, bio, session description (including key words and/or deliverables), etc.?
• In what format do we need these materials, e.g. digital photo and resolution, word count limits on bio and session description, minimum of three session deliverables, etc.?
• Where will we include these materials, e.g. advance program, web site, blast e-mail and print advertisements, etc.?
• Will speaker be offered personalized promotional materials for his/her own marketing activities or cross promotions?

Public Relations

• Will speaker be suitable and available for interviews with the media?
• Is speaker able to provide articles that may be submitted to industry publications in conjunction with the conference?
• Are position statements and background information prepared for any controversial issues the speaker or his/her appearance may incite?

Sales

• Will attendance at this speaker's presentation require an additional charge or ticket?
• Will speaker's books and/or products be made available for sale by the conference before, during, and/or after the conference?
• Will speaker allow the sale of audiotapes or videotapes of his/her presentation, and, if so, will there be any commission on sales paid to the speaker?

Sponsorship

• Will this speaker's appearance or presentation be suitable for packaging as a sponsorship?
• Will this speaker's appearance or presentation jeopardize any existing or potential sponsorship agreements?
• Will the speaker be expected to make any special appearances or accommodations in conjunction with a sponsorship, e.g. hospitality functions, session introductions by sponsor, recognition of sponsor in presentation, etc.?

OPERATIONS

Attendees

• Will attendees need to pre-register for this specific session in order to manage capacity limitations and/or minimums?
• How will access to presentation be controlled, e.g. name badge, ticket, etc.?
• How will CEU or other continuing education credits be tracked and reported?
• Will expected or expressed popularity of this speaker or topic suggest repetition or expansion of this session or other crowd management strategies?

Communications

• Has speaker been provided with contact name and numbers in case of travel problems or appearance cancellation?
• Has speaker provided his/her contact information for conference updates and in case of program changes or cancellation?
• When and with whom should speakers check-in to ensure their timely arrival?
• Has speaker provided on site contact numbers, e.g. cell phone, hotel number, etc.?

Infrastructure

• Does speaker need ground transportation provided?
• If not, will speakers be provided with a designated parking area, or will parking fees be reimbursed?
• Will this presentation generate any dangerous or hazardous waste, e.g. medical waste, chemicals, fire hazards, etc.?
• Does this presentation or demonstration require any special utility hook-ups or services, e.g. Internet access, water, machinery, etc.?

Logistics

• Does this presentation have extensive or unusual move-in / move-out requirements, e.g. length of set-up time, special displays, expansive AV requirements, etc.?
• Does this presentation or session have any special machinery or equipment requirements, e.g. vehicles or apparatus, poster boards, waste containers, etc.?
• Will speaker be charged for special room set-ups or services?

Participants

• Are speakers given a complimentary registration package to the conference?
• Will there be a separate registration desk for speakers?
• Are speaker credentials (badges) different from other attendees, and, if so, how?
• What instructions need to be provided to the speaker, in what form, and when?
• Is the speaker bringing a guest or assistant who needs admittance credentials?

Site

• In what room (location) will this session be held?
• Will this session restrict use of the meeting room or adjacent areas, e.g. room clearing and cleaning, noise levels, pedestrian traffic limits, etc.?
• Will speaker have an exhibit booth in the trade show?
• If a speaker ready room or green room is to be provided, where will it be?
• Will this speaker be housed in the headquarters hotel?

Technical

• What staging will this presentation require, e.g. stage, platforms, display tables, lectern, etc.?
• What AV equipment is required and will this speaker need technical assistance before the presentation?
• Will technicians be required to operate any equipment during this presentation?
• How will the speaker be advised regarding wireless microphone usage, e.g. turning it off during private conversations or when in the toilet?
• What attendance tracking devices will be used and when, e.g. bar code scanners, RFID readers, etc.?

RISK

Compliance

• How will we verify speakers are not using copyrighted materials other than their own?
• What permissions do we need from the speakers to publish their copyrighted material?
• Does this session include proprietary material that requires prohibition of recording by attendees?
• What devices or services will be required to ensure this presentation is ADA compliant, e.g. assisted listening devices, captioning, sign language interpreters, etc.?
• Does this presentation require any special permits, e.g. pyrotechnics, imported flowers, food preparation, etc.?

Decisions

• How are speakers and session topics approved, e.g. peer review, program committee, etc.?
• What do we do if complaints are received regarding a speaker's presentation or behavior?
• What contingency plans do we need for speaker no-show, equipment malfunctions, etc.?

Emergency

• Does this speaker have any medical conditions that we need to be prepared for?
• Will the speaker be asked to take any role in emergency management, e.g. exit location announcements, attendee sign-in manifest, etc.?
• How will speaker be advised of the communication protocols in case of a crisis, e.g. calling security to report incidents, referring all media inquiries to official spokesperson, etc.?

Health/Safety

• Will the room capacity for this session accommodate the likely attendance?
• If demand exceeds capacity, how will we control access and accommodate those turned away?
• Will any equipment or activities in this session block any exits?
• Will any potentially hazardous materials, supplies, or equipment be used in this session, and, if so, how will these be controlled?
• Will any participatory activities be conducted in this session that could cause injury or illness?

Insurance

• Is this speaker's participation in the conference covered in our current insurance policies?
• Is loss of or damage to this speaker's equipment covered under our current policies?
• Does this presentation require any special liability coverage?
• Does this session require waivers of indemnity signed by participants?

Legal

• Will we have speakers sign a contract regarding their appearance at the conference, and, if so, what will it need to include?
• What consent approvals will we need in order to record (audio and/or video) the speaker's session(s) and make these available for sale or download?
• What consent approvals (implicit or explicit) do we need in order to photograph the speaker and/or audience for print or electronic promotional materials and publications?
• Are there any disclaimers needed in conjunction with this speaker or his/her presentation?

Security

• Will security personnel be required to control access to this session?
• Will security personnel be required to guard any equipment or materials used in this session?
• Will security personnel be required to protect the safety and welfare of this speaker?
• Will this speaker be providing his/her own personal protection personnel, e.g. Secret Service, bodyguards, etc.?
• Will this speaker's appearance involve any special security protocols, e.g. canine room sweep, bag check and walk-through magnetometer, identification and/or background checks, etc.?

 

GAUTAM KOPPALA,

POME AUTHOR

About the Author

GAUTAM KOPPALA, With over ten years, track record of successful leadership, excellent results through strategic skills in driving revenue and profit growth. Demonstrated ability to identify and trouble shoot critical issues impacting productivity, cost, distribution, marketing, Strategic positioning, sales and financial operations, with innate ability to build and maintain strong client relationships in operations. Expert in distilling and managing processes, enhancing internal structures, and promoting multi-skilled team competencies via nurturing mentorship and inspirational leadership. Engagements have spanned operational, strategic, technological and change management roles. Academically, I am a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (B-Tech E.E.E.) and a post graduate in Masters in Human Resources Management (M.H.R.M.) and Masters of Foreign Trade (M.F.T.). As you will see my Post Graduation's were been studied part-time, as well as working full-time as an Engineer. I feel that this demonstrates my ability to maintain dedication, motivation and enthusiasm for a project management over a long period of time. In addition, balancing full-time work with study has perfected my time-management and organizational skills. I believe that my college degrees and gamut certifications in combination with my extensive broad-based work experience along with my drive, resourcefulness and determination, would make me an excellent candidate for a senior management position with any company. Highlights of my background include Operations related Commercial, Supply chain, Sales with a magnificent experience in Project management, technically oriented towards Automation and Security Systems in Industrial and Building sectors. Presently, writing a book on Projects and Operations Management (comprise of 12 volumes, 6K pages), and awaited for the reputed publications. These books can be checked in Google books and scribd websites too.

Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico Victory "Ban the Box"

Seniors Rejoice at New Anti Agism Law

Good news for all those senior baby boomers out there or anyone else of seniority living in the UK. You may or may not be aware, but on Sunday 1st October 2006 an important change in UK employment law come into effect. The new legislation will offer hope to anybody who has felt they've been discriminated against in belief that they are too old to continue working. It is hoped that this new law will promote ageism to be as serious and as unacceptable as racism or sexism.


So what does this all mean? Well, one of the biggest changes to be implemented is employers will no longer be able to force compulsory retirement before an employee reaches 65. Before October 1st it was quite common for employers to set there basic retirement age at 60, but not anymore... However, it's unclear as yet whether the compulsory retirement age of 65 will remain or perhaps be scrapped altogether. Unfortunately, we won't find this out until 2011 when a formal review will take place.


Due to the ever lightly pension crisis facing many people living in the UK, the ability to work until 65 now offers some rest bite at least. That's not to say working that long is a good thing, as given the choice I'm sure most people would like to take earlier retirement, but at least seniors can no longer be discriminated against for working longer if they so choose.


While it's commonly thought the new ageism legislation will make a difference, it's a shame more wasn't done by removing the compulsory retirement age of 65 altogether.

About the Author

If you are over 50 and would like to find out more information relating to things that effect your life including hobbies, articles and chat then why not visit life-over-50.com There you'll be able to Prospect Seniors Online, chat to anyone of Baby Boomer Years and even make new Senior Pen Pals.

Re Teen McDonald's Worker Gets Beaten By The Manger!!

Labour and Employment
Conducting reference checks is a critical part of the hiring process. However, given the existence of privacy legislation that restricts employers' ability to collect, use, disclose and retain personal information, such checks are not always clear-cut.
Criminal History: Working Through Challenges and Dispelling Myths

My wife wants to end the marriage because she says from the time she married me life has been a financial?

struggle and that we had not succeeded in adopting a child ( she can't conceive)?

When she married me she knew that I had no assets as I was recovering from my previous divorce. Morevover, I just began a successful business in my own country but she wanted to live in the UK and I left that ( employment law consultant) and moved to the UK.

I was in and out of jobs in the UK with my last job ( HR Manager lasting a year and half) and came to an end in Dec 09 through redundancy.

She says that I did not contribute enough.She wanted to open joint bank accs etc from the beginning but I did not know she felt so strongly about it.

I know she wants out but is the financial reasons given fair on me in the circumstances?
She says she wants someone who is financially well off enough so that she does not have to work?
She is insisting that I do not make a financial claim against her as she can't afford it? Should I be sympathetic?

.Doesn't matter if her reason is 'fair' to you or not. If she no longer desires to be married to you, and you two cannot or will not work it out, then it's best to go your separate ways. If she wants someone to support her, she'll likely find someone who will. Not much of a goal in life, so would you really consider her much of a loss?

[mage lang="" source="flickr"]employment law compliance bill[/mage]

Employer Compliance to Ensure Silicosis Prevention

Silicosis is considered a highly preventable illness but invididuals who suffer from this condition are should take steps to protect themselves from further harm, especially if they contracted silicosis at the workplace. Employers are responsible for providing safe and healthy environments for workers, or, if this is not possible, providing a clear distinction of the threat of silica exposure and steps to prevent or lessen the risk.

What Should Employers Do?

Compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) regulations is absolutely vital for employers. Both OSHA and MHSA have established guidelines for the safe amount of silica that workers may be exposed to in any given shift. However, given broad medical evidence for the dangers of silica exposure to workers, mere compliance is no longer enough for employers. Employers must be prepared to shoulder the burden of true silica precautions that protect their workers and minimize the chance of costly and lengthy silica litigation. For example, employers should be prepared to provide disposable or washable work garments and the proper washing facilities so that workers do not take toxic silica dust home with them. They should participate in surveillance and air monitoring programs to assess and evaluate the amount of silica dust workers are being exposed to. During the work period, employers must provide proper respiratory protection for employees at risk for exposure to silica dust.

Negligence and Silica Law Suits

Unfortunately, silicosis has a long incubation period and may not show up in exposed workers until years, even decades, after original exposure. The burden of proof is placed on an employer when silica litigation is developed, thus placing responsibility on the employer if negligence to an employee's health occured. If employers fail to prove that they provided the best possible protection against silica exposure or are found to have failed to fully follow health and safety regulations, they are responsible for damages and compensation to affected workers.

What To Expect In Silica Litigation

You've received medical attention for your silica-related illness. You've consulted with an experienced silica attorney who has verified that you could be eligible for compensation and damages for your occupational silica exposure. How do I to better understand silicosis lawsuits?

Expect the litigation process to be long and often exhausting. As a silica litigant, you will be required to disclose often sensitive medical information in the name of the lengthy discovery process. Be ready to undergo an Independent Medical Examination (IME) in which an independent doctor diagnoses your silica-related illness and evaluates your medical history. In addition, the discovery process may uncover your employment and other records. A jury trial will be the next step if a settlement is not reached.

Your attorney may hire an expert witness or two with experience in silica exposure and other occupational hazards. These experts will provide detailed testimony and reports for trial. In addition, your attorney may stage a mock trial or invest significant funds in exhibit and technological preparation for trial day. A jury of an individual's peers will listen to a victim's testimony, which, when using these measures, will be compelling. Individuals severely affected by silica exposure are advised to develop a silica lawsuit in which monetary compensation may be awarded, and this will provide relief from the costly medical bills often associated with this condition.


About the Author

For more information on silica exposure, visit http://silica.legalview.com/. Or for information on other legal issues such as the Singulair risks visit http://singulair.legalview.com/. Also use LegalView's site to navigate through an array of legal issues and information such as the Chantix side effects or potential for a levaquin class action lawsuit.

UKTI Doing business in China- A pot of Gold? Part 1

Most relevant experience for seeking to work in Govt Intelligence?

Hey there,

At the moment Im undertaking a degree in Social Science at a University here in Sydney, Australia.
Once I finish this I was intending to apply for a traineeship at ASIO, which is the Internal Intelligence Agency of Australia, equivalent to the FBI in the US.

In the 3 years until I finish this degree, I was hoping to get a job at the Defence Force (Reserve), but i cant decide which position would make the Employment Officer look more FAVOURABLY at my application?

I have 3 options...

Army - Infantry Officer - 'Combat skills'??
Army - Military Police Officer - 'Law Enforcement skills'??
RAAF - Intelligence Officer - 'Intelligence Analysis skills'??

But yes... I would appreciate it if people could share thoughts on this dilemma, that is, which of the above positions would be more relevant and appropriate for working in Internal Intelligence?

Cheers.

You never know what the people in that line of work are looking for. Sometime it isn't really a particular skill or background. Generally they want people that are non-discript, outwardly low keyed, and not particularly noticable. Guys that drive middle of the road cars, wear ordinary cloths, live in suburbia and can maintain that kind of cover because that's really them. On the other hand they need to have that certain 'inside' something that keeps them moving forward, playing the game, accumulating results with out making waves. Think in terms of a modern submarine.....nobody ever see it, yet its always there and always dangerous....they don't call them 'spooks' for nothing. Remember,.... the guy in the garbardine suit is a spy..Simon and Garfunkle!

Davos Open Forum 2010 - "Yes We Can?"

Vote 2010: A guide to Berks County's primary election
The Pennsylvania primary will be held May 18 to nominate candidates for the Nov. 2 general election. The state uses a closed primary system, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans may participate and can vote only for candidates in their own party.
Employment Law : How to Create a Certificate of Authenticity

Kuwait: Deliver Promised Rights Reform
Source: Human Rights Watch (Geneva) â€" Kuwait should accept recommendations on protecting the rights of migrant domestic workers and stateless persons made today by United Nations member countries, Human Rights ...
A presentation of the Committee of the Regions

Ex-Military: Is it possible to edit or amend medical/psycological record?

I served 4 years in the military, but during my last two years I suffered a great deal with OCD. Things got so bad that I was eventually medically discharched. I have made so much progress in my life since then that it seems to me that I am pretty much cured. I have not had a single instance or episode in at almost 2 years. It never crossed my mind that I could be discreminated against due to my past problems until I tried to look for employment in law enforcement. I have absolutly no criminal record or anything negative for that matter besides my bout with OCD. I have been screened out 3 times since I have been trying to get in. I want to know if there is (ANY!!!) way with legal help or whatever to help get this behind me? I can prove my health is perfectly fine, but it does'nt seem to be good enough. I need to figure out a way to amend my past medical history. Please anybody, help in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Jesse,

Sorry to hear of your difficulties.

Your best course if action is to see whether you can upgrade your discharge code (the thing that appears on your DD-214). You'll probably have to provide documentation that your OCD has improved and you have been able to lead a normal life. By the way - there is a very strong chance that you may not be able to change the code. If that is the case, it will always be on your record. It's still worth a shot, though.

In addition, when you go to police deparments, you may want to bring a notarized statement from a psychiatrist that states that you're able to function normally. That may help to clear up their concerns.

Good luck.

Employment Paralegal Jobs - LawCrossing.com

[mage lang="" source="flickr"]employment law attorney mn[/mage]
THIRTY-FOUR BURR & FORMAN LLP ATTORNEYS SELECTED AS 2010 ALABAMA SUPER LAWYERS®
Birmingham, Ala., May 4, 2010 – Thirty-four Burr & Forman LLP attorneys have been named by Alabama Super Lawyers magazine as part of a list of top attorneys in Alabama for 2010. From that list, three attorneys were named among Alabama’s Top 50 Attorneys including John J. Coleman III, Gail L. Mills, and W. Lee Thuston (Managing Partner); three were named among Alabama’s Top 25 Women Attorneys ...
Bloomington Criminal Attorney Employee Lawyer Minneapolis MN

Continuance without a finding ------ How does this effect future employment?

Hi everyone,

When I was 17 I hung around the wrong crowd that manipulated me into stealing some money. I did get caught and I was charged as an adult. My charges were larceny over $250 & ID fraud. To say the least, my friends turned against me. (Go figure, right?!)

Anyways the judge gave me a continuance w/out a finding. I had to pay restitution & check in with probation once a month. After 1 year, if I didn't get into any more trouble, it would be dismissed. Needless to say, I complied fully with probation. Paid back the money I stole & never got into trouble since.

I learned my lesson & for 7 years (I'm 24) I have never gotten into trouble. I seriously learned that I didn't like being on the opposite side of the law.

I just got laid off after working 4 years w/a company. I now have to seek employment. When I am asked if I have any convictions or felonies on my record, I can answer "no" w/out lying, right?

I don't have any felonies nor have been found guilty.

You need to be certain that the charge has been dismissed. Oftentimes, the promise is that it can be, but that doesn't make it automatic. Go back to court and get the record dismissed. In most states, for most jobs, employers aren't allowed to use non-convictions to make a hiring decision.

Once you're certain the count has been dismissed, you can safely answer that you have no convictions.

Your certainty that you have no felonies may not be correct. Each state is different, but if you had a full year of probation, the original charge may have been a felony.

Massachusetts Employment Lawyer - "Getting Laid Off"

Online Master's Degree - Increasing Your Competitive Advantage

Get the edge on others with a online master's degree program

Ever wondered why everyone else seems to be getting the promotions, while you're stuck with the same job and same salary? Have you heard rumors about possible cutbacks in your department and fear a job loss? The current downturned economy has caused many problems for people in the workforce. A strong defense is to make yourself an employee that's invaluable. You can do this by furthering your bachelor’s education the easy convenient way by getting a master's degree online.

Online Master's degree programs are offered in a variety of program courses. Regardless of what your interests may be, you'll be sure to find a master's degree online program that fits into your goals and lifestyle. Whether you've already decided you want to go back to school or are considering college for the first time, check out the many available master's degree programs online that best suits your interest and career. You'll suddenly have the edge on the other employees at work with your new designation or degree. Your boss and the management team will start to see you in a new light, realizing what an asset you are to the company.

What types of master's degree online programs are available?

You'll be happy to hear that there are a wide variety of courses and subjects you can pursue to earn your master's degree online. While your best advantage would be to pursue fields that seem to always have job security such as security, health care, law enforcement or education, there are new programs available in areas of computer security, IT, project management and more. Once you find an accredited master's degree online program, you'll have access to counselors that can give you all the information you need and help you make a career selection based on your interests, location and overall career goals.

Benefits of master's degree programs online

The internet is playing a large part in our lives today. More and more you're hearing people say they've earned their bachelor's or master's degree online. Master degree online programs offer you the opportunity to pursue an education while still working and not taking away time from your family. They offer programs and courses that are flexible and affordable. If you're already on a budget, earning your master's degree online is still very attainable. Many of the master degree programs online also offer financial aid so education is something everyone can afford.

The next time you hear rumors of possible job cuts, you'll have the security of knowing that you're trained to work in more than just one job. If you are forced to look for employment elsewhere, you'll have a degree to show a potential employer and give you an edge in your profession.

About the Author

Mary Jackson is a contributor for http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com an online college resource for further education. Find more information on distance learning degrees including various online masters degrees that you can earn online at http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/online-masters-degree.html

Sara Horowitz & Rev. Paul Chapman - Air date: 06-06-96

[mage lang="" source="flickr"]employment law long term sick[/mage]

Contract Of Employment - What It Should Include?

When you start in any new job, you should receive a list of employment terms (also sometimes known as a 'statement of terms') within two months of your start date. But these documents can be long, full of legal terminology and written in very small print. The temptation is to sign it without reading it thoroughly, but does your contract contain everything it should?

Why have a contract at all?

A contract of employment is an agreement between the employer and employee laying out clearly what is expected of both parties during your time with the company. A statement of terms is the bare minimum required by law, but it doesn't offer full protection of the worker's rights. A contract of employment is a more detailed document, listing in full the terms and conditions under which you are expected to work, as well as clearly stating your rights as an employee.

A comprehensive contract of employment allows an employer to specify an employee's duties and responsibilities, so that you as employee know exactly what is expected of you.

What should it include?

The basic details will be included, such as the names of both parties, the employer's organisation details and your full name and address. It will also include the employment start date. This is more important than you think, as it signifies exactly how long you have been working with an employer further down the line (particularly important for redundancy or holiday payments, for example). It will also often include a proviso stating that employment with a previous employer does not count towards the various rights you may gain as an employee with one or two years service. The only exception to this is if a new contract is initiated by an employer who has taken over another organisation with existing employees, as their employment rights are maintained.

The contract will also contain specific information on holiday and sick leave entitlements including maternity and paternity leave, hours and place of work, and salary. There will also be details and specific descriptions of the employee's job title and duties, any probationary period and assessments, the notice period given in the event of either party terminating the contract of employment and any pension rights.

One aspect that is often overlooked in contracts of employment is the restrictive covenant. This is becoming an important aspect of contracts of employment, particularly as electronic data storage becomes the most common method of documentation within organisations. It protects all confidential and commercially sensitive information belonging to an employer, and is designed to prevent an employee from setting up a competing business whilst still employed within the organisation. It may also have clauses that prevent an employee from setting up a rival business for a set period of time and within a defined geographical location.

Finally, there will be details on the company's grievance and disciplinary procedures. It is one area you should be familiar with in case you need to bring your employer's attention to an unacceptable working condition or, alternatively, if you yourself are subject to disciplinary procedure by the employer. It will clearly state the employer's procedure, which needs to be followed if any legal action is to be successful in the future.

Once you've read and signed your contract of employment, make sure that you are issued with your own copy and keep it safe for future reference. Remember that, as with all legal documentation, the Devil's in the detail. So always take the time to read the small print.

About the Author


The Work Ethic are
Employment Lawyers Edinburgh
.
Looking for an
Employment Law Solicitor
?
Nick Jervis is a consultant to the Work Ethic.

Promoting Jobs and Growth Through Innovation

Investing In China: Proposed Labor Contract Law

If you are considering setting up a company in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC") you should be aware that Chinese law is more protective of employees than the laws of many western nations, particularly the United States. The current PRC Labor Law was enacted in 1994; however, a new PRC Labor Contract Law, intended to supplement the Labor Law, is expected to come into force at the end of 2006. This new law contains both bad news and good news from the point of view of the foreign investor; however, in general it further strengthens the protection of employees.



The Bad News:



Severance Pay



Because it is difficult under the PRC Labor Law to terminate open-term labor contracts, employers usually prefer fixed terms. The Labor Contract Law will address this issue by requiring employers to pay severance compensation to employees on fixed term labor contracts if these contracts are not renewed at the end of the contract term. The proposed compensation is at least one month's salary for each year of service.



Company Rules/Employee Handbooks



No provision in the employee handbook or other rules affecting the employee's "personal interest" may be put into force absent consultation with the labor union or other employee representative body (under Chinese law, virtually all employees are required to be unionized).



A Shorter Probationary Period



Currently, the probationary period may be agreed between the employer and employee in the labor contract, but the maximum probation may not exceed 6 months. The Labor Contract Law shortens this period to one month for non-technical work and two months for most technical work (the six-month maximum is still retained for "senior technical work", probably because these highly skilled employees are seen as less vulnerable in the employment market. This is significant because it easier to fire an employee during the probationary period than afterwards.



Non-Competition Clauses



Foreign invested companies in particular have tended to insert post-employment non-competition clauses into labor contracts in order to protect their intellectual property rights in China's "wild west" business atmosphere. Although the Labor Contract Law allows post-employment non-competition restrictions, it will limit their enforceability to two years and restrict the geographical area of applicability to areas where actual competition is likely to occur. In this respect the reform will render Chinese law more similar to US law, since the current Labor Law does not impose any geographic restrictions at all (but does permits a maximum duration of up to three years). The Labor Contract Law goes even further, however, by requiring the employer "buy" a non-competition clause by paying a minimum compensation equal to the employee's annual salary upon termination of the labor contract. It is still unclear what, if any compensation will be due the employee if the period of restriction is less than a year.



Contract Interpretation



Any ambiguous term in a labor contract will be construed in favor of the employee. This rule does little more that codify what has long been the prevailing practice in PRC courts.



Representative Offices



The current Labor Law requires Representative Offices to go through designated agencies such as FESCO (similar to Manpower in the United States) in order to hire employees. The new Labor Contract Law offers Representative Offices greater flexibility by allowing them to directly contract with employees for their first year of employment.



In summary, the new Labor Law will restrict foreign investor's flexibility and make it more expensive for them to operate. The only good news is that Representative Offices will find it somewhat easier to operate. Typically, the new Labor Contract Law does not bother to define terms like "technical", "senior technical"; and "personal interest" However, foreign investors have long been used to waiting months and even years for ambiguous terms in Chinese law to be defined through the further issuance of "implementing regulations" to supplement the main law; meanwhile the government's actual implementation of the law in particular cases will be closely watched.

About the Author

David A. Carnes is a California attorney currently working as a legal advisor for California Industrial City (Zhengzhou) Development Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, China. His website is Start a Company in China.

Gordon Jackson: Best Selling Author, Attorney and Speaker

[mage lang="" source="flickr"]uk employment law redundancy consultation[/mage]

A Redundant System?

The UK’s employment legislation inhibits effective and sympathetic management in the current economic situation. At a time when we should be challenging all our working practices - by reducing salaries across the board, re-negotiating hours and benefits and revisiting the concept of bonuses to include maluses (whereby previously earned bonuses will be forfeited if they under perform) - should we now go so far as to include a review our employment legislation?




Re-organisation and redundancy projects can be extremely painful experiences for everyone, from those ‘at risk’ to those ‘guiltily OK’. Currently partners and managers are inhibited by a totally inhuman and undignified legal process.




The current employment laws affecting re-organisations, redundancy, TUPE transfer and re-negotiating terms and conditions (T&C) of employment are the areas we need to suspend, if not repeal and re-write. At the moment every management board in every law firm and in-house team are working out how they will manage through the tough economic times that are upon us. Inevitably at these covert meetings, ‘management’ is making decisions about who should be selected, and why. They then have to face their staff with a charade.




Re-organisations and redundancy




How many of the law makers have actually had to sit with someone, tell them in meeting one that they are ‘at risk’, then repeat this at meeting two, and then again at meeting three, and still not be able to say: ‘Yes, you are redundant’. This agonising process makes a mockery of any goodwill there might have been between employer and employee – everyone agrees the law is an ass, and yet we do nothing about it; why not?




The process is often further mismanaged when ineffective managers use redundancy to select the poor performers with trumped-up criteria, when in fact these staff should have been fired months, if not years ago. This allows incompetent management to continue in its most insidious form and at the same time blacken an already cumbersome process. It also slews the figures on how many staff are made redundant.




In the first place, we should make it easier for employers to dismiss staff, after a reasonable process, not render them fearful of being tripped up with charges of harassment, etc, because a manager finally tackles a poor performer. (This is most prevalent within the public sector where thousands of staff are still employed because the managers are too scared claims may be made against them; frankly, the tail wagging the dog). Secondly, we need to have a swifter process for discussing or consulting with staff changes to the structure, which on the one hand does protect staff from abuse / mismanagement but on the other does not let incompetent staff slip under the wire yet again.




Acquisitions / mergers – and TUPE




With an increasing number of firms needing to merge, or be rescued or acquired, the greatest restriction to swift and painless action is the requirement for the acquiring firm to take on the acquired staff T&Cs through TUPE. At a time when all JCB staff, 25,000 Corus steel workers and car manufacturers in the UK are agreeing pay cuts of between 10 and 25 per cent from top to bottom, we need to be free to agree these changes swiftly and efficiently: not to have to take the 30 or 90 days’ consultation, or to gain the full agreement of everyone, before implementing those changes. 




There has to be a balance between the good of the individual and the good of the whole organisation. Some people are just stubborn – maybe firms would be better off without them anyway. There should be a more effective guillotine process that enables employers the chance to keep the able and willing and reject the uncooperative. This is after all going to be a time of survival of the swiftest.




Arrogance is for aardvarks




Agile, swift, consultative, collegiate, team-spirited, even war time-spirited partners and staff are required, and partners and their management teams should be free to discuss openly and honestly with their staff what the situation is, and respond within hours or days. And staff need to recognise they cannot keep hiding behind the legal process if they want to keep their jobs - they too have to be creative, innovative and practical. Whingeing at an Employment Tribunal will not bring back a job once it (and the firm perhaps) has gone. Is this not the arrogance of aardvarks?




Are we complying while Britain burns?




Like Emperor Nero, fiddling whilst Rome burned, are we really going to sit and do nothing? Are we are too slothful, reluctant or apathetic to pick up this challenge and do something about our legislation? Do we prefer to blame ‘the law makers’ as useless and ask how many of them have had to manage a redundancy programme? Our government and opposition parties should address these issues quickly, working with practitioners, lawyers, the EU, employers, trades union and the population to stop this nonsensical politically correct behaviour, and allow common sense to prevail. This requires vocal support from influential law firms to lobby for change – we can all play a part in achieving these changes.


About the Author

Patricia Wheatley Burt is a business and HR consultant and expert in commercial and professional practice management. She works with a wide range of companies providing Consultancy, Training and Executive Coaching based on over 25 years’ experience.

Patricia established what is now Trafalgar – The People Business in 1990, which specialises in strategy, business development, achieving Peak Performance Management and, of course, developing pro£itability.

Clients find that those ‘tiresome management tasks’ become easier and more manageably effective, that staff become fired up with enthusiasm and the business does achieve its goals – and increases profitability!

As a keynote speaker and facilitator Patricia focuses on motivating her audiences to welcome change, to understand the personalities and motivations of others, to work together towards targets and goals which ultimately lead to success for all.

In her spare time Patricia is involved with several charities including Ataxia UK. She has had numerous articles published, has a series of Practice Management Pocketbooks and DVDs for professional people, has scripted and contributed to a number of LNTV videos, has appeared on BBC radio and is a member of the National Speakers Association and a Fellow of the Professional Speakers Association.

The Best Massachusetts Car Accident Attorney

There are several other legal forms depending on the type of case that you have, that the lawyer may ask you to sign.
Next, the Massachusetts Personal Injury Law Center will begin an initial investigation to determine both the facts and the circumstances that gave rise to your injuries and the nature of the injuries suffered.  In certain situations where necessary, we will hire private investigators to collect information, and, following the investigation, your attorney at the Massachusetts Personal Injury Law Center will send notice claim letters and letters of representation to the person or company responsible for your injuries and attempt to establish communication with their insurance company.  From here, we will engage in exchanging information with the representative or insurance company of who caused your injuries. After we have received and evaluated all of your medical records and bills from your doctors or health care providers, we will assemble a settlement package and send it to the insurance company to first try to settle your case out of court.
If the claim cannot be settled, or, after consultation, you are not happy with the settlement offer, then your attorney at the Massachusetts Personal Injury Law Center may file a lawsuit in court or file a demand for arbitration or mediation to try to resolve your case, after discussion with you.  Once a lawsuit is filed, the case may take a year or more to reach trial. While the suit is pending, your attorney will continue engaging with the opposing party, including provoking any further settlement offers and undertaking discovery, which is a further investigation of the facts of the case.
If necessary, the Massachusetts Personal Injury Law Center’s experienced trial counsel will proceed through a jury trial or bench trial, arguing on your behalf in order to achieve the best possible outcome for you.  
After you receive your FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation, if you decide to proceed, our attorneys with the assistance of our personal injury paralegals will conduct a detailed interview concerning your incident, your background and any relevant factors to the case.  You will also be asked to sign authorizations so that the attorney may obtain the medical records and employment information in the case of lost wages.  Under the laws of Massachusetts, a hospital or doctor is prohibited from releasing your medical records or any information regarding medical care without a written authorization signed by you.  Our attorneys will also review with you and have you sign a contingent fee agreement which explains the terms of the representation.
In addition to the pain and suffering experienced from being injured, dealing with insurance companies and the legal system on your own can be frustrating, overwhelming, and discouraging.
Our main priority is to win your case. We use aggressive negotiation and trial tactic strategies, relying on our techniques to ensure the most effective action on your behalf. Because the facts and goals of each legal case are different, we will tailor our approach to achieve the best possible resolution for you.  
Our attorneys and support staff are here for you. A simple call puts you in contact with a committed, friendly, local attorney who will handle all aspects of your case and work hard to help you get what you deserve.
We will fight for your rights if you have suffered at the hands of another. Our lawyers are extremely responsive and available to provide a free consultation to you regarding your case immediately.
Uninsured Driver – Where the at-fault driver is uninsured, it can be difficult for a person who is injured in a car accident to obtain a suitable recovery.  In Massachusetts, drivers carry “uninsured motorist coverage” through their own automobile insurance policies so that they have a source of recovery in the event that the other driver fails to carry insurance or cannot be identified.
Underinsured Driver - Similar to the uninsured driver, some drivers carry inadequate insurance coverage, often at the minimum level required by state law.
Insurance Company Bad Faith - When people make claims with their insurance companies, they sometimes run into difficulty with the insurance company’s refusal to negotiate the claim fairly.   In Massachusetts, and other “no fault” states where drivers insure for their own accident-related medical care, it can involve the improper denial of coverage or reimbursement by the insurance company.
Personal Injury Lawyers fight for the future well being of their clients.  In many cases, success or failure of a case determines the financial, emotional and physical well being of their clients, and therefore we will do everything in our power to succeed for you.  If you have been injured or are experiencing physical or mental pain due to the negligence of someone else, the Attorneys here can help you obtain the resources you need to ease your suffering.

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About the Author

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MA Employment Law - How To Let Your Workers Go

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Indian Cinematographers Society Ics Founding Member Rajeev Jain Talks About : Kenyan On-Set Terminology

Indian Cinematographers Society ICS Founding Member Rajeev Jain Talks About : Kenyan On-Set Terminology

 

Rajiv Jain is an Indian Kenyan Director of Photography. Rajiv grew up in the city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India, where he attended Government Intermediate College. He graduated from the Bhartendu Natya Academy of Dramatic Arts, Lucknow, India in 1985. In January 2009 he became a founding member of the Indian Cinematographers Society ICS.

 

ACTION! -- The verbal cue indicating the camera is rolling.

AD -- The Assistant Director.

ADR -- Additional (or Automatic) Dialogue Replacement. Sometimes called

"looping".

ART DlRECTOR -- Person who conceives and designs the sets, usually on a

commercial.

AUDlTlON -- A tryout for a film or television role, usually in front of a

casting director, for which a reading is required.

AVAlL -- A courtesy situation extended by an agent to a producer indicating

that a performer is available to work a certain job. Avails have no legal or

contractual status.

SACKGROUND -- Extras.

BACK-UP -- A performer hired to work only if the designated principal

doesn't perform satisfactorily.

BEAUTY SHOT -- On television soap operas, the shot over which the credits

are rolled.

BEST BOY -- In films, the assistant to the Electrician.

BlLLlNG -- The order of the names in the opening credits of a film or TV

show.

B10 -- A resume in narrative form, usually for a printed program or press

release.

BLOCKlNG -- Tha actual physical movements by actors in any scene.

BOOKlNG -- A firm commitment to a performer to do a specific job.

BOOM -- An overhead microphone, usually on an extended pole.

BREAKAWAY -- A prop or set piece which looks solid but shatters easily.

BREAKDOWN -- A detaiied listing and description of roles available for

casting in a production.

BUYOUT -- An offer of full payment in advance in lieu of residuals, when the

contract permits.

CASTlNG DlRECTOR -- The producer's representative responsible for

choosing performers for consideration by the producer.

CATTLE CALL -- An audition where anyone can come to audition without an

appointment. Usually there are many people there. Also called an "open

call."

CHANGES -- Outfits worn while performing.

CLOSE-UP (CU)-- Camera term for tight shot of shoulders and face. Closeups

can be of anything.

COLA -- Cost of Living Adjustment.

COLD READlNG -- Unrehearsed reading of a scene, usually at auditions.

COMMlSSlON -- Percentage of a performer's earnings paid to agents or

managers for services rendered.

COMPOSlTE -- A series of contrasting photos.

CONFLlCT -- Status of being paid for services in a commercial for one

advertiser, thereby contractually preventing performing services in a

commercial for a competitor.

COPM -- Conference of Personal Managers.

COPY -- The script for a commercial or voice over.

CRANE SHOT -- A camera shot raised over or above the set or the action.

CRAWL -- Usually the end credits in a fiim or TV shot which "crawl" up the

screen.

CREDlTS -- Performance experience listed on a resume; also, opening names

in a film or a n/ show.

CROSS-FADE -- On camera, the transition achieved by retaining one image

as another is introduced. On radio, to change the source of sound by

steadily lowering one and raising another.

CU -- Close-up.

CUE -- Hand signal by the Stage Manager.

CUTAWAY -- A short scene between two shots of the same person, showing

something other than that person.

DAY PLAYER -- A performer hired on a daily basis, rather than on a longer

term contract.

DAYTlME DRAMA -- Soap opera.

DEAD AIR -- Silence in a broadcast.

DEALER COMMERClAL -- A national commercial produced and paid for by a national advertiser and then turned over to local dealers to book air time,

usually with the dealer's tag added on.

DEMO -- An audition tape.

CALLBACK -- Any follow-up interview or audition.

DlALECT -- A distinctly regional or cultural sound.

DlALOGUE -- The scripted words exchanged by performers.

DlRECTOR -- The coordinator of all artistic and technical aspects of any

production.

DOLLY -- Camera movements forward and backward.

DONUT -- A recording made to change information in the body of a

commercial, as opposed to a tag.

DOUBLE -- Any performer who actually performs in place of another

performer.

DOWNGRADE -- Reduction of a performer's on camera role from principal to

extra.

DP -- Director of Photography or Cinematographer.

DRESS THE SET -- Add such items to the set as curtains, furniture, props,

etc.

DRIVE-ON PASS -- In Kenya, a pass to drive onto and park on a studio

lot.

DROP-PICKUP -- A contractual situation where a performer is laid off and

rehired on the same production.

DUPE -- A duplicate copy of a film or tape; also, a "dub."

8x10 -- Commonly used size of glossy photos.

18-TO-GO-YOUNGER -- Legally 18 years old, but can be convincingly cast as

a younger age.

ELECTRlClAN -- Crew chief responsible for lighting.

EMANCIPATED MlNOR -- A child who has been given the status of a legal

adult by a judge.

EQUlTV WAlVER -- In Kenya, 99-seat (or less) theaters which are

otherwise professional, over which Equity has waived contract provisions

under certain conditions.

EXCLUSlVITY -- Achieved by virtue of performing as a principal in a

commercial. During the contractual period of payment, the advertiser has

exclusive rights to the performer's work, likeness and image with regard to

competitive products.

EXECUTlVE PRODUCER -- Person responsible for funding the production.

EXT -- Exterior or Exterior shot; a scene shot outside or outside another

area.

EXTRA -- Background talent, used only in non-principal roles.

FlCK -- Social Security taxes (Federal lnsurance Corporation of Kenya).

FlRST REFUSAL -- A courtesy situation extended to producers by agents on

behalf of performers, giving the producer the "right" to decline to employ

the performer before the performer accepts a conflicting assignment.

FlXED CYCLE -- For commercials, an established 1 week period for which the

advertiser pays a holding fee to retain the right to use the performer's

services, likeness and image in a previously produced advertisement.

FLlPPER -- Easily removed false teeth for children, used for cosmetic

purposes only.

FORCED CALL -- A call to work less than 12 hours after dismissal on the

previous day. See TURNAROUND.

FREELANClNG -- Working through more than one franchised agent rather

than signing exclusively with any one agent. Also, working for multiple

employers as a performer, distinguished from permanent employment at a

radiolTV station or network.

FX -- Effects, or Special Effects.

GAFFER -- In film, a crew member who places lighting equipment.

GLOSSY -- A shiny photo-finishing process.

GBFER -- An errand runner, who "goes for" this or that.

GRlP -- A crew member who moves set pieces or props.

GUARANTEED BlLLlNG -- Position of credit specifically negotiated by agent.

HAND MODEL -- A performer whose hands are used to double for others.

HEAD SHOT -- A still photo, usually 8"x10", showing head and shoulders.

HlATUS -- Time during which a televison series is out of production.

HOLDlNG FEE -- Set payment by an advertiser to retain the right to use a

performer's services, image or likeness on an exclusive basis.

HONEY WAGON -- A towed vehicle containing one or more dressing rooms.

Often the honewagon is also used when referring to the toilet.

lNDUSTRlAL -- Non-broadcast, often educational, films or tapes.

lNSERTS -- Shots, usually close-ups of hands or close business, inserted into

previously shot footage.

INT -- Interior, or interior shot.

"IN" TlME -- The actual call time or start time; also, return time from a

break.

LlFT -- Process of taking a sequence from one commercial to create all or

part of another commercial. Sometimes called a "mechanical lift."

LlQUlDATED DAMAGES - Monetary penalties imposed on an employer when contract provisions are violated (paid to the Union).

LONG SHOT (LS)-- A camera shot which captures the performer's full body.

LOOPlNG -- An in-studio technique matching voice to picture.

MEAL PENALTY -- A set fee paid by the producer for failure to provide meals

or meal breaks as specified by the contract.

MONOLOGUE -- A solo performance by an actor.

MOS (Mit Out Sound/Motion Only Shot) -- Any shot without dialogue or

sound.

MOW - Movie of the Week.

NATIONAL COMMERClAL -- A commercial produced for use throughout the

country.

NlGHT PREMlUM -- A 10% surcharge for work performed after 8 p.m.

NOMEX -- Brand name for fire-retardant undergarments.

OFF-CAMERA (OC or OS)-- Dialogue delivered without the actor being on

screen.

OPEN CALL -- An interview situation open to anyone.

OUT CLAUSE -- Section of a contract allowing the performer to terminate the

agreement under certain circumstances.

''OUT" TlME -- The actual time after which you have changed out of

wardrobe and are released.

OVERDUBBlNG -- In studio singing or voice work, the process of laying a new

soundtrack over an old one.

OVERTlME (OT)-- Work extending beyond the contractual work day.

PA -- Production assistant.

PAN -- A camera shot which sweeps from side-to-side.

P&G -- Performers who have a cleancut, all-American look as commonly

favored by Procter & Gamble for its commercials or soap operas.

PAYMASTER – An independent talent payment service acting as the

employer of record and signatory.

PER DlEM -- Set fee paid by producer on location shoots to compensate performer

for expenditures for meals not provided by the producer

PHOTO DOUBLE -- An actor cast to perform on camera in place of another.

"POPPING" or PLOSlVE -- the sudden release of blocked-in air causing a popping sound on the mike; usually with the letters "p,b,t,d,k,g. "

POV SHOT -- Point-of-View shot; camera angle from the perspective of one

actor (character in the story).

"PREPPY" TYPE -- An Eastern prep school-casual appearance.

PRlME TlME -- Network programming aired 8-11 p.m. (7-10 p.m. in

Central/Mountain time zones).

PRlNClPAL -- A performer with lines or special business which advances the

story line.

PRODUCER -- Often called the Line Producer; the person responsible for the

day-to-day decision-making on a production.

PROFlClENCY TEST -- An advance placement examination taken by high

school students to achieve high school graduation equivalence without

dropping out of school.

PROPS -- Easily moved objects used in the course of action of a program.

PSA -- Public Service Announcement.

RATlNGS -- Public surveys used to measure the number of TV viewers or

radio listeners.

REGlONAL COMMERClAL -- Produced for airing only in certain areas of the

U.S.

RELEASE -- In commercials, termination of use of a commercial.

RELEASE LETTER -- Written dismissal of a talent agent, as required by

Unions.

RERUN -- Rebroadcast of a TV program; in commercials, often called

"reuse."

RESlDUAL -- The fee paid to a performer for rebroadcast of a commercial,

film or television program.

RESUME -- List of credits, usually attached to an 8x10 or composite.

REWRlTE -- Changes in the script, often using color-coded pages.

RHUBARB -- live crowd noises (also known as "WALLA").

RUNAWAY PRODUCTlON -- Any production which leaves its usual location

far a different one, usually to save on costs or escape certain regulations.

RUNNlNG PART -- In TV series, a recurring role.

SCALE -- Minimum payment for services under Union contracts.

SCALE + 10 -- Minimum payment plus 10% to cover the agent's commission,

required in some jurisdictions for agents to receive commissions.

SCREEN TEST -- A filmed performance of a short scene to confirm how an

actor performs on camera; increasingly applied to taped tests..

SCRlPT -- The written form of a screenplay, teleplay, radio or stage play.

SCRlPT SUPERVlSOR -- The crew member assigned to record all changes or

actions as the production proceeds.

SEGUE -- In film or tape editing, a transition from one shot to another.

SESSlON FEE -- Payment for initial performance in and initial airing of a

commerciai.

SET -- An indoor location (often constructed in a studio).

SFX -- Sound effects.

SlDES -- Pages or scenes from a script, used for auditions.

SIGHT-AND-SOUND --Parent's right under Union contracts to be within sight

of the child performer at all times.

SlGNATORY -- An employer who has agreed to produce under the terms of a

Union contract.

SlLENT BIT -- A piece of work without lines featured by the camera.

SlNGLE CARD -- A credit in a film or TV show in which only one performer's

name appears.

SIT COM -- Situation comedy; an episodic television comedy, produced in a

studio.

SLATE -- A small chalkboard and clapper device, used to mark and identify

shots on film for editing; also, the process of verbal identification by a

performer in a taped audition (e.g., "Slate your name!").

SOAP -- Soap opera or daytime drama.

SOF -- Sound on film.

SOT -- Sound on tape.

SOUNDTRACK -- The audio portion of a film or TV production.

SPEClAL BUSlNESS -- Specially directed action by an extra player.

SPOT -- A commercial message, usually booked at random.

STAGE MANAGER -- The person who oversees the technical aspects of an instudio production.

STANDARD UNlON CONTRACT -- The standard format/contract approved

by the Unions and offered to performers prior to the job.

STANDARDS & PRACTlCES -- The network TV censorship departments.

STAND-INS -- Extra players used to substitute for featured players, usually

for purposes of setting lights.

"STICKS" -- Slate or clapboard.

STORYBOARD -- A pictured sequential rendering of the dialogue and action

in a commercial.

STUDlO -- A building which accommodates film or TV production.

STUDIO TEACH ER -- Set teacher or tutor, hired to provide education to

working young performers; also responsible for enforcing Child Labor Laws

and Minors' provisions in the Union contracts.

STUNT COORDlNATOR -- The person in charge of designing and supervising

the performance of stunts and hazardous activities.

STUNT DOUBLE -- A specially trained performer who actually performs

stunts in place of a principal player.

SUBMlSSlON -- An agent's suggestion to a casting director for a role in a certain production.

SWEETENlNG -- In singing/recording, the process of adding additional

voices to previously recorded work.

SYNDlCATION -- Selling television programs to individual stations rather

than to networks.

TAFT-HARTLEY -- A federal statute which allows 30 days after first

employment before being required to join a Union.

TAG -- An introduction or ending to a commercial or television show to

identify a dealer, address, phone number, etc. Often a bit in a television

show which is the last bit the audience sees.

TAKE -- The clapboard indication of a shot "taken" or printed.

TAKE 5 -- The announcement of periodic five minute breaks.

T&R -- Talent and Residuals, a talent payment company, or paymaster.

TELE PROMPTER -- The brand name of a device which enables a broadcaster

to read a script while looking into the lens. It is usually located near to the

lens.

TEST MARKET -- Airing of a commercial in one area to determine response.

TlGHT SHOT -- Framing of a shot with little or no space around the central

figure(s) or feature(s); usually a close up.

THEATRlCAL -- Television shows or feature film work, as opposed to

commercials.

3/4" TAPE -- lndustrial quality video tape; requires special tape deck.

TlME & 1/2 -- Overtime payment of 1 1/2 times the hourly rate.

TRADES -- Trade papers, periodicals carrying entertainment information.

TRAlLER -- A series of excerpts or clips, used to promote a film or television

show.

TRUCKlNG -- A camera move, involving shifts side to side.

TURNAROUND -- The number of hours between dismissal one day and call

time the next day.

TWO-SHOT -- A camera framing of two persons.

UNDERSTUDY -- A performer hired to do role only if the featured player is

unable to perform.

UPGRADE -- Acknowledgement by a producer that a player hired as an extra

has performed principal work, resulting in principal payment.

USE CYCLE -- Any 13 week period during which a commercial is actually

aired; used to determine payment schedule for residuals and often differing

from holding cycles.

VOlCE OVER (VO)-- Also OS; off-camera dialogue.

WAlVERS - Board-approved permission for deviation from the terms of a

contract.

WALK-BN -- A very brief role.

WARDROBE -- The clothing a performer wears on camera.

WARDROBE FlTTlNG -- A paid session held prior to production to prepare a

performer's costumes.

WlLD SPOT -- A commercial which is contracted to air on a station-bystation

basis, rather then by network.

WlLD TRACK -- Soundtrack having no direct relationship to the picture.

WORK PERMlT -- A legal document required to allow a child to work, issued

by various state or local agencies.

WRAP -- Finishing a production.

ZED CARD -- A composite, usually 5"x7", used for print work or modeling.

ZOOM -- A camera technique with a special lens to adjust the depth of a

shot accomplished without moving the camera.

Tags: Academy, Arts, Bhartendu, Bollywood, Cinematographer, Director of Photography, Dramatic, Dubai, India, Indian, Jain, Kenya, Kenyan, Natya, Rajeev, Rajiv

Author: Born in Los Angeles, David Henry Hwang is the son of immigrant Chinese American parents; his father worked as a banker, and his mother was a professor of piano. Educated at Stanford University, from which he earned his B.A. in English in 1979, he became interested in theatre after attending plays at the American Conservatory in San Francisco. His marginal interest in a law career quickly gave way to his involvement in the engaging world of live theatre. By his senior year, he had written and produced his first play, FOB (an acronym for "fresh off the boat"), which marked the beginning of a meteoric rise as a playwright. After a brief stint as a writing teacher at a Menlo Park high school, Hwang attended the Yale University School of Drama from 1980 to 1981. Although he didn't stay to complete a degree, he studied theatre history before leaving for New York City, where he thought the professional theatre would provide a richer education than the student workshops at Yale.

About the Author

Born in Los Angeles, David Henry Hwang is the son of immigrant Chinese American parents; his father worked as a banker, and his mother was a professor of piano. Educated at Stanford University, from which he earned his B.A. in English in 1979, he became interested in theatre after attending plays at the American Conservatory in San Francisco. His marginal interest in a law career quickly gave way to his involvement in the engaging world of live theatre. By his senior year, he had written and produced his first play, FOB (an acronym for "fresh off the boat"), which marked the beginning of a meteoric rise as a playwright. After a brief stint as a writing teacher at a Menlo Park high school, Hwang attended the Yale University School of Drama from 1980 to 1981. Although he didn't stay to complete a degree, he studied theatre history before leaving for New York City, where he thought the professional theatre would provide a richer education than the student workshops at Yale.

Finding the Passion to Lead

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Stirling engine

Name and definition

Robert Stirling was the inventor of the first practical example of a closed cycle air engine in 1816, and it was suggested by Fleeming Jenkin as early as 1884 that all such engines should therefore generically be called Stirling engines. This naming proposal found little favour, and the various types on the market continued to be known by the name of their individual designers or manufacturers, e.g. Rider's, Robinson's or Heinrici's (hot) air engine. In the 1940s, the Philips company was searching for a suitable name for its own version of the 'air engine', which by that time it had already been tested with other gases, eventually settling on 'Stirling engine' in April 1945. However, nearly thirty years later Graham Walker was still bemoaning the fact that such terms as 'hot air engine' continued to be used interchangeably with 'Stirling engine' which itself was applied widely and indiscriminately. The situation has now improved somewhat, at least in academic literature, and it is now generally accepted that 'Stirling engine' should refer exclusively to a closed-cycle regenerative heat engine with a permanently gaseous working fluid, where closed-cycle is defined as a thermodynamic system in which the working fluid is permanently contained within the system and regenerative describes the use of a specific type of internal heat exchanger and thermal store, known as the regenerator. An engine working on the same principle but using a liquid rather than gaseous fluid existed in 1931 and was called the Malone heat engine.

It follows from the closed cycle operation that the Stirling engine is an external combustion engine that isolates its working fluid from the energy input supplied by an external heat source. There are many possible implementations of the Stirling engine most of which fall into the category of reciprocating piston engine.

Functional description

The engine is designed so that the working gas is generally compressed in the colder portion of the engine and expanded in the hotter portion resulting in a net conversion of heat into work. An internal Regenerative heat exchanger increases the Stirling engine's thermal efficiency compared to simpler hot air engines lacking this feature.

Key components

Cut-away diagram of a rhombic drive beta configuration Stirling engine design:

Pink  Hot cylinder wall

Dark grey  Cold cylinder wall (with coolant inlet and outlet pipes in yellow)

Dark green  Thermal insulation separating the two cylinder ends

Light green  Displacer piston

Dark blue  Power piston

Light blue  Linkage crank and flywheels

Not shown: Heat source and heat sinks. In this design the displacer piston is constructed without a purpose-built regenerator.

As a consequence of closed cycle operation the heat that drives a Stirling engine must be transmitted from a heat source to the working fluid by heat exchangers and finally to a heat sink. A Stirling engine system has at least one heat source, one heat sink and up to five heat exchangers. Some types may combine or dispense with some of these.

Heat source

Point focus parabolic mirror with Stirling engine at its center and its solar tracker at Plataforma Solar de Almera (PSA) in Spain

The heat source may be combustion of a fuel and, since the combustion products do not mix with the working fluid (that is, external combustion) and come into contact with the internal moving parts of the engine, a Stirling engine can run on fuels that would damage other (that is, internal combustion) engines' internals, such as landfill gas which contains siloxane.

Some other suitable heat sources are concentrated solar energy, geothermal energy, nuclear energy, waste heat, or even biological. If the heat source is solar power, regular solar mirrors and solar dishes may be used. Also, fresnel lenses have been advocated to be used (for example, for planetary surface exploration). Solar powered Stirling engines are becoming increasingly popular, as they are a very environmentally sound option for producing power. Also, some designs are economically attractive in development projects.

Recuperator

An optional heat exchanger is the recuperator used when high efficiency is desired from combustion fuel input to mechanical power output. As the heater of a fuel-fired engine with high efficiency must operate at a nearly uniform high temperature, there is considerable heat loss from the combustion gases exiting the burner unless this can be cooled by preheating the air needed for combustion. Engines used within combined heat and power systems can instead cool the exhaust gases at the "cold" side of the engine.

Heater

In small, low power engines this may simply consist of the walls of the hot space(s) but where larger powers are required a greater surface area is needed in order to transfer sufficient heat. Typical implementations are internal and external fins or multiple small bore tubes

Designing Stirling engine heat exchangers is a balance between high heat transfer with low viscous pumping losses and low dead space. With engines operating at high powers and pressures, the heat exchangers on the hot side must be made of alloys retaining considerable strength at temperature and also not corrode or creep.

Regenerator

Main article: Regenerative heat exchanger

In a Stirling engine, the regenerator is an internal heat exchanger and temporary heat store placed between the hot and cold spaces such that the working fluid passes through it first in one direction then the other. Its function is to retain within the system that heat which would otherwise be exchanged with the environment at temperatures intermediate to the maximum and minimum cycle temperatures, thus enabling the thermal efficiency of the cycle to approach the limiting Carnot efficiency defined by those maxima and minima.

The primary effect of regeneration in a Stirling engine is to greatly increase the thermal efficiency by 'recycling' internally heat which would otherwise pass through the engine irreversibly. As a secondary effect, increased thermal efficiency promises a higher power output from a given set of hot and cold end heat exchangers (since it is these which usually limit the engine's heat throughput), though, in practice this additional power may not be fully realized as the additional "dead space" (unswept volume) and pumping loss inherent in practical regenerators tends to have the opposite effect.

The regenerator works like a thermal capacitor. The ideal regenerator has very high thermal capacity, very low thermal conductivity parallel to fluid flow, very high thermal conductivity perpendicular to fluid flow, almost no volume, and introduces no friction to the working fluid. As the regenerator approaches these ideal limits, Stirling engine efficiency increases.

The design challenge for a Stirling engine regenerator is to provide sufficient heat transfer capacity without introducing too much additional internal volume ('dead space') or flow resistance, both of which tend to reduce power and efficiency. These inherent design conflicts are one of many factors which limit the efficiency of practical Stirling engines. A typical design is a stack of fine metal wire meshes, with low porosity to reduce dead space, and with the wire axes perpendicular to the gas flow to reduce conduction in that direction and to maximize convective heat transfer.

The regenerator is the key component invented by Robert Stirling and its presence distinguishes a true Stirling engine from any other closed cycle hot air engine. However, many engines with no apparent regenerator may still be correctly described as Stirling engines as in the simple beta and gamma configurations with a 'loose fitting' displacer, the surfaces of the displacer and its cylinder will cyclically exchange heat with the working fluid providing a significant regenerative effect particularly in small, low-pressure engines. The same is true of the passage connecting the hot and cold cylinders of an alpha configuration engine.

Cooler

In small, low power engines this may simply consist of the walls of the cold space(s), but where larger powers are required a cooler using a liquid like water is needed in order to transfer sufficient heat.

Heat sink

The heat sink is typically the environment at ambient temperature. In the case of medium to high power engines, a radiator is required to transfer the heat from the engine to the ambient air. Marine engines can use the ambient water. In the case of combined heat and power systems, the engine's cooling water is used directly or indirectly for heating purposes.

Alternatively, heat may be supplied at ambient and the heat sink maintained at a lower temperature by such means as cryogenic fluid (see Liquid nitrogen economy) or ice water.

Configurations

There are two major types of Stirling engines that are distinguished by the way they move the air between the hot and cold sides of the cylinder:

The two piston alpha type design has pistons in independent cylinders, and gas is driven between the hot and cold spaces.

The displacement type Stirling engines, known as beta and gamma types, use an insulated mechanical displacer to push the working gas between the hot and cold sides of the cylinder. The displacer is large enough to thermally insulate the hot and cold sides of the cylinder and displace a large quantity of gas. It must have enough of a gap between the displacer and the cylinder wall to allow gas to easily flow around the displacer.

Alpha Stirling

An alpha Stirling contains two power pistons in separate cylinders, one hot and one cold. The hot cylinder is situated inside the high temperature heat exchanger and the cold cylinder is situated inside the low temperature heat exchanger. This type of engine has a high power-to-volume ratio but has technical problems due to the usually high temperature of the hot piston and the durability of its seals. In practice, this piston usually carries a large insulating head to move the seals away from the hot zone at the expense of some additional dead space.

Action of an alpha type Stirling engine

The following diagrams do not show internal heat exchangers in the compression and expansion spaces, which are needed to produce power. A regenerator would be placed in the pipe connecting the two cylinders. The crankshaft has also been omitted.

1. Most of the working gas is in contact with the hot cylinder walls, it has been heated and expansion has pushed the cold piston to the bottom of its travel in the cylinder. The expansion continues in the hot cylinder, which is 90 behind the cold piston in its cycle, extracting more work from the hot gas.

2. The gas is now at its maximum volume. The hot cylinder piston begins to move most of the gas into the cold cylinder, where it cools and the pressure drops.

3. Almost all the gas is now in the cold cylinder and cooling continues. The cold piston, powered by flywheel momentum (or other piston pairs on the same shaft) compresses the remaining part of the gas.

4. The gas reaches its minimum volume, and it will now expand in the hot cylinder where it will be heated once more, driving the hot piston in its power stroke.

The complete alpha type Stirling cycle

Beta Stirling

A beta Stirling has a single power piston arranged within the same cylinder on the same shaft as a displacer piston. The displacer piston is a loose fit and does not extract any power from the expanding gas but only serves to shuttle the working gas from the hot heat exchanger to the cold heat exchanger. When the working gas is pushed to the hot end of the cylinder it expands and pushes the power piston. When it is pushed to the cold end of the cylinder it contracts and the momentum of the machine, usually enhanced by a flywheel, pushes the power piston the other way to compress the gas. Unlike the alpha type, the beta type avoids the technical problems of hot moving seals.

Action of a beta type Stirling engine

Again, the following diagrams do not show internal heat exchangers or a regenerator, which would be placed in the gas path around the displacer.

1. Power piston (dark grey) has compressed the gas, the displacer piston (light grey) has moved so that most of the gas is adjacent to the hot heat exchanger.

2. The heated gas increases in pressure and pushes the power piston to the farthest limit of the power stroke.

3. The displacer piston now moves, shunting the gas to the cold end of the cylinder.

4. The cooled gas is now compressed by the flywheel momentum. This takes less energy, since when it is cooled its pressure dropped.

The complete beta type Stirling cycle

Gamma Stirling

A gamma Stirling is simply a beta Stirling in which the power piston is mounted in a separate cylinder alongside the displacer piston cylinder, but is still connected to the same flywheel. The gas in the two cylinders can flow freely between them and remains a single body. This configuration produces a lower compression ratio but is mechanically simpler and often used in multi-cylinder Stirling engines.

Other types

Other Stirling configurations continue to interest engineers and inventors. Tom Peat conceived of a configuration that he likes to call a "Delta" type, although currently this designation is not widely recognized, having a displacer and two power pistons, one hot and one cold.

There is also the rotary Stirling engine which seeks to convert power from the Stirling cycle directly into torque, similar to the rotary combustion engine. No practical engine has yet been built but a number of concepts, models and patents have been produced, such as the Quasiturbine engine.

Another alternative is the Fluidyne engine (Fluidyne heat pump), which use hydraulic pistons to implement the Stirling cycle. The work produced by a Fluidyne engine goes into pumping the liquid. In its simplest form, the engine contains a working gas, a liquid and two non-return valves.

The Ringbom engine concept published in 1907 has no rotary mechanism or linkage for the displacer. This is instead driven by a small auxiliary piston, usually a thick displacer rod, with the movement limited by stops.

Free piston engines

Various Free-Piston Stirling Configurations... F."free cylinder", G. Fluidyne, H. "double-acting" Stirling (typically 4 cylinders)

"Free piston" Stirling engines include those with liquid pistons and those with diaphragms as pistons. In a "free piston" device, energy may be added or removed by an electrical linear alternator, pump or other coaxial device. This sidesteps the need for a linkage, and reduces the number of moving parts. In some designs friction and wear are nearly eliminated by the use of non-contact gas bearings or very precise suspension through planar springs.

In the early 1960s, W.T. Beale invented a free piston version of the Stirling engine in order to overcome the difficulty of lubricating the crank mechanism. While the invention of the basic free piston Stirling engine is generally attributed to Beale, independent inventions of similar types of engines were made by E.H. Cooke-Yarborough and C. West at the Harwell Laboratories of the UKAERE. G.M. Benson also made important early contributions and patented many novel free-piston configurations.

What appears to be the first mention of a Stirling cycle machine using freely moving components is a British patent disclosure in 1876. This machine was envisaged as a refrigerator (i.e., the reversed Stirling cycle). The first consumer product to utilize a free piston Stirling device was a portable refrigerator manufactured by Twinbird Corporation of Japan and offered in the US by Coleman in 2004.

Thermoacoustic cycle

Thermoacoustic devices are very different from Stirling devices, although the individual path travelled by each working gas molecule does follow a real Stirling cycle. These devices include the thermoacoustic engine and thermoacoustic refrigerator. High-amplitude acoustic standing waves cause compression and expansion analogous to a Stirling power piston, while out-of-phase acoustic travelling waves cause displacement along a temperature gradient, analogous to a Stirling displacer piston. Thus a thermoacoustic device typically does not have a displacer, as found in a beta or gamma Stirling.

History

Illustration to Robert Stirling's 1816 patent application of the air engine design which later came to be known as the Stirling Engine

The Stirling engine (or Stirling's air engine as it was known at the time) was invented and patented by Robert Stirling in 1816. It followed earlier attempts at making an air engine but was probably the first to be put to practical use when in 1818 an engine built by Stirling was employed pumping water in a quarry. The main subject of Stirling's original patent was a heat exchanger which he called an "economiser" for its enhancement of fuel economy in a variety of applications. The patent also described in detail the employment of one form of the economiser in his unique closed-cycle air engine design in which application it is now generally known as a 'regenerator'. Subsequent development by Robert Stirling and his brother James, an engineer, resulted in patents for various improved configurations of the original engine including pressurization which had by 1843 sufficiently increased power output to drive all the machinery at a Dundee iron foundry.

Though it has been disputed it is widely supposed that as well as saving fuel the inventors were motivated to create a safer alternative to the steam engines of the time, whose boilers frequently exploded causing many injuries and fatalities. The need for Stirling engines to run at very high temperatures to maximize power and efficiency exposed limitations in the materials of the day and the few engines that were built in those early years suffered unacceptably frequent failures (albeit with far less disastrous consequences than a boiler explosion) - for example, the Dundee foundry engine was replaced by a steam engine after three hot cylinder failures in four years.

Later nineteenth century

A typical late nineteenth/early twentieth century water pumping engine by the Rider-Ericsson Engine Company

Subsequent to the failure of the Dundee foundry engine there is no record of the Stirling brothers having any further involvement with air engine development and the Stirling engine never again competed with steam as an industrial scale power source (steam boilers were becoming safer and steam engines more efficient, thus presenting less of a target to rival prime movers). However, from about 1860 smaller engines of the Stirling/hot air type were produced in substantial numbers finding applications wherever a reliable source of low to medium power was required, such as raising water or providing air for church organs. These generally operated at lower temperatures so as not to tax available materials, so were relatively inefficient. But their selling point was that, unlike a steam engine, they could be operated safely by anybody capable of managing a fire. Several types remained in production beyond the end of the century, but apart from a few minor mechanical improvements the design of the Stirling engine in general stagnated during this period.

Twentieth century revival

During the early part of the twentieth century the role of the Stirling engine as a "domestic motor" was gradually taken over by the electric motor and small internal combustion engines. By the late 1930s it was largely forgotten, only produced for toys and a few small ventilating fans. At this time Philips was seeking to expand sales of its radios into areas where electricity was unavailable and the supply of batteries uncertain. Philips' management decided that a low-power portable generator would facilitate such sales and tasked a group of engineers at the company's research lab in Eindhoven to evaluate alternatives.

After a systematic comparison of various prime movers, the Stirling engine's quiet operation (both audibly and in terms of radio interference) and ability to run on a variety of heat sources (common lamp oil  "cheap and available everywhere"  was favoured), the team picked Stirling. They were also aware that, unlike steam and internal combustion engines, virtually no serious development work had been carried out on the Stirling engine for many years and asserted that modern materials and know-how should enable great improvements.

Philips MP1002CA Stirling generator of 1951

Encouraged by their first experimental engine, which produced 16 W of shaft power from a bore and stroke of 30mm 25mm, Philips began a development program. This work continued throughout World War II and by the late 1940s handed over the Type 10 to Philips' subsidiary Johan de Witt in Dordrecht to be "productionised" and incorporated into a generator set. The result, rated at 200 W from a bore and stroke of 55 mm x 27 mm, was designated MP1002CA (known as the "Bungalow set"). Production of an initial batch of 250 began in 1951, but it became clear that they could not be made at a competitive price and the advent of transistor radios with their much lower power requirements meant that the original rationale for the set was disappearing. Approximately 150 of these sets were eventually produced. Some found their way into university and college engineering departments around the world giving generations of students a valuable introduction to the Stirling engine.

Philips went on to develop experimental Stirling engines for a wide variety of applications and continued to work in the field until the late 1970s, but only achieved commercial success with the 'reversed Stirling engine' cryocooler. They did however take out a large number of patents and amass a wealth of information which they licensed to other companies and which formed the basis of much of the development work in the modern era.

Towards the end of the century, several companies developed research prototypes of medium-power engines and in some cases small production series. A mass market was never achieved because the unit costs were very high and some technical problems remained unsolved. Now in the twenty-first century, some commercial success is starting to become feasible, notably with combined heat and power units.

In the field of low-power engines, many plans, kits and finished engines are available commercially. Apart from traditional small models and some larger machines for real use, a new type was introduced in the 1980s: the low-temperature flat plate type.

Theory

Main article: Stirling cycle

A pressure/volume graph of the idealized Stirling cycle

The idealised Stirling cycle consists of four thermodynamic processes acting on the working fluid:

Isothermal Expansion. The expansion-space and associated heat exchanger are maintained at a constant high temperature, and the gas undergoes near-isothermal expansion absorbing heat from the hot source.

Constant-Volume (known as isovolumetric or isochoric) heat-removal. The gas is passed through the regenerator, where it cools transferring heat to the regenerator for use in the next cycle.

Isothermal Compression. The compression space and associated heat exchanger are maintained at a constant low temperature so the gas undergoes near-isothermal compression rejecting heat to the cold sink

Constant-Volume (known as isovolumetric or isochoric) heat-addition. The gas passes back through the regenerator where it recovers much of the heat transferred in 2 to 3, heating up on its way to the expansion space.

Theoretical thermal efficiency equals that of the hypothetical Carnot cycle - i.e. the highest efficiency attainable by any heat engine. However, though it is useful for illustrating general principles, the text book cycle it is a long way from representing what is actually going on inside a practical Stirling engine and should not be regarded as a basis for analysis. In fact it has been argued that its indiscriminate use in many standard books on engineering thermodynamics has done a disservice to the study of Stirling engines in general.

Other real-world issues reduce the efficiency of actual engines, due to limits of convective heat transfer, and viscous flow (friction). There are also practical mechanical considerations, for instance a simple kinematic linkage may be favoured over a more complex mechanism needed to replicate the idealized cycle, and limitations imposed by available materials such as non-ideal properties of the working gas, thermal conductivity, tensile strength, creep, rupture strength, and melting point.

Operation

Since the Stirling engine is a closed cycle, it contains a fixed mass of gas called the "working fluid", most commonly air, hydrogen or helium. In normal operation, the engine is sealed and no gas enters or leaves the engine. No valves are required, unlike other types of piston engines. The Stirling engine, like most heat engines, cycles through four main processes: cooling, compression, heating and expansion. This is accomplished by moving the gas back and forth between hot and cold heat exchangers, often with a regenerator between the heater and cooler. The hot heat exchanger is in thermal contact with an external heat source, such as a fuel burner, and the cold heat exchanger being in thermal contact with an external heat sink, such as air fins. A change in gas temperature will cause a corresponding change in gas pressure, while the motion of the piston causes the gas to be alternately expanded and compressed.

The gas follows the behaviour described by the gas laws which describe how a gas' pressure, temperature and volume are related. When the gas is heated, because it is in a sealed chamber, the pressure rises and this then acts on the power piston to produce a power stroke. When the gas is cooled the pressure drops and this means that less work needs to be done by the piston to compress the gas on the return stroke, thus yielding a net power output.

When one side of the piston is open to the atmosphere, the operation is slightly different. As the sealed volume of working gas comes in contact with the hot side, it expands, doing work on both the piston and on the atmosphere. When the working gas contacts the cold side, its pressure drops below atmospheric pressure and the atmosphere pushes on the piston and does work on the gas.

To summarize, the Stirling engine uses the temperature difference between its hot end and cold end to establish a cycle of a fixed mass of gas, heated and expanded, and cooled and compressed, thus converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. The greater the temperature difference between the hot and cold sources, the greater the thermal efficiency. The maximum theoretical efficiency is equivalent to the Carnot cycle, however the efficiency of real engines is less than this value due to friction and other losses.

Video showing the compressor and displacer of a very small Stirling Engine in action

Very low-power engines have been built which will run on a temperature difference of as little as 0.5 K.

Pressurization

In most high power Stirling engines, both the minimum pressure and mean pressure of the working fluid are above atmospheric pressure. This initial engine pressurization can be realized by a pump, or by filling the engine from a compressed gas tank, or even just by sealing the engine when the mean temperature is lower than the mean operating temperature. All of these methods increase the mass of working fluid in the thermodynamic cycle. All of the heat exchangers must be sized appropriately to supply the necessary heat transfer rates. If the heat exchangers are well designed and can supply the heat flux needed for convective heat transfer, then the engine will in a first approximation produce power in proportion to the mean pressure, as predicted by the West number, and Beale number. In practice, the maximum pressure is also limited to the safe pressure of the pressure vessel. Like most aspects of Stirling engine design, optimization is multivariate, and often has conflicting requirements.

Lubricants and friction

A modern Stirling engine and generator set with 55 kW electrical output, for combined heat and power applications

At high temperatures and pressures, the oxygen in air-pressurized crankcases, or in the working gas of hot air engines, can combine with the engine's lubricating oil and explode. At least one person has died in such an explosion.

Lubricants can also clog heat exchangers, especially the regenerator. For these reasons, designers prefer non-lubricated, low-coefficient of friction materials (such as rulon or graphite), with low normal forces on the moving parts, especially for sliding seals. Some designs avoid sliding surfaces altogether by using diaphragms for sealed pistons. These are some of the factors that allow Stirling engines to have lower maintenance requirements and longer life than internal-combustion engines.

Analysis

Comparison with internal combustion engines

In contrast to internal combustion engines, Stirling engines have the potential to use renewable heat sources more easily, to be quieter, and to be more reliable with lower maintenance. They are preferred for applications that value these unique advantages, particularly if the cost per unit energy generated ($/kWh) is more important than the capital cost per unit power ($/kW). On this basis, Stirling engines are cost competitive up to about 100 kW.

Compared to an internal combustion engine of the same power rating, Stirling engines currently have a higher capital cost and are usually larger and heavier. However, they are more efficient than most internal combustion engines. Their lower maintenance requirements make the overall energy cost comparable. The thermal efficiency is also comparable (for small engines), ranging from 15% to 30%. For applications such as micro-CHP, a Stirling engine is often preferable to an internal combustion engine. Other applications include water pumping, astronautics, and electrical generation from plentiful energy sources that are incompatible with the internal combustion engine, such as solar energy, and biomass such as agricultural waste and other waste such as domestic refuse. Stirlings have also been used as a marine engine in Swedish Gotland class submarines. However, Stirling engines are generally not price-competitive as an automobile engine, due to high cost per unit power, low power density and high material costs.

Basic analysis is based on the closed-form Schmidt analysis.

Advantages

Stirling engines can run directly on any available heat source, not just one produced by combustion, so they can run on heat from solar, geothermal, biological, nuclear sources or waste heat from industrial processes.

A continuous combustion process can be used to supply heat, so most types of emissions can be reduced.

Most types of Stirling engines have the bearing and seals on the cool side of the engine, and they require less lubricant and last longer than other reciprocating engine types.

The engine mechanisms are in some ways simpler than other reciprocating engine types. No valves are needed, and the burner system can be relatively simple.

A Stirling engine uses a single-phase working fluid which maintains an internal pressure close to the design pressure, and thus for a properly designed system the risk of explosion is low. In comparison, a steam engine uses a two-phase gas/liquid working fluid, so a faulty relief valve can cause an explosion.

In some cases, low operating pressure allows the use of lightweight cylinders.

They can be built to run quietly and without an air supply, for air-independent propulsion use in submarines.

They start easily (albeit slowly, after warmup) and run more efficiently in cold weather, in contrast to the internal combustion which starts quickly in warm weather, but not in cold weather.

A Stirling engine used for pumping water can be configured so that the water cools the compression space. This is most effective when pumping cold water.

They are extremely flexible. They can be used as CHP (combined heat and power) in the winter and as coolers in summer.

Waste heat is easily harvested (compared to waste heat from an internal combustion engine) making Stirling engines useful for dual-output heat and power systems.

Disadvantages

Size and cost issues

Stirling engine designs require heat exchangers for heat input and for heat output, and these must contain the pressure of the working fluid, where the pressure is proportional to the engine power output. In addition, the expansion-side heat exchanger is often at very high temperature, so the materials must resist the corrosive effects of the heat source, and have low creep (deformation). Typically these material requirements substantially increase the cost of the engine. The materials and assembly costs for a high temperature heat exchanger typically accounts for 40% of the total engine cost.

All thermodynamic cycles require large temperature differentials for efficient operation. In an external combustion engine, the heater temperature always equals or exceeds the expansion temperature. This means that the metallurgical requirements for the heater material are very demanding. This is similar to a Gas turbine, but is in contrast to an Otto engine or Diesel engine, where the expansion temperature can far exceed the metallurgical limit of the engine materials, because the input heat source is not conducted through the engine, so engine materials operate closer to the average temperature of the working gas.

Dissipation of waste heat is especially complicated because the coolant temperature is kept as low as possible to maximize thermal efficiency. This increases the size of the radiators, which can make packaging difficult. Along with materials cost, this has been one of the factors limiting the adoption of Stirling engines as automotive prime movers. For other applications such as ship propulsion and stationary microgeneration systems using combined heat and power (CHP) high power density is not required.

Power and torque issues

Stirling engines, especially those that run on small temperature differentials, are quite large for the amount of power that they produce (i.e., they have low specific power). This is primarily due to the heat transfer coefficient of gaseous convection which limits the heat flux that can be attained in a typical cold heat exchanger to about 500 W/(m2K), and in a hot heat exchanger to about 5005000 W/(m2K). Compared with internal combustion engines, this makes it more challenging for the engine designer to transfer heat into and out of the working gas. Increasing the temperature differential and/or pressure allows Stirling engines to produce more power, assuming the heat exchangers are designed for the increased heat load, and can deliver the convected heat flux necessary.

A Stirling engine cannot start instantly; it literally needs to "warm up". This is true of all external combustion engines, but the warm up time may be longer for Stirlings than for others of this type such as steam engines. Stirling engines are best used as constant speed engines.

Power output of a Stirling tends to be constant and to adjust it can sometimes require careful design and additional mechanisms. Typically, changes in output are achieved by varying the displacement of the engine (often through use of a swashplate crankshaft arrangement), or by changing the quantity of working fluid, or by altering the piston/displacer phase angle, or in some cases simply by altering the engine load. This property is less of a drawback in hybrid electric propulsion or "base load" utility generation where constant power output is actually desirable.

Gas choice issues

The used gas should have a low heat capacity, so that a given amount of transferred heat leads to a large increase in pressure. Considering this issue, helium would be the best gas because of its very low heat capacity. Air is a viable working fluid, but the oxygen in a highly pressurized air engine can cause fatal accidents caused by lubricating oil explosions. Following one such accident Philips pioneered the use of other gases to avoid such risk of explosions.

Hydrogen's low viscosity and high thermal conductivity make it the most powerful working gas, primarily because the engine can run faster than with other gases. However, due to hydrogen absorption, and given the high diffusion rate associated with this low molecular weight gas, particularly at high temperatures, H2 will leak through the solid metal of the heater. Diffusion through carbon steel is too high to be practical, but may be acceptably low for metals such as aluminum, or even stainless steel. Certain ceramics also greatly reduce diffusion. Hermetic pressure vessel seals are necessary to maintain pressure inside the engine without replacement of lost gas. For HTD engines, auxiliary systems may need to be added to maintain high pressure working fluid. These systems can be a gas storage bottle or a gas generator. Hydrogen can be generated by electrolysis of water, the action of steam on red hot carbon-based fuel, by gasification of hydrocarbon fuel, or by the reaction of acid on metal. Hydrogen can also cause the embrittlement of metals. Hydrogen is a flammable gas, which is a safety concern, although the quantity used is very small, and it is arguably safer than other commonly used flammable gases.

Most technically advanced Stirling engines, like those developed for United States government labs, use helium as the working gas, because it functions close to the efficiency and power density of hydrogen with fewer of the material containment issues. Helium is inert, which removes all risk of flammability, both real and perceived. Helium is relatively expensive, and must be supplied as bottled gas. One test showed hydrogen to be 5% (absolute) more efficient than helium (24% relatively) in the GPU-3 Stirling engine. The researcher Allan Organ demonstrated that a well-designed air engine is theoretically just as efficient as a helium or hydrogen engine, but helium and hydrogen engines are several times more powerful per unit volume.

Some engines use air or nitrogen as the working fluid. These gases have much lower power density (which increases engine costs), but they are more convenient to use and they minimize the problems of gas containment and supply (which decreases costs). The use of compressed air in contact with flammable materials or substances such as lubricating oil, introduces an explosion hazard, because compressed air contains a high partial pressure of oxygen. However, oxygen can be removed from air through an oxidation reaction or bottled nitrogen can be used, which is nearly inert and very safe.

Other possible lighter-than-air gases include: methane, and ammonia.

Applications

It has been suggested that this section be split into a new article titled applications of the Stirling engine. (Discuss)

A desktop alpha Stirling engine. The working fluid in this engine is air. The hot heat exchange is the glass cylinder on the right, and the cold heat exchanger is the finned cylinder on the top. This engine uses a small alcohol burner (bottom right) as a heat source

Heating and cooling

If supplied with mechanical power, a Stirling engine can function in reverse as a heat pump for heating or cooling. Experiments have been performed using wind power driving a Stirling cycle heat pump for domestic heating and air conditioning. In the late 1930s, the Philips Corporation of the Netherlands successfully utilized the Stirling cycle in cryogenic applications.

Combined heat and power

Thermal power stations on the electric grid use fuel to produce electricity, however there are large quantities of waste heat produced which often go unused. In other situations, high-grade fuel is burned at high temperature for a low temperature application. According to the second law of thermodynamics, a heat engine can generate power from this temperature difference. In a CHP system, the high temperature primary heat enters the Stirling engine heater, then some of the energy is converted to mechanical power in the engine, and the rest passes through to the cooler, where it exits at a low temperature. The "waste" heat actually comes from engine's main cooler, and possibly from other sources such as the exhaust of the burner, if there is one.

In a combined heat and power (CHP) system, mechanical or electrical power is generated in the usual way, however, the waste heat given off by the engine is used to supply a secondary heating application. This can be virtually anything that uses low temperature heat. It is often a pre-existing energy use, such as commercial space heating, residential water heating, or an industrial process.

The power produced by the engine can be used to run an industrial or agricultural process, which in turn creates biomass waste refuse that can be used as free fuel for the engine, thus reducing waste removal costs. The overall process can be efficient and cost effective.

Disenco, a UK based company are going through the final stages of development of their HomePowerPlant. Unlike other m-CHP appliances coming to market the HPP generates 3 kW of electrical and 15 kW of thermal energy, making this appliance suitable for both the domestic and SME markets.

WhisperGen, a New Zealand firm with offices in Christchurch, has developed an "AC Micro Combined Heat and Power" Stirling cycle engine. These microCHP units are gas-fired central heating boilers which sell unused power back into the electricity grid. WhisperGen announced in 2004 that they were producing 80,000 units for the residential market in the United Kingdom. A 20 unit trial in Germany started in 2006.

Solar power generation

Placed at the focus of a parabolic mirror a Stirling engine can convert solar energy to electricity with an efficiency better than non-concentrated photovoltaic cells, and comparable to Concentrated Photo Voltaics. On August 11, 2005, Southern California Edison announced an agreement with Stirling Energy Systems to purchase electricity created using over 30,000 Solar Powered Stirling Engines over a twenty year period sufficient to generate 850 MW of electricity. These systems, on an 8,000 acre (19 km2) solar farm will use mirrors to direct and concentrate sunlight onto the engines which will in turn drive generators. Construction is expected to begin on the farm in 2010, although there are disputes over the project due to concerns of environmental impact on animals living on the site.

Stirling cryocoolers

Any Stirling engine will also work in reverse as a heat pump; when a motion is applied to the shaft, a temperature difference appears between the reservoirs. The essential mechanical components of a Stirling cryocooler are identical to a Stirling engine. In both the engine and the heat pump, heat flows from the expansion space to the compression space; however, input work is required in order for heat to flow against a thermal gradient, specifically when the compression space is hotter than the expansion space. The external side of the expansion-space heat exchanger may be placed inside a thermally insulated compartment such as a vacuum flask. Heat is in effect pumped out of this compartment, through the working gas of the cryocooler and into the compression space. The compression space will be above ambient temperature, and so heat will flow out into the environment.

One of their modern uses is in cryogenics, and to a lesser extent, refrigeration. At typical refrigeration temperatures, Stirling coolers are generally not economically competitive with the less expensive mainstream Rankine cooling systems, even though they are typically 20% more energy efficient. However, below about 40  to 30 C, Rankine cooling is not effective because there are no suitable refrigerants with boiling points this low. Stirling cryocoolers are able to "lift" heat down to 200 C (73 K), which is sufficient to liquefy air (oxygen, nitrogen and argon). They can go as low as 4060 K, depending on the particular design. Cryocoolers for this purpose are more or less competitive with other cryocooler technologies. The coefficient of performance at cryogenic temperatures is typically 0.040.05 (corresponding to a 45% efficiency). Empirically, the devices show a linear trend, where typically the COP = 0.0015 Tc  0.065, where Tc is the cryogenic temperature. At these temperatures, solid materials have lower values for specific heat, so the regenerator must be made out of unexpected materials, such as cotton.[citation needed]

The first Stirling cycle cryocooler was developed at Philips in the 1950s and commercialized in such places as liquid air production plants. The Philips Cryogenics business evolved until it was split off in 1990 to form the Stirling Cryogenics BV, The Netherlands. This company is still active in the development and manufacturing of Stirling cryocoolers and cryogenic cooling systems.

A wide variety of smaller size Stirling cryocoolers are commercially available for tasks such as the cooling of electronic sensors and sometimes microprocessors. For this application, Stirling cryocoolers are the highest performance technology available, due to their ability to lift heat efficiently at very low temperatures. They are silent, vibration-free, and can be scaled down to small sizes, and have very high reliability and low maintenance. As of 2009, cryocoolers are considered to be the only commercially successful Stirling devices.[citation needed]

Heat pump

A Stirling heat pump is very similar to a Stirling cryocooler, the main difference being that it usually operates at room temperature and its principal application to date is to pump heat from the outside of a building to the inside, thus cheaply heating it.

As with any other Stirling device, heat flows from the expansion space to the compression space; however, in contrast to the Stirling engine, the expansion space is at a lower temperature than the compression space, so instead of producing work, an input of mechanical work is required by the system (in order to satisfy the second law of thermodynamics). When the mechanical work for the heat pump is provided by a second Stirling engine, then the overall system is called a "heat-driven heatpump".

The expansion side of the heat pump is thermally coupled to the heat source, which is often the external environment. The compression side of the Stirling device is placed in the environment to be heated, for example a building, and heat is "pumped" into it. Typically there will be thermal insulation between the two sides so there will be a temperature rise inside the insulated space.

Heat pumps are by far the most energy-efficient types of heating systems. Stirling heat pumps also often have a higher coefficient of performance than conventional heat pumps. To date, these systems have seen limited commercial use; however, use is expected to increase along with market demand for energy conservation, and adoption will likely be accelerated by technological refinements.

Marine engines

The Swedish shipbuilder Kockums has built 8 successful Stirling powered submarines since the late 1980s. They carry compressed oxygen to allow fuel combustion whilst submerged that provides heat for the Stirling engine. They are currently used on submarines of the Gotland and Sdermanland classes. They are the first submarines in the world to feature a Stirling engine air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which extends their underwater endurance from a few days to two weeks. This capability has previously only been available with nuclear powered submarines.

A similar system also powers the Japanese Sry class submarine.

Nuclear power

There is a potential for nuclear-powered Stirling engines in electric power generation plants. Replacing the steam turbines of nuclear power plants with Stirling engines might simplify the plant, yield greater efficiency, and reduce the radioactive byproducts. A number of breeder reactor designs use liquid sodium as coolant. If the heat is to be employed in a steam plant, a water/sodium heat exchanger is required, which raises some concern as sodium reacts violently with water. A Stirling engine eliminates the need for water anywhere in the cycle.

United States government labs have developed a modern Stirling engine design known as the Stirling Radioisotope Generator for use in space exploration. It is designed to generate electricity for deep space probes on missions lasting decades. The engine uses a single displacer to reduce moving parts and uses high energy acoustics to transfer energy. The heat source is a dry solid nuclear fuel slug and the heat sink is space itself.

Automotive engines

It is often claimed that the Stirling engine has too low a power/weight ratio, too high a cost, and too long a starting time for automotive applications. They also have complex and expensive heat exchangers. A Stirling cooler must reject twice as much heat as an Otto engine or Diesel engine radiator. The heater must be made of stainless steel, exotic alloy or ceramic to support high heater temperatures needed for high power density, and to contain hydrogen gas that is often used in automotive Stirlings to maximize power. The main difficulties involved in using the Stirling engine in an automotive application are startup time, acceleration response, shutdown time, and weight, not all of which have ready-made solutions. However, a modified Stirling engine has been recently introduced that uses concepts taken from a patented internal-combustion engine with a sidewall combustion chamber (U.S. patent 7,387,093) that promises to overcome the deficient power-density and specific-power problems, as well as the slow acceleration-response problem inherent in all Stirling engines. However, it could be possible to use these in co-generation systems that use waste heat from a conventional piston or gas turbine engine's exhaust and use this either to power the ancillaries (eg: the alternator) or even as a turbo-compound system that adds power and torque to the crankshaft.

At least two automobiles exclusively powered by Stirling engines were developed by NASA, as well as earlier projects by the Ford Motor Company and American Motors Corporation. The NASA vehicles were designed by contractors and designated MOD I and MOD II. The MOD II replaced the normal spark-ignition engine in a 1985 4-door Chevrolet Celebrity Notchback. In the 1986 MOD II Design Report (Appendix A) the results show that highway gas mileage was increased from 40 to 58 mpg and urban mileage from 26 to 33 mpg with no change in vehicle gross weight. Startup time in the NASA vehicle maxed out at 30 seconds,[citation needed] while Ford's research vehicle used an internal electric heater to jump-start the vehicle, allowing it to start in only a few seconds.

Electric vehicles

Many people believe that Stirling engines as part of a hybrid electric drive system can bypass all of the perceived design challenges or disadvantages of a non-hybrid Stirling automobile.

In November 2007, a prototype hybrid car using solid biofuel and a Stirling engine was announced by the Precer project in Sweden.

The Manchester Union Leader reports that Dean Kamen has developed a series plug-in hybrid car using a Ford Think. DEKA, Kamen's technology company in the Manchester Millyard, has recently demonstrated an electric car, the DEKA Revolt, that can go approximately 60 miles (97 km) on a single charge of its lithium battery.

Aircraft engines

Stirling engines may hold theoretical promise as aircraft engines, if high power density and low cost can be achieved. They are quieter, less polluting, gain efficiency with altitude due to lower ambient temperatures, are more reliable due to fewer parts and the absence of an ignition system, produce much less vibration (airframes last longer) and safer, less explosive fuels may be used. However, the Stirling engine often has low power density compared to the commonly used Otto engine and Brayton cycle gas turbine. This issue has been a point of contention in automobiles, and this performance characteristic is even more critical in aircraft engines.

Low temperature difference engines

A low temperature difference Stirling Engine shown here running on the heat from a warm hand

A low temperature difference (Low Delta T, or LTD) Stirling engine will run on any low temperature differential, for example the difference between the palm of a hand and room temperature or room temperature and an ice cube. A record of only 0.5 K was achieved in 1990. See which also shows an animated drawing of this type. Usually they are designed in a gamma configuration, for simplicity, and without a regenerator, although some have slits in the displacer typically made of foam, for partial regeneration. They are typically unpressurized, running at pressure close to 1 atmosphere. The power produced is less than 1 W, and they are intended for demonstration purposes only. They are sold as toys and educational models.

Larger (typically 1 m square) low temperature engines have been built for pumping water using direct sunlight with minimal or no magnification.


Other recent applications

Acoustic Stirling Heat Engine

Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed an "Acoustic Stirling Heat Engine" with no moving parts. It converts heat into intense acoustic power which (quoted from given source) "can be used directly in acoustic refrigerators or pulse-tube refrigerators to provide heat-driven refrigeration with no moving parts, or ... to generate electricity via a linear alternator or other electro-acoustic power transducer".

MicroCHP

WhisperGen, a New Zealand based company has developed stirling engines that can be powered by natural gas or diesel. Recently an agreement has been signed with Mondragon Corporacin Cooperativa, a Spanish firm, to produce WhisperGen's microCHP and make them available for the domestic market in Europe. Some time ago E.ON UK announced a similar initiative for the UK. Stirling engines would supply the client with hot water, space heating and a surplus electric power that could be fed back into the electric grid.

However the preliminary results of an Energy Saving Trust review of the performance of the WhisperGen microCHP units suggested that their advantages were marginal at best in most homes. However another author shows that that Stirling engined microgeneration is the most cost effective of various microgeneration technologies in terms of reducing CO2.

Chip cooling

MSI (Taiwan) recently developed a miniature Stirling engine cooling system for personal computer chips that uses the waste heat from the chip to drive a fan.

Alternatives

Alternative thermal energy harvesting devices include the Thermogenerator. Thermogenerators allow less efficient conversion (5-10%) but may be useful in situations where the end product needs to be electricity and where a small conversion device is a critical factor.

Photo gallery

Preserved examples of antique Rider hot air engines - an alpha configuration Stirling

See also

Thermomechanical generator

Beale Number

West Number

Schmidt number

Fluidyne engine

Stirling radioisotope generator

Relative cost of electricity generated by different sources

Distributed generation

References

^ "Stirling Engines", G. Walker (1980), Clarenden Press, Oxford, page 1: "A Stirling engine is a mechanical device which operates on a *closed* regenerative thermodynamic cycle, with cyclic compression and expansion of the working fluid at different temperature levels."

^ T. Finkelstein; A.J. Organ (2001), Chapters 2&3

^ Sleeve notes from A.J. Organ (2007)

^ F. Starr (2001)

^ C.M. Hargreaves (1991), Chapter 2.5

^ "A new Prime Mover", J.F.J. Malone, Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, June 12, 1931, reprinted with further material as "Secrets of the Malone Heat Engine, Richard A. Ford (1983), Lindsay Publications, Bradley IL

^ W.R. Martini (1983), p.6

^ W.H. Brandhorst; J.A. Rodiek (2005)

^ B. Kongtragool; S. Wongwises (2003)

^ A.J. Organ (1992), p.58

^ Y. Timoumi; I. Tlili; S. Ben Nasrallah (2007)

^ K. Hirata (1998)

^ M.Keveney (2000a)

^ M. Keveney (2000b)

^ D.Liao (a)

^ Quasiturbine Agence (a)

^ "Ringbom Stirling Engines", James R. Senft, 1993, Oxford University Press

^ "Free-Piston Stirling Engines", G. Walker et al.,Springer 1985, reprinted by Stirling Machine World, West Richland WA

^ "The Thermo-mechanical Generator...", E.H. Cooke-Yarborough, (1967) Harwell Memorandum No. 1881 and (1974) Proc. I.E.E., Vol. 7, pp. 749-751

^ G.M. Benson (1973 and 1977)

^ D. Postle (1873)

^ R. Sier (1999)

^ T. Finkelsteinl; A.J. Organ (2001), Chapter 2.2

^ English patent 4081 of 1816 Improvements for diminishing the consumption of fuel and in particular an engine capable of being applied to the moving (of)machinery on a principle entirely new. as reproduced in part in C.M. Hargreaves (1991), Appendix B, with full transcription of text in R. Sier (1995), p.??

^ R. Sier (1995), p. 93

^ A.J. Organ (2008a)

^ Excerpt from a paper presented by James Stirling in June 1845 to the Institute of Civil Engineers. As reproduced in R. Sier (1995), p.92.

^ A. Nesmith (1985)

^ R. Chuse; B. Carson (1992), Chapter 1

^ R. Sier (1995), p.94

^ T. Finkelstein; A.J. Organ (2001), p.30

^ Hartford Steam Boiler (a)

^ T. Finkelstein; A.J. Organ (2001), Chapter 2.4

^ The 1906 Rider-Ericsson Engine Co. catalog claimed that "any gardener or ordinary domestic can operate these engines and no licensed or experienced engineer is required".

^ T. Finkelstein; A.J. Organ (2001), p.64

^ T. Finkelstein; A.J. Organ (2001), p.34

^ T. Finkelstein; A.J. Organ (2001), p.55

^ C.M. Hargreaves (1991), pp.2830

^ Philips Technical Review Vol.9 No.4 page 97 (1947)

^ C.M. Hargreaves (1991), Fig. 3

^ C.M. Hargreaves (1991), p.61

^ Letter dated March 1961 from Research and Control Instruments Ltd. London WC1 to North Devon Technical College, offering "remaining stocks...... to institutions such as yourselves..... at a special price of 75 nett"

^ C.M. Hargreaves (1991), p.77

^ T. Finkelstein; A.J. Organ (2001), Page 66 & 229

^ A.J. Organ (1992), Chapter 3.1 - 3.2

^ "An Introduction to Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engines", James R. Senft, 1996, Moriya Press

^ a b A.J. Organ (1997), p.??

^ a b c C.M. Hargreaves (1991), p.??

^ a b WADE (a)

^ Krupp and Horn. Earth: The Sequel. p. 57

^ a b Kockums (a)

^ Z. Herzog (2008)

^ K. Hirata (1997)

^ BBC News (2003), "The boiler is based on the Stirling engine, dreamed up by the Scottish inventor Robert Stirling in 1816. [...] The technical name given to this particular use is Micro Combined Heat and Power or Micro CHP."

^ A.J. Organ (2008b)

^ L.G. Thieme (1981)

^ C.M. Hargreaves (1991), p.63

^ a b by: admin (2008-11-06). "What is Microgeneration? And what is the most cost effective in terms of CO2 reduction | Claverton Group". Claverton-energy.com. http://www.claverton-energy.com/what-is-microgeneration.html. Retrieved 2009-07-24. 

^ Pure Energy Systems (2005)

^ "Tessera Solar World-Scale Power Projects". Tessera Solar. http://www.tesserasolar.com/international/projects.htm. Retrieved 2010-01-21. 

^ "Battle Brewing Over Giant Desert Solar Farm". New York Times. 2009-08-05. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/battle-brewing-over-giant-desert-solar-farm/. Retrieved 2010-01-21. 

^ "The Kockums Stirling AIP system - proven in operational service". Kockums. http://www.kockums.se/submarines/aipstirling.html. Retrieved 2009-11-12. 

^ http://www.janes.com/news/defence/naval/jni/jni071206_1_n.shtml

^ J. Hasci (2008)

^ Precer Group (a)

^ a b S.K. Wickham (2008)

^ http://www.animatedengines.com/ltdstirling.shtml

^ http://www.bsrsolar.com/core1-1.php

^ S. Backhaus; G. Swift (2003)

^ Carbon Trust (2007)

^ MSI (2008) http://www.tweaktown.com/news/9051/msi_employs_stirling_engine_theory/index.html

Bibliography

S.D. Allan (2005). "World's Largest Solar Installation to use Stirling Engine Technology". Pure Energy Systems News. http://pesn.com/2005/08/11/9600147_Edison_Stirling_largest_solar/. Retrieved 2009-01-19. 

S. Backhaus; G. Swift (2003). "Acoustic Stirling Heat Engine: More Efficient than Other No-Moving-Parts Heat Engines". Los Alamos National Laboratory. http://www.lanl.gov/mst/engine/. Retrieved 2009-01-19. 

BBC News (2003-10-31). "Power from the people". http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/3231549.stm. Retrieved 2009-01-19. 

W.T. Beale (1971). "Stirling Cycle Type Thermal Device", US patent 3552120. Granted to Research Corp, 5 January 1971.

G.M. Benson (1977). "Thermal Oscillators", US patent 4044558. Granted to New Process Ind, 30 August 1977 .

G.M. Benson (1973). "Thermal Oscillators". Proceedings of the 8th IECEC. Philadelphia: ASME. pp. 182189. 

H.W. Brandhorst; J.A. Rodiek (2005). "A 25 kW Solar Stirling Concept for Lunar Surface Exploration". in International Astronautics Federation (PDF). Procedings of the 56th International Astronautical Co...
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[mage lang="" source="flickr"]swiss employment law notice period[/mage]

CAN STRONG AUTHENTICATION SORT OUT PHISHING AND FRAUD?

Organized criminals have realised (precisely because they are

organized) that phishing and identity theft can be carried out

over an extended period, by piecing together snippets of

information from separate attacks for a final sting. For

example, logging on using an authentication token will

neutralize password stealers, but the very presence of a token

authentication request can make an ideal trigger for spyware,

especially if its goal is to build up a pattern of your on-line

behaviour by monitoring your financial transactions.

This paper traces the recent evolution of malware techniques

in response to technological changes in our security regimes,

and proves once again the old cliche that the price of freedom

is eternal vigilance. The Bad Guys are out to get us, and if they

can turn our defences against us, even in the slightest way,

then they surely will.

Q. Can strong authentication sort out phishing and fraud?

A. No.

Q. Hmm. That makes for a rather short paper, don’t you think?

A. Yes.

Q. Could you go into a little more detail?

A. These days, a lot of phishing is orchestrated, or at least

assisted, by malicious code somewhere in the network. This

means that solving the problem of malware is effectively a

necessary part of solving the problems of phishing and fraud.

(When we say ‘fraud’ in this paper, we mean on-line fraud

against users conducting business via their PCs. We do not

mean other sorts of financial fraud such as credit card abuse or

kiting.)

But solving the malware problem is hard – indeed, it is

undecidable. After all, the Halting Problem tells us that we

cannot write a program which will reliably determine the

behaviour of all other possible programs:

‘No program can say what another will do.

Now, I won’t just assert that, I’ll prove it to you: I will prove

that although you might work til you drop, you can’t predict

whether a program will stop.

[. . .]

You can never discover mechanical means for predicting the

acts of computing machines.

It’s something that cannot be done. So we users must find

our own bugs; our computers are losers!’ [1]

This general result can be cast into specific terms to show that

a program which will distinguish unfailingly between malware

and non-malware cannot be made. Malware authors always get

a ‘next chance’ to circumvent the protection we currently have

in place [2].

Q. However, that doesn’t mean it is always easy for malware

authors, or for phishers, to go to the next level, does it?

A. No. I was just being dramatic. Nothing, whether it is

authentication or something else, can actually solve the

problem of phishing, in a mathematical sense of solving it. But

we can make phishing much harder, and authentication is

indeed one of the tools we can use.

Q. Staying on the topic of malware detection for a moment,

how hard is it to produce malware – a new banking trojan, for

instance – which evades detection?

A. On one hand, it is getting harder. On modern PCs,

anti-virus software can be much more computationally

aggressive than it was in the past. Generic detection techniques

mop up a lot of new trojans proactively. On the other hand, it is

getting easier. You may even be able to precompute whether

your new malware will succeed.

One way to do this is through a targeted attack, where you

write a trojan and aim it at a specific part of the Internet, such

as a single company, whose defensive posture is known to you.

Targeted attacks are not especially difficult to orchestrate, and

there is a paper at this conference which investigates this

phenomenon [3].

Another way is to use an on-line service to which you can

submit malware samples and from which you will receive

automated replies telling you which products detected it, and

what they called it.

Q. On-line services to help you fine-tune your phishing

trojans?

A. That’s not how they position themselves, of course. Several

such services exist, and some are strongly supported by the

security industry. VirusTotal [4], for example, has permission

to use some 25 different products for scanning incoming files.

In return, samples are sent to vendors who miss them, thus

helping to improve detection and responsiveness.

Unfortunately, VirusTotal allows you to withhold submissions

from vendors (though this is not the default), which could be

said to play into the hands of organized crime and the

counterculture.

Q. So let’s assume you can create a new phishing trojan and

target me and my company with it. How can authentication, or

anything else, help me then?

A. When you are carrying out a financial transaction on-line,

there are several things that it pays you (literally and

figuratively) to check:

• that trustworthy software is orchestrating the transaction,

• that it really is you yourself conducting the transaction,

• that you really are trading with the person or service you

expect,

• that the details of the transaction are correct.

Authentication, clearly, can assist you with this.

Q. How? Can you start by giving me an example of the sort of

authentication technology which can help with each item above?

A. Of course. Let’s ask the questions we want answered one

by one.

• Is the right program doing the work? Some endpoint

firewalls can help with this, for example by using

cryptographic checksums to regulate which applications

can make what sorts of connection to which servers.

• Is it really you kicking off the transaction? A hand-held

authenticator can ensure that you use a new password

every time you connect, which helps to prevent replay

attacks where previously-stolen credentials are re-used

by someone else.

• Are you connecting to the right service? Digital

certificates can help to reassure you that you are not

speaking to an imposter at the other end.

• Are you carrying out the transaction you intended?

Encryption and digital signatures provide protection

against exposing the details of the transaction, and help

prevent the transaction being tampered with in transit.

Q. Firewalls, tokens, certificates and encryption. Aren’t these

old technologies that we’ve been using for ages? Are they

failing us?

A. Yes and no. There are three main ways in which

security-related systems fail, and these are mirrored by the

main ways in which cryptographic systems fail. This is

unsurprising, since computer security relies heavily on

cryptography. Things can go wrong because:

• the underlying design is flawed (e.g. a defective cipher),

• the implementation is incorrect (e.g. insufficient key

material is used),

• the system is used wrongly (e.g. users write down their

PINs).

In a seminal paper about the failure of cryptosystems [5],

Ross Anderson shows that problems in implementation and

use seem to be the main reasons for failure, rather than weak

cryptography.

With hindsight, this is perhaps obvious, since they are the two

aspects in which human error is most likely and in which

rigorous peer review is hardest. In the last case, human error

can effectively be guaranteed by cheating or misleading users.

Of course, what this means is that systems which can work

correctly to provide us with safe on-line commerce may fail in

unexpected ways.

Q. But if a system is vulnerable because it doesn’t deal well

with inadvertent or unexpected use, doesn’t that mean the

design is wrong?

A. Perhaps it does. But the PC, and its operating system, is

designed to be a flexible, general-purpose tool which can be

adapted to many tasks, such as word processing, browsing the

Internet, watching movies, making art, designing buildings

and searching for extraterrestrial life. Users are generally free

to add and remove any software they like at any time in order

to enjoy this flexibility.

When you carry out commerce on-line, for example when

clicking on a [Buy now] link, you need to turn your PC –

temporarily, and at short notice – into a secure cryptographic

device which acts as an important component of the

transaction.

So it is hardly surprising that the design of such a system

makes certain assumptions about the state of the PC, and the

awareness of the user. And it is hardly surprising that the PC,

or the user, or both, sometimes let the system down.

Q. Is this really unsurprising? Don’t the banks owe it to us to

do better?

A. This paper isn’t really about the social contract which

banks do or don’t have with their customers, so we’ll just look

very quickly at both sides of the argument.

Critics of the banks say that the banks aren’t doing enough.

They say it is the banks who have the greater interest in

Internet commerce, because it allows them to close branches,

lay off tellers and front-of-house staff, and thus to save an

awful lot of money. This money, they argue, should already

have been used to make Internet banking much safer than it is.

The banks, on the other hand, can argue at least as reasonably

that the popularity of on-line commerce is driving the need

for Internet banking (eBay, QED). They can also point out

that their younger customers not only much prefer Internet

banking but that they expect it to be cheap, and easy, and

accessible from anywhere. If the bank cuts off their Internet

banking in the interests of safety, and requires them to visit a

branch to sort out any possible problems (a reasonable

security precaution, you might think), this is viewed as a bug

in the system, not a feature.

Uri Rivner of RSA, which makes and sells cryptographic

solutions including hand-held authenticators, agrees:

‘...[I]n the online consumer authentication market, usability

is in many cases of greater importance than security. It’s

true that some people [would] like to see changes in the

banks’ security procedures and [would] appreciate it if the

financial institution handed them authentication devices or

came up with other visible security measures.

But other customers don’t really care about all of that; they

demand security from the bank, but all they really want is

to access their account, pay bills and transfer money

without any delay or additional challenge...’ [6]

Q. OK, let’s go back to the failure points above. Can you give

historical examples of each sort of failure, to paint a picture

of the sorts of thing that can go wrong? Let’s start with the

most exciting-sounding one: a cryptosystem which got cracked.

A. An example many people probably know about is Wired

Equivalent Privacy (WEP), the authentication and encryption

system originally proposed for wireless networking. WEP

relies on a secret key, either 40 or 108 bits in length; to access

and use the network, you need to know the key. (This, in turn,

means you can read all the traffic on the network, just as if

you were on a LAN.)

As it happens, the cipher used by WEP has a statistical flaw

which affects the randomness of its early output bytes.

Interestingly, the cipher, RC4, is also used in SSL (which we

will talk about later), but in a way which does not cause the

problems seen in WEP. Nevertheless, the flaw exists in the

RC4 cryptosystem itself, or at least its key scheduling

algorithm (KSA) [7], rather than simply in WEP’s

implementation.

This statistical flaw allows an attacker to recover a WEP key

by capturing and analysing a few million wireless packets. So

there is no way to fix WEP without changing it for something

different. WEP is irrevocably broken.

Q. How about a system which was based on sound

cryptography but implemented dangerously?

A simple example of an implementation flaw – one which

was fixed by devising an alternative but compatible approach

– is the way early Unix systems stored their password file. All

users and programs need read access to this file, as it is

(amongst other things) the database which maps usernames,

such as ‘fp’, onto real names, such as ‘Ford Prefect’.

However, early Unix implementations also stored each user’s

hashed password in this file, so anyone could retrieve the

hashes and perform a dictionary attack against them off-line.

This meant that weak passwords could quickly be recovered

without leaving evidence of the dictionary attack on the

targeted system.

The backward-compatible solution, used in Linux to this

day, was to duplicate the password file, to replace the

hashes in the world-readable file with a dud entry, such as ‘x’,

and to read-protect the second copy of the file, called the

shadow file.

User programs worked exactly as before, except that they saw

dud information for the password hash, which they didn’t

need anyway. Only the login program needed changing to use

the shadow file instead.

Q. And what about a case where we used security wrongly

and paid the price?

Perhaps understandably, many of us are willing to assume that

anyone who is prepared to confirm his identity must, ipso

facto, be trustworthy. So when we come across an unknown

program which is digitally signed, we sometimes assume that

the signature tells us something about the morals and the

character of the signatory, rather than simply about his name.

So, for example, in late 2002, many people willingly

downloaded and installed software known as FriendGreetings

from a company identifying itself as Permissioned Media [8].

These downloads were in response to an email, usually

received from a friend or acquaintance, which promised an

electronic greetings card.

FriendGreetings displayed two End User Licence Agreements

(EULAs), in the second of which it claimed permission to

email everyone in your Outlook address book. Which, of

course, it promptly did.

For system administrators and for those in your address book,

the side-effects were little different from a mass-mailing virus

such as LoveBug (VBS/LoveLet-A). The signatories, of

course, claimed that the virus-like behaviour of their software

was entirely legal, as it asked for permission before sending

any email.

But who had ever heard of Permissioned Media Inc. of Sun

Towers, First Floor Office #39, Ave. Ricardo J. Alfaro,

Panama City, El Dorado Zona 6, Panama? And why did they

trust this unknown company with their email address book?

Q. That was in 2002. Have users got smarter since then?

A. FriendGreetings was a problem for system administrators,

because of the unwanted email it generated. It was an

annoyance for users, for the same reason. The application also

had the troublesome side effect of preventing programs from

appearing in the taskbar, which interfered with the correct use

of an affected PC until it was correctly cleaned up. But

FriendGreetings didn’t set out to steal information that could

be used to plunder your bank account or to carry out

fraudulent transactions.

Phishing has raised the bar in terms of the risk that each user,

and each user’s organization, faces from malicious code. This,

in turn, has raised both concern and awareness about malware

and the importance of preventing it. Whether this counts as a

silver lining to the cloud that organized crime has brought

into the malware scene is not clear, but an optimist would say

that it has.

Q. That’s an interesting observation, but I notice you have

skirted the question. Have users got smarter since 2002?

A. Security experts are always on a slippery slope when

commenting on the knowledge, or lack of it, shown by

users. To come down too hard against users sounds arrogant,

but to exonerate them from any responsibility for their own

PCs is to assume that technology can solve all security

problems, which, as we demonstrated light-heartedly at the

outset, it cannot.

However, recent research carried out in the USA [9] paints a

rather dismal picture of levels of common sense amongst

users. (More accurately, it paints a dismal picture of a very

small sample of academic staff and students at a prestigious

American university. The rest of us might back ourselves to

do rather better, but the results are interesting nevertheless.)

In this study, 22 participants were sent to 19 different

websites allegedly belonging to a range of well-known banks

and other companies associated with on-line financial

transactions. Of these, seven were real and 12 were spoofed.

The goal was to identify which ones were bogus. Only one

site (a real one) was identified correctly by all 22 participants.

All the other sites, real and fake, got a mixture of answers.

Eight of the sites (including six spoofed ones) were

misidentified by 11 (50%) or more of the participants. In the

worst two results, more than 80% of the participants said that

a bogus site was real.

The study explains these results quite clearly. It is worth

repeating the explanation (or, as the study more

conservatively calls it, a hypothesis) because it emphasizes

how hard it is for us to be aware of everything we need to take

into account when making value judgements on-line, and

shows how easy it is for phishers and other on-line fraudsters

to exploit this:

‘...Participants made incorrect judg[e]ments because they

lacked knowledge of how computer systems worked and

did not have an understanding of security systems and

indicators. More experienced participants were tripped up

by visual deception, e.g. when the address was spoofed or

when images of the browser [user interface] with security

indicators were copied into website content. The study also

revealed issues that we did not anticipate [...]:

• Some users don’t know that spoofing websites is

possible. Without awareness [that] phishing is possible,

some users simply do not question website legitimacy.

• Some users have misconceptions about which website

features indicate security. For example, participants

assumed that if websites contained professional-looking

images, animations, and ads, [then] the sites were

legitimate...’

So users may be getting smarter, but there is still a lot that

they need to learn and to know.

Q. If we become aware of what this study calls ‘security

indicators’ and can use them reliably, will we be safe? Can

the SSL padlock save the day?

A. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is very largely the fabric of

on-line commerce today. But most people assume that it is

simply what it says: secure, which means that too much trust

is often placed in the padlock which most browsers display

when the SSL protocol is in use. After all, padlock means

SSL, and SSL means secure.

In fact, there are a lot of problems with SSL, though

fortunately these do not appear to be of the ‘flawed

cryptography’ sort. The problems are a little to do with

implementation (or at least with deployment) and a lot to do

with use.

Very broadly speaking, SSL provides three main facilities for

securing web communications:

• the exchange of digital certificates, permitting each end

of the link to establish something about the identity of

the other end,

• the secure exchange of session keys allowing for

encryption without the need to share key material in

advance,

• the encryption of the data in each session, using the keys

exchanged above.

When we are banking on-line, the encryption is important,

because we do not want others to be able to sniff our account

numbers, or to learn how much money we are spending with

whom. But the first stage, mutual authentication, is in many

ways more important. Without it, we can easily be tricked into

engaging in an encrypted conversation with a complete

stranger.

Unfortunately, there are many ways in which this

authentication can be subverted, or can go wrong. Phishers

know this, and so are able to succeed despite, or even because

of, the presence of SSL connections and the padlock in your

browser.

Q. But if a connection is secure and authenticated, how can it

be subverted?

A. There are several different ways in which you can be

tricked or misled when making SSL connections, for example:

• By falsified security indicators. A fake website may serve

up pages which render in your browser so that they

suggest a secure connection. The falsification may range

from the trivial, such as displaying a picture of a padlock

somewhere on the page, to the sophisticated, where

scripts in the page rewrite elements of the browser’s user

interface to simulate an encrypted site.

• By the use of an illegally acquired certificate. This is

uncommon, but not unknown. For instance, in 2001, the

world’s biggest issuer of SSL certificates, Verisign,

issued and signed a certificate in the name ‘Microsoft’ to

an individual unassociated with the software giant [10].

• By a worthless certificate. It is easy to produce a

self-signed SSL certificate. In this case, you act as your

own certifying authority, rather than paying a known

third party to do this job for you.

• By a low-quality certificate. Some certification

authorities (CAs) issue low-cost certificates, or trial

certificates, which make it easy for smaller vendors to

enter the market. In some cases the identity checks

carried out before issuing these certificates are cursory

and almost instantaneous, so the certificates have little

value for authentication.

• By malware active on your PC. Malware can suppress

security errors, create falsified security indicators, paint

over input forms in order to capture or modify your input

before it is encrypted by SSL, or otherwise mislead you

into how your PC or your browser is behaving.

• By becoming accustomed to starting secure connections

from insecure pages. Numerous legitimate on-line

financial sites [11] invite you to login from their main

(http) page, then take you via some scripting to their

secure (https) site. In many cases these insecure pages

include padlock imagery, lending credibility to spoofed

sites which do the same.

Q. So how can you out-trick such trickery?

A. Fortunately, many phishing tricks are obvious once you

know what to look for. In particular, you should familiarize

yourself with SSL certificates and how to check them. If you

know how your bank usually identifies itself to you, for

instance, then you will more easily be able to carry out

‘negative authentication’ when you need to.

The site http://whichssl.com/, though not as independent as its

name might imply (it is run by a certification authority),

offers a handy ‘test your own site now’ link. This takes you to

an https site of your choice whilst explaining, in an adjacent

browser window, how to use your browser to check the SSL

certificate supplied by that site.

Most browsers make an effort to warn you when dubious

certificates have been presented, but (as [9] suggests) many

users click through these warnings without giving them the

attention they deserve. It doesn’t help that legitimate sites

frequently allow certificates to expire, or publish certificates

on one website issued in the name of another, or use

certificates which provoke browser warnings which can safely

be ignored. This just reinforces risky behaviour.

Q. You mentioned ‘negative authentication’. Can’t we run

community-based databases, like real-time block lists (RBLs)

for spam, which help us to identify on-line fraudsters?

A. Several such schemes exist. Netcraft, for example [12]

offers a browser toolbar add-on through which you can report

and identify phishers on-line. Netcraft allows ISPs,

organizations and the like to utilize its database of known

dubious locations on the Internet.

This can be useful in mitigating inbound communications

which reference these sites, such as email which tries to

persuade you to visit a spoofed website, or to download a

piece of malware which the phisher can turn against you later.

It is also useful in blocking outbound connections which are

aimed at these sites. The blocking can be done by a web filter,

an endpoint firewall, a router at the organization’s boundary,

or in the user’s browser.

Microsoft has offered an add-on phishing filter [13] for some

time; this has become a built-in feature in Internet Explorer 7,

currently in its Beta 2 release.

So community-based block lists can help, and it is suggested

that they can be very responsive if the community is large

and widespread. (If just one person in the entire world

reports a phishing site, everyone else can benefit from this

knowledge.)

But the phishing criminals can react nimbly, too. For

example, using a network of botnet-infected PCs, it would be

a simple matter to ‘report’ that a slew of legitimate sites were

bogus. Correcting errors of this sort could take the

law-abiding parts of the community a long time, and render

the block list unusable until it is sorted out. Alternatively, the

community might need to make it tougher to get an Internet

site added to the list, to resist false positives. This would

render the service less responsive.

Q. You mentioned botnets above, which brings to mind

keylogging and other common tricks employed by malware.

How are we doing against these threats?

A. A trojan on your PC can succeed without subverting your

connection to an on-line service. In fact, many

banking-related trojans specifically watch out for you to make

a legitimate connection to your bank. (In this case, it may,

ironically, be to the trojan’s advantage that you check out the

bank’s SSL certificate closely, thus ensuring that you are

connected correctly. If a trojan is intending to manipulate the

contents of a transaction, there is no point in doing so when

the victim is connecting not to the bank but to a ‘service’

operated by a rival criminal concern!)

Initially, the most common PC-based attack against banking

was indeed the keylogger. The concept is simple: watch for a

banking transaction, record the keys typed in (hopefully

including account number, password or other personally

identifiable information) and later pass those keystrokes to

someone outside.

An early response to keyloggers was the so-called virtual

keyboard, a script-based or image-based system which

requires you to click on pictures of keys using the mouse.

Often, the letters or numbers on the virtual keyboard move

around randomly each time you visit the site, so that the

location of the mouse movements cannot be replayed. Many

banks still use this system, believing that it provides

additional security.

Malware authors were quick to respond, painting over input

forms and popping up virtual keyboard simulators which

captured your details before forwarding them to the bank (or,

to simplify the programming, before faking an error and

forcing you to start again, this time with the trojan allowing

your connection to proceed normally).

We can expect this sort of arms race to continue.

Unfortunately, the phishers are more nimble than the banks. It

might take a bank more than a year to introduce brand new

web programming and access control into their on-line

systems. After all, change control, correctness and quality are

an important part of a bank’s IT ethos.

The criminals have no such constraints – and they do not

especially care if it is their first, tenth or one hundredth trojan

of any new sort which succeeds. The cost of 99 programmatic

failures is inconsequential to them; the bank, on the other

hand, must succeed at the first attempt.

Q. The malware you describe above relies on capturing

information which can be re-used later. Doesn’t the hand-held

authenticator, or token, make that impossible?

A. No. Or, more accurately, not entirely. What tokens are

intended to do is to introduce an unpredictable variable value

into the authentication process, instead of a conventional

password. This means that any password captured by a trojan

cannot be re-used, because each password is designed to be

used once, and only once.

This does, indeed, render a lot of current malware impotent.

Under some circumstances, however, a trojan can still benefit

from capturing a one-time password, for example if it can

capture the password before it is used. This may be possible

using what is called a man-in-the-middle attack. A handy

pictorial summary of a range of such attacks can be found

in [14].

Q. Can you give a quick description of how such an attack

works?

A. Imagine that you have to play chess against two

Grandmasters. (This assumes that you are not a top chess

player yourself.) There is a way in which you can guarantee

not to get thrashed by both players, provided that you play

them both simultaneously, and that you are allowed to play

White in one game, and Black in the other.

All you do is wait for your White opponent to move. Then

make this move against your Black opponent. When the Black

opponent responds, repeat this move against the White player.

The two Grandmasters are effectively playing each other. You,

the man-in-the-middle, are simply relaying moves between

them, although you are turning these moves into what looks

like two separate games.

A similar principle applies with a man-in-the-middle trojan.

The idea is simple, though the implementation may be

complex. The trojan waits for you to begin what you believe

to be a transaction with the bank, though you are in fact

transacting with the trojan. This means that you mistakenly

authenticate against the trojan, and the trojan uses the

information you supply – including the one-time password

you carefully type in from your token – to authenticate itself

with the bank.

The trojan is then free (at least within certain parameters) to

alter various aspects of the transaction, such as the amount,

the destination account, or any other details of its choosing.

Q. Are there already Trojans which can carry out this sort of

attack?

A. Not yet. The main reason is almost certainly that token

authentication is not very common in the Internet banking

world. This is partly because the expense and complexity of

introducing it to every customer is unappealing to the banks,

and partly because the need to carry and use a token is still

unpopular with many customers. So there has been little need

for organized crime to take on the task of writing this more

difficult sort of trojan.

Q. When the criminals are forced to confront stronger

authentication, how hard will they find it?

The criminals may not need to subvert the authentication

process at all. Instead, they may simply come up with new

ways of tricking you out of your money. Spammers, for

example, already know how to conduct on-line fraud without

getting hold of your account number or password. Many

spammers operate by persuading you to conduct a transaction

willingly and overtly, using your hand-held authenticator if

you have one, and then supplying sub-standard goods, or

nothing at all, in return.

Now imagine how much easier it would be for criminals to

seduce you into bogus transactions if they had a complete

picture of your spending habits. For example, if they knew

you paid your rent on the seventh of every month, and which

agency you paid it to, they could attempt to phish you into

paying it into a different account. And before you respond by

saying, ‘but it’s such a big step to start paying bills to a new

recipient, so that would simply never work’, remember that it

sounds just as far fetched to believe that users would willingly

go and type in their personal banking credentials into an

unknown website on the say-so of an email which could have

come from anywhere, and probably did.

The technology to allow outsiders to keep detailed track of

your secure on-line activities, including everything you buy,

and when, and where, already exists.

One example is the application Marketscore, created by the

market research company comScore Networks, Inc. In return

for a modest payment for participation, users joined the

‘Marketscore Panel’ and installed the Marketscore

application. Amongst other features, Marketscore

incorporated what is effectively a man-in-the-middle SSL

proxy which aimed to crack open and to monitor all your

secure on-line transactions, sending data about everything you

bought, and how much you paid for it, back to comScore.

Q. Surely a legitimate application wouldn’t go quite that far?

A. ComScore is no longer distributing Marketscore, perhaps

due to the publicity it received when some American

universities decided to block it outright, despite the strongly

held tradition of academic freedom on their networks [15].

But here is what comScore themselves [16] have published

about its behaviour:

‘...[C]omScore has recruited for the Marketscore Panel over

one and a half million opt-in members who have agreed to

have their Internet behavio[u]r confidentially monitored

and captured on a totally anonymous basis. These members

give comScore explicit, opt-in permission to confidentially

monitor their online activities in return for valuable benefits

[...].

Those individuals who choose to be part of the Marketscore

Panel [...] download comScore’s technology to their

browser where it unobtrusively routes the member’s

Internet connection through comScore’s network of

servers [...]. The technology allows comScore to capture

the complete detail of all the communication to and from

each individual’s computer – on a site-specific,

individual-specific basis. Information captured on an

individual member basis includes every site visited, page

viewed, ad seen, promotion used, product or service

bought, and price paid.

[...]

It is extremely challenging, even with a consumer’s opt-in

permission, to capture information communicated to and

from a browser in a secure session (e.g. any purchase

transaction). In order to do this successfully, technology is

required that “securely monitors a secure connection”.

[C]omScore’s patent-pending technology does this at no

incremental cost to comScore or risk to the panelists...’

As dubious as this may sound, remember that some security

products provide gateway-based tools to open and examine

SSL connections out of a network. Whilst this is culturally

rather different to placing a market-research-oriented SSL

proxy on every PC, it is technically and functionally similar.

Like many technologies, whether it is good or evil depends on

how it is used, and who is using it.

Q. Let’s return to where we started, namely the subversion of

the endpoint via malware and potentially unwanted

applications. Will improvements in operating system security

help prevent users being ‘marketscored’ by criminals?

A. There is a long answer to that, in which we could look at

some of the new features of Windows Vista, such as User

Access Control, which tries to restrict the subversive use of

the administrator account, and at the features of SELinux,

which does away with the idea of an all-powerful account

completely.

The short answer points out that operating systems are

becoming more resistant to trivial exploitation, but reminds us

all that there are still two important risk vectors:

• Users and administrators who make errors of judgement,

and who carry out fully-authenticated installations of

risky or inappropriate software. Vista’s warning that ‘this

operation requires elevation’, and its careful display of a

program’s digital certificate (or lack of it), for example,

can be undone with a single mouse click to authorize the

offending operation.

• Organized crime and the counterculture, who have shown

a willingness to invest considerable amounts of time in

probing even the most secure systems for tiny cracks into

which they can drive a subversive wedge. Additionally,

they are nimble enough to respond to technological

changes, such as their subversion of virtual keyboards, in

weeks or even days, a luxury which security

professionals cannot afford.

Q. So can we win? And is authentication the key component to

staying ahead of the phishers, even though it cannot solve the

whole problem?

A. Some say that we can, and it is. For example, researchers

from a Swiss financial institution and IBM [17] have

proposed an on-line banking authentication system which

sounds very secure.

Briefly summarized, the system relies upon an external smart

card reader, with a numeric keypad and a small display. The

cryptographic computations for authentication and security

between the user’s browser and the bank are offloaded to the

smart card (which is tamper-resistant and contains an

operating system and software of its own); the entry of

passwords and one-time codes is offloaded to the card

reader’s keypad (where they cannot be sniffed or altered); and

each transaction is confirmed cryptographically after its

details are shown on the card reader’s display (where they are

not subject to manipulation by malware writing on top of data

on the screen).

Of course, this system is complex, which means it will be

hard to implement correctly; it is comparatively expensive,

which will slow down its adoption by the banks; and it is

inconvenient, which will slow down its acceptance by users.

Also, phishers currently target our banking credentials so that

they can later masquerade as us in order to raid our accounts.

They do this because they can, because it is easy, and because

it works. As we have seen, making this harder, or even

impossible, is unlikely to stop phishing. The phishers will

respond by attacking and subverting other parts of our on-line

lifestyle.

This doesn’t mean that we should ignore technological

advances in computer security, any more than we should

throw out the seat belts, the airbags and the crumple zones

from the modern automobile. But it does mean that we need

to keep ourselves informed and vigilant when we spend

money on-line, just as we are encouraged to be safer and

more responsible drivers on the road.

About the Author

This article was provided by Sophos and is reproduced here with their full permission. Sophos provides full data protection services including: security software, encryption software, antivirus, and malware.

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Study in University of Queen Mary of London

Queen Mary, University of London is one of the U.K‘s leading research focused higher education institution. Queen Mary University of London is one of the oldest, largest and most diverse Universities in U.K. Study in University of Queen Mary London delivers world class degree programmes & research across wide range of subjects such as humanities, social sciences, law, medicine & dentistry, science & engineering. University was ranked 13th in U.K in 2008 Research Assessment Exercise(RAE).

Queen Mary University of  UK offers completely integrated residential campus ,with 2,000 bed award winning student village on its Mile End Site. University of Queen Marry provides best possible educational, cultural & social experience to its students. It provides wide range of educational & social facilities to its students. These facilities include Senate House Library. This Library contains more then 1.4 million volumes & university of London union (ULU) which is very active & lively in U.K. Queen Mary University has student support office, this office help students by providing them comprehensive information, support & guidance on academic issues. There are also computer terminals with full internet access available for students use. Study in Queen Mary University provides opportunity to its students to participate in decision making process of university. This opportunity is provided through student representation. This union is recognized by the college’s royal charter as the student cooperate body. Members of Student Representative body sit in the decision making committee of University.

Post graduate study in Queen Mary University of  England also provides opportunity to develop skills through student community action projects or volunteering opportunities run through accredited volunteering programme called PROVIDE. Students who graduate from Queen Mary University earn second highest salaries in U.K .QMUL school of law is among the most highly rated law schools in U.K .It was ranked 5th in 2001 by Research Assessment Exercise. Qmul offers advance teaching in all major fields of law. Queen Mary, University is very well known for its Mathematics Research Centre (MRC), school of Mathematics is one other largest school of mathematics in U.K. School of mathematics Science of  University is centre of excellence, learning, scholarship and research. Arts and Humanities of Queen Mary University of London is ranked 4th and  ranked 6th best for students employability in U.K. Department of Economics of University is ranked 6th by RAE exercises. Department of Physics of Queen Mary University of London is ranked number one in country. This University also known for its teaching quality and provides modular system of teaching. This system makes degree courses very flexible.

Queen Mary University, UK tries its best to provide them practical work experience to its students so that they can meet requirements of employers. University provides counseling services to its students. There counselors are fully trained. If students are facing any academic or personal problem then they can go and consult counselors. Counselors try there best to solve the problems of students. Consultations are kept confidential. Queen Mary University of London helps its students to integrate according to British society and British educational system. Medical School of Queen Mary University is one of the oldest medical schools in Europe.

About the Author

Siddharth Gupta of Global Opportunities is a well known consultant for graduate and postgraduate study in UK. He has written several articles on topics like, Why Study in UK and Australia etc. His company provides active assistance for graduate and postgraduate study in Queen Mary University of London among others.

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British Sports and Icons Given To the World

British Sports and Icons Given To the World

Many years ago in the 1920's my great Aunt Hilda traced our family tree back to the Kings and Queens of England from the 7th. Century. This basically means I am related to most of the British Royal Family going back 1500 years. This has made me a great fan of British History and below is a list of links of British Icons that have influenced my life.

I have also added a list of the many Sports and Games given to the world by us here in the UK.

1) King Alfred The Great
2) Boudeca, Queen Chief of the Iceni Tribe
3) King Edward the Confessor ( I am Related to )
4) Queen Elizabeth the 1st
5) Queen Victoria
6) Queen Elizabeth the 2nd.

7) William Shakespeare
Charles Dickens
9) Agatha Christie ( Author of Miss Marple and Poiret )
10) J.K Rowling ( Author of the Harry Potter Books )
11) Sir Terry Pratchett ( Author of the Disc World Books )
12) James Herbert ( Horror Story writer of many novels including The Rats )
13) Sir Christopher Wren ( I am related to )
13b) Sir Isambard Kingdom Brunel
13c) James Watt ( Inventor of the Steam Engine )
13d) George Stevenson ( Inventor of the Steam Train )
13e) Sir Isaac Newton
13f) Charles Darwin
14) Rudyard Kipling ( Author of the Jungle Book )
14b) H.G. Wells ( Author of The Time Traveller )
14c) Arthur Conan Doyle ( Author of Sherlock Holmes )
14d) Bram Stoker ( Author of Count Dracula )
14e) Mary Shelley ( Author of Frakenstein )

14) Sir Walter Raleigh
15) Sir Francis Drake
16) Duke Of Marlborough
17) Admiral Lord Nelson
18) Duke of Wellington
19) Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

20) Robert Walpole, 1st. Earl of Orford ( Regarded as the first Prime Minister in the modern sense );
21) William The Pit The Younger ( introduced the first Income tax )
22) Charles Grey, The Earl Grey ( restriction of employment of children; reform of the poor Laws, abolition of Slavery )
23) Sir Robert Peel ( Created the first National Police Force )
24) Edward Smith -Stanley, The Earl Derby. ( Father of the Conservative party ).
25) Benjamin Disraeli ( Queen Victoria's favorite Prime Minister )
26) Sir Winston Churchill ( Saviour of the world by defeating Hitler, Mussolini and Japanese Emporer )
27) Lady Margarat Thatcher ( First female prime minister and creator of Privatisation ).

28) The 1966 England World Cup Winning Team
29) The Portsmouth F.Cup Winning Team from 2008
30) Sir Ian Botham
31) David Beckham
32) Lord Sebastian Coe
33) Steve Ovett
34) Virginia Wade
35) David Bedford
36) Johnny Wilkinson
37) Torvil and Dean
38) Jennifer Ennis
39) Dame Kelly Holmes

40) Freddie Mercury
41) Elton John
42) Queen
43) Electric Light Orchestra ( ELO )
44) The Beatles
45) Annie Lennox
45b) Pink Floyd
45c) Genesis
46d) The Spice girls

46) Tom Baker
47) Lord Olivier
48) Sir Roger Moore
49) Cary Grant
50) Peter Davidson
51) John Pertwee

Cricket

England Football Team

Portsmouth F. C. ( My Favorite Football Club - Pompey )

Sheffield F.C 1857 ( The Oldest Football Club In The World )

Wembley Stadium and Football Association ( Home of Football )

Wimbledon Tennis Championship ( Home of Tennis )

Saint Andrews ( Home Of Golf )

Lords Cricket Ground ( Home of Cricket )

The Jockey Club ( Home of Horse Racing )

Sebastian Coe

Steve Ovett

Steven Redgrave

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

David Beckham

George Best

Lester Piggett

Lewis Hamilton

Ian Botham

W.G.Grace

Andrew Flintoff

The England 1966 World Cup Winning Football Team

Speedway

Football / Soccer

English Premier League

American Football - Adapted from English Rugby

Rugby League

Rugby Union

Billiards

Snooker

Croquet

Curling

The Boat Race

Squash

Bowls

Tennis

Badminton

Table Tennis

Rounders

Softball

Baseball - Adapted from Rounders and Softball

Modern Olympic Games Held from 1846 Village of Wenlock by Dr. William Penny Brookes

Horse Racing

Polo

Show Jumpingarts

Modern Archery

Bar Billiards

Shove A Ha'penny

Golf

Skittles

Yachting and Sailing

Bobsleigh

Skeleton

Real Tennis

Hovercraft Racing

Field Hockey

Ten Pin

Darts

Boxing

Bowls

Pigeon Racing

Greyhound Racing

Stag Hunting

Fox Hunting

Otter Hunting

Angling

Formula One ( The First Ever Formula One race was Held in England in 1948 )

Boccia

A to Z British Games and Icons

British Games

Card Sharp

Ludo

Bingo

Cribbage

Crossword Puzzles

Jigsaw Puzzles

Reversi

Anexation

Snakes and ladders

Quoits

Shove Ha'penny

Shoffe Groat

Aunt Sally

Ringing The Bull

Slide thrift

Rings

Caves

3 Mens Morris

Jenga

Shut the box

Bowls

Bagatelle

Stoolball

Bat and Ball

Pitch Penny

Toad in Hole

English Morris Dancing

The Valentine Card

William Wordsworth

Oxford University 1096

Cambridge University 1209

Haggis - A Dish first seen in a English Receipe Book from 1615 and loved by the Scots

London Hansom Black Cab

First British canal in AD50

Double Decker Buses ( Routemasters )

History of British Post Box

Histoy of British Telephone Box

Cludge Molliers

English Folk Songs

We British Invented the Fizz and Sparkle in Champagne

Scottish, Irish and English Kilts

History of London Stock Exchange

History of English Sterling Silver and Gold Hallmarks 1300 to present

English Language

English Peoples

British Peoples

Welsh Peoples

Irish Peoples

Scottish Peoples

Union Jack

A Compleat Angler by Charles Cotton and Izaac Walton

The Magna Carta

The Doomsday Book

Anglo Saxon Chronicles

English Jury Service

The English Sherriff

The King James Bible

Beowulf

BagPipes

Tower of London's Beefeaters or Yeoman of the Guard

Saint Georges Day Englands Patron Saint

Saint Andrews Day Scotlands Patron Saint

Saint Patrick's Day Ireland's Patron Saint ( Saint Patrick was an Englishman )

Saint Davids Day Welsh Patron Saint

Listing of All Other British Saints

The City of London ( survey found that over 350 languages are spoken in London Schools )

British Telephone Box

Augustus Pugin

Sir Charles Barry

Sir Christopher Wren ( I am a direct descendent )

Carnaby Street

The Iconic English Pub

Houses of Parliament and Big ben

Number 10 Downing Street

Buckingham Palace

Windsor Castle

Oxford Street

Regent Street

Mayfair

London Theatreland

The London Eye

Madame Tussaud Waxworks Museum

Tower Of London

Windsor Castle

Whitechapel ( aka Where Jack The Ripper Killed. aka Mr Tumblety was the Ripper )

Please click here for A to Z Iconic British Buildings and Places

About the Author

Please visit my Funny Animal Art Prints Collection @ http://www.fabprints.com

 

My other website is called Directory of British Icons: http://fabprints.webs.com

 

The Chinese call England "The Island of Hero's" which I think sums up what we English are all about.

 

Copyright © 2010 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.

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Political Economy of India’s Special Economic Zones: a Conceptual Frame Work

 

 Every country stands for its own development. For this purpose the state introduces and implements new policies and programmes such as Special Economic Zones Act. After 60 years of its independence India with its 110 core population has evolved a new paradigm of its political economy which is confusing. The policies and programmes initiated by Indian government to create a ‘global village’ based on free market economy and free trade among nations cutting across all barriers, abolition of national boundaries and dismantling the nation –state system giving priority to ‘market’ over the ‘state’ . After the enactment of Special Economic Zone Act 2005, it created tremendous effects on political economy of the country.

            The term ‘political economy’ came from the two Greek words ‘Politiko’ and ‘Oikonomia, where ‘Politiko’ stands for the state and society and ‘Oikonomia’means managing the house hold economy. Political economy thus means a study of the state, society and house hold economy. The concept of political economy arose historically as the economic doctrine of a new class – the capitalist class. It has been evolved since the days of Aristotle who gave a model of public good through guaranteeing each person private possession of what he was rationally and morally entitled. Private property was elaborated later by Locke, Adam Smith, Ricardo and the physiocrates, who came to be known as the Laissez Fairists in Economics, or, the liberal democrats in politics. Adam Smith referred to political economy as a branch of the system of civil government. It was concerned with public policy.

            In Marxian view, political economy can be regarded as a subject which studies the social relations evolves between different classes of people in course of production, distribution, exchange and consumption. Political economy belongs to the broad land of economics, which opens on to political science. After a prolonged period of hibernation, the subject has again been resurrected.

Marxist political economy makes a study of how the productive forces are used under the given relations of production taking account of the lines and trends in technical progress; political economy studies the influence of production relations on such progress and its socio economic consequences. Marxist political economy starts from the assumption that human vital activity is objectively based on social material production which includes man’s interactions with the nature and whole range of relations which arise in the process. It has been realized that every political action has its obvious economic repercussion, and every economic action has had its political implications.

 The liberal school of political economy offers economic implications of political facts and factors. The liberal school has economized politics. The liberal system focuses on the atomistic individual as the relevant unit, on the description of economic behavior in terms of subject choices among alternatives, on the notion of social welfare as the maximizations of individual utility sums. The socialist system views the entire economic system as the basic unit, views economic progress in terms of the growth of the forces of production and focuses on ‘relations of production’ ‘surplus value’ and the rapid increase of social product.

By contrast the Gandhian system eschews both the notions of the atomistic autonomous individual maximizing his utility in a self regulating economy and the notion of processes of production autonomously effecting changes in the organization of production ,class relationship and the magnitude and distribution of social product instead of the Gandhian model suggest that the fundamental attribute of human economic behaviour lies in the relationship of individual to socioeconomic micro groups and the relationship of micro groups to society .The basic economic act is neither the choice between economic alternatives nor the social division of natural products, but the adjustment between individual and the micro groups to which they belong, and of those micro groups to society .It is this collaboration which is the basic theme of the Gandhian system of political economy.

The Gandhian system is viewed in micro groups that are fundamental constituents of the economic system and given full scope to develop their potential in the context of no coercive forms of political control. Social welfare is defined in terms of the functioning of the collaborative micro groups vis –a-vis its members. Gandhi believed that the introduction of technology and patterns of development must be consistent with the full employment objective.

Today economist speaks of sustainable development and ecological values. Gandhi was not against industry but as he predicted it could not give people more employment. His constructive programmes were to give employment to all people whether it be kadhi, gobar gas or tree plantations, where all can be engaged in constructive work. Gandhian economics is an alternative to overcome the exploitation of both capitalism and communism for the exponents of human social order.He was against the large scale use of machinery which kept millions without work. Swadeshi is one of the core elements in the socio-economic organisation of Gandhian system.

Gandhi observes

                       “Life here will not be a pyramid with the apex sustained by the bottom, but it will be an oceanic circle whose centre will be the individual, always ready to perish for the village, the latter ready to perish for the circle of the villages, till at last the whole becomes one life composed of individual, never aggressive in their arrogance, but ever humble sharing the majesty of the oceanic circle of which they are integral units’. The idea of the circle stands for integrating, fullness and self-sufficiency. He wrote that independence must begin at the bottom. Thus every village will be a republic or Panchayat having full powers. It follows therefore, that every village has to be self sustained and capable of managing its affairs even to the extent of defending itself against the whole world.”

 Politics and economy are considered as two basic factors in determining the nature of the state and society. They are interrelated to such an extent that the changes in one affect the other, and hence both are ‘dynamic’ and ‘flexible’ ingredients of the national and the international systems. Politics and economy taken together as political economy refers to ‘managing the economy of the state’. Conceptually political economy connotes the relationship between the state, society and the economy, the cause–effect relationship between technological change and the process of development, the economic relations among the different nations of the world.

DEFINITION OF SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

            A special economic zones is a geographical region that has economic; laws more liberal than a countries typical economic laws. According to the SEZ Act 2005, A SEZ is a ‘specially delineated duty free enclave and shall be deemed to be foreign territory for the purpose of trade operations and duties and tariffs. A SEZ also been viewed as “a geographical region with different economic laws than a countries typical economic laws with the main goal of attracting foreign investment’. “A SEZ or a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is typically an enclave of units operating in a well –defined area within the geographical boundary of a country where certain economic activities are promoted by a set of policy measures that are generally not applicable to the rest of the country”.

            The concept of special economic zones is not new. In an International Labour Organization (ILO) report traces the roots of the concept to 13th centaury Spain and in more recent times to Ireland and Puerto Rico, which established Export Processing Zones (EPZ). Export Processing Zones is the former name of the Special Economic Zones. The countries like China, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, India, Jordan, Philippines and Russia have utilized the concept of SEZ. In 1986, there were 176 zones across 47 countries. Now the number has increased to over 5000 across 147 countries.  

The zones are known by different names in different parts of the world. Most often these are Free Trade Zones  (FTZ),Industrial Free Zones (IFS) Export Processing Zones (EPZ) Bonded Free Zones and Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

          Export Processing Zone is the ancestor of SEZ. An Export Processing Zone is relatively small geographically spread area within a country. The purpose of which is to attract export oriented industries, by offering them especially favorable investment and trade conditions as compared with the reminder of the host country. The EPZ is just an industrial enclave but SEZ is an integrated township with fully developed infrastructure. The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNID) identifies five basic attributes of EPZ s are:

 ? EPZs are dominated by market mechanisms.

 ? EPZ are restricted to a limited region.

 ? EPZs specialize in the production of exports goods and offer special incentives for such production.

 ? Their major aims are to attract foreign investments, earn foreign exchange and to  generate employment

? Secondary aims are technology transfer, development linkages and regional             development .

Policies taken by the governments for the development of the nation obviously affect the people. SEZ policies are for the development of the country. These Developmental projects have economic, political and social impact. In Gandhian political economy, village level development is needed. Land needed for the establishment of the SEZs projects also affected the political economy of the country. Tax incentives, Foreign Direct Investment, New type of employment generation also affect the political economy of the country. The macro economic changes driven by SEZs will push the countries down the path of increasing socio-political crisis.  

A BRIEF HISTORY OF INDIA’S SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES

India became independent in 1947 and chose self- sufficiency along with economic autonomy. The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1948 marked the beginning of the evolution of the Indian Industrial policy. The Resolution not only defined the broad contours of the policy. But it delineated the role authority of the state in industrial development both as an entrepreneur and as an authority

The industrial policy Resolution of 1956 gave the public sector a strategic role in the economy. It categorized industries, which would be the exclusive responsibility of the state or would progressively come under state control and others. Earmarking the pre-eminent position of the public sector, it envisaged private sector coexisting with the state and thus attempted to give the policy framework flexibility. India opted for a planned economy with emphasis on state sponsored industrialization. The argument was that capital being scare in India, it was essential to regulate the flow of the available capital in to socially desirable channels. This was achieved by an elaborate system of industrial licensing and state monopoly and control over key industries.                                                                                                                        

More than 80% of the Indian population is still living in agricultural field. Agri-centered model of development was prevalent during the 1950sand the 60s. Agriculture contributes approximately one-fifth of total gross domestic product (GDP). It provides the means of livelihood to about two-thirds of the country’s population. The Sector provides employment to 59 percent of the countries workforce and is the single largest private sector occupation. Agriculture accounts for about 10 percent of the total export earnings and provides raw material to a large number of industries.

During the Jawaharlal Nehru’s period, foreign collaborations were promoted in certain sectors and foreign investment was encouraged. First Export Processing Zone (EPZ) was set up in 1965 at Kandla, in Gujarat. This was a predecessor of the Special Economic Zone in India. The Santa Cruz EPZ in Mumbai became operational in 1973.

After the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi became the prime Minister of India in 1966. She also did a lot for the economic development of the country. The Foreign Investment Board was set up in 1968. In 1973, Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) was enacted.. India set up the Santa Cruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) between1973-74. It was the first EPZ which was dedicated to the electronic industry.

Doors of the Indian economy were opened during the 1980s, by Indira Gandhi and later by Rajiv Gandhi. From 1984 to 1989, the policy was to enable the middle class to consume more so as to raise the internal demand. This resulted in the raise of imports and the growth of Foreign Direct Investment. The government tried to raise the level of exports in order to balance this phenomenon. In 1984, the Free Zone policy received a fresh start. By 1991, the Indian economy was opened up for linking up the Indian market with the world leading to free flow of trade and commerce .The multilateral Financial Institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund while assisting the developing countries like India also insisted upon restructuring the polity and the administrative machinery. Following a change in the policy regime in this period and the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) with India becoming its founder member, it opted for a liberalized capitalist strategy. There had been introducing policies since July 1991 particularly in the industrial sector.

De-reservation of industries for the public sector was one of the major step taken by the government as part of the policy changes in the industrial sector. It was against the earlier 17 industries were reserved, there are now industries like defense production, atomic energy, coal and lignite, railways and mineral oils reserved for the public sector. Core industries like iron and steel, electricity, air transport, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery industries such as heavy electrical plants telecommunication cables and instruments are now open to private sector participation. Besides, equities held by the government in selected public sector enterprises like ONGC etc are now available to mutual funds, financial institutions, the general public and workers through a policy of divestment

In1998, the first private SEZ started its operations in Surat .This was under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai (SEEPZ)Development Commissioner, who was a nominee of the central Government.

From the beginning of the 21st century, most of the developing countries in the world have recognized the importance of facilitating international trade for the sustained growth of the economy and increased contribution to the GDP of the nation. As part of its continuing commitment to liberalisation, the Government of India has also adopted a multi-pronged approach to promote foreign investment in India. The Government of India has pushed ahead with second-generation reforms and has made several policy changes to achieve this objective.  The annual growth rate ranged between six and nine percent.

Bharathiya Janatha Party (BJP) government decided to re-launch the Free Trade Zone Policy in 2000. It changed the name of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) to Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The policy intended to make SEZs an engine for economic growth supported by quality infrastructure complemented by an attractive fiscal package both at the Centre and the State level with the minimum possible regulations. 

The salient features of the SEZ scheme are:

v No licenses required for import

v Manufacturing or service activities allowed.

v SEZ units to be positive net foreign exchange earner within three years.

v Domestic sales subject to full customs duty and import policy in force.

v Full freedom for sub contracting.

v No routine examination by customs authorities of export/import cargo.

  The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government Currently in power enacted Special Economic Zone Act, 2005 which was passed in June 2005 and came into force on 10th February 2006 with the notification of the SEZ Rule in 2006. The Act provides for drastic simplification of rules and single window clearance on matters relating to the union and state governments .The state governments have also been enacted their own SEZ laws to cover State subjects.

The Act provides for single window clearance mechanisms for developers and operators for ensuring orderly development of SEZs, the responsibility is assigned to the Board of Approval, constituted by the union Government. The Union Government may set up a SEZ on its own or on the basis of proposals of the state government or private developers after the Board of Approval has duly screened them .At the regional level, the Development Commissioner and his /her office will exercise administrative control of SEZs. The Labor Commissioner’s power is also delegated to the Development Commissioner. There is an approval committee to approve /reject /modify proposals for setting up units in SEZs. All suits of civil nature and notified offences in SEZs will be tried and settled by specially notified courts and affected parties may appeal to high courts against the orders of the designated courts. The  corporate units operating under SEZs will enjoy special privileges and protection granted by law.

          The Act offers a special fiscal package to the units set up in the SEZs. This package includes, exemption from customs duties, central excise duties, service tax, central sales taxes, and securities transaction tax to both the developer and the units set-up, tax holiday for 15 years like 100 percent tax exemption for five years ,50 percent for next five years, and 50 percent for the ploughed back export profits for the next five years.100percent income tax exemption for 10 years in a block of 15 years for SEZ developers.

 There is a three-tier administrative structure. On the top, a Board of Approval at the level of the Union Government has been set up for the functioning of the SEZs. Next an authority has been created by the state governments for creation and promotion of the infrastructure within each state. Finally, in SEZ mechanism /authority is provided for single window approval.   According to the 2005 Act, these zones can be set up by the developers, who could be private real persons, companies, both Indian and foreign, as also the State governments or the central government by themselves or jointly with private parties. It is also being envisaged that some of the existing Export Processing Zones would be converted into Special Economic Zones.  The SEZ Act, 2005 supported by SEZ Rules, has come in to effect on 10th  February 2006.

THREE CATEGORIES OF SEZ

In India SEZs are divided in to three categories, Multi-product SEZs Sector specific SEZs, Free Trade and Ware housing Zone (FTWZ). The first category signifies a SEZ where units may be set up for manufacture/rendering of services of two or more goods in a sector or good/services falling in two or more sectors. For multi-product service SEZ, a contiguous area of 100 hectares or more is required. 

The second category defined as a zone meant exclusively for one or more product/services. The minimum area requirement is 100 hectors of contiguous and vacant land. Within sector specific SEZs, Bio-technology, Gems and Jewellery, Non conventional energy, electronics, hardware and software SEZ-including IT can be set up with minimum area has been relaxed to 50 hectares for Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and, Arunachalpradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim, J&K, Goa and the Union Territories.

 Free trade and warehousing zone (FTWZ) is the third category which minimum area requirement is 40 hectares of contiguous and vacant land. Built up area should not be less than 10 hectares.

There are 19 functional SEZs in the country which were set up prior to SEZ Act, and 154 SEZs that were notified under SEZ Act 2005. The maximum numbers of SEZs are coming up in the IT sectorThe total land requirement for the formal approvals granted till date is approximately 44,268 hectares. Out of this, about 87 approvals are for State Industrial Development Corporations (SIDCs) State Government ventures which account for over 21,169hectares 

ISSUES RELATING SEZs IN INDIA

One of the main issue is related with SEZ is locating land for SEZs. Many state governments are in the process of establishing SEZs. The issue of displacement, that of compensation or land price, rehabilitation, residential property development and land speculation, the threat of possible relocation of units from other parts of the state to SEZs and the consequent loss of revenue have been flagged . Farmers are protesting against the forced acquisition of their lands. The development of SEZs would lead to the destruction of employment of peasants whose land will be acquired and will create very little employment for high tech or high skilled persons and total net employment generated may well be negative. Handing over thousands of hectares of land cheaply to promoters of industry and relaxing the laws of the land, including those that relate to the welfare of the industrial workers, protection of the environment, taxation, etc, would automatically promote industrialization and solve the nagging unemployment problem of the country overnight. The farmers/peasants in various states such as West Bengal, Orissa, Maharastra, and Punjab have opposed acquisition of their land for SEZs. The highest level of opposition has been observed in West Bengal when land was acquired by the state government for the Tata group at Singur and Salim group of Indonesia at Nandigram.  Besides the loss of agriculture land, concerns have also been raised about the project affected People.

Using water for SEZs is one of the major problems rising from different parts of the country. Mundra SEZ as per official website of the SEZ, it expects to get at least 6 million liters per day from the Sardar sarovar project, as promised by Gujarat water infrastructure Ltd.

The another main issue is rising from different parts of the country, the labour laws applicable to the rest of the country have been relaxed for the SEZs. The existing laws are well intentioned and they promote worker welfare. Relaxing such laws exclusively for the SEZs shows the government’s lack of conviction in its own commitment to social justice.

In some SEZs, the state governments are joint venture partners. In the case of some, special incentives by way of concessional electricity and water tariffs have been offered .In almost all the cases, valuable lands have been given away at concessional prices.

Considering the SEZ Act, it violates the letter and spirit of the Indian Constitution; it infringes the Fundamental Rights of the citizen guaranteed in part 3rd of the Constitution. Relaxation /inapplicability of many labour Laws (including under the Industrial Dispute Act, Contract Labour Act, Factories Act, Minimum wages Act, Trade Union Act), Environment (Protection) Act is inapplicable to SEZs ,No environmental clearance needed.  Violates  Panchayat Raj Act (1996) for local self government, violating laws granting rights and control to adivasi communities over their land, violating many international conventions on human rights.

To sum up, SEZs and other emerging developmental issues can be seen in a broad perspective and theoretical underpinnings of neo-liberalism. As far as Indian polity is considered the implications emerging from SEZs may cause increasing socio-political crisis because the society is far more complex than we assumed and that will result in organized or unorganized resistance and that may even cause anti-neo liberal political forces. So, in order to avoid the polarization of the society, civil society should engage to create a consensus on developmental issues. More over, in order to understand the continuities and changes that are taking place in the developmental scenario it needs further study.     

Endnotes

Bijoiny Mohanthy and S.C Hazary(Ed), Political Economy of India Retrospect and Prospects (New Delhi: APH Publ).

 S.C Hazary, Political Economy of India Retrospect and Prospects, ( New Delhi: APH Publi,1997.)

 

Sukhendu Mazumder, Politico-Economic Ideas of Mahatma Gandhi  (New Delhi: Concept Publishing House, 2004.).

B.Mohanan,(Ed), Gandhis Legacy and New Human Civilisation, Gyam publishing house, New Delhi,1999.

Vineetha Sharma, ‘Implications Of A Special Economic Zone on Project Affected People a case study of Reliance Haryana SEZ”, Man & Development, Vol.39,Dec,2007.

Jermy Grasset and Frederic Landy, ‘Special Economic Zones in India Between International integration and Real Estate Speculation’, Man &Development, Vol. 39,No.4, Dec, 2007.

India 2008, A Reference Annual, Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting , Govt:of India, New Delhi,2008.

Partha Mukhopadhyay, “The promised land of SEZs” Seminar, Jan, 2008

.

Sheetal Sharma and Kishan Pratap,  “ The Prosperous Few and the Pauperized Many: A Perspective on Special Economic Zones”, Mainstream, February,23-March,1,2007.

 

About the Author

Jipson V. Paul

MA. Politics and International Relations from M G.University Kerala

MPhil. Politics and Intrrnational Relations from M G University Kerala

Doing PhD in Pondichery Cental University Puducherry.

Davos Open Forum 2010 - After the Financial Crisis: Consequences and Lessons Learned

I have a question about employment law. I've been told that our company will be having ....?

will be having "temporary" lay-offs for most of December and into Jan. They are call it a temporary lay-off because we are told that we will be called back at some point (looking at around Jan.4, but nothing written down). Since I technically won't be employed during that time will I have access to my 401k and be able to roll it into another option (like IRA, or some other investment outlet)?
I live in Texas

You can not. If you access it there will be penalties.

After I Collected My Severance Package I Found the Perfect Home Based Business that Anybody Can Do!

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8th Avenue in Huntington Reopens After Water Main Break
A water main break closed part of 8th Avenue in Huntington late Monday night.
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5 Things to Look For in Your Timesheet Software

How many business owners still use manual cash registers? Typewriters? Hand-written inventory sheets and business financial papers? Then why have your employees continue to slip a scribbled-on yellow card into a loud, antique time card puncher? By upgrading to timesheet software, and integrating modern scanning technology such as a thumb print scanner or magnetic card reader, you will improve your employee management and payroll, and save time and money in the process. However, in upgrading to payroll and time clock software, one must first know what features to look for. The following are the most important elements to a good, effective time clock program:


- Time in/out features accurate to the second, customizable and compliant to your payroll rules and local overtime laws. This is an important feature. Timesheet software can keep track of requirements of both your local government, and specific rules and guidelines that you set for your own business.


- Proper record keeping capabilities. This is probably the feature that will differ the most from program to program, but is absolutely essential to a complete time clock program. As a business owner, you will need to keep accurate records of attendance, total work hours, and overtime hours. And this information must be made readily available for a number of different purposes.


- Adaptability to security requirements and employee evaluation. Whether you chose to have your employees swipe an ID card to activate the time clock, or press their thumb against a fingerprint scanner, you need to be able to accurately research your employees attendance by day, shift, department, and task. With the standard manual time clock, employees could clock each other in, and give their employers a poor representation of the overall productivity of the business. With timesheet software, this is no longer a worry.


- Save time for your bookkeeper or payroll personnel. All calculations can be completed instantaneously, and either sent or made available to a number of computers on your network while still being processed in one primary location. Instead of wasting time at the end of the pay period with a stack of time cards and a calculator, tallying each employees work hours, eliminate this antiquated business task and free up your staff for more relevant needs.


- Prevent underpayment and overpayment of employees. When employees are accidentally underpaid, the general atmosphere of your work environment suffers. When an employee is overpaid, you are not likely to hear about it unless you catch the mistake yourself, thus losing money. Detailed work hour records-keeping will ensure that each employee is getting paid exactly for the time they worked, no more and no less.


For a low startup cost, timesheet software will greatly improve your business. Instead of spending hours tallying up work hours, you will have these reports available instantaneously at any moment, and free up time for much more important tasks. You will gain a more complete picture of your employee's work habits and be able to make more educated management decisions. Take the next step with your business and order timesheet software today.

About the Author


When looking for business timesheet software, have a look at
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Lets Go Beat Up Some Smokers

The war on smoking has been going on for over 40 years now and it is not going well despite the preponderance of the evidence is that cigarette smoking damages one's health over the long run. Yes millions of people have quit smoking and yet millions more have also started during the same time period.


The American public has been so inundated with anti-smoking information that it is no longer effective and commercials are becoming more and more outrageous. According to one of the latest commercials on Spike TV the tobacco industry supplied its products to have it featured in a Muppet movie. I thought I have seen every Muppet movie ever made and for the life of me I do not remember any Muppet movie that featured a cigarette. I must have missed that one.


The same production company produces another commercial that shows a knucklehead trying to purchase light bullets for his gun and one if his statements is something like "cigarette companies are labeling there cigarette with light and ultralights even though they are just as deadly as regular cigarette?". Lets see now, if I apply the same logic to air quality then if I lived in Linfen, China (dirtiest air in the world) or if I lived in Cape Grim, Tasmania (cleanest air in the world) I would still just as likely to develop respiratory problems because both have places have at least some air pollutions. Give me a break.


Now don't get me wrong, I do not condone smoking. If you want to smoke great. If you do not want to smoke great. But if you try to force me to do either one we will then have a big problem. So why is it that this commercial producer can get away with blatantly false statements? It is because it is socially unacceptable to be a smoker. Smokers are in the minority and it is ok to beat up smokers today.


Do you know of anyone who would publicly admit to being pro smoking? Even smokers will tell you that they know it is bad for you and they are trying to quit or have tried to quit in the past but they will not admit to being pro smoking. If a tobacco company filed a law suite against that producer can you immanage the publicity that would be generated against the tobacco company? Its just not worth the effort.


I do not have a problem with the anti smoking campaign but I do have a problem with the way society is allowing certain business and government practices to occur. Business have won law suites allowing them to not hire employees that smoke and to fire existing employees that do smoke. The bases if the law suite is that the health insurance cost would rise if they employee smokers. I have worked for a lot of companies over the last 40+ years and never once have I seen an insurance representative come into my company and taken a pole of how many smokers and nonsmokers were employed and then adjusted the companies insurance rate based on the results. The next time you update your resume, you may want to include references willing to vouch that you never touch tobacco.


I believe that all of the jurors on the employment issues of smokers were non smokers. Smokers were relieved from jury duty because they may be prejudice. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2004 44.5 million U.S. adults were smokers comprising 20.9 percent of the adult population so 2 of them should have been smokers. Sounds like stacking the deck to me.


I think that I should be allowed to fire all of my employees that are over 40 years of age. After all older employees will use more health care benefits than younger employees so this policy should keep my insurance rates to a minimum. While I'm at it anyone with a higher than 12 percent body fat is gone. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 1989 that Obese people cost 51.5 billion in health care costs per year.


Here is an interesting fact. The Department of Public Health, Netherlands reported in 1997 that smokers have more diseases that nonsmokers but nonsmokers live linger and can incur more health costs at advanced ages. For a given age smokers can cost 40 percent more in health care cost than nonsmokers and if all smokers quit today health care costs would be lower at first but after 15 years they would be higher than at present. That does it I'm going to fire everyone over 40.


Why does society allow this type of injustice happen? Because you as an individual do nothing. To paraphrase a popular saying; for injustice to occur all that is needed is for good people to do nothing. If it is ok with you that smokers are being punished for there actions then do not complain when it is your turn.

About the Author

David Cowley has numerous articles. For other Articles feel free to visit my Web Site at Other Articles

Applications of Genetic Tools to Clinical and Translational Research

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Emigration and Legal Aid in UK

Study shows that emigration in UK is higher than ever before. Also immigration is on the rise in UK. It can be derived from figures which came from different research conducted by various organizations that in 2006 alone 207,000 British citizens left their country. But the immigrants also came by more than double. In the same year around 510,000 foreigners arrived in UK to stay for a year or more.

After the labor party came into power in 1997, the British emigration figure shows 1.8 million people have left while only 979,000 have returned. In 2006 half the British emigrants went to only four countries mainly Australia, Spain, New Zealand and France. Almost 8 percent of every 100 emigrants went to USA. According to the research by ONS last year UK recorded the highest number of emigrants about 400,000 and immigrants of 591,000.

The majority of the immigrants are from commonwealth countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The legal aid service is very strong and a well spread network in UK. One can seek legal advice on various maters like personal injury, employment law (both for employer and employee), conveyance, will and probate, commercial litigation. Solicitors provide legal advice on family matters, criminal case, medical negligence, financial advice as well along with those mentioned above. Solicitors also give legal advice to estate agents but this service is limited to Scotland only.

Information on solicitors is also widely available on internet. One can find out the solicitor or lawyers based on their locality or law firms or even on the problem concerned. The fees for legal advice vary with the area of law involved in the concerned case. There is Community Legal Advice organization which provides free and confidential legal advice if someone lives on low income or benefits.

If one has been injured in an accident with no fault of his he can seek legal advice from an accident solicitor. The Accident Solicitors is one such legal firm which assists in getting the victim his injury claims for compensation. The accident solicitors can take up cases from places throughout UK including Cheshire, Cornwall, Devon, Lancashire, Manchester and Yorkshire.

Accident solicitors help victims get injury claim for accidents causing head injuries, spinal injuries, scarring, broken bones or torn ligaments, paraplegia, loss of eye sight, limbs, damaged or lost teeth etc. the accident solicitors also take on cases involving all sorts of personal injury, medical negligence, fatal accidents, head injury claims, spinal injury claims, sports injury claims, holiday accidents, defective product or service claims, marine or aircraft injury claims, psychiatric injury claims etc.

One can find lawyers in Manchester simply by logging into internet. On internet every detail of information is provided regarding different law firms as well as lawyers in Manchester. Lawyers of different arenas of legal scenario are available with their details on the web.

About the Author

We offers Solicitor, find solicitor, uk solicitors, London solicitor, legal advice, commercial lawyer, commercial solicitor, commercial litigation solicitor, commercial conveyancing, commercial property solicitor, conveyancing, Conveyancing solicitor, employment lawyer, Employment solicitor, family law solicitor, divorce solicitor, emigration, uk solicitors, injury claim, accident solicitor online.

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If i resign during probation period,has the employer the right to make me pay for the training he has given me?

I signed a "self employment agreement" with a Company in the UK ( I live in another country and communicate with them via internet and phone) for a period of 1 year, the probation period being 3 months; I resigned after 2 months and received an email from the employer that said he will invoice me for a big amount of money for the training he gave me (like 10 days of so) and other costs (cost of hiring someone else from my country,etc).There is no mention in the contract that I signed about me having to pay them if I resign, but as I mentioned, the agreement was indeed for one year. I don't know the law in UK, but considering the fact that I am in probation period, can't I just leave the Company (after the notice period,of course) without any problems?

if you were being treated as self employed, then employment law does not cover this situation. However, if there is no mention in the contract of having to repay training costs, then this cnanot be enforced.

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Employment Law 2008 Update for Businesses & Illegal Workers

You must always protect your business. UK employers have been warned that if they take on illegal workers they could face a prison sentence and / or massive fines.


That is the message from a new campaign launched by the Government to promote new rules which took effect this month. It is vital that companies take notice of this new legislation. The Home Office estimates it will cost more than £27m for businesses to acquaint themselves with the new law which shows how important it is for UK businesses to regard the changes.


For every illegal worker you negligently hire, you could be fined up to £10,000 or face up to two years in prison, so this really is a serious situation. It is all in a bid to crack down on illegal workers in Britain by placing more emphasis on employers to take note of who they are employing and carry out proper background checks. This in effect means businesses should become much more proactive in demonstrating that they are adhering to these new laws.


Also if an employer is found to be breaking the law they could lose the right to recruit from outside the European Union altogether. This puts pressure on recruitment agencies that specialise in foreign recruitment to make better checks on the people that they refer to local UK businesses. It also gives a strong international message that the UK’s tougher new employment laws have made it more difficult to work in Britain illegally. And for residents here in Britain it shows that there is a crackdown on illegal workers – all in aid of a wider shake-up of the immigration system as a whole.


The Border and Immigration Agency undertakes regular enforcement operations against illegal working in the UK, and in 2006, they carried out over 5,200 raids, removing more than 22,000 people from the UK in only one year.


To obtain more direct information the Home Office has improved their help line that claims to offer more accurate and specific advice to businesses.


Employers who condone illegal working attract illegal migrants, which means they can pay them less money and so undercut the wages that would be paid to legitimate employees. The new Government rules are designed to protect the UK’s workforce, and help employers to run a cost-effective but efficient business. There have been some concerns about racial discrimination cases against employers doing background checks, but this can easily be avoided if your company has one procedure that is followed for every potential new applicant.


Employers of migrant workers, whose right to work in the UK is not permanent, will have a new responsibility to make periodic checks on the existing workers’ entitlement rather than simply checking their status only once before employment begins.


It’s important that all British companies familiarise themselves with the changes, and seek professional advice if they are unsure of the procedures they should follow to make sure they don’t employ illegal workers. Obtaining professional advice and revising company policies and procedures is a good way to safeguard the future of your business and assure that you are adhering to the new legislation.

This article is free to republish provided this resource box below remains intact.

About the Author

John Mehtam provides Employment Law Training and heads the Employment Law team at Martin Kaye Solicitors in Telford, Shropshire.

Recovery Act Tax Benefits

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Is there such a thing in UK employment law as unsocial hours payment?

I have been asked to work from 16.00 - 02.00 for one night a month. Is there anything in UK law which states that an unsocial hours payment should be paid for working these hours and if so between what hours should it be paid.

My normal shift pattern is 7.5 hours anywhere between 07.00 and 18.00 it can vary daily.
Jordyn and chris you must think I came out with the Ark. Go spam someone else.

There should be unsociable hours payments after 6pm increasing after 8pm and again after 11pm.
You should check with your Human Resources department, or contact the DWP (Department of Work and pensions) for clarification

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Find a lawyer specializing in employment law for insurance broker.?

I've filed with the State of Illinois for age discrimination against my former employer - an insurance agency. I've also filed with the labor board because my former employer would not send me documentation on my final paycheck which is commission based. They just sent me a net check and didn't tell me how they derived the check amount.

I want to find a lawyer that understands how insurance agents are paid. I am in Property & Casualty and my commission are sometimes from 2 or 3 months in the past because of the way the company collects the premiums.

Does anyone know of a good resource to find a lawyer with experience in insurance? I can find them who are experienced on the "employer's" side but not the "employee's" side.

The state labor board or insurance commission should be able to help you.

Legal Questions : What Is the Age Discrimination and Employment Act of 1992?

Dealing With Bad Weather In Hr

When heavy snow is piling up on the roads, suddenly the daily commute into work isn't so simple for thousands of employees used to catching the bus or driving to the office. And even if it isn't just snow - it could be torrential rain, ice or wind storms - the problems caused by severe weather are numerous. Not only can employees' daily commute be interrupted by hazardous roads and the closure of public transport services, but power outages can occur, as well as business closure due to brutal conditions.

Foul weather can be a nightmare for the HR department. As a business, it's important to strike a balance between caring for employees and ensuring their physical and mental well being whilst ensuring the company remains up and running. However, the foremost concern for any company should be the safety of its employees. This means understanding when a worker cannot travel into the office due to poor conditions, as well as knowing when it's time to give up and close up the building for a day or two until it's safe to return to work.

Of course, some places of work aren't so lucky as to have a warm office to hide away in. Outdoor work obviously has different requirements when it comes to employee health and safety and it's crucial that the well being of employees in severe conditions is kept at the top of the priority list. If work is continuing in poor weather, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises that workers are given frequent breaks to get warm, enabled to drink hot beverages, requested to abstain from smoking as it can restrict blood flow and that the buddy system is put in force so employees work in teams that look out for one another.

Knowing when to tell your employees to stay and work from home isn't easy, and it's a good idea to circulate a message detailing the company policy on if the weather is preventing people from travelling. It should include what to do if schools are closed and parents have no alternative means of childcare and strive to ensure that employees who do make it to work are not going to end up being trapped there in case of worsening conditions.

Although, there is no legal right for staff to be paid by an employer for travel delays, the Trades Union Congress advises against withholding pay or forcing holidays onto staff members due to conditions that cannot be prevented as this can make employees feel resentful towards the company, thus decreasing employee satisfaction.

It's important to ensure your business is operating within employment law during periods of bath weather, so stay up to date with changes and revisions and apply these as you see fit.

About the Author

Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

7-13-03 Terroristic Stalking AirLifeHelicopter @HouseForRent

Man Burns Down House Because Wife Didn't Have Dinner Ready
Wife says her husband returned home from a night of drinking and burned down their home after she didn't have a meal ready.
Kern Law Firm

Business Studies- Homework Help?

“The workplace in Australia in the last decade has undergone a process of dramatic change. These changes are due to a combination of economic, social, environmental, political and technological factors. Work patterns are changing and Human Resource Management issues are becoming increasingly important”
•Changes in employment patterns and opportunities (e.g. Job sharing
Increased part-time/casual employment, outsourcing/working from home)
•Globalisation
•OHS&W / Risk management standards
•Training and Development
•Technology
•Youth employment
•An aging population and a declining birth rate
•Social justice issues
•Reform of the Australian Industrial Relations laws
•The role of unions

What would be the best way to approach and structure this? I need to respond to at least four points.

here are three to get you started:

AGING POPULATION AND BIRTH RATE

An ageing population puts enormous pressure on the economy. The older the population, the fewer the people to support older Australians in retirement.

Elderly and retired Australians receive benefits from the Government in the form of pensions and other financial concessions. These benefits are funded from the money the Government collects in tax, some of it income tax from working Australians. In an ageing population, the number of people retiring and claiming benefits is increasing, and the number of new workers entering the workforce will eventually decline. So there are fewer people to support more retirees.

The Government hopes to reduce the impact of the ageing population by encouraging workers to retire later and women to have more children. An increase in the birthrate would help decrease the median age and the stresses an ageing population place on the economy. If the downward trend continues, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has projected average births per woman could fall from 1.75 to as low as 1.4 by 2011.
Will financial incentives boost the birth rate?
In the federal budget handed down two weeks ago, Treasurer Peter Costello included some financial incentives for Australians to have more children. The Government has increased the family tax benefit, and introduced a $3000 maternity payment for new mothers. It will rise to $5000 by 2008. The Government hopes these financial bonuses will help boost the birth rate by making it easier for people to afford a family.

Some population experts are doubtful. They say similar pro-baby policies overseas have failed to result in more children.

Others say the reasons for the low birth rate are complex and cannot be dealt with by money alone. For good or bad, society has changed. More women are in the workforce, and it can be difficult for people to balance work and families. Australians are marrying later in life. As a result, those who do decide to start a family are having their first child later, and having fewer offspring. Some even say the reduced birth rate is the result of social anxiety.

Others have suggested the answer to our ageing population is increased immigration, rather than expensive and possibly fruitless attempts to increase birth rates.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) was created on 3 December 2007, bringing together elements of the former Departments of Education, Science and Training, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Youth and Early Childhood functions from the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

The department implements government policies and programs to provide education and training opportunities for all Australians, to increase employment participation and to ensure fair and productive workplaces. Education, training and workforce participation are central to our goal of building a productive and socially inclusive nation, one which values diversity and provides opportunities for all Australians to build rewarding social and economic lives.

http://www.dest.gov.au/ (for more information).

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

A $24 million four-year program is helping to create short-term employment opportunities and establish vocational education and training benefiting up to 70,000 young people.

Australia will also develop a youth employment policy that will assist the country's youth transition from school to work.

Speaking from East Timor, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, said greater social and economic stability were two of the expected benefits of the initiative.

'The unemployment rate among young urban males is currently 43 per cent. By enhancing education and skills training and supporting labour intensive employment programs we aim to get more young people into jobs and contribute to the long-term social and economic stability of East Timor', Mr McMullan said.

Mr McMullan also launched the implementation of Australia's five year $28 million justice program to build more effective, accountable justice institutions and improve access for the most vulnerable and marginalised groups.

The funds are being used to develop effective management and administration systems in key justice agencies. Activities include a juvenile justice initiative, improved support for victims of domestic violence, district justice initiatives and support to traditional systems for resolving disputes.

Australia is also providing $23 million over four years to help East Timor to implement its national health plan and improve basic health and hospital services across the country.

The project is a partnership with the World Bank and East Timor's Ministry of Health. Australia is also supporting an $850,000 study to identify barriers to health care services and inform appropriate policy responses.

The national health plan focuses on improving basic health and hospital services and aims to build capacity across the health sector to help East Timor achieve its Millennium Development Goals for health.

IBAT - Institute of Business & Technology

I'm looking for a cheap employment law specialist in London.?

I need some formal legal counsel. I am potentially going head to head with my boss and need some cheap advice. I'm not eligible for legal aid but can't afford lawyers' fees of £200 an hour.

The CAB are a good place to start if it's a straightforward dispute, but bear in mind that free advice is worth exactly that - nothing. There are no cheap specialists in anything , especially employment law. You get what you pay for. There are however, solictors who give good value. They will not charge £200 ph and will agree all fees in advance and will check with you before incurring any fees and can agree fixed rates. The truth is that in the event of a big dispute, having a solictors firm behind you gives you clout. It may work out less expensive in the long run.

Simpson Millar LLP - Guide to Legal Services

Rockefeller Hosts Forum on Kids and Online Safety
Technology has advanced rapidly since the Children's Online Protection Privacy Act was passed more than ten years ago.
StephaneLequeux28-10-06Part1

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Irs Crackdown On Classification

Independent Contractor or Employee?

The answer to this question is one that is being looked at very closely by both federal and state governmental agencies. If answered incorrectly by an employer, the door could be opened to serious consequences. Over the past year, various federal and state agencies have indicated they will begin to more seriously investigate employee classification issues - with emphasis on workers misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began intensive audits of 6,000 randomly selected employers in February of this year. The key objective of the IRS audits is to determine whether employers are attempting to save on taxes and legal risks by incorrectly classifying workers as Independent Contractors and recover any lost revenue.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently reported that employee misclassification "could be a significant problem with adverse consequences," as it reduces the amount of tax revenues that flow into federal and state governments. This is because Independent Contractors are not covered by most employment laws (as they are not considered "employees") and payroll taxes are not assessed against monies paid to them. The Federal government estimates that between 1996 and 2004 it lost an estimated $34.7 billion in tax revenue due to the misclassifications of Independent Contractors. In 1984, the IRS did a study and estimated about 15% of employers nationally misclassified a total of 3.4 million workers as Independent Contractors. A 2005 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report indicated approximately 10.3 million workers or 7.4% of the workforce were classified as Independent Contractors.

The IRS provides guidance on how to determine if a worker is truly an Independent Contractor and this standard is high. Please follow this link for IRS Guidance on the proper classification of workers. There are legitimate Independent Contractors currently working; however, there are a great many workers that are, in fact, misclassified employees. The penalties for this misclassification can be severe. It is important to note that even if a worker asks to be an Independent Contractor or agrees to this classification in writing, they are not an Independent Contractor unless they meet the criteria established by the IRS.

The Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability, and Consistency Act of 2009 was introduced in Congress last year and it allows individuals classified as independent contractors to petition the IRS to determine their correct classification. As it stands today, an employer or a worker can ask for an IRS analysis utilizing IRS Form 88: Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding. If passed, the current proposed legislation would expose employers with independent contractors to an increased chance of investigation and more severe monetary penalties. According to Mark Schoeff, Jr., the Department of Labor (DOL) is allocating $25 million (in their proposed budget for fiscal year 2011) in a joint initiative with the Department of the Treasury to specifically investigate and target employers that misclassify workers.

It is important to also note that many states have passed laws aimed directly at the misclassification issue. Currently, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Mexico have passed laws that target the construction industry, as it has been an industry rife with misclassification issues. An Illinois construction contractor received a fine of $328,500 in December 2009 for incorrectly classifying 18 workers as independent contractors instead of employees. Other states have enacted task forces specifically created to find instances of misclassification.

Experts agree that the best defense against misclassification is for companies to look beyond independent contractor work agreements, analyze the actual work that is being done by the worker, and perform continual rigorous internal evaluations of pay practices. As the old saying goes "If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck, it must be a duck." If a worker classified as an independent contractor looks like an employee, works like an employee, and is under the same controls as an employee, the more likely they will be determined to be an employee. The more you treat a worker like an employee, the more they will be considered an employee, especially in this era of heightened scrutiny. Failure to classify workers correctly can be quite costly. In addition to assessment of payroll taxes and penalties, employers may face insurance considerations such as workers compensation premiums. The misclassification of workers also opens the door to private causes of action from workers such as back pay, overtime pay, lost benefits and liquidated damages.

Articles you might also be interested in:

• California Worker Classification
• Exempt v.s. Non-Exempt: Common Misclassification Mistakes

About the Author

Michele O Donnell, M.S. Human Resources Management. joined MMC, Inc. in January 2007 and currently leads MMC's elite team of HR Consultants. Ms. O Donnell has been involved in the Human Resources industry for more than 14 years, bringing vast training and management experience to the MMC leadership ranks. Her experience spans the broad scope of labor law, regulatory compliance and HR Best Practices, drawn from her rich experience as Director of HR for several firms throughout her career. She currently works to ensure that MMC's consultants forge long lasting relationships with our clients, fostered in exceptional service and unsurpassed HR expertise. Ms. O Donnell earned her baccalaureate degree in Business Administration from Auburn University before receiving her Masters degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University. Learn more about MMC's comprehensive HR services at http://www.mmchr.com

Authors@Google: David Plouffe

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Lawyer Q&A

Best personal injury lawyers in New Orleans?
I had A carriage ride accident and was forced to jump from the carriage, causing injury, of course I have got nothing but the run around. I would do some searches through a few lawyer webpages. I recommend a site called targetlaw. Its a lawyer search engine. Really good for lawyer searches..

Can a state appointed Attorney represent his clients fairly if.?
Someone has a case against the state and can not afford an Attorney and then is appointed a state paid attorney. the first 3 answers here are B.S. no a court appointed lawyer will not represent you at his best unless in some isolated cases as the calif, lawyer.

Can an Iraq veteran with 4 felonies become a lawyer?
the bar can keep you out if you have unpaid parking tickets. I'm guessing 4 felonies is considered a little worst. - I hope nobody with any felonies can become a lawyer, let alone 4! - Probably not. Run for president instead. - possibly - but felonies will.

Can an organization ask questions like this when hiring you for a job.?
Since the age of 18 have you ever had sexual contact with person(s) you were seeing in your capacity as a professional (i.e. teacher/student, doctor/patient, lawyer/client)? Since the age of 18 have yo uever had sexual contact with person(s) for whom you had a responsibility as.

Can anyone offer me any advice on pursuing child support enforcement?
I have a current court order for child support in effect but the non-custodial parent pays it according to when it suits him. Our case is being handled through the Attorney General's Office in Dallas, TX. I would like to find a lawyer that would only expect a.

Can I be given a probation violation after formal probation has ended in California?
Formal probation given in 2003, but was able to terminate it early in january of 2006. Also hired a lawyer and expunged the whole thing. Can I still get a violation for something after all of this? Once probation has been terminated, the court loses.

Can I find a lawyer to help me with a DWI In DC?
I got a DWI in DC it was a .11 I need to get a lawyer but I dont make enough money to pay one lump sum. I need to get a lawyer that I can pay off with monthly payments. Please help me!! I dont.

Can I reopen a custody suit after I signed off rights under extreme duress?
My children live with their dad & stepmom, she has never adopted them. I gave up when my lawyer told me I had no chance of winning. I tried to comit suicide after my kids were gone, my family and the dad were harrassing me..

Can i represent myself in a first time dui case in indiana?
NEVER BEEN IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW You don't want to do that. Get a lawyer. It'll cost about $1500 for the whole thing. Don't plead guilty. They'll give you the max sentence. Get a lawyer and he/she will get you through. You'll live. Remember the old.

Can i sue a lawyer for messing up my case?
My husband and i have been trying to buy this house for 4 months. We thought we were going to close this friday but I gotta call saying the lawyer messed up on the guardianship now we have to wait even longer. Can I sue this lawyer for being.

Can I write my own codicil for my will?
5 1/2 years ago I paid a lawyer $450 to do my simple will. I want to make some deletions and additions to the will and have the software to print a codicil form. Can I do this and take to a notary to witness my signing and then send.

Can my landlord evict me without a court order as she has given me 7 days to get out?
depends on how long youv been there, after 6 months you have more right to live there. - Not if you pay rent! but they can try! - Eviction laws vary in different locales. Check with a lawyer in.

Can police discuss your legal problems with your boss before trial?
what legal action can be taken? yes, as sad as it is, the police can talk to anyone they want, but still talk to your lawyer to see if there is anything he can do - An investigator for criminal matter can talk to anyone. for civil matter,.

Can someone who's a lawyer help me enforce the ferpa law at my alumni college?
ECPI technical college is preventing me from getting a copy of my transcripts. The ferpa (Family Educational Rights Privacy Act) states that I have the right under united states federal law to get a copy. Please see this page: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/reg/ferpa/i.lawyer specifically.

Can the magistrate court reward punitive damages for acts of violence such as aggravated assualt?
A person attacked me with an axe? I escaped without physical injuries. The person was arrested and plead guilty. I am disable, have no income, and have no financial resources to hire a lawyer. I was told I could file a lawsuit in magistrate.

Does a legal advisor working for a company have to be an attorney or lawyer?
'Advise' is the defining word. A person who is not a certified attorney can assist in preparing legal documents for someone else, but they cannot tell a person or a company how to proceed with a legal course of action. Only a person.

does anyone know of a web site where you can chat with a lawyer and get free legal advice?
i need one on civil, i just wanted to get a little info before i went out and hired an attorney. thanks!! Most lawyers will give you a 30 minute free advice to see if you have a case. Om.

Does anyone know what is the sentencing for first time arrest of possesion of cocaine.?
Probably depends on where you were arrested. - Ask Bush. - It also depends on who you and your family are. - Depends on who the person is and who he knows. If he has a good lawyer it can be a slap.

Does anyone no a good pro-bono lawyer I have a rock solid case?
I was charged and spent a month in jail I have proof I am not guilty I need these charges dropped then I want to sue the accuser and bring a civil suit because of this issue I have lost everything I own For a civil.

does being a lawyer require alot of math?
do you need alot of math to become a lawyer and if so what are some careers that dont require tons of math? Not specifically but a University will require a decent academic standard to admit you onto a legal degree. Have a look at the entrance requirements for legal courses.

does enyone know what a court trail is and what goes on?
ive got a three day trail going on and im realy scared im unshure of what happens and what goes on its in frount of a jurry and im the one its all about for benefit fraud help me understand You should get a lawyer. Quickly. -.

Can you press contempt of court charges yourself or does a lawyer need to do it for you?
Here is our problem. My husband and I have been going round an round with his ex since the last time she took us to court and we won joint custody of his daughter. She keeps, keeping the child from us,.

Can you press criminal charges against someone who knowingly infects you with an std ie: genital warts?
depending on the state, yes. it may be filed under depraved indifference, wreckless endangerment, or assault. - Short answer is YES. The long answer is you may only have recourse through civil court. You need to speak to a lawyer because.

Can you represent someone else in a trail if you are not a lawyer?
Give specific details nope - Not in this state. You can represent yourself or you can get a real lawyer. Nothing else. - Generally the answer is no. Sometimes there are exceptions (like 'victim advocates' may sit at counsel table for domestic violence proceedings, although.

Can you sue a hospital for INFLATED Emergency Room charges?
I had my finger cut and thought I would need stiches. They charged $590 Iodine, $357 for a procedure that was not explained and $500 for glue.NOT STICHES. I would try to challenge the charges with the threat of a lawyer. If you didn't get what was charged, you.

Can you suit a local union if they misrepresent you, and give you a lawyer four days before the hearing, who h
I was fired for hitting a co-work, we went to court and i won the case. Had a arbitrator hearing a year later with a lawyer given to me four day before hearing who know nothing about.

Case evaluation?
Im going through a medical malpractice lawsuit right now. My lawyer had told me in the beginning he would estimate the case to be worth 350-400,000.i know thats just his estimate, but they went for a case evaluation last week, and i got the letter today, and it was valued at 90,000.i got the letter after his.

Child Custody lawyer? Tips?
I've been divorced for over 5 years and the custody agreement said 50/50 (it was us who decided it) and medical must be paid but no child support. He is becomming a dead beat dad hasn't paid for her medical at all (she is special needs and sees many specialist doctors) and hasn't seen her.

Criminal Lawyer?
If you were a Criminal Attorney, would you defend somebody that you KNOW is guilty of a vicious rape? My wife is a lawyer (in the UK they're called solicitors). She's defended many criminals in her career - including murderers and child sex offenders. There are two principles here:- 1. you are NOT permitted to defend a.

Dissolving POA and employment contract with attorney in AZ. how would I go about doing this?
My father is in his 70s and has been using the same attorney for his disability and workers comp for the past 20 years. An employment contract was signed granting the lawyer Power of Attorney for my father. I am just curious if.

Do felonies have a statue of limitations to come off your record?
No, they stay on your record forever, but you do not have to acknowledge that they happened after ten years. - No statute of limitations - gernerally no, but some people get them removed after a period of time contact a lawyer - No, once you.

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Phoenix Employment Law Attorney - Sexual Harassment

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Legal Questions & Answers

Ok,in Some states its legal to marry a 13 or 14 years old with parental consent,what about sex?I am confused?
Is it legal? I am trying to know the law i don't want to marry a minor. Cause if this is the case then child marraige is legal in US? Back in the Middle Ages, it is considered acceptable.

On what basis in law are football clubs penalised for the bad behaviour of their supporters?
Whenever there is a riot, pitch invasion or racist abuse etc. by fans of a soccer team, the club itself is routinely penalised? Surely the club is a completely distinct legal entity from the private individuals who happen to attend its matches? So.

Once again, there is no legal requirement in UK to study Law in order to call yourself a Solicitor.?
I have had answers to similar questions in the past that are totally ridiculous. There is no legal requirement in this country and that is why. Yes you can. It's not common, but if your labor stalls, it's possible for.

Only mentioning the bond period in Appointment letter and get signed it- is it a legal bond?
My previous imployer served me a notice through a lawyer for damage due to quiting the job. The bond period was mentione in only appointment letter. No other legal paper were signed. So what should now I do. Send me full details.

Opinions Please - Governor Corzine is seriously injured in an automobile accident?
After getting out of the hospital from being injured in an automobile accident where the car was being driven at 91 MPH has now been observed going back to his residence in a motorcade traveling 16 MPH over the legal speed limit. He admitted that he set.

Oral Contracts $500 for service, is it legal?
I recently got charged for some service and did not agree to anything but the person is saying that i did agree upon it. There was nothing in writing about ANY charges what so ever or any discussion about charges. My question is for a service I thought $500 and up.

Other than Alcahol, tobacco, tea and coffee; which drugs can humans take without being bad ppl like criminals?
SUGAR, the ultimate legal high. - prescribed ones.. - http://www.idmu.co.uk/classes.htm.legal look at this - Salvia, there is also legal trips such as robotrips. That is when you down a whole bottle of Robitussin there is also a.

Overtime laws in Florida?
Does anyone know about the overtime laws in florida. I work in a private nursing home in jacksonville and the employer does not pay overtime. I don't work anything over 40 hrs a week because of it. Does anyone know if it is legal in the state of florida or does the employer have choice.

Own handcuffs legal in Aussie?
Depends of the purpose for owning them and how you use them. For instance, some people may use handcuffs for sexual gratification. Providing this is done in privacy, it is consensual and doesn't constitute sexual assault, cause serious injury (such as a maim which can't be consented to) why would it be illegal..

Owning Guns.?
I have a question, hope united states residents can answer me. Thank you. We know that guns are legal in USA, but why some people got arrested for weapon possesion? example like Tony Yayo, he was sent to jail for weapon possesion but some other people can purchase guns. Gun possession is legal with a license. To.

Parent running / avoiding legal paperwork?
my wife and her childrens father have joint custody and he completely violated the terms so she filed to have parenting time changed but he is running from letting her serve him the paperwork and he has no address due to the fact that he lives between his mother and his current girlfriend..

Parent/Adult Child legalities?
If an adult child is still living at home with their parents, is it legal for the parent to charge rent and claim that child as a dependant on their taxes? Yes, it's legal for them to charge rent and claim the kid as a dependent, but in order for it to remain legal, the parents.

Parental rights? my childs dad wants to give up his rights, how do we go about doing so?
Socorro-In my state, the form is really easy--except there's no standard form. Anway, the forms I have written in my legal career only range from a page to a page and 1/2. They just need to clearly state the father.

Partial-Birth Abortion ban?
The Congressional statute was upheld by the Supreme Court. What are you opinions? partial-birth abortions or any abortions for that matter are terrible, heinous acts which should in no way shape or form be legal. for god sake people if you dont want the kid let it live and put it up for adoption instead of.

Past legal cases are sometimes used to support current similar cases.?
critical thinking. true or false answer True. Judges are supposed to apply the decisions handed down in higher courts as precedent. Most legal experts will cite these cased in the course of making their own arguements. - True, it's the principle of stare decisis also known as following.

Paypal Rules Vs The Law?
I am currently in a legal battle at the moment with Paypal, as they limited my account for three weeks due to a debt in an account which is linked to mine. They have since released the funds, however I had already started the legal case and paid for the courts etc. I spoke.

Pennsylvania Court Orders Sperm Donor to Lesbian Couple to Pay Child Support?
A sperm donor who helped a lesbian couple conceive two children is liable for child support under a state appellate court ruling that a legal expert believes might be the first of its kind in the U.S. A Superior Court panel last week ordered a Dauphin County.

Philosophically Speaking: Should the US ban guns?
Without getting into the Second Amendment, which is a legal wrangle, philosophically, morally: Should The United States ban all guns? Would it be the right thing to do? Would it end crime as we know it? Does the US have a cowboy mentality that compels it's citizenry to own a firearm? Try,.

Phone numbers on youtube - legal action?
Recently, someone posted the phone number of someone they thought had stole their camera. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svkv2u1h5.legal If you call the number, is it possible that legal action can be brought against you even if you don't harass the person? well the person who had there camera stolen should just do.

Please help,want my kids back ,need someone to listen and give me legal advice.?
I have worked in child protection for 5+ years, would be more then happy to help you with any questions you have. But I do not know what your question is, or what the situation is so I can't give advise. Please re-write your.

Please help??
I am a divorced mother who was wrongly accused of child neglect by my ex and his parents. His mother who turned me in 25 times in 6months. My ex husband was awarded custody after only going to court once and i had no legal representation. Since then my children have been in danger several times. My.

Pooping in display toilets at bath and body works?
is it legal to annulate in display toilets?? and if it isnt, are u allowed to use a sink?? i really need help, because im at the store, and the bathrooms are closed. be quick, because i feel seepage running down my leg into my shoe, and my shoes already.

Pro Bono lawyer?
I need to find a pro bono lawyer Dallas , Texas area. How can I go about finding one? Does anyone know of any? Below are some legal directories that might help locate a lawyer: http://www.austin-texas-lawyers-attorney.legal http://www.dallas-fort-worth-texas-lawye. http://www.houston-texas-lawyers-attorne. http://www.san-antonio-texas-lawyers-att. http://www.las-vegas-nevada-lawyer-attor.

Procedure for Legal Heir?
My grandfather passed away in january. His wife now becomes the legal heir. But he did not leave any will. He was a retired government employee and all the medical expences needs to be reimbursed in my grannys name for which i need to obtain a legal heirship certificate(in the name of my grand mother)..

Pronography?
I was reading a book and it mentions illegal pornography. I was wondering the difference between illegal and legal In the US, most pornography is legal. Pornography that contains sex with a minor (sex with anyone under the age of 18) is against federal law and in some states, the depiction of certain sexual acts is also illegal..

Pro-Slavery (1850's) Pro-Abortion (today) ever notice they say the 'EXACT' same things?
In 1856 the speak of the House rose up and said: I personally do not own a slave, but I will never stand in the way of another man's legal RIGHT to own a slave.the house erupted in a standing applause. The subject is different, the era.

Prostitution?
Why is it legal in Las Vegas and not anywhere else? I jus dont understand. It's not legal in Las Vegas (Clark County), but it is legal where the total county population is less than 200,000 people, which is every other county except Reno. Basically, the state never regulated prostitution, and left the decision up to the counties..

Querying the Reasonable Person?
What is your opinion on the legal standard of 'the reasonable person'- is it fair to hold everyone to such a standard? Can you see any flaws? It is the perfect standard.the st