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Recently I had the opportunity to screen Admission, an incredible dramatic comedy that might just be my new favorite movie. Admission, directed by Paul Weitz (About A BoyIn Good Company) stars Tina Fey as Portia Nathan, a straight-laced Princeton University admissions officer whose rigid life is thrown for a loop when she visits an alternative high school run by a former classmate John Pressman (Paul Rudd) who champions the cause of his giften yet unconventional student Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), who just may be the son Portia gave up for adoption 18 years before. Overwhelmed by this realization, Portia finds herself bending the rules to help Jeremiah realize the future of his dreams.

In addition to the fabulous Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, Admission stars comedy alums Lily Tomlin (Nine to Five), Wallace Shawn (The Princess Bride), along with Michael Sheen (Midnight in Paris), Gloria Reuben (ER), and Nat Wolff (The Naked Brothers Band).

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Confession time: I ADORE Tina Fey. Whether she is working as a writer and Sarah Palin doppelganger on Saturday Night Live, starring opposite Steve Carell in the Date Night, writing the laugh-out-loud autobiography Bossypants or writing and co-starring in the Emmy Award winning comedy 30 RockTina Fey never fails to leave me in hysterics with her quirky, witty humor.  Even before I saw the first trailer for Admission, I was dying to see the film because if it stars the fabulous Tina Fey, it’s sure to crack me up, and once again Tina Fey did not disappoint. As admissions officer PortiaTina Fey delivers an incredible performance that takes you on a dramatic emotional journey as Portia questions the rigid life she has constructed around herself while still managing to make you laugh as you join her on the path to emotional evolution. Tina Fey gives an incredible performance that is as heartwarming as it is hilarious.

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In addition to my great love for Tina FeyPaul Rudd has been a favorite of mine since he first came onto the acting scene in Clueless and he has continued to crack me up in everything from AnchormanThe 40 Year Old Virgin, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, This is 40 and many, many more. However I was amazed and delighted to learn that Rudd was more than just a funnyman. As John Pressman, a single dad trying his best but not always getting it right, Rudd delivers an endearing performance that is both entertaining and realistic.

Admission directed by Paul Weitz and starring Tina FeyPaul Rudd, Lily Tomlin, Michael Sheen, Gloria Reuben, Nat Wolff and Wallace Shawn hits theaters everywhere March 22nd.

Click here to view the trailer online.

Just can’t wait until March 22nd? I’ve got you covered! Click here to read my Interview with Tina Fey, Paul Rudd and Director Paul Weitz.

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Waterfront Property for sale in Eastland County Texas | Lake Houses of Texas
#1 in Rural Real Estate Online

Waterfront Property for sale in Eastland County Texas

14 photos
$265,000 48 acres
915 FM 570, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

48 Ac River Front

This unique property of 48 ac in Eastland is the perfect place for hunting & recreation or even to build your dream home. Wild life is in plenty on this land filled with huge Pecan and Oak trees. Two borders of this property are unique in the fact that they are made up ofa flowing Leon River. You can take your boat from the river on your own land and just a mile down, you will come to Lake Leon. There is about a mile easement road to get to this property and it is set up with electric, water and septic and ready for you to build your future home. **Trinity Ranch Land gladly participates with other brokers. Buyers agent must accompany buyer at first showing to receive full buyers agent commission. At Trinity Liveoak Real Estate, LLC/Tri
Karen Lenz, Shana H, Inga B, Michael D, Matt G, Dee M, Mike R, Erik W TRINITY RANCH LAND
22 photos
$85,000 10 acres
10+/- Ac, Providence Rd, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

10+/- Ac, Providence Rd- UNDER CONTRACT!

10 +- acres of deeded lake front property to be surveyed out. Heavy tree cover, mix of oak and mesquite. Water and electric are available. Great location for a weekend getaway or fishing retreat on mouth of the lake. Listed as a whole or subdivided into 3+/- acre tracts. See subdivided listings at Property ID # 3507907, 3508172, 3508224. **Trinity Ranch Land gladly participates with other brokers. Buyer's agent must accompany buyer at first showing to receive full buyer's agent commission. ***At Trinity Liveoak Real Estate, LLC/Trinity Ranch Land, we strive to bring you accurate, informative, and relevant information in a readable and understandable manner. We do not assume liability for typographical errors, misprints, or misinform
Karen Lenz, Shana H, Inga B, Michael D, Matt G, Dee M, Mike R, Erik W TRINITY RANCH LAND
35 photos
$895,000 81 acres 2 Beds | 1 Bath | 720 sqft
Carbon, TX 76435 - Eastland County

Hidden Lake Ranch

Located just an hour and forty-five minutes from downtown Ft. Worth, Hidden Lakeis one of the most unique land holdings to be found in west central Texas. Seven miles south of Exit 340 on I-20 and less than two and one half miles on a paved county road going east out of the tiny hamlet of Carbon, lies an 81.84 acre oasis, where the Cross Timbers ecoregion subtly begins to morph into the Rolling Plains. Eastland - 12 miles Lake Leon - 13.7 miles Weatherford - 77.5 miles Ft. Worth - 105 miles Dallas - 125 miles Water When full, there is a 43+/- acre lake that embodies half of the property. The lake is overtwenty feet deep at the dam. The dam is better than two thousand feet in length. Built in the 1940s and known as Buste
No Fences Land Company No Fences Land Company
67 photos
$285,000 0.75 acres 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 2370 sqft
919 County Road 237, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

Lake Leon CR 237

LAKE LEON BEAUTY! Fisherman's Dream! Extremely nice home on good water. Two bedrooms & two bathrooms AND A GUEST HOUSE!!! Guest house is open concept living, kitchen, & dining with restroom. The living room of the main house is a wall of windows with a tremendous view of the lake. Split bedroom arrangements. Privacy fencing on one side. Sprinkler system in front and back. Fireplace. Very cool layout. Newer insulated 46' X 26' shop built in 2014 with a shed for additional parking. VERY tastefully done. Did flood in 2007 but was redone beautifully. Did not flood in 2016. Boat dock has 2 fishing holes. Excellent fishing off the covered dock. High recreation for those interested in boating! MUST SEE THIS HOME!
Deborah Copeland RE/MAX CrossRoad, REALTORS
6 photos
$119,900 21 acres
Ranger, TX 76470 - Eastland County

Ranger lakes #19

Own your own Lake! This is a fabulous piece of property with good elevation to build on. Plenty of oak and Mesquite trees. Perfect for game cover and habitat. Easy drive to Metroplex. I will owner finance for you with $7000 down payment. This would make your monthly payment around $1350 per month I still believe in a handshake!
John Montgomery Gold Mine Estates, LLC
40 photos
$280,000 1.35 acres 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 2025 sqft
810 County Road 463, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

Lake Leon Waterfront House

Beautiful Secluded Lake Front! 2 or 3 bedroom, 2 nice baths, with large living area, very nice kitchen and appliances, man cave, wood pellet fireplace, large 2 car garage, well house and a 1,500 square foot metal barn with concrete floor and 2 roll up doors that is wired for tools and welders. This is a sloping lot that flattens out towards the lake with a long deep cut into it that you can fish or put a boat in with the concrete ramp.
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$1,244,000 193.3 acres 5 Beds | 2 Baths | 4000 sqft
Rising Star, TX 76471 - Eastland County

193.3 acres Rising Star, TX

193.3 Acres with a 55 Acre Private Lake, Eastland County! * Recreational Oasis: Hunt, Fish, Boat, Hike, Swim, Picnic, Barbecue, Etc. on your own Private Lake and Land. * $1,244,000.00. * 55 Acres Private Lake with a Large Covered Boat Dock and Boat Launching Ramp. * Excellent Fishing. * Mature Liveoak, Post Oak, and Pecan Trees throughout property. * Rolling Terrain with Excellent Views. * Excellent Hunting For Deer, Hogs, Turkey, Squirrels, Dove, and Ducks. * 3 Deer Feeders Currently Running. * No Hunting For Several Years. * 4,000 Sq. Ft. Lodge Designed to Entertain a Large Crowd! * Large Metal Shop with Concrete Slab. * Large Covered Pavilion. * Water provided by Westbound Water Supply Corp. * El
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$250,000 0.49 acres 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2474 sqft
301 County Road 592, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

LAKE LEON LIVING - PROPERTY WILL NOT FLOOD! Frame home with siding, approximately 2474 sq.ft.(CAD), 3 or 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living areas, wood burning fireplace with insert & blower, 2 central heat & air units, 2 hot water heaters, floating boat dock with metal roof & walkway to the lake (approximately 15' of water at the end of the dock), pump on the dock for watering the yard, 24' X 24' metal workshop with concrete floor, sliding doors & electricity, carport and Staff water. Fruit trees. Aerobic septic system. Storage under the house. Covered back porch area facing the lake with steps to the dock. Beautiful views of the lake! Good fishing! Contact Nancy Bacon for more information.
Barbara Love, Nancy Bacon, Jamie Thomas or Joan Lowe Town & Country Real Estate
25 photos
$3,968,160 1,133.76 acres
I-20, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

Great Investment Property Near I-20

Great Recreational Property! Come see this 1133.76 acres between Cisco and Eastland with I-20 frontage. Property has rolling terrain, lots of hardwood trees, a small lake, several good stock ponds, good grass, and a significant elevation drop on the south side offering great views. The Leon River is on about 340 acres of the property with 30 to 50 elevation changes. For more information contact Dave at 254-595-0066. Can Be Subdivided: 1133.76 Acres for $3,968,160 637.70 Acres for $2,231,950 344.40 Acres for $1,205,400 Location: Located Between Cisco and Eastland on Interstate 20 1 Hour to DFW Airport Property Features: 1133.76 Recreational Acres with Great Views Rolling Terrain - Elevation
Dave Dickerson Dickerson Real Estate
151 photos
$1,339,524 564.01 acres
TBD County Road 349, Gorman, TX 76454 - Eastland County

Wild Sabanna River Ranch

564.01 acre +/- Wild Sabanna River Ranch. THIS IS AN ESTATE SALE. Live water meets long-coming estate settlement in this unique Texas recreational cattle ranch opportunity. See the 4 acre +/- Twin Lakes on the ranchs west side, catching runoff from the northern ridge. See the 2.5 acre +/- Heart of Ranch lake near the center, for fishing or watering livestock. The live water, wide water Sabanna River meanders the ranchs southwest flank, while the Currycomb Branch rides into it from the ranchs northwest country during seasonal rains. The Wild Sabanna offers a Texas Legacy Ranch Buyer a wide menu of river bottom, rolling pasture and highlands topography for multiple uses within one great ranch location. Several high miles away v
Jeff Clark Ranch Partners
25 photos
$275,500 3 acres 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 ½ Bath | 2106 sqft
106 County Road 541, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

LOG HOME ON LAKE LEON! Very nice home with lots of extras located on 3 lots! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, office or craft room, living room, dining room, kitchen has granite counter tops & island, Jen-Air stove/grill, double electric oven & custom cabinets. Master bedroom has french doors over looking the lake and a large corner whirlpool bath in the bathroom. 1 large walk in cedar storage closet & 3 bedroom cedar closets. 5 ton Trane A/C with duel thermostat controls for upstairs/downstairs. Wrap around porch on all 4 sides of house. 20' X 20' floating dock, RV space with full hook ups, 30' X 40' metal shop w/double wide overhead door & 1 walk in door, 12' X 24' wooden storage building, asphalt drive connecting shop, storage building and hou
Barbara Love, Nancy Bacon, Jamie Thomas or Joan Lowe Town & Country Real Estate
2 photos
$70,000 1.2 acres
C R 463, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

4 Lake Leon Lots

4 undeveloped Tree covered lots. There once was a cabin on it with a concrete slab. Close to boat ramp at park.
Doug Crawley Ranger Realty
30 photos
$112,000 10 acres 3 Beds | 1 Bath | 1064 sqft
100 RINGLING LAKE, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

10 acres Eastland, TX

A neat little 3 bed 1 bath farmhouse and 10 acres bordering the North Fork of the Leon River just north of town and in the city limits. The acreage is cross-fenced into several small traps and has 2 small tanks, a small set of pens and several mature pecan trees. Deer and turkey come up out of the river bottom regularly. The house has a metal roof and newer double pane windows. Multiple outbuildings including a stable or storage barn, greenhouse, 3 car carport, livestock barn, and a workshop. Country living with city services and plenty of room for a few horses, cattle or goats. Pasture is open with some good areas of established coastal.
Debbie Copeland RE/MAX CrossRoad, REALTORS
4 photos
$1,000,050 164 acres 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 ½ Baths | 3800 sqft
Cisco, TX 76437 - Eastland County

Banjo Ranch

3800 sq. foot lakehouse next to the dam on 11 acres with over 1000 feet of shoreline with another 150 acre ranch just down the road. The ranch located due north of the lake has pens, tanks, and is fenced for cattle. The ranch has elevation changes with scenic views overlooking the lake on the south and the west.
Billy Smith Banjo Ranch
9 photos
$249,900 0.88 acres 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 ½ Bath | 800 sqft
107 County Road 596, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

0.88 acres Eastland, TX

New 2 bed, 2.5 bath Lake Leon lakefront house on stilts with all the necessary upgrades. New walkway and previously owned dock on the way. Granite, vaulted ceilings, high efficiency tilt-in windows, covered parking, .88 acres, unique lighting, high grade laminate flooring, stackable washer dryer connections, & stainless appliances included. Approximately 90' of waterfront with 220 degree porch views of the lake. End of road privacy. Room for a shop or RV parking. East facing to avoid the hot west sun and catch the peaceful south breeze. Owner / agent MLS 13634574
Jerry Mehaffey Hartford Realty Group
10 photos
$575,000 50 acres
4402 FM 2461, Ranger, TX 76470 - Eastland County

50 acres Ranger, TX

PRICE REDUCED!!! Horse Property with House! This 50-ac listing is packed! The horse barns are the centerpiece. There are are 14 stables in one barn. In the large bar there are round pens, sorting pens, and a tack room. Near the barns is a larger round pen and a paddock. The house is a 3-2 brick w split living and an updated kitchen. The fireplace includes a handmade mesquite mantle. Across the pasture there are RV hook ups with electric and septic. They sit by a huge set of cattle pens. Colony Creek borders a coastal field at the back.
Joe Grimshaw Square One Real Estate
30 photos
$2,200,000 281.94 acres
Cisco, TX 76437 - Eastland County

Lake Cisco Property

CALLING ALL DEVELOPERS and/or INVESTORS! Lakefront property on beautiful Lake Cisco in west/central Texas. 12000 feet of shoreline with gorgeous views of Lake Cisco. Hilly terrain, mostly oak, few mesquite & very little cedar. Stock tank on property attracts dove & duck & there are many deer as well. Neighboring is the Lake Cisco Country Club, & the Cisco Municipal Airport is just across the road. (for you history buffs, Cisco is home to the first Hilton Hotel est 1919) Own a small part of history!
Kameron Mantell O'Farrell Realty Inc.
2 photos
$100,000 20.68 acres
1125 FM 2214, Eastland, TX 76448 - Eastland County

Lake front Property

20.68 acres with Lakefront on Lake Leon Electric , Water and Sewer on property . Approximately 100' waterfront
Julie Roach Seven Star Ranch Realty
34 photos
$600,000 150 acres
1302 County Road 105, Cisco, TX 76437 - Eastland County

150 acres Cisco, TX

Lake Cisco property with a beautiful view of the lake that would make for a spectacular Homesite or Recreational Ranch. Battle Creek runs through the land and 1 Mile of Lake Frontage; 5 Ponds and Several different elevations. Perimeter fences are in good shape; wildlife includes deer, turkey, wild hogs and ducks. Lots of native grass and cover for animals. 1940-1600sqft 2bed-1bath lake home with an additional 1600sqft small house attached with water and electric; central air-elec, central heat-gas, propane; floor is concrete and vinyl; wood burning fireplace and electric cooktop. SOME MINERALS AVAILABLE AND GAS WELL ON LAND.


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4 steps to align your talent and change strategy

14 August 2017

1 rating

If change is the new norm, why do we still deal in static job roles?

Ask yourself when was the last time your job description was updated? You might have had tweaks here and there but I would take a bet that it certainly hasn’t been updated year on year. However, we’re asking people to change all the time.

So that’s our challenge. When we’re taking people through change all the time, how do we ensure our change and talent processes line up?

Beyond getting your Change Director and Talent Director to sit down together (which is an excellent idea if you can make it happen!) I believe that there are four keys steps to work through:

Step one: Consider the context of your change

Before thinking about your talent strategy, it’s important to have absolute clarity on the context of your change. While our research suggests there are five key contextual factors for change to consider (you can read more on those here), two of these factors are particularly relevant for talent, namely: the level of change momentum and the culture of the organisation.

Firstly, change momentum refers to the speed and scale of the change occurring. So, for example, if your organisation is growing at a fast pace and requiring you to bring on many new employees it’s vitally important to respect your existing talent. If not managed carefully, bringing in new talent might mean that your existing talent feels overlooked and potentially become disengaged if they are not provided the opportunities that they want. The worst-case scenario is that you start to lose existing talent just as you’re bringing in new talent to aid your growth strategy.

Secondly, think about talent in terms of the culture. Who are the people that stand out and embody what your organisation is truly about; the company’s values, behaviors, attitudes, and essence. Identify these cultural icons in your talent pool, get them championing the change and they can unleash a driving force like no other. Lose them and your change could take an unexpected turn for the worse.

Step two: Define where you need to get to

It’s not just about where your organisation needs to get to, but where you need your people to be too. It’s important therefore to have a clear set of leadership capabilities based on your future needs and this can be a fairly straightforward step if you have a very well-defined business strategy and fully understand the leadership implications.

For example, if you have a new system implementation taking place, you’re probably going to need leaders who are really strong communicators, so they can engage people with the change and the new system. However, if your current talent strategy is focused on developing leaders who are more results driven and less communicative, you may suddenly find your change and talent strategies are somewhat out of alignment with each other.

Step three: Be clear on where you are now

Conduct a gap analysis, comparing where you are now from where you need to be; while this may sound like an obvious step, this is actually where we see organisations fall down the most. Often people don’t recognise the biases that they may bring to these conversations and feel that instead, they intuitively know where they are now. Understanding in detail what is experienced at different levels of the organisation is the key part of this step and should be given just as much time and effort as the others. You need to gather all the data to get a true and complete picture of where you are currently in terms of talent and where you need to be.

Specifically, we recommend exploring the gap at two levels:

  • Capabilities: When it comes to change, some of the capabilities will be more important than others and these include: adaptability, resilience and a tolerance for ambiguity. Change is often messy and therefore it’s important that your leaders feel confident in the direction the organisation is going in but are OK that the ‘how’ of getting there may not be crystal clear at times.

  • Readiness: This isn’t just about leaders aligning with what is happening within the organisation, but also whether your leaders understand enough about what is going on. Do they really buy into the change? Have they been able to create their own story around why the change is a good idea? But more importantly, are they ready for the change? In order to engage others with the change, it’s vital that your leaders feel empowered to bring others on board with it.

Once you have a full picture of your capabilities and readiness, you can start considering how to plug the gaps you might have.

Step four: Plug the gaps

Once you have a clear picture of what you have now and what you need for the future, deciding on how to plug the gaps should be fairly easy. Tools such as assessment centres, diagnostics and 360s are a great way to benchmark your leaders prior to developing interventions.

For example, if you’ve identified gaps within the communication of change you might need to provide opportunities for people to make sense of the change. Ways to achieve that could be through a series of leadership forums, town halls or lunchtime sessions. Leaders and managers leading the change may also need to develop their storytelling skills.

Plugging the gaps could also involve bringing new people on board so you’ll need a robust recruitment strategy to ensure you’re finding people with the right skills. If you’re under pressure to recruit quickly don’t fall into the trap of focusing on capabilities alone. A bad cultural fit can have a much larger negative impact on the business than taking a few more weeks to find someone who fits from a capability and culture standpoint.

Aligning your change and talent strategies is not an easy task but hopefully, these four steps help provide some guidance on where to start and the elements to consider. If you’re interested in this topic, I recently presented a webinar on aligning your talent and change strategy which you’ll find here

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Competent person

Competent person means a person having abilities and experience that fully qualify him to perform the duty to which he is assigned.

30 CFR § 57.2

Scoping language

The following definitions apply to this part. In addition definitions contained in any subpart of part 57 apply in that subpart. If inconsistent with the general definitions in this section, the definition in the subpart will apply in that subpart:

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Call Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Car Accidents and Black Box Data Evidence

In Florida, if you are in a car accident and the other person is at fault, there are various forms of evidence that may be used in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. One type, which is also allowed in Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, is data from the vehicle’s black box. Black boxes may be found on many late model cars, as well as on commercial vehicles.

Black Box Evidence in Car CrashesThis data can help prove that the person who is at fault was speeding and driving in a hazardous manner.

Florida is a No-Fault State

In Florida, with most car accidents, the injuries and damages that are the result of such mishaps are usually covered by each person’s personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance policies. In the state, each driver must be insured for a minimum of $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL.

If it is a strict no-fault accident, in other words one in which each person’s injuries and damages are considered to be minimal and non-permanent, then the expenses associate with the car accident are paid by each person’s insurer. However, there are times when one can file a personal injury lawsuit claiming negligence. If this is the case, then the plaintiff may sue the defendant for damages that far exceed the minimum allowed by the state under no-fault.

When You May Sue

If you have been the victim of another driver’s negligence in the State of Florida, then you may file suit in civil court if there is:

  • Permanent injury.
  • Permanent or significant scaring.
  • Disfigurement.

Such lawsuits must be filed within four years of the occurrence of the accident. If you have had a loved one who has been killed in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, then you may sue the driver for wrong death. Reach out to a skilled West Palm Beach car accident lawyer for legal advice.

Black Box Evidence in Car Crashes

The black box in a motor vehicle records various forms of data, including that related to speed. When crash recreation investigators are in need of such information, they can get an accurate measurement from the black box that can be very useful. When combined with other information that they can garner from the accident scene, the data recovered from a black box can be compelling.

As an example, it’s one thing for a witness to say that the accused was driving at 100 MPH, but when the data from a car’s black box confirms that the speed topped specifically at 108 MPH, then you’ve got a very strong case if you’re alleging that speed was a factor.

Find Out: What You Need To Know If You Are got into a Car Accident

Contact to an experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been in a car accident and believe that you may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit or if you have questions concerning such suits, contact the Law Team of Fetterman & Associates at 561-845-2510 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Because the laws in Florida are fairly vague, determining whether or not you have grounds for a case can be tricky.

For this reason, it’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience and success in settling car accident cases out of court and in winning such cases when they do go to trial.

Standing Up For Victims’ Rights for Over 40 Years.

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Set on the idyllic and vibrant Isle of Wight in the popular seaport town, Cowes Enterprise College is a new £32 million state of the art academy delivering an education that prepares young people (11-18) to grasp the opportunities and face the challenges of the 21st century. The academy is an integral part of a local, supportive community and a member of the Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) family.

Cowes provides an extensive enrichment programme, an established house system and a successful Sixth Form provision. It blends academic, applied and vocational qualifications with the development of independence, creativity and wider competencies to prepare all students for their futures.

The staff team and governing body at Cowes are determined to succeed and eager to work alongside an inspirational Principal, realising their vision and drive to deliver a first class, innovative education for all of its students.

The new principal will have the full backing of the community, decision-making autonomy and access to the exceptionally generous and dynamic network across OAT.

The  Academy strives every day to create an education that sees the young people of Cowes and the community beyond get the very best, not just in an academic sense but also in developing the skill set, confidence, attitudes and aspirations that will provide the catalyst for sustained success throughout their lives.

Our ambition is:

  • To empower students to become independent and confident with the self-belief that they can influence change;
  • To provide the support and guidance to teach them skills they will need in adulthood and
  • To encourage and develop in all members of the academy, our core values of:
  • Honesty, Empowerment, Awareness, Responsibility and Trust.

Last summer, the Academy achieved one of the best sets of GCSE results on the Island and results show improvements year-on-year for the last three years.  The intake into Year 7 has climbed steadily and the Academy is rapidly becoming a school of choice on the Island.

The current principal has been in post for two years in an interim capacity and has worked tirelessly to bring stability and consistency to life in the Academy post conversion to Ormiston Academies Trust.


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 Detecting and Enhancing Edges and Lines - Raster Imaging C API Help

Detecting and Enhancing Edges and Lines

The L_SharpenBitmap function is designed specifically to emphasize the edges (shifts in intensity) in a bitmap. It is a high-level function that can be used alone for the desired effect.

The L_SpatialFilterBitmap function provides several predefined filters for detecting edges or lines. (It also lets you define your own filter.) These filters can be used alone in applications, such as industrial inspection systems, that analyze images. They can also be used to create an image that is combined with the original to change the appearance of lines or edges.

Choosing a predefined filter is a subjective, application-specific decision. The filters use standard algorithms, some of which have similar purposes. You may need to experiment with them to choose the appropriate filter for your application. The following is a summary of the available filters:

Creates an image with an embossed appearance. (This is used for artistic effect, but is listed here because it is one of the predefined filters.)

Gradient directional

Detects edges, starting from any of eight specified directions. All pixels not on the detected edges are changed to black.

Detects horizontal or vertical edges. All pixels not on the detected edges are changed to black.

Detects horizontal or vertical edges. All pixels not on the detected edges are changed to black. (The usage is the same as Prewitt, but the algorithm is different.)

Detects horizontal, vertical, or diagonal edges. All pixels not on the detected edges are changed to black.

Detects lines. There are three omnidirectional filters and three bi-directional ones. All pixels not on the detected lines are changed to black.

Detects line segments. Possible directions are horizontal, vertical, left-to-right diagonal, and right-to-left diagonal. You can use this filter to find line discontinuities in an image. All pixels not on the detected line segments are changed to black.

To overcome the directional limitations of these filters, you can combine images that have been filtered in different ways. For example, you could make three copies of a bitmap, filter each one with a different Laplacian directional filter, and use the L_CombineBitmap function to create a bitmap with all of the detected lines. You could then combine this resulting bitmap with the original to enhance the lines in the original.

The L_DiffuseGlowBitmap function adds a colored glow to a bitmap's light or dark areas, making these areas shine with a neon glow.

The L_EdgeDetectorBitmap function can be used to apply a specific edge filter to a specific bitmap. The available edge filters include: Sobel vertical, Sobel horizontal, Sobel all, Laplacian vertical and horizontal, Laplacian diagonal, Gradient North, Gradient South, and many others. L_EdgeDetectEffectBitmap can be used to detect the edges in a bitmap and then replace the values of the edges with calculated values.

The L_EdgeDetectStatisticalBitmap function can be used to detect the edges in a bitmap by applying a statistical filter that analyzes the variations of colors in all directions around each pixel.

The L_GlowFilterBitmap function can be used to make the colored edges in a bitmap shine with a neon-like glow.

L_ColoredPencilBitmap and L_ColoredPencilBitmapExt functions apply a colored pencil effect to a bitmap. Both functions brighten the bitmap and enhance its edges.

The L_HighPassFilterBitmap function removes low frequency details in a bitmap, resulting in a sharpened image. The effect is opposite to that of the Gaussian Blur filter (L_GaussianFilterBitmap). Unlike the L_UnsharpMaskBitmap function, when using this function image noise is not increased.

The L_MaskConvolutionBitmap function multiplies the pixels of an image by a mask, resulting in one of several 3D edge effects being applied to the image.

The L_SmoothEdgesBitmap function can be used to smooth the rough edges in a bitmap.

The L_SkeletonBitmap function can be used to find the skeleton of regions or objects in a binary bitmap. The white color represents the objects and the black color represents the background. If the bitmap is not 1-bit image, the threshold will be used to transform the bitmap into a binary image before finding the skeleton.

The L_IntensityDetectBitmap function does not use a filter to detect edges or lines, but for some images it is more effective than the filters in detecting lines that are lighter or darker than other parts of the image.

The L_UnsharpMaskBitmap sharpens an image by first creating a blurred version of the image. For each pixel in the bitmap, the difference between the original pixel value and the blurred pixel value is determined. If the difference in pixel values exceeds a threshold value, the original pixel value is modified, sharpening the image.

The L_DirectionEdgeStatisticalBitmap function can be used to detect the variation of colors in the specified direction using statistical indices. It is similar to L_EdgeDetectStatisticalBitmap, but this function allows you to specify the direction angle.

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Ohio’s Aspiring Cannabis Growers: A Closer Look

Daniel Kessler, a plastics businessman, in a former toy factory in Youngstown, Ohio. Kessler is the grandson of a toy and plastics tycoon who patented an early version of the hula-hoop. He and his uncle, Brian, applied for a license to grow medical marijuana in Ohio and plan to renovate the factory into their cultivation facility if they’re selected. (Dake Kang/AP)

CLEVELAND (AP) — Long-time natives and carpetbaggers. Construction magnates, toy tycoons, an Olympian and an heir to the Jim Bean whiskey fortune.

These are some of investors vying to win approval to grow medical marijuana in Ohio. The state accepted 185 applications in June and now has to decide who gets the 24 cultivator licenses available.

Ohio’s medical marijuana law, passed last year, allows people with 21 medical conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer’s and epilepsy, to purchase and use cannabis after getting a doctor’s recommendation. The law doesn’t allow smoking.

25 Things to Expect in Newly Legal States

Ohio has some of the country’s highest licensing fees. Small growers pay $2,000 to apply and $18,000 in licensing fees, while large growers pay $20,000 to apply and $180,000 in licensing. The applications will be scored out of 100 points based on their business plans, cultivation methods and past industry experience.

The estimated cost of opening a facility runs from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of millions. Yet that hasn’t deterred local business owners, minorities or investors from California to Pennsylvania from applying.

They find Ohio attractive because they believe it’s learned from the lessons of other states, from federal raids on Montana cultivators to harsh restrictions in Illinois that hampered patient access and curbed demand.

“They’re paying attention and adopting what works and improving what didn’t,” said Chris Lindsey, a legal analyst with the Marijuana Policy Project. “That puts Ohio really far, far ahead of the game compared to a lot of other states.”

Leslie Bocskor: Nevada ‘Best Regulatory Framework in the World’

With so much at stake, groups have scouted medical professors and hired seasoned consultants to boost their chances. Some declined to speak because they did not want to jeopardize their applications. Ohio hasn’t announced when licenses will be issued, but the program is due to be fully operational by September 2018.

A look at some of the players involved and their company names:

Hometown Heroes

Brian and Daniel Kessler — Riviera Creek Holdings

Brian Kessler, whose father patented an early version of the hula hoop, made his fortune running a toy company until he shifted to investing in marijuana. He and his nephew, Daniel, both Youngstown natives, say they want to avoid what they call the “Taj Mahal” syndrome — building too quickly. They say they want to start small and monitor patient numbers before expanding production.

They plan to grow their cannabis using a closed-circuit hydroponics system they say minimizes the chance for infestation.

The Kesslers say they’re determined to bring jobs to Youngstown and hope their local roots will give them a boost in the competition for a license.

The Rise of Craft Cannabis: Signs of a Maturing Industry

Familiar Faces

Ian James, Bill Brisben, Jim Gould, Oscar Robertson — CannAscend

James is back after spearheading a failed 2015 ballot measure put before Ohioans to legalize cannabis. He’s joined by Jim Gould, a former business partner of President Donald Trump, and Bill Brisben, a Cincinnati real estate developer and former UNICEF representative. Together, they plan to invest about $30 million in a site outside of Cincinnati.

Nick Lachey, former frontman for boy band 98 Degrees, had backed James’ 2015 initiative but is no longer involved. But former basketball player and Olympian Oscar Robertson is still an investor. Known as “The Big O,” Robertson is known as one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

Washington’s Cannabis Law Is an Obstacle to Equity. It Doesn’t Have to Be.

Minority-Owned Business

Dana Smoot — Under the Water Tower

Smoot is the legal counsel for Smoot Construction, a prominent Columbus-based, African-American-owned construction company that has worked on projects at Ohio State and the recently opened African American Museum of History in Washington. Smoot did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Ohio’s marijuana program stipulates that 15 percent of licenses must go to a minority-owned group — black, Hispanic, Asian or Native American. Legal experts have questioned whether the quota would stand in court, though no legal challenge has been filed to date.

How Brand Licensing Allows Cannabis Companies to Expand Across State Lines

Out-of-Town Investors

Ben Kovler — Green Thumb Industries Ohio

Kovler is a Chicago investment banker whose grandfather, Everett Kovler, was president of the Jim Beam whiskey company in the 1970s. Kovler started in marijuana three years ago by founding Green Thumb Industries, which is headquartered in Illinois and now operates in six states.

He says he plans to invest about $10 million if selected. His facility will grow 20 to 50 strains of cannabis to make oils, pills and slow-release patches that will help patients fall asleep at night.

Maryland Lawmaker Says He Should Have Revealed Ties to Cannabis Industry

Local Politicians

Chad Oberson — Oberson’s Nursery and Landscapes

Oberson runs a plant nursery and landscaping company in Fairfield. Oberson is also a Fairfield councilman, elected to a non-partisan position, and voted in April for a local ban on medical cannabis which passed unanimously. He declined comment.


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Inbound Marketing

How To Know if Inbound Marketing Will Work For Your Business

Over the last decade or so, a consumer revolution has been taking place. In previous generations, information was in the hands of the salesman. And information is power. To make an educated buying decision, you had to find a salesman you trusted to give you the information required. This left consumers open for high-pressure sales tactics, pushing one product over the other regardless of value to the consumer.

Then, the internet came, as did content marketing and site reviews. Suddenly, consumers could read what other consumers thought about products they had purchased. Information on quality is readily available to any potential buyer, thus consumers have learned to bypass the salesman and get their information from the internet.

When a car buyer pulls onto the lot, more than likely they have the Kelly Blue Book app on their phone. They know the potential problems of the model they are looking at, and they know exactly how much it should cost. The same can be said across all industries and niches.

Consumers have won the revolution, and they are now in power. Companies who want to experience long-term success now must cater to this new consumerism or they will go elsewhere. If you do not have customers you do not have a business.

How to Know If Inbound Will Work

As a result of the momentous shift in the buying habits of modern consumers, there had to be an alteration in traditional marketing. With the price of conventional marketing increasing in price and effectiveness declining, companies had to make a decision.

This is why smart companies have traded the large budgets of traditional marketing for the benefit of a long-term inbound marketing strategy. The companies who do it well are benefiting immensely.

Inbound enables the impossible. The impossible is a small company having a reach that is larger than their geographical location. Inbound puts businesses both large and small, on the same marketing playing field.

We often get asked the question, “Will inbound really work for my business?”

It is my genuine opinion that inbound marketing will work for any business in any industry. Because at the core of inbound is connecting the needs of people with a viable solution. When you meet the needs of people, people will meet the needs of your business. But, your business could be so unique that inbound just wouldn't work for you. But if you're reading this article, it means you're trying to figure out if inbound is a good fit.

4 Factors of Inbound Marketing Success

1. How well do you know your customers?

Knowing the customers who are interested in your product is critical to being effective with inbound. The fundamentals of any inbound strategy start with detailed personas. It is the glue that will keep your content focused and together.

Also, knowing your customers will influence the type of content that you produce and help you in content creation. You may have the right product for the right people, but effectively reaching those people who need your product is the objective.

2. How do your customers educate themselves?

For a moment don't think as the CEO of your company but instead try to view your company through the lens of a potential customer. Let's face it, we live in an era where people devote more time on Google, Facebook, YouTube, and cell phones than actual face-to-face communication. So more likely than not your potential customers are going to the web to check out solutions to their problems.

Before starting their investigation on Google, they may not have even known your company or your competitors existed. They start their exploration by looking for a solution to their problem. And if your company is providing the solution to their problem, the opportunity to turn those visitors into solid leads, then into customers, increases exponentially.

For instance, if I'm broke, I won't search Google for "Money Instructional Video by Dave Ramsey." But I will search for things like this:

  • How to get out of debt?
  • Tips for making a budget.
  • How do I control my spending?

My problem is, I’m broke. I need answers on how to control what money I do have to help make my situation better. By figuring out and understanding how people are looking for their needs to be met will become the catalyst for a strong marketing strategy.

3. Are you willing to be transparent and honest?

For centuries, companies have guarded their "secret sauce" for fear of their competitors. But, unless you are Coke or Pepsi, or maybe McDonalds, your competitors don't care. If you're going to adopt inbound as a marketing strategy to your company and be known as a loyal and honest business, that will require being honest and transparent with people. That means not overselling your company just to make a quick buck knowing it might not be what your customer actually needs. By overselling or withholding information that a potential customer really needs to know about your product you are hurting that customer by providing them a service or product they don't need. As a result, you have hurt yourself. You’ve ruined your credibility with them and everyone they know.

I’m confident you’re at least generally aware of the shady mechanics or untrustworthy plumbers that work in your city. Ever thought about it? Word spreads. Quickly. You don't want to be known as THAT business owner.

With that said, the content you create should be geared towards educating your customers. It should never be "salesy" or manipulative. It should help your customers make the decision that is most advantageous for THEM, not for you.

Trust us, this is not an area where you can afford to have even a hairline fracture because it can hurt your credibility and your reputation for years and even decades. Especially now with the ability to review on Google and Yelp, you might be surprised how one bad comment could jade someone else’s view of your company.

Honesty is always the best policy. Even if that means this time you lose their business. However, you’ll build trust and cause them to come back to you when your company suits their needs.

Here are some things smart companies are sharing with their customers:

  • Accurate Pricing Information. (No “hidden” additives)
  • Any Potential Problems to Expect
  • Quality Information
  • Competitor Recommendations (And no, that’s not a typo)

This will help in establishing trust with your potential customers by letting them know that you're more interested in them, in doing so, you give them every opportunity to find a solution to their problems. If you're not willing to share something with your customers because you're worried they may go somewhere else, please, go reread this section because you might've missed it. Anything you hold back is information you are keeping from your customers.

Your website should be 100% focused on your customers, not your competitors, not your coworkers, and not others in your industry.

Also, by showing other competitors you're showing trust in the quality of your own product as well.

4. Are you ready to commit to a new way of marketing?

We've seen a lot of companies get excited about the potential of inbound marketing, only to get burned out on the work it requires. They end up dropping it and going back to business as usual.

Rome wasn't built in a day, or The Great Pyramids, or the Eiffel Tower. Inbound marketing takes investment and time. We’ve already explained how traditional marketing isn't producing the ROI it used to and is costing companies more money than ever imaginable. Inbound marketing isn’t a get rich quick scheme for your business. It is truly is an investment. You're investing in the lives of potential customers and in doing so your business will grow.

Just like any investment it takes time. Millionaires do not become millionaires by investing for one month, but years. They worked their whole lives for wealth and the reward it pays is handsome. So, dive into the deep end. Don't stay in the shallow waters of traditional marketing. Go where the people are.

Please realize, you're not adopting this blogging, emailing, and content marketing push for a campaign or two. It's the new way you do business for the next decade. If you're ready to make that shift, your customers will thank you for it.

If, while concluding this article, you realized what was presented doesn't match the values and goals for your company, inbound is not a good fit for you. If you’re interested in retaining the same market reach you’ve always had, don’t waste your time. If you’re not going to consistently produce content that will add value to your customers, stop before you start. If you’re not willing to be honest and transparent with consumers (you might need professional counseling), inbound won’t work for you.

In fact, I've changed my mind. There are companies that inbound won't work for - those who aren't ready to adopt the inbound marketing philosophy of business. Those who are more concerned with their company than their customers will never fully realize the potential of inbound marketing.

Written by Ryan Scott / July 13, 2015

is the Inbound Marketing Artist at Lean Labs. His marketing experience ranges from colleges to SMBs, and tech startups. When not marketing, he's sure to be enjoying something nerdy.

Articles by Ryan Scott


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Food Hygiene Courses in Edinburgh

Are you looking for a food hygiene course in Edinburgh, Scotland? Here is a list of food safety training providers in Edinburgh, offering Level 1, 2 and 3 courses for professionals who work in UK Catering, Manufacturing or Retail establishments.

Off To Work Training

Off to Work Training in Edinburgh, Scotland

Off to Work Training is a CIEH Premium Registered training centre based in London with offices across the UK, including the Scottish capital. They offer legal compliance training for small businesses through to large companies and organisations. They run a range of health and safety courses for the catering industry, which are accredited by the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health – CIEH.

For the licenced retail sector, they also offer courses that are approved by the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body – BIIAB – for which they are a Recognised Centre.

Suite 38
1 St Colme Street
020 7386 4497

Apex Scotland
Deliver training and inclusion services for ex-offenders to help reduce reoffending and promote cohesion and other benefits for the individuals and the wider community.

9 Great Stuart Street
0131 220 0130

Susan Kane
91 Craiglea Drive
EH10 5PQ
0131 4477754

We hope these food safety training companies meet your needs. Do you offer food hygiene courses in Edinburgh and want to add your company to our list? Please contact us with details.


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Sierra Tournament Master

Product Code : 092763081204

Mfg Item #: 8120

Available Online
Secure online ordering

Sierra Tournament Master handgun bullets are built to satisfy the performance demands of serious competitors and recreational marksmen. The accuracy of these bullets, combined with unduplicated penetrating power, make them a good choice for silhouette shooters and competition shooters worldwide. Tournament Master bullets are designed and manufactured for accuracy and are non-expanding at typical handgun velocities. They are designed for taper crimping. Tournament Master bullets are available in two design configurations: Full Profile Jacket (FPJ) and Full Metal Jacket (FMJ).

Bullet TypeFull Metal Jacket
Bullet Diameter.355
Weight125 GR
Bullet Caliber9mm
Jacket MaterialCopper
Core MaterialLead
Recommended UsageSemi-Auto Handguns

Determined at checkout.


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Lauren Kierans

About Lauren Kierans

Lauren Kierans is a practising barrister who specialises in whistleblowing law. She is a Lecturer in Law in Middlesex University, London and she also lectures in the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Lauren is currently undertaking a PhD in whistleblowing law. Lauren is a founding member of the Irish Whistleblowing Law Society.


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 Men's Masks Sizing
  Leon Paul Logo
Return Home

Men's Masks Sizing

How to measure myself?
Mask sizes are best measured using the vertical circumference around the head. This is measured under the chin and round over the top of the head.

Useful info

  • Small will fit children, teenage girls and some women.
  • 70% of Leon Paul masks are sold in Medium.
  • Large will fit most adult men.
  • XL size is very uncommon.
  • Leon Paul masks have the advantage of being adjustable with the X-Change system where all elements are removable and adjustable.

The most important part of the fit of the mask is the position of the forehead pad. The best way to choose the right size is to try a Leon Paul mask at your club. If this is not possible, please look at the table below.

If you can't decide if a Medium or a Large will fit best then order the Large.

For a printable .pdf tape measure please click Here

Size Your measurement
S < 58 cm / < 22.5"
M 58 - 65 cm / 22.5 - 25.5"
L 65 - 72 cm / 25.5 - 28"
XL > 72 cm / > 28"


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In Mark Howell v Lerwick Commercial Mortgage Corporation Limited, the High Court has held that statutory demands will not necessarily be set aside if the undisputed debt is less than £750, where there other debts which would take the cumulative total over this limit.

Mr Howell obtained finance from Lerwick in 2010 to develop a property and paid £2,750 to Lerwick to obtain a valuation. Mr Howell claimed that the valuation provided was sub-standard, and as a result there were delays in the development and its subsequent sale.

Mr Howell claimed against Lerwick for £2,750 plus interest and consequential damages. Mr Howell initially obtained default judgment against Lerwick but this was set aside and Mr Howell was ordered to pay Lerwick's costs of £2,225.  Mr Howell unsuccessfully tried to appeal and was ordered to pay further costs of £1,710.

The two costs orders above formed the basis of a statutory demand by Lerwick in 2012, for £3,935.

Mr Howell unsuccessfully appealed to set aside the statutory demand. The debt itself was not disputed, but Mr Howell sought to rely on a cross-claim for the return of the £2,750 surveyor fee, plus interest.  He was not allowed to rely on his claim for consequential damages. Taking account of the cross-claim, Mr Howell's debt to Lerwick was less than the minimum required of £750.

The court assessed the amount of the claim plus such additional items at £3,145, which fell far short of the amount of Lerwick’s statutory demand. Crucially, this meant a debt payable by Howell to Lerwick, but one of less than £750.

Under the Insolvency Rules 1986, Rule 6.5(4)(d), if a cross-claim reduces the debt below the bankruptcy level of £750, then Mr Howell was entitled to have the statutory demand set aside. However, the court dismissed the appeal and held that the statutory demand should not be set aside even though of the cross-claim would reduce the debt to less than £750.

A single debt under £750 cannot form the subject of a petition for bankruptcy under s.267(4) of the Insolvency Act 1986, but it could be based on multiple debts, as long as together those debts amount to more than £750.

Significantly, it was widely believed that for a statutory demand to be set aside, all a debtor had to do was demonstrate that the debt was disputed or that a cross-claim existed, to reduce the debt demanded to less than £750.  However, the High Court determined that a statutory demand should not necessarily be set aside just because under Rule 6.5(4)(d) the debt would be less than £750 if there is a suggestion of any other debts.

In this case, Mr Howell owed Lerwick other debts arising from further subsequent costs order.  For this reason, Mr Howell failed to set aside the statutory demand.

The case is a helpful reminder to look at all available debts when pursuing bankruptcy.
It is also worth noting that the debt threshold of £750 under s.267(4) of the Insolvency Act 1986 will increase to £5,000 as of 1 October 2015.


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At long last the Supreme Court has handed down its judgment in R (on the application of T and another) -v- Secretary of State for the Home Department. Joanne Greaves considers where this leaves police practitioners and asks: is this the end of the story or does the area remain ripe for further debate?

The issue

Most readers will be more than familiar with the issues surrounding what should be included on an ECRC. This case involved two claimants: T, who had been warned at age 11 in relation to the theft of two bicycles and who, eight years later, wanted a place on a sports studies course; and JB, who had been cautioned at age 41 for stealing false nails from a shop and wished to be employed in the care sector.

The decision

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeals against the declarations of incompatibility in respect of the Police Act 1997. It allowed an appeal in relation to a declaration that the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 was ultra vires.

In relation to the Police Act, disclosure of T’s warnings was found to bear no rational relationship to the aim of protecting the safety of children with whom he might come into contact as an adult. The impact on JB’s private life of disclosing her caution for minor dishonesty was disproportionate to its likely benefit in achieving the objective of protecting people who were receiving care.

In relation to the Order, facilitating the vetting of potential applicants was a legitimate aim in accordance with Article 8 ECHR. However, there was no rational connection between the interference resulting from the requirement that a person disclose warnings received for minor dishonesty as a child and the aim of ensuring suitability of that person as an adult for the entire range of activities covered by the Order.

New legislation

While the case progressed to the Supreme Court, new legislation was in fact passed to deal with the issues which the case highlighted.

The changes introduce protection from disclosure for ‘protected cautions’ and ‘protected convictions,’ and draw a notable distinction when the offender is a child. A caution is protected if it was given otherwise than for the 14 categories of offence listed and if at least six years have passed since the date of the caution (or two years if the person was a minor). A conviction is also protected if it was imposed otherwise than for any of the listed categories, if it did not result in a custodial sentence, if the person has not been convicted of any other offence and if at least 11 years have passed since the date of the conviction (or five and a half years if the person was a minor).

Amendments to the 1997 Act have the effect of restricting the content of a CRC and of an ECRC, where there is an obligation on the DBS to include details in the certificate of ‘every relevant matter’. The definition of a relevant matter has also been amended to tighten the obligation to disclose spent convictions and cautions, which is consistent with the narrower obligation under the 1975 Order.

The result is that information about the circumstances behind a spent conviction or a caution which is now no longer required to be disclosed in an ECRC will be disclosed as soft intelligence - but only where the police reasonably believe it to be relevant.

The amendments represent a departure from the former regime under which disclosure of all spent (in addition to unspent) convictions and of all cautions was required if questions were asked or the application for a certificate was made in the specified circumstances.

Where are we now?

It would be nice to think that the combination and challenges of the new legislation and the decision in this case will clear up all previous problems in this area. However, it remains to be seen how fairly the new regime will operate in practice. This is an understandably emotive topic for those trying to progress their lives while dealing with the perceived barriers that previous behaviour may place in their way. While the scope of what to include in an ECRC is now limited, there remains a large element of subjectivity involved, meaning that decisions will still be challenged. The need for decision making to be clearly and carefully recorded remains crucial - since it is unlikely that forces will have seen the end to challenges such as these.


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Our June 5 Client Alert concerned the EPA’s direct final rule that would have extended compliance deadlines in its Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products. The EPA has now withdrawn this rule due to two anonymous adverse comments. Thus, as of now, businesses should revert back to ensuring compliance with the original deadlines as follows:

  • Dec. 12, 2017, for emissions standards, record keeping and labeling provisions;
  • Dec. 12, 2018, for import certification;
  • Dec. 12, 2018, for the California Air Resources Board Third Party Certification transitional period;
  • And Dec. 12, 2023, for meeting the provisions applicable to laminated products.

Although businesses should immediately plan to comply with the original deadlines, the deadlines may still be extended through the normal rulemaking process. EPA has already issued proposed rule under this process and received comments. Comments received on this rule included concerns that the extension was not sufficient to address inherent issues with the regulation.

The proposed deadline extensions were implemented by the EPA to alleviate substantial compliance burdens and to prevent disruptions to supply chains. If the Agency concludes the proposed rule helps to achieve these goals, then it may move forward with a final rule. Alternatively, it may reopen the comment period, revise the proposed rule, or terminate the rulemaking.

Industry concerns regarding compliance burdens and supply chain disruptions are more prevalent than ever, and we expect the EPA to give them full consideration throughout the rulemaking process.


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In a May 1 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority proposed rule changes to modernize and simplify National Association of Securities Dealers Rule 2720, which governs public offerings of securities in which a member with a conflict of interest participates. Some of the more significant proposed changes include exempting certain public offerings from the filing and qualified independent underwriter (QIU) requirements, amending the definition of “conflict of interest,” modifying the disclosure requirements in regard to offering documents and amending the provisions regarding the use of QIUs. The rule change proposal also includes corresponding amendments to FINRA Rule 5110, “Corporate Financing Rule – Underwriting Terms and Arrangements.” The May 1 filing amends a rule change proposal filed on September 6, 2007. The SEC is accepting comments through June 3 on these proposed rule changes.

Read more.


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On July 31, 2009 the US Department of the Treasury opened the online application process for renewable energy property grants under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). In addition to providing a link to the online application, Treasury released on its website supplemental grant materials including the form of accountant certification for certain high-cost projects and information and forms regarding the assignment of grant payments to financial institutions.

Energy property placed in service in 2009 or 2010 qualifies for a cash grant from the US Department of the Treasury for up to 30 percent of eligible costs in lieu of energy credits that would otherwise be available. There is generally no cap on the amount of the grant that can be received with respect to a qualifying facility and no national or state-by-state cap on the grant program. Facilities that are under construction at the end of 2010 (but not placed in service) can also qualify for a grant if they are placed in service by specific dates between 2012 and 2016 based on the type of property.


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Andrew Ross Sorkin wrote an interesting article in Tuesday’s New York Times regarding the practice of private equity firms designating the legal counsel to be used by its lenders in a leveraged buyout financing. In other words, the private equity firms engaging in this practice are hand selecting, and paying the fees of, the lawyers that will be on the other side of the transaction negotiating on behalf of the banks against the private equity sponsored borrowers. This practice constitutes a clear conflict of interest that tilts the negotiations of the financing in favor of the private equity sponsored borrowers.

In Mr. Sorkin’s article, the private equity firms assert that the rationale for selecting lenders’ counsel is that using the same counsel promotes an efficient and economic legal review of the financing documents, since many of the documents and issues will be the same in each transaction. I think there is a little more merit to this rationale than Mr. Sorkin gives credit to, but I ultimately agree with Mr. Sorkin that any purported benefit of this practice is eclipsed by the conflict of interest that occurs when the private equity firms and the lawyers representing the banks enjoy too cozy of a relationship.

I suspect that this practice will eventually be prohibited, whether by express regulations from the banking regulators, the attorney regulators, or as a result of a court decision (likely in the Delaware Court of Chancery given their scrutiny of conflicts of interest in the deal making process). I predict that in the next several weeks, some enterprising plaintiffs’ lawyer will read Mr. Sorkin’s article, find a private equity deal financing that has been impaired, and bring suit against the private equity firm, the arranging lenders, and lenders’ counsel asserting that the conflict of interest inherent in the practice of the borrower selecting the lenders’ counsel caused their loss (or alternatively prevented them from getting better terms in the financing).


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Important changes have been introduced to the Tax and Social Security Procedure Code.

  1. Taxpayers now have a right of appeal to the respective administrative court within 14 days against a decision by the revenue authorities to suspend administrative proceedings (audits, inspections, etc.).  Silent refusals (where no reply is received upon the request for suspension within 7 days) can be appealed the same way. This change is effective from 26 October 2012.

Appeals against suspension orders issued before 26 October 2012 must be made by 26 November 2012.

Suspension cannot last more than eight months in proceedings for exchange of information with another state.  The eight-month period runs from 26 October 2012 in the case of suspensions already operative at that date.

  1. From 1 January 2013, new rules come into force (implementing Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011) for mutual assistance and exchange of information on taxation between member states.  These include specific timelines for some of the institutes, applying from a later date or not having retroactive effect.

The new rules will not apply to VAT, customs duties, excise duties, compulsory social security contributions, fees for issuing certificates and other documents issued by public authorities, and contractual nature, such as consideration under contracts for services of public utility.

The rules will be administered by the Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency (or anyone authorised by him/her).

  1. Also from 1 January 2013, tax assessments acts will be issued by the body assigning the audit, along with the head of the tax audit, instead of by a single tax inspector (used to be the head of the audit alone).  Specific rules apply in case of disagreement between them. Audit proceedings already pending as at 1 January 2013 will be dealt with under the current rules.

Law: Tax and Social Security Procedure Code (last amended State Gazette, issue 82 of 26.10.2012)


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In re Nintendo of America, Inc.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit vacated a denial of a motion to sever and transfer, directing the district court to grant petitioner’s motion because the transferee forum was more convenient than the transferor forum. In re Nintendo of America, Inc., Case No. 2014-132 (Fed. Cir., June 25, 2014) (Newman, J.).

Non-practicing entity Secure Axcess sued Nintendo and 11 retailers for patent infringement in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Nintendo moved to sever the claims against it and transfer those claim to the U.S. District Court for the District of Washington where it is based and where most of the relevant documents and witnesses are located. Each of the 11 retailers stipulated that they would be bound by any judgment rendered by the transferee court. The Texas court denied the motion to sever, noting that the plaintiff could obtain a higher royalty against the retailers in light of higher retail prices and the retailers’ practice of bundling the accused systems with video games and other accessories. Having decided against severance, the district court held that the request for transfer must be denied.

The Federal Circuit vacated the district court decision, finding that the true defendant was the manufacturer and not the retailers, and thus the case should be severed to facilitate just, convenient, efficient and less-expensive determination. The issues of validity and infringement were common to the Nintendo and the retailers, and if the plaintiff were to collect royalties from Nintendo, it would be preclude a suit against the retailers.

In addition to the royalty concerns, the plaintiff argued that its choice of venue should be given deference because its principal place of business is in Plano, Texas. However, as a non-practicing entity, the plaintiff only leases 200 square feet of office space in Plano, and its executives work across the country. The Federal Circuit held that the district court must look beyond the connection of the parties with the transferor venue when the disparity of convenience is so marked as to outweigh the plaintiff’s right to choose the forum.


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The People’s Republic of China Ministry of Agriculture has reportedly failed to renew the biosafety permits for two research programs growing genetically modified (GM) corn and rice, raising concerns about the future of GMO production in China. According to media sources, the Agriculture Ministry has not yet authorized any GMOs for public consumption and decided to discontinue further research after a state TV report allegedly identified illegal GM rice varieties in markets located near Huazhong Agricultural University, which was developing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) rice.

Although Greenpeace representatives and other stakeholders apparently cited public opinion as the motivation behind the announcement, Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy Director Huang Jikun suggested that the self-sufficiency of the domestic rice market has made the commercialization of Bt rice unnecessary. In addition, critics of the ministry’s decision have questioned whether the debate over GMO safety has taken a political bent. As University of Nottingham’s Cong Cao opined in an August 18 article appearing in The Conversation, “Anti-Western sentiment has been judged more convincing than a raft of studies endorsing the merits of agro-biotechnology. Government support for GM food is dwindling fast, and it seems safe to say that the opportunity to commercialize GM rice—and with it the chance to help address some of China’s most urgent problems—is all but gone.” See Science Insider and RT, August 20, 2014.


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On 10 April 2013, the European Commission (“EC”) announced that it had decided to conclude its antitrust investigation against ČEZ, the incumbent electricity producer in the Czech Republic, by accepting (through a binding decision) a set of commitments ČEZ had offered.

The EC opened formal proceedings against ČEZ in July 2009 to investigate whether the company abused its dominant position on the Czech market for the generation and wholesale supply of electricity. In particular, the EC was concerned that, by pre-emptively booking capacity in the transmission network, ČEZ hindered the entry of competitors into that market. In order to resolve the EC’s concerns, ČEZ has committed to divest one of the following power plants: (i) Počerady; (ii) Chvaletice; or (iii) Tisová/Mělník.

This is not the first time that the EC has resolved abuse of dominance concerns in the energy sector via the adoption of a commitment decision. Since the entry into force of the Modernisation Regulation in 2004, the EC has resorted to commitment decisions to resolve such concerns in 10 energy cases. The EC’s readiness to reach for Article 9 of Regulation 1/2003 when it comes to the energy sector may be owed to at least two factors; namely, the potential of commitment decisions to: (i) open markets more swiftly than prohibition decisions; and (ii) achieve market outcomes that would be difficult to produce through sector regulation or prohibition decisions.

Commitment proceedings have the potential to open markets more swiftly than prohibition decisions, primarily due to their flexible and consensual nature. The few substantive and procedural rules governing commitment proceedings significantly impact the time-span of the EC’s investigation. Remedies may be designed and put into place much more quickly. Further, the investigated company’s active involvement in formulating the remedies may affect their quality. Presumably, the investigated company has assessed the feasibility of implementing the remedies and has formulated a clear and easily executable plan in that regard.

Commitment proceedings also have the potential to achieve market outcomes that would be difficult to produce through sector regulation or prohibition decisions. This is because the regulation of the energy sector has to a large extent been the product of political compromises and, therefore, not gone as far as the EC would like it to (e.g. regarding unbundling). For their part, prohibition decisions considerably constrain the scope of the EC’s remedial action due to the need to abide by a strict proportionality test. In contrast, commitment decisions allow the EC to secure structural remedies which may otherwise not be easy to devise in an adversarial context: the fact that the investigated companies offer such remedies themselves leaves little scope for legal controversies and, in particular, proportionality-related challenges.

While the commitment procedure may be a convenient means by which the EC can further liberalise the energy sector, commitment decisions provide limited guidance to the business community as to why the EC had concerns about a certain conduct in the first place. This absence of clarity is due to the laconic language and rather high-level legal and economic analysis contained in the decisions. In addition, commitment decisions provide limited guidance to national competition/regulatory authorities (“NCAs”) and national courts on how to apply Article 102 TFEU in domestic energy cases.

Legal uncertainty is a powerful thing. The EC should not underestimate the adverse effect it may have on the energy sector’s liberalisation process: not only may legal uncertainty impact the level of investments made in the sector, but it may also lead to instances of underperformance – and, therefore, decreased competitiveness – of energy operators. It is crucial that the EC keeps perspective of such risks and proceeds with caution as it continues to use commitment decisions in the energy sector.


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Pivotal Payments Direct Corp. v. Planet Payment Inc., No. 15C-02059-EMD CCLD (December 29, 2015)

A party to a contract may try to limit any future claims of fraudulent inducement by providing an anti-reliance clause in its contracts. As this decision explains, such clauses need to be carefully drafted and particularly need to address any oral statements made before the contract is signed. This decision is also useful for its coverage of the distinction between fraud and breach of contract claims based on whether the claim alleges fraudulent intent.


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2015 was a year of major change for UK pensions with the introduction of the new pension freedoms, the continued roll-out of automatic enrolment and new DC governance requirements. It also saw many DB plans and sponsors put in place a long-term, integrated funding and investment plan whilst at the same time looking for de-risking opportunities.

2016 promises to be another significant year, in which we could see the future design and shape of UK pensions fundamentally changed. So, what are the key issues to look out for in 2016?

1. Pensions tax review

If you haven’t done so already, mark 16 March 2016 in your diary, as this is the date on which the Chancellor has said he will announce the outcome of the Government’s consultation on reforming the system of pensions tax relief in the UK. What the Government will do is probably the biggest question for pensions in 2016, and it is one that could shape the future of pensions in the UK for decades to come. Options range from turning the current system on its head by moving to a “Taxed Exempt Exempt” (TEE) system, like ISAs, to less radical, but still significant changes, such as a switch to fixed rate tax relief. For more information, click here.

The Treasury has also said that it is reviewing the use of salary sacrifice arrangements by employers, so this will be another point to watch out for in the 2016 Budget.

2. Tapered annual allowance and reduction in lifetime allowance

From 6 April 2016, the annual allowance will be reduced for many people with taxable income over £150,000 a year. For those with taxable income over £210,000 a year, the annual allowance could fall to as little as £10,000. In advance of this, employers need to assess which of their staff may be affected and decide whether to limit pension contributions and/or re-shape the benefits they pay to higher earners. Any changes then need to be implemented and communicated to affected staff.

On 12 January 2016, we are hosting a webinar on the HR implications of the new tapered annual allowance – to register, click here.

The lifetime allowance will also reduce from £1.25 million to £1 million from 6 April 2016, though transitional protection will be introduced for individuals with pensions worth (or expected to be worth) over £1 million. Registering for protection will be online only with more detail expected inJuly.

3. End of DB contracting-out

Contracting-out for defined benefit plans will end from 6 April 2016 as a result of the introduction of the new single-tier state pension (see below). There is a statutory override designed to allow most private sector employers to offset the cost of additional National Insurance Contributions. It is likely to take some time to decide on and implement changes to plan rules using the override (with a 60 day member consultation exercise being required in many cases). So, employers that wish to make use of the statutory override by 6 April 2016 need to take immediate action. For further information, click here.

4. Value for money

For the first time this year, trustees of plans with money purchase benefits will need to assess and report on the extent to which member-borne costs and charges under their plan represent “good value” for members. Independent Governance Committees (IGCs) are also required to assess and report on the extent to which member-borne costs and charges under workplace personal pension plans represent “value for money”. The first reports from trustees are expected in February 2016and the first IGC reports are due by April 2016.

5. New governance requirements for plans with money purchase benefits

As well as assessing value, trustees of plans with money purchase benefits are also now required to comply with several other new governance requirements that came into force last year. Trustees will be required to report for the first time this year on their compliance with these requirements. This report needs to be included in a plan’s annual report and accounts where this relates to a plan year ending on or after 6 July 2015. For more information, click here.

The Pensions Regulator also continues its focus on governance in relation to money purchase benefits. Its new draft code of practice for plans with money purchase benefits is open for consultation until 29 January 2016, and the final code is expected to come into force in summer 2016. The draft code raises the bar on governance for plans with money purchase benefits and explains how the Regulator expects trustees of such plans to fulfil their new legal duties. In April, the Regulator has said it will consult on a series of “how to” guides to supplement the new code.

6. New single tier state pension

From 6 April 2016, the current state pension will be replaced with a new single tier state pension. Where a plan’s benefit design is integrated with the current state pension system (for example, there is a basic state pension offset or definitions refer to the state second pension), the rules may need to be amended to reflect the changes to the state pension. Many plans have not yet considered this issue. We would urge trustees and sponsors to do so as soon as possible.

7. GMP reconciliation

Trustees wishing to use HMRC’s GMP reconciliation service must register to do so before 5 April 2016. After that, it will be too late. Trustees who do not reconcile their plan’s GMP data with that held by HMRC are at risk of paying incorrect benefits to members and adversely affecting individuals’ state pension entitlements.

8. Auto-enrolment and re-enrolment

It is now over three years since the auto-enrolment requirements were first introduced, and larger employers are approaching (and should prepare for) their first automatic re-enrolment date in 2016. In addition, the number of small employers having to auto-enrol their staff for the first time will soar as we move through 2016.

For more information on automatic re-enrolment click here.

9. PPF levy

The PPF’s strict levy deadlines for the 2016/17 levy year are set out on its website. Trustees and employers wishing to reduce their plan’s 2016/17 levy will need to take action early in 2016, especially if they wish to put in place contingent assets for the first time, or recertify existing contingent assets.

There may be added expense for some plans this year as the PPF has confirmed its intention to issue extra invoices to plans that have mistakenly claimed a levy discount in previous years due to their not meeting the PPF’s precise legal criteria to qualify as a “last man standing” scheme.

10. VAT on pension costs

HMRC has extended the transitional period before introducing its new policy on recovering VAT on pension costs to 31 December 2016. In advance of this, the existing 70:30 split approach will continue to apply. However, plan sponsors, trustees and their service providers still need to consider how they will respond to HMRC’s change of policy and implement any necessary changes before the transitional period expires. Further guidance is expected from HMRC early in 2016.

For more information, click here.

You can also register to attend our VAT and Pensions seminar in London on 18 January 2016.

11. Europe

Europe is likely to be a big topic of debate in 2016, with the prospect of a referendum on Britain’s EU membership later this year. As far as pensions is concerned we can also expect:

  • the new IORP Directive to be finalised by the end of June 2016
  • the outcome of EIOPA’s stress tests and quantitative impact study on the impact of the holistic balance sheet to be published during the first half of this year

12. Key pensions cases

Some significant pension cases are listed for appeal in 2016, including:

  • Horton v Henry in very early 2016 – considering the extent to which personal pension benefits may be accessed by a trustee in bankruptcy
  • Briggs v Gleeds in summer 2016 – examining the validity of execution of various deeds of amendment
  • Buckinghamshire v Barnardo's in late 2016 – considering trustees’ power to switch from RPI to CPI for pension revaluation and indexation.

There are also likely to be developments in 2016 in relation to various cases on holiday pay which might have implications for pensions

Other issues

Other issues to look out and prepare for in 2016 include:

  • the ban on active member discounts and member-borne commission charges from April 2016
  • the UK Statistics Authority’s final response to its consultation on Measuring Consumer Prices: The Options for Change, which is due to be published in the first half of 2016
  • the introduction of new disclosure requirements for trustees, relating to the warnings that need to be provided to members when they are about to access money purchase benefits


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The Second Circuit's recent decision in Scottsdale Insurance Company v. R.I. Pools, Inc., Case No. 11-3529, 2013 WL 1150217 (2d Cir. March 21, 2013) should be welcome news for Connecticut contractors insured under CGL policies with Broad Form Property Damage Coverage, seeking coverage for losses to their work caused by their subcontractors. In RI Pools, the Second Circuit vacated the district court's grant of summary judgment in favor of an insurer, including a ruling that the insurer was entitled to a return of funds it spent on the insured's defense, after concluding that the district court erred when it ruled that a swimming pool contractor's liability for cracked concrete could not be covered by its insurance. The district court relied on the "your work" exclusion, but in doing so, it read the "subcontractor exception" out of the policy. The Second Circuit put it back in.

RI Pools is a swimming pool installer that uses subcontractors to supply and shoot concrete into the ground. In 2009, nineteen different customers complained of cracking, flaking and deteriorating concrete in pools installed by RI Pools in 2006. RI Pools tendered to its CGL carrier, Scottsdale, which initially furnished a defense. Scottsdale later filed suit seeking a declaration that it had no duty to defend or indemnify and seeking reimbursement for defense costs already expended.

Relying on the Second Circuit's 1992 decision in Jakobson Shipyard, Inc. v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co., 961 F.2d 387 (2d Cir. 1992), the district court reasoned that the cracks in the concrete were defects in the insured's work that could not be "accidents," and thus the loss could not be covered and the insurer had no duty to defend or indemnify. In a subsequent ruling the district court ordered the insured to reimburse the insurer for defense costs the insured had paid.

The policy form at issue covers loss caused by "an occurrence," defined as "an accident" and includes a "your-work exclusion" with a "subcontractor exception" to the "your-work exclusion." The district court construed the policy form not to afford coverage for the loss from the cracked concrete. In doing so, according to the Second Circuit, the district court "essentially read the subcontractor exception out of the policies."

In Jakobson, the court ruled that loss defective steering mechanisms in tug boats built and sold by an insured shipyard was not caused by occurrence, and thus not covered under the insured's CGL policies. But, as the RI Pools court reports, because the policy in Jakobson did not include a subcontractor exception to the "your work" exclusion, the reasoning there does not apply here. Rather to the court, the inclusion of the subcontractor exception in the policy signals that defective work can be an occurrence and that the loss may be covered:

Whereas Jakobson held that the insured's faulty workmanship could not be a covered occurrence under the policy, the present policies expressly provide that in some circumstances the insured's own work is covered. As coverage is limited by the policy to "occurrences" and defects in the insured's own work in some circumstances are covered, these policies, unlike the Jakobson policy, unmistakably include defects in the insured's own work within the category of an "occurrence."

Id. at *3. Ultimately, "the question whether the insured's liability for defects in its own work is covered turns on whether the subcontractor exception applies." Because the district court never considered this "crucial question," the court vacated the judgment and remanded the case.

Additionally, the court determined that Scottsdale was not entitled to any reimbursement for the defense costs it previously expended. This was so because, in light of the subcontractor exception to the your-work exclusion, it was "apparent that the damage to the pools caused by the cracked concrete 'falls...possibly within the coverage" of the policies.'" Id. The duty to defend being broader than the duty to indemnify, that possibility of coverage was enough to trigger Scottsdale's duty to defend, which duty exists "up until the point at which it is legally determined that there is no possibility for coverage under the policies."

For another recent decision regarding the recoupment of defense costs, see National Surety Corp. v. Immunex Corp., Case No.86535-3, March 07, 2013. In National Surety, the Supreme Court of Washington last month ruled that Washington law does not allow an insurer to recoup defense costs incurred prior to a determination of non-coverage.


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Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communication sector (the e-Privacy Directive) obliges providers of publicly available electronic communications networks and services to notify personal data breaches to competent national authorities, subscribers, and individuals. To ensure a certain level of uniformity, Directive 2002/58/EC also mandated the Commission to prescribe technological protection measures concerning information and notification requirements. The new Regulation 611/2013 covers these measures. The key points of this Regulation are summarized hereunder.

  1. Notification to the national competent authority

The provider is obliged to notify personal data breaches to the competent national authority (BIPT for Belgium) within the 24 hours after the provider has detected the breach.

The data breach is considered to have taken place when the provider is sufficiently aware of the occurrence of a security incident which compromises personal data. From that moment on, the provider must send a notification to the national competent authority. This notification must include information concerning the identification of the provider, the content and nature of the personal data breach, the date, time, and circumstances of the breach, among other things. If the required information is not yet available, the provider may issue a first notification which contains only a minimum of information only if this is followed by a second notification within three days following the first notification. This second one must contain the outstanding information. If, within this three-day period, the provider could not gather all necessary information, it must notify as much information as it has along with a justification for the late notification.

If a subcontractor is involved, it must immediately inform the main contractor about the data breach.

The competent national authority is obliged to provide a secure electronic means for the notifications and also provide information on the procedure to be followed. If the data breach affects subscribers or individuals residing in another Member State, the competent national authority to which the data breach has been notified must inform the national authorities in other Member States.

  1.  Notification to the subscriber or individual

If a personal data breach risks having adverse effects on the personal data or privacy of the subscriber or individual, the provider must also notify the subscriber or the individual of the breach without undue delay after it has detected the breach. The Regulation enumerates a number of circumstances, such as the nature and contents of the personal data or the consequences of the breach for the subscriber or the individual, which must be taken into account to assess whether the breach may have any adverse effects on the subscriber or individual.

The notification must contain certain information relative to the incident. This information must be received promptly, clear, and understandable. The means of communication by which the notification is conducted must be appropriately secured. In exceptional circumstances, if the notification puts at risk the proper investigation of the personal data breach, the notification may be delayed.

If the provider cannot identify all subscribers and individuals who would be affected by the breach, the provider may notify them by placing advertisements in major national or regional media. The advertisements should contain the same information as mentioned above, and in a condensed form, if necessary.

  1. Technological protection measures

As an exception, notification to a subscriber or individual is not required if the provider proves that it has implemented appropriate technological protection measures and has applied these measures to the compromised data. These technological protection measures should render the data unintelligible for any unauthorized person (e.g., by encryption).

This new Regulation can be found on