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What Islamic Enlightenment?
15 Sat Apr 2017
Posted by Jaideep A. Prabhu in Book Review
≈ Comments Off on What Islamic Enlightenment?
Abdulaziz, Abdulmecid I, Abdulrahman al-Jabarti, Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali, al Ghazali, al Qa'ida, Christopher de Bellaigue, Egypt, Enlightenment, Europe, ibn Taymiyya, Industrial Revolution, Iran, ISIS, Islam, Jacques Pierre Brissot, Middle East, Mirza Taki Khan Farahani, Muhammad Abduh, Muhammad Ali Pasha, Reformation, Renaissance, Rifa'a al-Tahtawi, Taliban, Taqi ad-Din Ahmad ibn Taymiyya, terrorism, The Islamic Enlightenment, Thirty Years' War, Turkey, Westphalia
De Bellaigue, Christopher. The Islamic Enlightenment: The Struggle Between Faith and Reason, 1798 to Modern Times. New York: Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2017. 432 pp.
The end of the Cold War did not usher in a thousand years of peace; nor did it see the end of History. Instead, even as the victorious Western alliance was popping champagne, a new menace was taking shape in the Islamic world. Terrorism was certainly not a new phenomenon, but the global reach and sophistication of what emerged in the closing decade of the second millennium was unsurpassed. Samuel Huntington famously – controversially – called it a clash of civilisations. Whether he was right or not, the Age of Terrorism has come to be deeply linked to Islam. It is this perception that Christopher de Bellaigue hopes to dispel. His latest book, The Islamic Enlightenment: The Struggle between Faith and Reason, 1798 to Modern Times, is meant to be a riposte against Western historians, politicians, and commentators who repeatedly demand that Islam join the 21st century, that it should “subject itself to the same intellectual and social transformations that the West experienced from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries.” To those who clamour for an Islamic Enlightenment, Reformation, and Renaissance, to those insisting that the religion of Muhammad develop a sense of humour, de Bellaigue’s response is that it already has, albeit with a particular cultural touch.
Westerners have not generally come to the East with open minds and in their inability to see past a European universalism, de Bellaigue contends, have missed the fact that not all Muslims are primitive, regressive terrorists. In fact, the Islamic world has not shown any more hostility towards modernity than Christendom did a couple of centuries earlier. The author dates the clash between European modernity and Islam in 1798 with the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte’s army on the shores of Egypt. De Bellaigue astutely observes that Western ideas were initially absorbed with greater success when they were perceived to be universal than later, after World War I, when they were seen as the business end of a hostile ideology.
Islamic Enlightenment locates the foci of modernisation in Cairo, Istanbul, and Tehran, where numerous figures, nationalists, litterateurs, monarchists, as well as the ulema, engaged with Western science, technology, and political science to adapt them to the needs of Islamically-minded societies. However, many of the modernisers were inspired not by the trinkets and gimmicks of European innovation but by the achievements of classical Islamic civilisation. De Bellaigue narrates the tales of modernisers of all shades. Some were intrinsically hostile to Western methods yet awed by them such as Abdulrahman al-Jabarti; others infused the “genius of Islam” in the universal knowledge the West possessed such as Rifa’a al-Tahtawi. Some of the reformers were optimistic of Western intentions in the Muslim world such as Muhammad Abduh, while others felt forced into reforms such as the Ottoman sultans Abdulmecid I and Abdulaziz. There were, of course, a few who saw modernity as a means to power and pursued Western knowledge with a purely secular interest such as Muhammad Ali Pasha. Regardless, the author notes, a liberalising, modernising tendency had emerged strongly in the Middle East.
This pushback against Islamophobia is laudable yet eventually flawed in its conception. Fundamentally, Islamic Enlightenment tries to pack into one term what in Europe properly describes at least four zeitgeists – the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution. It is difficult to imagine, at least in Europe, an Enlightenment that was not preceded by the Reformation and the Renaissance. It was the rediscovery of the classical world and an emphasis on humanism based on reason that caused the first crack in the totalising edifice of the Christian faith. Renaissance intellectuals did not necessarily reject religion but there was, nonetheless, a subtle shift in the way they approach it. The Reformation continued this trend in two important ways – first, and more obvious, is the theological schism between Catholicism and Protestantism, and second, the savagery and horrendous toll of the Thirty Years’ War – between a third and half of the population of Europe – finally broke the power of the Church in temporal matters after the peace at Westphalia in 1648.
These two short yet turbulent epochs paved the way for the Enlightenment. Made receptive to a gradual shift from faith to reason, autocracy to democracy, European society broadly supported the principles of the Enlightenment even if not the pace of some of its most forceful advocates. The Counter-Enlightenment remained a German nationalistic rebellion against French supremacy in the arts rather than a full-blooded critique of the Enlightenment itself. Various aspects of Enlightenment thinking – in the arts, political reform, economic reorganisation, religious reconceptualisation – were realised over the next century and half in step with the Industrial Revolution.
De Bellaigue’s brief history of 19th century reform movements in the Middle East – to which he devotes half the book – describes abortive attempts at modernisation that underscores this point further. Middle Eastern – Islamic? – attempts to replicate Europe’s material successes failed precisely because they focused purely on the material aspects of the European experience without adequately contemplating on the socio-cultural reformations that had taken place since the late 14th century that had brought Europe to a place whence the Enlightenment was possible. ‘Enlightenment with an Islamic flavour’ deviates sufficiently from the European experience that it cannot be herded under the same umbrella.
As de Bellaigue narrates, most Muslim modernisers were enthralled by Western science and technology but retained their faith in the supremacy of Islam. Even secular, power-hungry rulers and administrators were loathe to go to war against the ulema in the name of Western science or progress for fear that they would destabilise their kingdoms and lose their thrones, or worse, their lives. This was not an altogether unfounded fear, as Mirza Taki Khan Farahani found out in a bathhouse in Kashan.
Reforms with largely material goals in mind can hardly be termed an Enlightenment. If technology were the sole arbiter of progress, some of today’s most visious terrorist groups such as the Taliban, al Qa’ida, and ISIS could be said to be progressive. All the major terrorist groups in the 21st century have access to highly sophisticated weaponry and knowledge of explosives and tactics to challenge most national armies, an equation that Middle Eastern rulers of two centuries ago would have yearned for. The pitfall of such progress is visible – although the armies of Muslim states reduced the technological gap between themselves and their European counterparts over the 19th century, there was a backlash against cooperation with Europe after World War I that returned the socio-political situation almost to where it had been a hundred years earlier.
It is also difficult to understand how de Bellaigue considers the fervour of the 19th century as an Enlightenment when many of the most influential actors, be they pashas, clerics, or men of science, continued to cast a sheep’s eye on Islam. Nor was this the Islam of the 10th century Mu’tazilites, a relatively open faith not allergic to external knowledge or inquiry. By the time of Napoleon’s Egyptian expedition, it was well past the era of Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali or Taqi ad-Din Ahmad ibn Taymiyya and the closing of the Muslim mind. This Islam, intrinsically regressive as Shiraz Maher argues in his excellent Salafi-Jihadism: The History of an Idea, looked to the era of its prophet and his companions as the most perfect era in human history and was, thus, fundamentally antithetical to reason. This is not to say that such a society cannot change, but there is certainly a big question mark on whether such a society is capable of an Enlightenment.
Finally, the European Age of Imperialism was not an epoch of liberalism in the Middle East. None of the bold reformers of Egypt, Turkey, or Iran were democrats in the spirit of Jacques Pierre Brissot. In fact, all of de Bellaigue’s examples were despots whose liberal tendencies ended outside the throne room. The question for the author becomes whether it is possible for autocrats to usher in an Enlightenment. Unintentionally, Islamic Enlightenment serves as a warning to Western politicians who believe that they can play midwife to liberal democracy in the Middle East: even when such an endeavour had local support, it was not quite liberal and eventually failed.
All said and done, de Bellaigue is not wrong in his larger point. There is a tendency to view Islamic societies as intrinsically defective and prone to violence. This is no more true for them than it is for Christian societies, especially in the past, even the recent past. A little nuance beyond the sterile dichotomies an attention-deficit media churns out is required in reading the politics of the Middle East. However, nuance cannot be an excuse to whitewash all sorts of regressive social customs and political beliefs. No one sane thinks all Muslims are terrorists but there is a gradation of radicalisation in the Muslim world from terrorists to those who, for example, think blasphemy and apostasy should be punishable by death, to a far more tolerant and humanist sample. Although our attention is held mostly by one extreme end of the spectrum, it is only prudent to consider whether problems also lie further along the spectrum. Furthermore, while a more pleasant distant past holds out hope, it is only natural that it is the stormy present that educates our policies and beliefs.
It is tragic that those who are convinced of de Bellaigue’s broader message probably do not need his book as much and are already familiar with the research of scholars like Majid Fakhry, Lenn Goodman, Marshall Hodgson, and Ira Lapidus. Those who are not convinced, however, will likely not be persuaded by his book or even read it.
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Does Narendra Modi Have A Foreign Policy?
India and the Bomb
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Hope on the Korean Peninsula
Diminishing the Heathens
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Politics of Spite
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Never Again (As Long As It Is Convenient)
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Sep 12, 2019 | By	Fr. Matthew Stehling | Commitment, Discipleship, Living the Journey, Maturity, Wisdom	|
In June of this year, Justice Anthony Kennedy stepped down from the Supreme Court. All of a sudden, abortion and the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision was front page of the news again. Among the flurry of articles being published, I found one detailing a comedian’s support of abortion and the flippant way in which she underlined her support for abortion. During one part of her ‘comedy’ routine, she stated, “Some people say abortion is ‘killing a baby.’ It’s not. It’s stopping a baby from happening.” Some of our own friends and family members may take this position. If they do I ask them to read the suspense novel The Children of Men by P.D. James and watch the film version.
The Children of Men by P.D. James was published in 1992 and was made into a major motion picture in 2006, starring Julianne Moore and Clive Owen. I’ll be discussing the plot of the book, which differs considerably from the movie. However, the important themes are present in both.
The story takes place in England in the year 2021. Humanity has been stricken by global infertility. For reasons that scientists can’t explain and can’t overcome, no one has been able to conceive a child for over 20 years. The picture painted in the novel is bleak. After the initial shock of the revelation, the world has slipped into complacency. Everything is saturated in an overwhelming depression— no children means no hope for the future. Society drones on, but the lack of children results in drastic changes: schools have closed because there are no more children to fill them, and playgrounds and parks have been removed to avoid reminding people that the end of the human race draws near. Rather than exploding into chaos, society has sunk into apathy. As a result, an increasingly tyrannical government has wormed its way into power.
Theo Faron, a professor at Oxford University, has drifted along with the rest of the world into this depression. However, an encounter with a woman named Julian forces him to wake up and see what is happening to his world. Julian is a member of a dissident group that calls themselves the Five Fishes. The other members include Rolf (Julian’s husband), Luke (a former Anglican priest), Gascoigne (a young man with military background), and Miriam (a former midwife). The group approaches Theo because he is a cousin of the supreme leader of the country, Xan Lyppiat. They hope Theo can persuade Xan to change some of the tyrannical policies being enacted.
Theo reluctantly agrees to meet with his cousin, but it does not go well. He returns to Oxford and informs the group of his failure. The Five Fishes begin to act more boldly, distributing pamphlets against the government and disrupting the government-sponsored group suicide ceremonies in the area.
After a brief time away from England Theo returns home to find that Julian, Miriam, Rolf and Luke are on the run from the police. Gascoigne has been captured trying to sabotage a mass suicide. Theo is persuaded to help the group and discovers—to his great shock, considering the worldwide fertility crisis—that Julian is pregnant!
The group goes on the run, fearful of how Xan will use the pregnancy to gain even more power. There are lots of close calls, chase scenes, and double-crosses, including the revelation that Rolf is not the actual father of the child, and killings of the members of the group. Finally, Julian, Miriam, and Theo find refuge in the woods as the time for the delivery approaches. In the final confrontation, Xan and Theo face off outside the shelter where Julian and her newborn are hiding. Xan attempts to shoot Theo, but his shot misses its mark as he is distracted by the cry of a newborn child—a sound not heard for over 20 years. Theo returns fire, killing Xan. In the final moments of the book, Julian asks Theo to baptize the baby which he does, pulling from distant memories of the rite he had seen in his youth.
Both the book and the film are great stories, full of suspense and drama. They are well told, proving once again the power of literature to speak to the heart by drawing on universal truths. This is the reason we still read Shakespeare or the ancient Greek poets and playwrights: they tap into a universal truth that resonates with all humanity. P.D. James might not be at the level of Shakespeare, but the story line of The Children of Men resonates within us because it reaches deep down to what we all know and can understand: that human life is precious and deserves protection. It may sound cliché, but the novel reminds us that we don’t often realize the value of something until we lose it.
The author P.D. James called the book a “Christian fable” in an interview in 2001, but the prose is not overtly Christian or preachy. Theo is not religious himself, even though his name would suggest otherwise (“Theo” is derived from the Greek word Theos, meaning God). Julian’s character is religious but in a sentimental way. The faith gives her comfort, but there seems to be little knowledge of Christ. Luke the priest plays a supporting role but becomes a Christ figure in sacrificing his life to save Julian and her baby from a gang of thugs. Over all, faith is incorporated in a very balanced way and does not seemed forced.
The title of the book comes from a quotation of scripture used toward the end of the novel. Theo is saying prayers for Luke, the priest that has been killed. He prays from Psalm 90:3 of the King James Version:
Lord, thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made: thou art God from everlasting, and world without end. Thou turnest and to destruction; again thou sayest, Come again, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday: being that is past as a watch in the night.
In a world seemingly abandoned by God, with the destruction of the human race looming large, the title reflects the redemption offered by God. God offers hope by giving humanity a new start with the child growing in Julian’s womb. The new beginning for humanity found in the son that Julian is carrying can be likened to Christ offering a new beginning for humanity in His Incarnation.
The tragedy of the story is that humans used their intellectual and physical powers to stop babies from happening so much so that their bodies followed suit. When Julian conceives against the stark backdrop of a childless landscape, there is no doubt that there is a human child’s life at stake, and her companions risk everything to protect mother and baby. They know that if anything happens to Julian, that if the fetus dies, then a baby dies. And along with the baby, so dies hope for the future.
If what the comedian says is true, that abortion is merely stopping a baby from happening rather than killing a baby, this story would not carry the power that it does. The success of the novel and the acclaimed reception of the film adaptation show us how our society knows that the comedian is wrong. In The Children of Men, the power of literature to reveal universal truth is seen in a profound way.
I highly recommend reading this book or watching the film. They don’t preach; they artfully reveal a universal truth. We now know more about conception and the development of children in the womb than ever before. We can use new technology and scientific knowledge to defend life. Stories like The Children of Men by P.D. James can also help to touch the conscience with the truth of the inherent value of human life, hopefully bringing more and more people to see just how precious human life really is. †
About Fr. Matthew Stehling
Fr. Matthew was born and reared in Fredericksburg, Texas. After finishing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin in 2007, he joined the Diocese of Tyler as a seminarian and was assigned to St. Joseph’s in Marshall. Father Matthew studied philosophy at the Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio where he earned his Bachelors of Philosophy. He then began his theological studies in Rome at the Universitá della Santa Croce (Holy Cross) where he completed his Bachelors of Sacred Theology. He was ordained a transitional deacon in October of 2012 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and was ordained a priest on January 25, 2014 in Tyler at the Chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul. He was first assigned as parochial vicar at St. Michael’s Parish in Mt. Pleasant. After serving there for just over a year, he was named Administrator of St. Leo the Great Parish in Centerville and Priest-in-charge of St. Thomas More in Hilltop Lakes. In September of 2017, Father Matthew was named Pastor of Holy Family in Lindale, TX. Father also serves as Chaplain of the Catholic East Texas (the Diocesan magazine).


> Perception
> About Series 2
About Series 2
Eric McCormack and Rachael Leigh Cook return as Dr. Daniel Pierce, the professor with paranoid schizophrenia and FBI agent Kate Moretti who is willing to look past his peculiarities.
In series two, Dr. Pierce?s personal life is even more complicated than usual. He finds it difficult to walk away from his imaginary friendship with Natalie Vincent, but he must do so in order to embark on a romance with his doctor, Caroline Newsome ? both played by Kelly Rowan (The O.C.).
Special guest star Scott Wolf joins the cast as Donnie, Kate's soon-to-be ex-husband. A charismatic, fast-rising Assistant U.S. Attorney who recently transferred back to Chicago, Donnie seems less concerned with doing what?s right than with doing what?s right for Donnie. While he claims his transfer back to Chicago was completely random, it's clear he has a hidden agenda involving Kate.


Mark D. Boynton
1001 West Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC USA 27101
mboynton@kilpatricktownsend.com
Mark Boynton focuses his practice on the construction industry, including all aspects of construction and building defect litigation. Mr. Boynton has litigated matters in over twenty states representing owners, contractors, architects, engineers, surveyors, trades, material suppliers, and building product manufacturers. In addition to his work representing clients in adversarial proceedings, Mr. Boynton regularly advises clients regarding contract negotiation, project dispute resolution and project crisis management.
Mr. Boynton has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution in the construction context and has represented clients in over 500 mediations and structured negotiation proceedings in numerous jurisdictions. As part of his practice, Mr. Boynton regularly speaks at in-house client seminars and continuing education programs on topics of risk management, contract negotiation and drafting, and dispute management.
Outside of his practice, Mr. Boynton is extremely active in community arts organizations and the North Carolina Bar Association. In addition to having chaired the Litigation Section of the North Carolina Bar Association, Mr. Boynton co-authored the amendments of critical aspects of North Carolina's rules of civil procedure and civil costs statutes, formed the Committee on E-Discovery Rules, and co-chairs the Thorp Committee on Local Rules.
Mr. Boynton was named to Business North Carolina’s "Legal Elite" in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2013. He was listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law and Construction Litigation in 2020 and the eight years immediately preceding.
Record-Breaking Recognition for Kilpatrick Townsend in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020
35 Kilpatrick Townsend Attorneys Named to the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society
A "Quadfecta" for the Wake Forest Law School
WFU Law School Declared Best in Nation for Trial Advocacy
Record-Breaking Recognition for Kilpatrick Townsend in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019
Kilpatrick Townsend's Mark Boynton Coaches Wake Forest to Historic National Trial Team Championship Win
Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D. (1997)
University of Virginia, B.A. (1991)
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina
American Bar Association, Forum on the Construction Industry and Section of Litigation
Arts Council Endowment Fund, Inc., Secretary, Board of Directors
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Porsche 911 GT3 R - New Racing Version for International GT Sport
6:18 PM PST - 11/24/2009 Written By: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Photography by: Porsche Cars NA
Porsche 911 GT3 R Rear Source Porsche Cars NA
Stuttgart – November 19 -- Following the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is entering yet another racing car in the 2010 motorsport season: The 911 GT3 R will be raced in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, succeeding the 911 GT3 Cup S. The main focus in developing this new model was on better drivability and easier handling.
The 911 GT3 R is powered by a four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine delivering maximum output of 480 hp (353 kW) transmitted to the rear axle by a sequential six-speed dog gearbox.
The starting point in developing the 911 GT3 R weighing just 1,200 kg or 2,646 lb was the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September for one-make cup racing. Thanks to its increase in engine size by 0.2 liters, the GT3 R offers 30 bhp more than the Cup model. Both cars are based on the extra-wide body of the 911 GT3 RS street-legal sports car.
An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with “throttle-blip” function make it much easier to get used to this new GT3 racing car than its predecessor, meaning that the new model is also more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver.
Flared wheel arches added on to the body both front and rear bear clear testimony to the wider track than on the former model. And like all second-generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R will make its world debut on January 14, 2010 at the Birmingham Motor Show. The car is built by Porsche’s Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre and will be delivered to Customer Teams the world over as of spring 2010. The base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is 279,000 Euros plus local sales tax/VAT.
NOTE: The new Porsche 911 GT3 R does not meet the current specification requirements for the American Le Mans Series Challenge class, IMSA Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama, Rolex Grand-Am GT or the SPEED World Challenge GT, and therefore will not be imported to North America.
About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 201 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 61-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the highly acclaimed Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicle and the four-passenger Panamera Gran Turismo, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.
First test drives with the Porsche LMP1 racing car
The new Porsche LMP1 racing car is currently being put through its paces in test drives on international circuits. Following its successful launch in June on the Porsche test track in Weissach, the prototype sports car ...
Porsche celebrates 50 years of the 911 with limited edition
Porsche 911 resolves apparent contradictions like no other sports car – such as between tradition and innovation or between exclusivity and high social acceptance, and of course between performance and efficiency...
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S
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Kate hoax call: Scotland Yard contacts Australian police
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-20656911
Media captionDeputy commissioner Nick Kaldas, NSW Police: "We've certainly opened up the lines of communication"
Scotland Yard has been in touch with Australian police over the death of a nurse from the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for morning sickness.
Jacintha Saldanha, 46, died on Friday, days after she answered a prank phone call from Australian DJs pretending to be the Queen and Prince Charles.
An inquest into the apparent suicide is due to be opened this week.
The DJs responsible have been taken off air and are receiving counselling.
Southern Cross Austereo, owner of 2Day FM, held an emergency board meeting on Sunday, but made no comment afterwards.
It has suspended all advertising on the station until Monday, while DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian are on indefinite leave.
The pair are said to be in a fragile condition and receiving "intense counselling", because of the hostile reaction to their prank.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Cambridge has cancelled his appearance at the British Military Tournament at Earl's Court in London on Sunday.
A St James's Palace spokesman said he would spend the day "privately with the duchess instead".
Regarding official contact, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "Officers have been in contact with Australian authorities."
By Phil MercerBBC News, Sydney
Legal experts say that Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian are unlikely to be prosecuted at home or in the UK over the tragic royal hospital prank because they hadn't shown "guilty intent."
However, the radio pair may well have violated the Surveillance Devices Act in the state of New South Wales. It prohibits the broadcasting of private conversations acquired using a "listening device".
Sanctions could also be imposed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. It is investigating whether 2Day FM breached its licence conditions or industry rules. ACMA could strip the station of its right to broadcast, although that is unlikely.
Station bosses continue to stress that no laws were broken and that the pre-recorded spoof interview had been scrutinised and approved by lawyers before it was aired.
Any pain the commercial radio network will feel will probably be financial, in the short term at least. Several anxious advertisers have already abandoned 2Day FM in response to a largely hostile reaction from the Australian public.
In certain circumstances, including when a death is sudden or unexpected, police report deaths to a coroner and can be involved in investigating the circumstances.
The deputy commissioner for New South Wales Police, Nick Kaldas, said: "They haven't actually asked us to do anything yet, but we've certainly opened up the lines of communication and obviously we're happy to assist in any way we can."
He added: "All I can say at the moment is that it's been indicated that the London Metropolitan Police may wish to speak to the people involved in the matter from 2Day FM.
"But we haven't been asked to do anything yet, and we certainly have not been asked to interview anyone, or line up any interviews for the Met."
Legal experts say that the DJs are unlikely to be prosecuted in Australia or the UK because they had not shown "guilty intent," reported BBC correspondent Phil Mercer in Sydney.
Station bosses say no laws were broken and that the pre-recorded spoof interview had been approved by lawyers before it was aired.
The company board, including chairman Max Moore-Wilton, met on Sunday, but are not expected to release a statement until Monday.
They discussed the strongly worded letter received from the chairman of King Edward VII's Hospital, where Catherine was being treated for acute morning sickness last week.
In it, Lord Glenarthur said it was "truly appalling" that the call, in which Mrs Saldanha transfers the caller to the duchess' nurse believing it to be the Queen, was approved by radio management before broadcast.
Image caption Jacintha Saldanha was married with two children
Lord Glenarthur also said in his letter: "The immediate consequence of these premeditated and ill-considered actions was the humiliation of two dedicated and caring nurses who were simply doing their job tending to their patients.
"The longer term consequence has been reported around the world and is, frankly, tragic beyond words."
He urged Mr Moore-Wilton to ensure such an incident was never repeated.
A bouquet of flowers was left outside the hospital accommodation where Mrs Saldanha was found on Friday. An attached note said: "We bless your soul."
While Mrs Saldanha's husband and two children were being comforted at their home in Bristol, her extended family in her native India were coming to terms with her death.
Her sister-in-law told AFP news agency from south-west India: "We were shocked to hear from her husband that Jacintha was no more. He did not tell us that she committed suicide."
She added: "Today we are going to the church to pray for her soul and for her children, who are going through a bad time."
Royal College of Nursing chief executive Peter Carter said the death was "a tragedy that was avoidable".
"This is the fallout from these hoaxes. We've seen them in the past. Rarely does it have the dramatic effect that it has had on this occasion."
Australian DJs face backlash over hoax death
Duchess of Cambridge hoax call nurse found dead
Royal pregnancy: Hoax call fools Duchess of Cambridge hospital
2Day FM
Southern Cross Austereo
UK Sections


Global warming ended 15 years ago; 'mini-ice age' next...
End Times and Current Events > Forum > General Category > Current Events > Weather/Earthquakes/Global Science Hoax's > Global warming ended 15 years ago; 'mini-ice age' next... > Message #68691
Author Topic: Global warming ended 15 years ago; 'mini-ice age' next... (Read 4903 times)
Re: Global warming ended 15 years ago; 'mini-ice age' next...
The EU Has Just Proven That The Paris Climate Accord Was Never About Climate!! Look What Was Discovered
Please share this and expose the truth!
President Trump announced that the United States was withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord on Thursday but he also stated the U.S. would be willing to renegotiate the terms of the accord and enter a new agreement.
However, the leaders of Europe made it clear that there would be no renegotiation.
If the accord is so dire and the U.S. withdrawing would cause cataclysmic damage to the world then how could they be opposed to renegotiating? Only if the true drive behind the accord isn't really about saving the world.
Independentsentinel.com reported: The European Union has rejected Donald Trump’s offer to renegotiate the Paris Treaty, proving it was always about bleeding the U.S. dry and appointing globalists as our governing bodies.
The Paris climate agreement is written so as to be an endless drain on the U.S. economy. If they cared about the climate, they’d work with us. It doesn’t help that we have traitors within our own country.
The leftists in this country will be not be dissuaded. A corrupt deal has been worked out with U.S. states and major corporations who will betray the President of the United States.
New York state and New York city, Pittsburgh, California, Washington, and Silicon Valley, among others have vowed to abide by the treaty that was never legally implemented by Barack Obama. The three states that signed up so far account for 25% of the U.S. GDP.
If the Paris treaty signatories can accept some of our states and municipalities, why can’t it be renegotiated? I guess it can be after all.
The treaty – which is recognized as a treaty by every other signatory – was never ratified by 2/3rds of the Senate. Former dictator Barack Obama ignored the Senate and simply called it an accord with the help of a complicit U.N.
The guardian reported that Angela Merkel, who is destroying her country’s sovereignty, said “nothing will stop us”; France’s Macron said he “respects this decision” but he thinks Trump made a “mistake for the U.S. and the planet”; and Theresa May of Britain is disappointed.
While 195 nations say they support the agreement, not all have signed and most, if not all will not abide by it if history is precedent. Most nations don’t have to do a thing for more than a decade. The U.S. bore the burden and now our own countrymen will betray us to the globalists.
The non-binding climate pact called for voluntary compliance which most, probably all nations won’t carry through.
The Paris signatories believe Trump will be ousted in 2020 and this is only a bump in the road. They will hold out until then as they wait for the ultimate goal of having the U.S. to transfer the wealth and resources earned and developed by Americans.
The Paris agreement included the Green Climate fund which is, as President Trump described, one of the scams that demanded an immediate $100 billion from the U.S. and would increase over time. That is in addition to the billions we already send overseas.


Jake Owen Album Available Now
JAKE OWEN’S AMERICAN LOVE IS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE TODAY
OWEN ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE IN NYC DURING RELEASE WEEK
RCA NASHVILLE TO RELEASE A DUET VERSION OF OWEN’S HIT SINGLE
“AMERICAN COUNTRY LOVE SONG” FEATURING RONNIE DUNN TO COUNTRY RADIO
Nashville, Tenn. – RCA Platinum recording artist Jake Owen is thrilled that his highly-anticipated fifth studio album, American Love, is available everywhere TODAY.
“This is a great day! I spent a lot of time making sure that this album is full of songs that I think will make people smile and that I want to sing every night,” says Owen. “Unexpectedly, this recurring theme of love kept showing up even though I was experiencing some of the toughest times of my life while making this record. I took that as a sign to never give up on love. Love heals. Music heals. We all need to share some American Love right now in this country. I’m praying for better times for all of us.”
Owen is looking forward to a busy release week in New York City. On August 1, he will perform his hit single “American Country Love Song” on ABC’s Good Morning America. On August 3, NASH FM 94.7 presents Jake Owen’s Album Release Show, which is a FREE SHOW in Madison Square Park kicking off at 7PM EST. For more information on the event, visit madisonsquarepark.org. Also this week, iHeartMedia presents Jake Owen Album Release Party On AT&T LIVE at the iHeartRadio Theater New York on August 2. The exclusive 60 minute event will feature an intimate Q&A and live performance, hosted by Bobby Bones. The event will broadcast across all iHeartCountry radio stations, stream on iHeartRadio.com/WatchATT and televise on the AUDIENCE Network on DIRECTV Ch 239 and U-verse Ch 1114 (where available) on August 5.
“American Country Love Song” is currently No. 8 and climbing on Billboard Country Airplay & Country Aircheck’s Mediabase charts and has emerged as this year’s summer anthem.
In addition, at 2PM CT on August 1, RCA Nashville is sending a new duet version of “American Country Love Song” to country radio. Owen is being joined by one of his dear friends and musical influences, the tremendous vocalist Ronnie Dunn.
“When I listen to this track, I can’t help but grin from ear to ear,” reflects Owen. “I was lucky enough to go on tour with Brooks & Dunn early in my career. I would sit out on the lawn of the amphitheaters and listen to their sound check every day. To have Ronnie’s voice on a song with me is a dream come true. I have always been such a fan and when I first heard ‘American Country Love Song,’ it reminded me of the Brooks & Dunn song ‘Only In America.’ I sent the song to Ronnie and asked him if he would sing on it with me. When I received an email back from him saying that he really liked the song and would send the track back to me with his vocal, I was like a kid on Christmas morning waiting with anticipation. And man, did he nail it! I still can’t believe it. I can’t wait to hear what people think about it.”
About Jake Owen:
Jake Owen has had five No. 1 singles to date - the 2X PLATINUM anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” PLATINUM-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You” and “The One That Got Away.” The RCA Nashville recording artist will release his fifth studio album on July 29, 2016, produced by award-winning songwriters/producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman plus Owen co-produced three tracks, which marks his first time as a co-producer with Lukas Bracewell. The Vero Beach, FL native is well known for his high-energy performances and laid-back style.
Garth Brooks & Lee Brice
David Nail Fighter Tour
Garth Brooks To Play Ryman
Dierks Bentley Black on Vinyl
Kenny Chesney - Pink Duet 7/28
Hillary Scott's New Album 7/29
Luke Bryan At Gillette Stadium
David Nail Fighter Out Now
New Miranda Lambert Song 7/18
Chris Young's New Video
Rascal Flatts Celebrates #1
Jason Aldean Album 9/9
Kenny Chesney New Title
Kenny Chesney New Album 10/28
Chris Lane Debut Album 8/5


Canadian Event Video Presentation
Voter Data and the Impact of Privacy Legislation Gaps on Cybersecurity of Elections
By Fyscillia on Thursday, December 6, 2018
In Canada, there are both legislative gaps and ambiguity around the privacy obligations of political parties with respect to voter data. Despite the highly sensitive nature of political preferences, political parties have been largely exempt from formal obligations to protect personal information. Privacy legislation requires that entities adhere to fair information principles, which require notice and consent and limit the use, storage, and disclosure of personal information. However, Canadian political parties are not covered by the two main privacy statutes. Political parties are explicitly excluded from the Privacy Act, which regulates the public sector, and have been treated as exempt from PIPEDA, which regulates the private sector. Two recent bills by the federal government and Quebec have been proposed to strengthen the political parties’ privacy obligations, but lack clear minimal standards and enforcement mechanisms. This paper analyses the voter data privacy framework and identifies legislative gaps with respect to political parties. It explains how weak privacy law supports the lax marketing of voter data and permits voter data to be transferred to foreign actors. It argues that the privacy gaps raise cybersecurity risks for Canadian elections.
The slides of the presentation are also available here.
Dr. Elizabeth F. Judge is Professor of Law and a member of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa. She specializes in intersections of law, technology, and policy.
data elections


Dr. Robert Oden, 1922 – May 18, 2008
March 11, 2008 /0 Comments/in Activism, characters, Community, Skiing /by mickbird
Bob Oden 1922–May 18, 2008
Dr. Bob Oden (that is pronounced O–Dane for non-Scandinavians) is one of the kindest, most beloved physicians in Aspen — a description he shares gladly with his close friend, Harold Whitcomb, aka Dr. Whit. The stories of his generosity and caring would fill many books as he has extended the principles of the Hippocratic oath to every facet of his life.
My husband tells me he “got to go to college” because of Dr. Bob. While Aspen stories abound about the good doctor, not many know this one. Bob was serving as chief flight surgeon in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was appalled to discover that his wounded colleagues were not getting proper care and seemed to have been forgotten. He lobbied acquaintance General Curtis LeMay (who was unaware of the veterans’ plight) to assure that proper benefits were allocated by the government. As a result, the G.I. Bill was successfully carried through the U.S. Congress, and many veterans were deservedly rewarded.
Dr. Bob served for many years as a U.S. Ski Team doctor and has been inducted into the national, Colorado, and Aspen ski halls of fame. He holds other honors — too many to list. However, his personal sense of accomplishment comes not with recognition but with the pleasure of watching his handiwork give success to people’s lives.
– Georgia Hanson
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Bridger Gile 1999
March 11, 2008 /0 Comments/in characters, Community, Family, school /by mickbird
Bridger Gile 1999–present
Hi, my name is Bridger Gile. After being featured in two Warren Miller Films, winning a NASTAR national title and skiing 80 days a year, I am finally attending kindergarten. At first I was worried that school was going to squeeze my ski time, but like any true Aspen local, I think I’ve figured out a way to get in plenty of vertical — half-time kindergarten and the new Deep Temerity lift at Highlands!
I can’t wait for winter, although summer hasn’t been so bad. I’ve been playing soccer, golf, competing on the swim team, riding my bike, and working on my cliff-hucking (jumping the punchbowl at the Grottos). I even got to go to France to see Lance Armstrong win the Tour. That was exciting!
Wax up those skis and I’ll see you on the hill soon.
(written by Bridger – 2005 – with a little help!)
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Bill Heron – 1897 to 1970’s
March 11, 2008 /0 Comments/in Community, Culture, Family /by mickbird
Bill Herron 1897–circa 1970s
Bill Herron was an Aspen-born, lifelong silver miner who staunchly believed that the mining glory days in his beloved hometown would return.
As a newcomer in the early 1950s, I first saw Bill and a few old-timers clustered around the brass spittoon wisely provided by the postmaster, Alton Beck, in the post office (now Amen Wardy’s site). They were peering through the steamy window, watching skiers on Aspen Mountain. They used the P.O. as a warm place to meet and talk. “Look at them crazy snowsliders. You ask me, they got rocks in their heads, messing around like that!”
That was Bill Herron addressing his cronies. It was mystifying to them that these strangers were paying money to play in the snow, on the same steep mountainside that all the miners had to climb to get to work during the “good old days.”
I met Bill at his mother’s home on Main Street (now Herron Apartments). He lived with Cassie, his 85-year-old mother, but his real headquarters was the Red Onion. Since our family’s bed-and-breakfast inn was across the street, I’d visit with Cassie often and hear the latest gossip.
Bill and his pals took comfort in “Beer Gulch,” sharing pitchers and moodily recalling how things used to be before the music people and snowsliders discovered Aspen. Beer was the drink of choice, unless someone stood them to something a bit stronger. It was beer, and Bill’s fondness for it, that was undoubtedly the reason the town marshal took Bill’s driver’s license away: “For his own good and that of the rest of town too.”
His ancient Ford was retired among Cassie’s lilac bushes, between the rhubarb patch and the woodshed. “When are you going to get rid of that thing?” she’d ask. Bill would shrug, “Don’t know, maybe when I get my license back.”
Almost every night, Bill would carry a hot meal home to his mother. He’d get the cook to wrap up the Onion’s special, and he’d walk clear across town with it, through stormy weather, if need be. It would always be a surprise meal for Cassie, because she never knew when he’d arrive or what he’d bring.
His Irish charm and inborn gallantry was a delight. There was always a slight bow, a tip of his hat and a flattering word when we met. He complimented our children and our “lucky husbands.” He was a gentleman.
Bill moved to a boarding house in Glenwood Springs when Cassie died in 1962. We’d see him down at one of the riverside bars, where his portrait hung on the wall and he still held forth with a diminishing group of old-timers. He’d insist on buying us a beer, and we’d try to satisfy his curiosity about Aspen’s goings on.
When we asked about him a few months later, a grizzled old man mournfully shook his head.
“Old Bill has gone and died — left us for good.”
– Jony Larrowe
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Bil Dunaway – 1923
March 11, 2008 /0 Comments/in characters, Community, Politics, Skiing /by mickbird
Bil Dunaway 1923
Bil Dunaway was a great newspaper publisher and has a huge heart, but what he was known best for around The Aspen Times was his fiscal conservatism. On any given day, he could be found up on the roof dabbing tar on a leak, shoveling the sidewalk, repairing a toilet with baling wire or whacking the furnace into compliance. Often when talking with me at my desk he would, unable to bear the waste, reach out and turn off my electric typewriter.
One morning, shortly after I had pointed out that his vinyl office chair was in tatters, we found what appeared to be a crop circle on the carpet of the ad office. Bil had cut out a circle of newsprint, laid it on the floor, placed his chair in the center and spray-painted it, leaving a ring of black sunburst.
God love him, he is the least pretentious person in Aspen.
Su Lum
https://aspenhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/logo-2019.jpg 0 0 mickbird https://aspenhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/logo-2019.jpg mickbird2008-03-11 02:50:002008-03-11 02:50:00Bil Dunaway - 1923
Betty Jane Harbour – circa 1950 arrival
March 11, 2008 /0 Comments/in characters, Memorable moments, Skiing, Sports /by mickbird
Betty Jane Harbour
From Port Arthur, Texas, Betty Jane Harbour came to Aspen around 1950 with her husband Jack. She built the houses that bracket the east end of Castle Creek bridge.
Betty had a smile that could melt boilerplate and a foghorn of a voice. In the ’60s, during a whiteout on Aspen Mountain, Betty left the Sundeck with her ski class of 14. By the time they reached Little Nell, there were 44 terrified skiers following the sound of her voice.
After Jack’s death, Betty traveled the world, hunting big game in Alaska and living in the Maharani palace in Katmandu. She trekked to Everest base camp three times — after losing a kneecap when her Norwegian Dun slipped and fell on her. Though she’d never finished high school, she enrolled at CU in Astrogeophysics just as her daughter Cyndie was finishing her master’s.
Betty died while she was building her fifth house, in the mountains of northern New Mexico. She’d been living in the first and only completed part of the house — and the most important to her — the observatory tower.
– Doug Franklin
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Barry Smith
March 11, 2008 /0 Comments/in Activism, characters, Humor, Politics /by mickbird
Barry Smith 1966
Full-time humorist and former audio-visual guy, Barry Smith has, in 15 years of living here, unassumingly become a modern-day embodiment of the “Aspen Idea.” Not content with writing an award-winning weekly column in The Aspen Times, writing and directing award-winning short films, writing and performing award-winning theater (his monologue “Jesus in Montana” won Outstanding Solo show at the 2005 Fringe Festival in New York City), Barry also writes poetry, entertains a vast number of friends with anecdotes and observations, convenes a weekly writers’ salon, and is planning to tour his stage show
— among other creative projects.
If this makes Barry sound like an overachieving Renaissance man
— wait, it gets worse. He can also be found playing blues guitar, snowboarding, hiking, biking and trying not to topple over while holding complex yoga poses.
Popular theory may hold that the Aspen Idea is as much a shadow of the past as smooth-running traffic on Main Street, but Barry is proof that the Idea still flows on.
Katherine Sand
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Aspen State Teachers College
March 11, 2008 /0 Comments/in Activism, characters, Community, Culture, Memorable moments /by mickbird
Dr. Slats Cabbage “The Dr. of Fluid Mechanics” (aka Marc Demmon) 1951–present
Slats was the manager for the Aspen Mine Company and announced “this will be your headquarters for the new mall construction.” He told me about the Aspen State Teacher’s College and immediately dubbed me the Dean of Destruction. I think the “Cabbage Racing Team” was the spark that made the college a reality. Slats and I walked into City Market and he was carrying a 6-inch bolt in his hands. He walked up to the produce manager and said he wanted a big cabbage.
“One that will fit on this bolt!”
It became the hood ornament for the “Screamin’ Eagle” No. 137 race car.
ASTC was one of the cleverest ideas in America, and Slats and Al together were a formidable, hilarious team to watch. “Who the hell is Slats Cabbage?” Those who don’t know him have really missed something!
– Big Jim Furniss, ASTC alumnus
Al Pendorf “Dean Fulton Bagley 1938–present
What can I say? It was the ’70s. I moved into an apartment with Jack the Butcher and a third “mystery roommate.” I lived there for weeks before I ever met this other guy, but we left notes trying to figure each other out.
Finally, we bumped into each other in the hall and I met Al Pendorf, a man on the go (and it was not just work). As the offseason waned (there really was an offseason then), we looked at each other one fall evening and decided to go into town to check out the “freshman class” of new winter season arrivals. Ah, thought Al, we had a freshman class but no school.
That was the start of it all: Aspen State Teacher’s College, a spoof in which “the whole town is the college. Classes are taught everywhere.”
Al was in the printing business (not to mention a very strange puzzle contest “business”). It was a natural fit to produce a handbook and a school paper called “The Clean Sweep.” Al, known as Dean Fulton Begley, teamed up with Slats Cabbage and Aspen State Teachers College became very real (including T-shirts, a marching band, a football team that always won by default) to all of us “students of the ’70s.”Don’t miss the ASTC alumni reunion at the Elks on Oct. 8. We are still trying to find someone who actually graduated.
– Maddy Lieb, Class of …
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Giancarlo Mari, MD, Named Chairman for Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lacey Smith, MD, interim dean of the College of Medicine for UTHSC, has announced the appointment of Giancarlo Mari, MD, as chairman for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Memphis.
Lacey Smith, MD, interim dean of the College of Medicine for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has announced the appointment of Giancarlo Mari, MD, as chairman for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Memphis. The Memphis campus is one of three College of Medicine campuses that are part of the UT Health Science Center.
Dr. Mari joined the UTHSC faculty in 2008 as director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He served in various capacities including vice-chair of OB/GYN, director of the Tennessee Institute of Feto-Maternal and Infant Health, director of the High-Risk Obstetrics Center of Excellence at the Regional Medical Center, and interim chair for the Department of OB/GYN since August 2009.
“Giancarlo has been quite an asset to UTHSC, and I am very pleased that he has become the permanent chairman,” said Interim Dean Smith. “He has made significant contributions to strengthening the Department of OB/GYN. Even while interim, he has expressed a very positive strategy for growth and commitment. We expect results, and he will deliver.”
The search committee, ably led by Russell Chesney, MD, professor and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, evaluated a group of outstanding candidates for the position. Dr. Mari emerged as the leader among a field of distinguished candidates. Dr. Chesney stated, “Dr. Mari will be a formidable leader for the Department of OB/GYN. His vast knowledge and experience will be a major asset to the faculty as well as the resident trainees.”
Dr. Mari was born in Salerno, Italy, where he received his undergraduate, graduate as well as medical training from the University of Naples, Italy, receiving his medical degree in 1982. He completed his residency/internship training in obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale University School of Medicine as well as the Ospedale Maggiore and Universita’ di Napoli, in Parma and Napoli, Italy, respectively. Dr. Mari furthered his medical training by completing a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine with Yale University School of Medicine and two research fellowships completed at Baylor College of Medicine in obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatric cardiology.
Prior to joining the faculty of UTHSC, he served as professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wayne State University, where he also served as the director of Diagnostic Endoscopy and Fetal Therapy. Dr. Mari has garnered numerous honors, most recently being named one of the Best Doctors in America® 2011-2012. An internationally renowned speaker, he delivers expert presentations on different topics in maternal fetal medicine. Dr. Mari is not only revered as one of the top maternal-fetal medicine physicians internationally, but he is an accomplished researcher with extensive publications to his credit; many of which he is first author.
“My goal is to continue to build a stronger team and academic program at UTHSC that will fulfill the core of our mission,” Dr. Mari noted. “My plan is to develop new OB/GYN programs and to strengthen and consolidate our partnership through UT Medical Group with the Regional Medical Center, Baptist, St. Francis and the Methodist systems.”


Development of an 'Equipment to manage a difficult airway during anaesthesia' professional document using a new evidence-based approach
Scott, D.A.; Merry, A.F.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 38(1): 11-12
Equipment to manage a difficult airway during anaesthesia. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 39(1): 16-34, 2011
A response to 'Airway Alerts. How the UK anaesthetists organise, document and communicate difficult airway management', Barron FA et al., Anaesthesia 2003; 58: 73-6. Anaesthesia 58(6): 618-9; Discussion 619, 2003
Management of the anticipated difficult airway--a systematic approach: continuing Professional Development. Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia 56(9): 683-701, 2009
The reinforced laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as an alternative airway device to manage the difficult airway. Pediatric Dentistry 20(7): 422-424, 1998
Putting evidence into practice: an evidence-based approach to continuing professional development. Evidence & Policy A Journal of Research Debate and Practice 2(1): 27-45, 2006
Airway alerts: how UK anaesthetists organise, document and communicate difficult airway managment. Anaesthesia 57(10): 1046-1046, 2002
'Airway Alerts'. How UK anaesthetists organise, document and communicate difficult airway management. Anaesthesia 58(1): 73-77, 2003
Bronchoscope-guided intubation through a Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme in a patient with a difficult-to-manage airway. Journal of Anesthesia 23(4): 613-615, 2010
Using the laryngeal mask airway to manage the difficult airway. Anesthesiology Clinics of North America 20(4): 863-870, 2002
Using the laryngeal mask airway to manage the difficult airway. Anesthesiology Clinics of North America 20(4): 863-70, Vii, 2003
Training experts in difficult airway management: Evaluation of a continuous professional development program. Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine 35(2): 115-121, 2017
How to diagnose and manage difficult problems of calcium metabolism in sarcoidosis: an evidence-based review. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 17(5): 297-302, 2012
A response to 'Difficult Airway Society guidelines for management of the unanticipated difficult intubation', Henderson JJ, Popat MT, Latto IP and Pearce AC, Anaesthesia 2004; 59: 675-94. Anaesthesia 59(11): 1152, 2004
Development of a medical equipment support information system based on PDF portable document. Zhongguo Yi Liao Qi Xie Za Zhi 34(4): 273-275, 2012
Airway management in adult scheduled anaesthesia (difficult airway excepted). Annales Francaises D'anesthesie et de Reanimation 22 Suppl 1: 60s-80s, 2003


By: lyriquediscorde 18 Aug 2015 18 Aug 2015
Blogging, Film Listography, Movie quotes, Movie Trailers, Movies, My Top 309 Songs, Being John Malkovich, Bick, Blogging, Boyhood, Comet, Donnie Darko, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Ex-Machina, Film Listography, Fish Tank, Ghost World, Henry and June, Her, Lists, Lost in Translation, Magnolia, Me and You and Everyone We Know, Me Without You, movie quotes, Movie Trailers, Movies, Mulholland Drive, My Own Private Idaho, My Top 30, Only Lovers Left Alive, Requiem for a Dream, Ruby Sparks, Stranger Than Fiction, Stranger Than Paradise, The Babadook, The Doom Generation, The Sweet Hereafter, The Truman Show, Tonight You're Mine, Until the End of the World, Wild at Heart
Unique Art House films I’ve seen :: FilmListography
List unique art house films you’ve seen
courtesy of Film Listography : Your Life In (Play)Lists
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Written by Charlie Kaufman, Pierre Bismuth and Michel Gondry
Directed by Michel Gondry
“This is it, Joel. It’s going to be gone soon.” ~ Clementine
2. Lost in Translation (2003)
Written and Directed by Sofia Coppola
“You’ll figure that out. The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.” ~ Bob
3. Boyhood (2014)
Written and Directed by Richard Linklater
“Because I don’t have all the answers.” ~ Mom
4. Henry and June (1990)
Written by Anais Nin, Philip Kaufman and Rose Kaufman
Directed by Philip Kaufman
“Love? You just want experience. You’re a writer. You make love to whatever you need. You’re just like Henry.” ~ June
5. Me Without You (2001)
Written by Sandra Goldbacher and Laurence Coriat
Directed by Sandra Goldbacher
“There’s no me without you!” ~ Marina
6. Wild at Heart (1990)
Written by Barry Gifford and David Lynch
Directed by David Lynch
“This whole world’s wild at heart and weird on top.” ~ Lula
7. Brick (2005)
“I’ve got knives in my eyes, I’m going home sick.” ~ Brendan
8. Mulholland Drive (2001)
Written and Directed by David Lynch
“When you see the girl in the picture that was shown to you earlier today, you will say, “this is the girl”. The rest of the cast can stay, that’s up to you. But the choice for that lead girl is NOT up to you. Now… you will see me one more time, if you do good. You will see me… two more times, if you do bad. Good night.” ~ Cowboy
9. Fish Tank (2009)
Written and Directed by Andrea Arnold
“You need sortin’ out, you do.” ~ Connor
10. Donnie Darko (2001)
Written and Directed by Richard Kelly
“Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?” ~ Frank
11. Magnolia (1999)
Written and Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
“The book says, “We might be through with the past, but the past ain’t through with us.” ~ Jimmy
12. Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
Written by Zach Helm
Directed by Marc Forster
“I brought you some flours.” ~ Harold
13. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Written by Marion Bessay and Jim Jarmusch
“How can you’ve live for so long and still not get it? This self obsession is a waste of living. It could be spend in surviving things, appreciating nature, nurturing kindness and friendship, and dancing. You have been pretty lucky in love though, if I may say so.” ~ Eve
14. The Sweet Hereafter (1997)
Written by Russell Banks and Atom Egoyan
Directed by Atom Egoyan
“She loved us both equally then… Just as she hates us both equally now.” ~ Mitchell
15. Ex Machina (2015)
Written and Directed by Alex Garland
“Isn’t it strange, to create something that hates you?” ~ Ava
16. Stranger Than Paradise (1984)
Written and Directed by Jim Jarmusch
“You know, it’s funny… you come to someplace new, an’… and everything looks just the same.” ~ Eddie
17. 9 Songs (2004)
Written and Directed by Michael Winterbottom
“Sometimes you have to have faith in people.” ~ Lisa
18. Tonight You’re Mine (2011)
Written by Thomas Leveritt
Directed by David Mackenzie
“Nobody is going to save the planet but you folks, you know that? You cram a hundred thousand people together, no music. What do you get? A riot. You give them music, we all in this together. Music turns a mob into a movement.” ~ The Prophet
19. My Own Private Idaho (1991)
Written by William Shakespeare and Gus Van Sant
Directed by Gus Van Sant
“I’m a connoisseur of roads. I’ve been tasting roads my whole life. This road will never end. It probably goes all around the world.” ~ Mike
20. Until the End of the World (1991)
Written by Michael Almereyda, Solveig Dommartin and Wim Wenders
Directed by Wim Wenders
“Life ends. But I’ve seen, finally, after these years. This is our story, my darling. What a chase it has been. What a dance.” ~ Edith
21. Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)
Written and Directed by Miranda July
“We have a whole life to live together you fucker, but it can’t start until you call.” ~ Christine
22. Being John Malkovich (1999)
Written by Charlie Kaufman
Directed by Spike Jonze
“You don’t know how lucky you are being a monkey. Because consciousness is a terrible curse. I think. I feel. I suffer. And all I ask in return is the opportunity to do my work. And they won’t allow it… because I raise issues.” ~ Craig
23. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Written by Hubert Selby Jr.and Darren Aronofsky
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
“Somebody like you can really make things all right for me.” ~ Harry
24. Her (2013)
Written and Directed by Spike Jonze
“We are only here briefly, and in this moment I want to allow myself joy.” ~ Amy
25. Comet (2014)
Written and Directed by Sam Esmail
“And whatever universe that is that’s the one where my heart lives in.” ~ Dell
26. Ruby Sparks (2012)
Written by Zoe Kazan
Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
“I’m not writing about you. I wrote you.” ~ Calvin
27. The Babadook (2014)
Written and Directed by Jennifer Kent
“I’m sick, Sam. I need help. I just spoke with Mrs. Roach. We’re gonna stay there tonight. You want that? I wanna make it up for you, Sam. I want you to meet your dad. It’s beautiful there. You’ll be happy.” ~ Amelia
28. The Truman Show (1998)
Written by Andrew Niccol
Directed by Peter Weir
“You never had a camera in my head!” ~ Truman
29. Ghost World (2001)
Written by Daniel Clowes and Terry Zwigoff
Directed by Terry Zwigoff
“I can’t relate to 99% of humanity.” ~ Seymour
30. The Doom Generation (1995)
Written and Directed by Gregg Araki
“Ever feel like reality is more twisted than dreams?” ~ Jordan
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posted by:lyriquediscorde
Los Angeles writer, dreamer and gypsy soul who harbors an obsessive love of music and lyrics, and writes about them with passion and insight, as well as waxing poetic on books, films, tv, travel, and life itself.
Joseph Arthur :: My Favorite Artists/Bands
So I’ll give you some songs and sunshine


Is city land Turtle Bay wants (hypothetically) worth $7.4 million?
Today someone e-mailed me an "impartial analysis" of the Turtle Bay land deal done by Redding City Attorney Rick...
Is city land Turtle Bay wants (hypothetically) worth $7.4 million? Today someone e-mailed me an "impartial analysis" of the Turtle Bay land deal done by Redding City Attorney Rick... Check out this story on redding.com: http://reddingne.ws/2k7ARC7
Redding Published 7:14 p.m. PT May 29, 2014
Today someone e-mailed me an "impartial analysis" of the Turtle Bay land deal done by Redding City Attorney Rick Duvernay. The paragraph that caught my eye:
"Three independent appraisers calculated the unrestricted fee simple value of the 14.17 acres to be $2,397,500, $7,400,000 and $4,390,000 respectively, and the adjusted “leased-fee value” to be $443,000, $75,000 and $175,000. The City Council approved an agreement to sell the 14.17 acres to McConnell for $600,000."
Here's the whole thing:
City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis
In 1992, the City leased approximately 60 acres of land to Turtle Bay Exploration Park (Turtle Bay) for construction and operation of a museum complex.. From 1992 to 2010, Turtle Bay developed the museum and the City annually allocated funds for museum operations. In 2010, due to the recession, the City eliminated funding for Turtle Bay operations.
Turtle Bay desires to privately finance and construct a hotel and restaurant (Hotel Project) within its leasehold to support museum operations and reduce reliance on financial assistance from others, including The McConnell Foundation (McConnell). Lease amendments were requested by Turtle Bay and approved by the City to facilitate financing of the Hotel Project.
The City sought a determination from the State Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) whether construction of the Hotel Project would require payment of prevailing wages. Prevailing wages are generally higher wage rates required by law to be paid to construction workers working on publicly funded projects. DIR initially determined the Hotel Project was not publicly funded. DIR subsequently reversed its determination, finding the City’s failure to seek rent from Turtle Bay when the lease was amended amounted to public funding of the Hotel Project.
According to Turtle Bay, the Hotel Project is not economically feasible if prevailing wages must be paid. Proponents of the Referendum contend that Turtle Bay can afford to pay prevailing wages.
McConnell offered to purchase the Hotel Project site to address DIR’s decision and eliminate any question regarding public funding or the prevailing wage requirement. The City Council authorized negotiations with McConnell for the sale of 14.17 acres within the leasehold, approximately five acres for the Hotel Project, and another nine acres for future commercial development to further support Turtle Bay operations.
The City and McConnell agreed the sale price should be based on the fair market value of the City’s leased-fee interest. This amount represents the current value of property to an owner after taking into consideration rights conveyed to a tenant in a present and binding lease. Proponents of the Referendum contend the property, if sold, should be sold for its unrestricted fee simple value; i.e. the value of the property as commercially developable by the owner without any lease restrictions in place.
Three independent appraisers calculated the unrestricted fee simple value of the 14.17 acres to be $2,397,500, $7,400,000 and $4,390,000 respectively, and the adjusted “leased-fee value” to be $443,000, $75,000 and $175,000. The City Council approved an agreement to sell the 14.17 acres to McConnell for $600,000.
A “yes” vote would authorize the sale. The City would receive $600,000 for the property and the City, County and State would receive future tax revenues if the property is developed. The City would relinquish all rights as owner and lessor of the 14.17 acres. McConnell would become the owner and lessor, instead of the City. Turtle Bay would remain the tenant. The City would retain typical land use regulatory control over development and use of the property.
A “no” vote would terminate the transaction.
THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF REFERENDUM MEASURE__. MEASURE __ IS A REFERENDUM THAT QUALIFEED FOR THE BALLOT BY OBTAINING A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF SIGNATURES TO CHALLENGE A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF REDDING APPROVING THE SALE OF 14.17 ACRES OF LAND TO THE MCCONNELL FOUNDATION. IF YOU DESIRE A COPY OF RESOLUTION No. 2014-025, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AT (530) 225-4055 AND A COPY WILL BE MAILED AT NO COST TO YOU.
Rick Duvernay Redding City Attorney
Here's an e-mailed response from Tom Curato of the REVOLT group:
Thanks for the info Marc.
My attorney had already sent this to me and I wasn't going to disseminate the analysis until I verified that the City Attorney had filed this with the City Clerk. I did verify that this afternoon.
We've caught a lot of flack over using the number $4.39 million by several people who think we're just spreading false numbers to bolster our argument. One of those being a prominent real estate agent who claims to have a lot of experience with appraisals. He has strongly defended these appraisals in public settings including a recent 'Speak Your Piece' article where once again he tries to discredit the information by addressing where the information came from. He states, 'No one seems to know for sure, other than it was stated by a citizen who testified at a Redding City Council meeting.
The first falsehood to that statement about no one knowing for sure could have been alleviated by him simply calling me. Not only do we know for sure...but we know exactly where it came from!
The second exposure to that statement is the realization that he must not have even read the appraisals or he would have known where the $4.39 million came from. In fact, had he read any of the appraisals he would have known there was a higher value attached to the land (sans lease).
This all circles right back to one of the big issues of the land sale, that being there is nothing in the deed restrictions guarantying the lease to stay in effect for 88 years. I will ask again, "If you're going to discount land worth $4.39 million (oh...wait...$7.4 million!) down to $600,000 based upon an 88 year lease, then shouldn't the lease be required to last 88 years?!"
I contend that the discounted value of almost 92% due to the lease is nothing more than a shell game and no matter how pretty of a 'dog and pony' show the Sacramento PR firm puts on, the majority of the public won't buy it!!
Tom Curato
Business Agent / Recruiter
UA Local 228
Read or Share this story: http://reddingne.ws/2k7ARC7


Highlights of the Bill
The Bill amends the Companies Act, 2013 in relation to structuring, disclosure and compliance requirements for companies.
The Act limits the number of intermediary companies through which investments can be made in a company. Similarly, the Act limits the number of layers of subsidiaries a company can have. The Bill removes these limits.
The Act requires an individual who has a beneficial interest in the shares of a company to disclose the same. The Bill also requires a group of persons who exercise beneficial control (above 25%) in a company to disclose such interest.
Under the Act, a separate offer letter should be issued to individuals to whom a private offer of shares has been made. The Bill removes the requirement of such offer letter, but retains the provision related to notifying the Registrar of the return of allotment.
The Act permits the appointment of members at the level of Joint Secretary to the quasi- judicial tribunal. Under the Bill, a technical member must be at least of the level of an Additional Secretary.
Key Issues and Analysis
The Bill removes the limit on layers of subsidiaries and intermediaries. This is in line with the Companies Law Committee’s (CLC) recommendations which noted that imposing such limits would affect the company’s structuring and ability to raise funds.
The Bill permits an Independent Director to have a pecuniary relationship, up to 10% of his total income, with the company. This is in line with the reasoning of the CLC which had stated that minor transactions may not compromise the independence of such Directors.
Certain recommendations of the CLC have not been included in the Bill. These include issues related to: (i) residence requirements for directors; and (ii) compliance requirements for dormant companies.
The Bill amends provisions related to (i) the qualifications of technical members, and (ii) the composition of the Selection Committee of the National Companies Law Tribunal and the National Companies Law Appellate Tribunal. The amendments bring these provisions in line with a 2015 Supreme Court judgment.
PART A: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL
The Companies Act, 2013 regulates the incorporation and functioning of all types of public and private companies. The 2013 Act came into effect on April 1, 2014 and replaced the earlier Companies Act, 1956. However, different sections of the 2013 Act were notified at different times, and some are yet to be notified.
Since 2014, several companies reported challenges with the implementation of the 2013 Act.[1] They included issues with compliance requirements for public and private companies and inconsistencies with general accounting standards. In 2015, the Act was amended to address certain challenges with respect to the criteria for setting up public and private companies and fraud reporting by auditors.[2] In June 2015, the government set up the Companies Law Committee to examine issues arising out of the implementation of the 2013 Act. The Committee submitted its report in February 2016.1 Also, in 2015, the Supreme Court held certain provisions related to the quasi-judicial tribunals set up under the 2013 Act as invalid.[3]
In March 2016, the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in Lok Sabha. This Bill is mainly based on the recommendations of the Companies Law Committee.[4] The Bill was then referred to the Standing Committee on Finance for examination.
The Bill amends the Companies Act, 2013. Table 1 captures key provisions of the 2013 Act and changes proposed by the 2016 amendments.
Table 1: Key changes proposed in the 2016 Bill compared with provisions of the 2013 Act:
Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016
Memorandum of a company [contains details of the company, its objectives, information of shareholders, etc.] (Section 4)
· Memorandum must specify the objects for which the company is being incorporated, and other related matters.
· Memorandum may contain general objects which state that the company may engage in any lawful act or activity or business.
· If the memorandum contains specific objects, it cannot pursue anything outside those objects.
Private placement [offer of securities by a company to a select group of persons, as opposed to a public offer.] (Section 42)
· Separate offer letter to be given to private individuals. A record of such offers must be filed with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) in 30 days;
· After making an allotment of securities, company must file a return of allotment with the RoC.
· Removes the requirement of issuing a separate offer letter, and recording such offers with the RoC.
· Retains provision related to filing of return of allotment with the RoC.
Forward dealing [purchasing securities of a company at a price in the future] (Section 194)
Insider trading [publicly trading stocks with insider information about a company.] (Section 195)
· Prohibits forward dealing in securities by the Director or key managerial personnel (KMPs).
· Prohibits insider trading by all persons in a company, including the Director and KMPs
· Deletes provisions related to prohibition of forward dealing and insider trading.
[They are regulated under the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.[5]]
Cap on investments through layers (Section 186)
· Investments in a company cannot be made through more than two layers of investment companies.
· Removes the restrictions on number of layers of investment companies.
Cap on layers of subsidiaries
(Section 2 (87))
· Permits the central government to impose a cap on the layers of subsidiaries a company can have.
· Removes the restrictions on number of layers of subsidiaries of a company.
Independent directors
(Section 149 (6))
· Independent directors to have no monetary (pecuniary) relationship with the company.
· Allows independent directors to have pecuniary interest up to 10% of their income. The amount may be modified by the central government.
Beneficial interest [right to obtain benefits of a share when ownership is by the shareholder or by another.] (Section 89)
· A person who has a beneficial interest in a company’s shares must declare the same;
· The term ‘beneficial interest’ is not defined.
· Defines beneficial interest in a share to include, in respect of such shares: (i) the right to exercise all rights, or (ii) to receive dividend.
Significant beneficial interest (Section 90)
· Does not contain provision related to significant beneficial interest.
· Adds that those who hold beneficial interest of more than 25% of the company’s shares (either alone or with someone) must declare it.
Subsidiary company
(Section 2(87))
Associate company
(Section 2(6))
· Subsidiary company is one in which a parent company holds more than 50% of its shares (includes equity and preferential shareholders).
· Associate company is one where another company holds at least 20% of its shares (includes equity and preferential shareholders).
· Replaces the term shares with voting power. Preferential shareholders, who do not have voting power are excluded.
Acceptance of deposits by companies
(Section 73 (2) (d), (e))
· If a company accepts deposits from its members, it must fulfil several conditions related to security and repayment, including:
· providing deposit insurance;
· certifying that the company has not committed any default in the repayment of, or on the payment of interest on such deposits.
· Omits the requirement of providing deposit insurance.
· Permits companies that have previously defaulted to accept deposits if five years have passed from such default, and the earlier dues have been paid.
Managerial remuneration
(Section 197)
· If managerial remuneration exceeds prescribed limits, approval of the central government and shareholders must be obtained.
· Omits the requirement of obtaining approval from the central government.
Loans to directors
· A company is not allowed to advance any loan to its directors or to any person in whom the director is interested.
· Allows companies to advance a loan in relation to any person a director is interested in if the company passes a special resolution.
Liability of auditors and audit firms for fraud
(Section 147 (5)
· If it is proved that the partner of an audit firm has participated in fraud in relation to audit of a company, the partner and the firm will be jointly and severally liable for civil and criminal punishment.
· Adds a proviso that states that in case of criminal punishment, only the partner who has participated in fraud will be liable. The audit firm shall only be liable for payment of fine.
Annual General Meeting of companies
(Section 96 (2))
· Every annual general meeting (AGM) must be held either at the registered office of the company or at a place where the registered office of the company is situated.
· Adds a proviso that permits an unlisted company to hold its AGM at any place in India, if members’ consent is obtained in advance.
Qualification of technical members of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) [In addition to persons with 15 years of experience as a Charted Accountant, Cost Accountant or Company Secretary]
· A member of the Indian Corporate Law or Legal Service for 15 years, and of the same pay scale as a Joint Secretary for three years;
· Experts: 15 years of experience in law, accountancy, labour, disciplines related to management, industrial finance, etc.
· Requires such members to hold the rank of Secretary or Additional Secretary.
· Limits the areas of expertise to industrial finance, management, or reconstruction, investment and accountancy.
Qualification of technical members of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)
Selection Committee [for appointing technical members of NCLT and NCLAT] (Section 412)
· Selection committee to include five members: (i) Chief Justice of India (Chairperson), (ii) Senior Supreme Court or High Court Chief Justice, (iii) Secretaries from the ministries of Corporate Affairs, Finance and Law.
· Secretary, Ministry of Finance removed as member of the Committee.
· Chairperson of Selection Committee to have the casting vote, in case of a tie.
Sources: The Companies Act, 2013, The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016; PRS.
PART B: KEY ISSUES AND ANALYSIS
Rationale behind certain amendments to the 2013 Act
Investment through layers of subsidiaries and investment companies
The 2013 Act prohibits companies from making investments in other companies through more than two layers of intermediary companies. In addition, the central government may specify a cap on the number of layers of subsidiaries that a holding company can have. These provisions sought to address issues related to i) tracing the source of investments in companies and their ultimate use, and ii) use of multiple levels of subsidiaries to siphon funds.1 The Companies Law Committee (CLC) recommended that such caps must be deleted as they would affect the company’s structuring and ability to raise funds. The CLC noted that certain provisions in the 2013 Act would ensure transparency in the functioning of a company and its subsidiaries. These include provisions that require i) the consolidation of financial statements of a holding company and its subsidiaries, and ii) the disclosure of beneficial ownership of one’s shares in a company.1 By removing the cap on the number of layers of subsidiaries, the 2016 Bill is in line with the CLC’s recommendations.
Appointment of an Independent Director with transactions up to 10% with the company
The 2013 Act does not permit an Independent Director to have a pecuniary relationship with the company, other than his remuneration. The J.J. Irani Committee in 2005 recommended that an Independent Director could have a monetary relationship up to 10% of his remuneration with the company.[6] The CLC reasoned that minor transactions may not compromise the independence of such Directors.1 The 2016 Bill permits an Independent Director to have a monetary relationship, up to 10% of his total income, with the company. This amount may be modified by the central government.
Recommendations of the Companies Law Committee not adopted
Certain changes proposed by the CLC in relation to (i) residence requirements for directors; and (ii) compliance requirements for dormant companies have not been included in the Bill. We explain these issues below.
Requirement of year-long residence in India to be appointed as a director of a company
Under the 2013 Act, only a person who is a resident of India is eligible for appointment as a whole -time director of a company. A resident is defined as someone who has stayed in India for a continuous period of 12 months before he is appointed as a director. This may prevent a company from attracting a talented individual residing abroad (even an Indian citizen) back to India as a whole-time director as he will not meet the 12-month continuous residence requirement. The CLC recommended that this residence requirement for a foreign national should be removed. This would enable Indian companies to access a larger pool of global talent, and increase the mobility of professionals across countries.1
Constitution of an audit committee by dormant companies
Under the 2013 Act, any company without transactions for the previous two years may apply to obtain the status of a dormant company. The 2013 Act does not exempt such dormant companies from the requirement to constitute committees such as (i) audit committee, (ii) nomination and remuneration committee, and (iii) stakeholder relationship committee. The CLC suggested that dormant companies may be exempted from constituting an audit committee as they may not have any business activities or employees.1
Setting up of the NCLT and NCLAT in accordance with the SC judgment
The 2013 Act sets up the National Companies Law Tribunal (NCLT) to hear disputes related to the Companies Act, 2013. Appeals from the decisions of the NCLT will be heard by the National Companies Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). In 2015, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the tribunals. However, the Court held certain provisions, in relation to the: i) qualifications of technical members of the NCLT; ii) composition of the Selection Committee for appointment of technical members of the NCLT and NCLAT as invalid. The Bill has modified these provisions to bring it in line with the Supreme Court’s decision.3
[1]. The Companies Law Committee Report, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, February, 2016, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/Report_Companies_Law_Committee_01022016.pdf.
[2]. The Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Company/Companies%20Act,%202015.pdf.
[3]. Madras Bar Association v. Union of India, [(2015) 8 SCC 583].
[4]. Statement of Objects and Reasons, The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
[5]. Securities and Exchange Board of India, (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.
[6]. Expert Committee on Company Law (J.J. Irani Committee), Ministry for Company Affairs, May 2005, para 11.1.


Affleck the Big Tipper
One of Hollywood’s true A-listers, Ben Affleck has starred in, directed, and produced, some of the biggest movies of recent times. From Goodwill Hunting and Argo, to Suicide Squad and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Affleck has had a hugely successful movie career, but he’s also known for his charity work and, yes, you’ve guessed it; his gambling!
In fact, before starring in the 2013 poker crime thriller Runner Runner, Affleck was frequently seen in top Vegas casinos, and enjoyed some impressive wins. But Affleck was no newbie to poker, having enlisted the services of poker professionals Amir Vahedi and Annie Duke, to tutor him in the early 2000’s – and having already won the 2004 California State Poker Championship, scooping a rather tidy $356,400 in the process.
But Affleck’s gaming skills aren’t limited to poker it seems. In 2014 he was playing blackjack at the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, so well that he was asked to ‘refrain from playing.’ The casino suspected him of counting cards, which though perfectly legal, is obviously frowned upon by the house!
In just two trips to a single casino, Affleck is reported to have won over $1 million playing ’21,’ but this Hollywood megastar is no detached elitist. According to the New York Post, after one sitting when he won $140,000 whilst playing with fellow A-lister Matt Damon, he gave away every single chip as tips to his dealers, waitresses, door boys and other staff.
In another incredible win, a year later, Affleck is said to have won an astonishing $800,000, playing three simultaneous $20,000 hands – now that takes some nerve! So, Affleck has certainly earned his place among the top professional players, but it’s good to see he still likes nothing better than hanging out in Beverly Hills cigar bars, playing poker with his buddy’s like Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tobey Maguire – and it seems that he’s nothing if not generous with his winnings.
Now that’s how to play with style!
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