Dating and the military

My first exposure to military dating was during AIT.

Well, in basic one of the drills expressed an interest in me despite the fact the senior drill told him he needed to “behave” though I personally did not do anything to direct such attention towards myself. What with getting up at oh god thirty hours in the morning along with the fierce training, PT, marches, learning, getting all bruised up, losing my voice HOW could anyone find this then 17 year old attractive?

Anyway, he persisted and I kept him at arm’s length and when he was stationed at Fort Gordon (where I also went) he still wanted to go out and I still said no.

Through the years I have seen men and women hook up through the military, some relationships lasting, allot going to the wayside.

In Korea my mouth about dropped to the ground (can you imagine that?) seeing the kind of “in-discretionary” behavior coming from unit members. Mind you, I never dated in high school so everything I was experiencing was a shock to the senses.

Now of course there are some honorable men and women out there who are faithful to their spouses, who really want to see things work out. I have seen both men and women cry over broken hearts.

Now, what really gets me going….are people who cheat on their military partner when they are deployed or away for additional schooling. I am not talking about those men and women who cheat on their spouses/boyfriends/girlfriends while deployed but those who stay true to the honor of the uniform, to the code. Those who sacrifice themselves for the greater good, for our country and get shafted because their partner couldn’t “wait” for them to come home.

How lame is that?

Anyway, I just had to vent and wonder at times where people’s heads or at…especially those who find out you serve in the military and find it “distasteful” to go out because there is always the chance that you might get deployed.

‘nough said.

Not a Goodbye Party

The team threw me a party for my impending departure to Team B. I had tears in my eyes reading the stuff written on the erasable chalkboard in the conference room. The food was delicious…meatballs, salad, all kinds of deserts, pasta, my chicken fried rice (received compliments…bought the mix at Aldi’s—LOVE that store)…soda etc…and of course good company…laughed and laughed.

I know it’s greener pa$tures as far as where I am headed however one cannot put a pricetag on good company and wonderful co-workers.

They will be sorely missed.

A Bronx Dream

I really enjoyed watching this documentary regarding inner city kids in the Bronx learning about the Irish culture and the music. Though a part of me feels there should be more done regarding their individual ethnic heritages I am glad there are programs such as this one which gives these kids a positive outlet and keeps them off the streets:

Known as the Keltic Dreams it was inspired by Caroline Duggan:

The Keltic Dreams Irish Dancers, are a group of 33 children ages 7-12 from Public School 59, PS 59 in the Bronx, NY. The school is situated in a low Socio Economic area in the Bronx and has a 95% poverty rate. The students are all African American and Hispanic and have no background in Irish culture. Hired by the Department of Education, I, Caroline Duggan, moved to New York over 4 years ago and began teaching music in the school. I had no intention of staying more than one year in the school but fell in love with the children’s drive to become professional. After being constantly asked by the children why I spoke funny I told them that I was from Ireland. The fascination began with questions about the Irish lifestyle, leprechauns and Irish dance. They questioned me about a huge photo of Riverdance I had hanging in the classroom . I showed the children a few steps and was truly amazed by how quick they grasped even the most complicated steps. They were fascinated with the Riverdance video from Radio City, which I still show them on a regular basis. Especially how the show incorporated different cultures into Irish dancing. With this idea in mind and with the amazing support of the principal and school, I began an Irish dancing program after school twice a week. The group The Keltic Dreams was born and have since had their own one hour show on The Plaza at Lincoln Center, in the Bronx Botanical Garden for Bronx week , St Barnabas Nursing Home, on the Band shell at Central Park, at Lehman College in the Bronx and in The Manhattan Mall at Herald Square NYC. They were the sole performers at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Queens for Mayor Bloomberg and afterwards all the students marched in the parade joined by their parents. The Irish dance program has encouraged huge parental involvement, bringing the whole community together!!!! Much to my surprise some of the children had never been to Manhattan before they performed in these shows!!

Inspiration to write

I googled myself (yes am that bad) and found something I wrote awhile back here in the Saint Louis Writer’s Guild:

How do you motivate yourself? How do rejections affect your writing? Janet Terrell wrote the following article on motivation for St. Louis Writers Guild.

From the time I was thirteen years old I had an urge to express myself. I used to write out my stories longhand. Then my father gave me an old Remington typewriter, the kind that had the horrid dual ribbon with the black stripe on top and the red on bottom. Even though it was a labor of love, I still sometimes wondered what motivated me to write.

What I have found from my own personal musings is that writing is more than putting words to paper. It takes a lot of thought, time, and energy. I have asked myself many times: What motivates a person to write, to expose their soul to the world? What compels a writer to express his or her views and ideas in characters and a storyline? Most important, what encourages a writer to persevere through the highs and lows of the writing process to reach the end of a story, or what’s even more challenging, a novel?

For me, motivation comes from inspiration, and inspiration arises out of my surroundings. I typically write in an environment that evokes my creative juices. I tend to gravitate towards calm places away from my family and cat. I love sitting on my bed with my laptop, door shut, allowing my mind to focus on the task at hand.

I began my first novel more than twenty years ago. I had watched the television mini-series North & South. I was inspired. This movie was all I needed to embark on my venture into the world of Historical Romance. However, what I found from reading a variety of this genre is that I do not like heavily laden novels dripping with sex or drowning in too many historical particulars. I had heard that one should write what one loves to read and so I was motivated to create historical romances that combined sex and history without overdoing it.

One of the ways I motivated myself to finish my first novel was by listening to inspiring music. The soundtrack to the movie Gladiator did it for me. Each song has its own special theme. I wrote my scenes to the music, thinking of various ways to bring out the meaning to the reader.

On a more personal level, I was inspired to share my work with the world. There is little in life that is more disquieting than the prospect of sharing one’s work with others. There is the potential risk of rejection from agents and publishing houses, however, a writer who is true to his or her craft will persevere. Even if he or she receives tons of rejection letters, they can be regarded positively. Rejection slips are nothing more than an opportunity to redirect energy into improvement. My advice is that a writer seek out any weaknesses, address them, and move on.

Sometimes the publishing industry can make a writer feel defeated. However, it’s important to realize that rejections are not always an indication of the quality of one’s writing. Sometimes perfectly good work is just not marketable at a given point in time. Sometimes a publisher has recently released something very similar. A writer seeking commercial publication should expect some difficulties finding a publisher. Self-publishing one’s work is a now a popular option given the advancements in technology that make it easier and less costly. Many new authors find this route easier. However, I highly recommend that those who choose to self-publish hire an editor to ensure a quality product.

What motivates one person to complete a novel may not work for another. It is incumbent upon writers to discover the circumstances that best stimulate their personal motivation to write. For myself, I allow all of my five senses to completely encompass me. Writing is not just placing words on paper from my point of view; it is a full body experience where emotions are caught up in the moment—not unlike a characters’ emotions are caught up in a romance, a loss, or rejoicing. Writing, to me, is not something that can be forced. Genuine creativity comes when the spirit and mind work in harmony, and that is where I find my motivation is at its peak of power.

My Country…

Part of me wants to disappear and drive to the Rockies…fell instantaneously in love with the topography of Colorado when I was driving to Vegas and became simply gobsmacked at the sheer heights and ethereal beauty of our country.

Whenever I travel cross country (which seems quite often these days) I am astounded by the vastness of our great nation….of our highway systems, people traveling….the variety of beauty contained within our nation: when it comes to our citizens, myraid of customs, down to simply watching the miles of roads passing me by.

Reminds me of the song America the Beautiful (used to belt this one out as a kid whenever I had a chance). :^)

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned – stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America ! America !
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man’s avail
Men lavished precious life !
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!

By Katherine Lee Bates

The New Nation – Internet Edition

Story Summary:…Even when Dr Abdul Kalam, then President, raised the subject based on my inputs there was no sincere attempt to clarify the position….Technically the tests should be carried out against a non-vaccinated group….Independent private studies (Dutch & German) have revealed that vaccinated children suffer much more than their un-vaccinated counterparts….There are no tests to determine the effects of multiple vaccines….As per senior doctors quoted by the Times of India, Children suffer from less that 2% of vaccine preventable illnesses but 98% of the vaccines are targeted towards them….Children are vaccinated simply because parents can be frightened to forcefully vaccinate their children….Parents have been advised against vaccinating in private clinics and hospitals….Vaccines contain heavy metals, cancer causing substances, toxic chemicals, live and genetically modified viruses, contaminated serum containing animal viruses and foreign genetic material, extremely toxic de-contaminants and adjuvants, untested antibiotics, none of which can be injected without causing any harm….The CDC of USA, the vaccine watchdog, has publicly admitted that its much-publicized 2003 study denying any link between vaccines and autism, is flawed….The Autism epidemic is found only in those countries that have allowed mass vaccinations….In the year 1999, the US Government instructed vaccine manufacturers to remove mercury from vaccines with immediate effect….The brain being made mostly of fat cells, most of the mercury accumulates there giving rise to the peculiar symptoms of the autistic children….As per a Tehelka article on Autism, if one considers the WHO limit for mercury in water, they are receiving 50,000 times the limit….It destroys the brain causing severe memory and attention problems….The majority of symptoms displayed by autistic children match symptoms of heavy metal poisoning….Majority of the school shootings by the children in the USA have been committed by autistic children….As per a recent study the MMR vaccine has an adverse effect on the vital mucosal immune system….The DPT also causes children to regress giving rise to fears that multiple live virus vaccines are an important cause behind autism….Before the autism epidemic, it was already well known that vaccines have caused the cancer epidemic in todays society….This serum has helped many cancer causing monkey viruses, 60 found so far (SV 1 to SV60), to enter the human blood stream….It is also known that it is the use of green monkey serum in vaccines that has led to the transfer of the Simian Immune deficiency Virus (SIV) from monkeys into humans….Infantile jaundice and also infantile diabetes is also scientifically connected to the toxic vaccines….The OPV has also let loose a new strain of polio in both India and Africa….Deaths and permanent disability from vaccines is very common and known by the medical community….They are instructed by the Government to keep quiet and not to associate such cases with vaccines….Suppressing these diseases causes the immune system to remain undeveloped causing the various autoimmune disorders like diabetes and arthritis that have become epidemics today….The mothers milk therefore does not contain natural antibodies and can no longer protect the child against illnesses….In the USA vaccine adverse effects are recorded and the Government offers compensation of millions of dollars to victims (the most recent case in its Vaccine Court may have received upto $200 million in damages)….The Indian Government simply refuses to acknowledge that vaccines can cause deaths and permanent disability….We still do not know enough about the human immune system and therefore should not interfere with it….In India the Government assures the population through massive advertising campaigns that vaccines are extremely safe….Senior medical doctors have challenged even the vaccines recommended by the Government of India….The BCG vaccine for tuberculosis has been extensively tested in India as long back as 1961 and found to be totally ineffective….The Hep-B vaccine introduced recently is not meant for children at all, it is a vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease that should be targeted only at promiscuous adults….The doctors themselves avoid giving the DPT to their children and relatives as per a survey amongst US health care professionals….The Rotavirus vaccine, Hib vaccine, HPV vaccine and the various multi virus vaccines being introduced without any kind of testing is only because the vaccine manufacturers and the doctors administering them want to ensure a good income from them….They care two hoots about medical ethics and the fate of the children who will receive these vaccines….Various independent studies, notably the Dutch and the more recent German study, comparing vaccinated with unvaccinated children have found that vaccinated children are prone to asthma, dermatitis, allergies, hyperactivity etc. The death rate amongst vaccinated children is much more than the unvaccinated ones….The powerful countries can spread lethal epidemics by just polluting the vaccines with bio warfare agents….This is obviously at the instance of foreign (read US) vaccine giants who are shifting base to India reeling at the tremendous opposition to vaccines in US and European countries….The Govt of India is planning a vaccine park at Chennai where these vaccine MNCs will set up base….As per the IOM, USA, vaccine research for a probable link between vaccines and autism should not be conducted….The IOM concluded that efforts to find a link between vaccines and autism must be balanced against the broader benefit of the current vaccine program for all children…

World Press Freedom Day 2009: Dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation

The way the media influences thought and action and its capacity to foster dialogue, understanding and reconciliation will be the focus of discussions at a UNESCO conference marking World Press Freedom Day 2009, to be held in Doha (Qatar) on 2 and 3 May.

In his message for World Press Freedom Day 2009, the Director-General of UNESCO Koïchiro Matsuura stressed that: “We must strengthen our efforts to build a media that is critical of inherited assumptions yet tolerant of alternative perspectives; a media that brings competing narratives into a shared story of interdependence; a media that responds to diversity through dialogue.”

Based on the premise that only a free media will innately contribute to the dialogue and understanding across divides, the two day programme will be divided into four sessions, during which media professionals from around the world will discuss:

• The capacity of the media for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding;
• The need to establish ethical and professional standards in order to build models of accountability as well as effective self regulation for journalists;
• What specific place for media in promoting interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding?
• Media and enhancing dialogue as a tool for empowering citizens.

The conference has been organized under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al- Missned, consort of His Highness the Emir of Qatar Shiekh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of the Board, Doha Center for Media Freedom (Qatar) will open the event with George Anastassopoulos, President of UNESCO’s General Conference, and Abdul Waheed Khan, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information.

South-African journalist Allister Sparks, the author of several critically acclaimed books on his country’s transition from apartheid including, most recently, Beyond the Miracle: Inside the New South Africa, will present the keynote speech.

During the conference, Mr Matsuura will present the 2009 World Press Freedom Prize, awarded posthumously to murdered Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. Mr Wickrematunge’s widow, Sonali Wickrematunge, will accept the prize, which is supported by the Ottaway and Cano foundations and JP/Politiken Newspaper LTD.

UNESCO, U.S. Library of Congress and Partners Launch World Digital Library

UNESCO and 32 partner institutions today launched the World Digital Library, a Web site that features unique cultural materials from libraries and archives from around the world. The site includes manuscripts, maps, rare books, films, sound recordings, prints and photographs. It provides unrestricted public access, free of charge, to this material.

The launch took place at UNESCO Headquarters at an event co-hosted by UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura and U.S. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. Directors of the partner institutions were on hand to present the project to ambassadors, ministers, delegates, and special guests attending the semi-annual meeting of UNESCO’s Executive Board.

Mr Billington first proposed the creation of a World Digital Library (WDL) to UNESCO in 2005, remarking that such a project could “have the salutary effect of bringing people together by celebrating the depth and uniqueness of different cultures in a single global undertaking.” Mr Matsuura welcomed the proposal as a “great initiative that will help to bridge the knowledge divide, promote mutual understanding and foster cultural and linguistic diversity.” In addition to promoting international understanding, the project aims to expand the volume and variety of cultural content on the Internet, provide resources for educators, scholars, and general audiences, and narrow the digital divide within and between countries by building capacity in partner countries.

The WDL functions in seven languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish – and includes content in more than forty languages. Browse and search features facilitate cross-cultural and cross-temporal exploration on the site. Descriptions of each item and videos, with expert curators speaking about selected items, provide context for users and are intended to spark curiosity and encourage both students and the general public to learn more about the cultural heritage of all countries.

The WDL was developed by a team at the Library of Congress. Technical assistance was provided by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina of Alexandria, Egypt. Institutions contributing to the WDL include national libraries and cultural and educational institutions in Brazil, Egypt, China, France, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“UNESCO welcomes the creation of the World Digital Library which reflects the values and priorities of our Organization,” Mr Matsuura declared. “WDL offers an invaluable platform for the free flow of information, for international solidarity, for the celebration of cultural diversity and for the building of inclusive knowledge societies. With projects like the Digital Library, the cultural and societal potential of digital technologies come into their own.”

“We are honoured to be working with so many great libraries in this venture,” said Mr Billington, “and thankful for the strong support that UNESCO has given to this project. What we launched today is a first step. We look forward to seeing this project realize its ambition to bring people together, deepen our understanding of each other, and help electronically oriented young people enjoy what is best in traditional culture, using the new media.”

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, congratulated UNESCO and the partner institutions on the launch of the WDL, and stated that “Qatar is very proud to be a founding member of this remarkable international collaboration.” Her Highness noted that “universal education is the key to international understanding,” and “this endeavour will do much to develop the appreciation of other cultures and nations.”

The National Library of China (NLC) contributed manuscripts, maps, books, and rubbings of steles and oracle bones that span the range of Chinese history from ancient to modern times. “The World Digital Library project offers a brand-new platform for showcasing the diversity of the world's civilizations,” said Dr. Furui Zhan, Chief Librarian of the NLC. “This endeavour enables cultural exchange while bringing together different countries and peoples in mutual understanding and enrichment. The spirit of equality and open understanding comes into full view with the creation of this World Digital Library. The National Library of China is ready to work in close cooperation with the World Digital Library, continuing to promote in concert the prosperity and progress of all human civilizations.”

Examples of other treasures featured include Arabic scientific manuscripts from the National Library and Archives of Egypt; early photographs of Latin America from the National Library of Brazil; the Hyakumanto darani, a publication from the year 764 from the National Diet Library of Japan; the famous 13th century “Devil’s Bible” from the National Library of Sweden; and works of Arabic, Persian, and Turkish calligraphy from the collections of the U.S. Library of Congress.

Ahead of the launch, Mr Matsuura invited UNESCO Member States to encourage their cultural institutions to participate in the development of the project. He noted that their participation would contribute to a truly universal digital library that showcases the cultural heritage and achievements of all countries. Mr Matsuura also highlighted the synergies between this initiative and UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme, noting that the WDL should help provide public access to digital versions of collections on the Memory of the World register.

One of UNESCO’s main mandates is to promote the free flow of all forms of knowledge in education, science, culture, and communication. The Organization therefore promotes education, research and exchanges through the improved and increased availability of content on the Internet. To this end, it collaborates with a number of partners on the creation of digital and other repositories.

USEUM International N°240

Underwater Cultural Heritage



Museum240-Large-eng.jpgTable of Contents

Editorial

Exploration and Preservation

* Submerged cultural sites: opening a time capsule David Nutley
* The impact of commercial exploitation on the preservation of underwater cultural heritage Tatiana Villegas Zamora
* Preservation in situ: “the preferred option” Martijn Manders
* Conservation of underwater cultural heritage: characteristics and new technologies Jean-Bernard Memet

Why Create an International Convention?

* Why and how will underwater cultural heritage benefit from the 2001 Convention? Thijs Maarleveld
* The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage: advantages and challenges Ulrike Koschtial
* Safeguarding Brazil’s underwater cultural heritage: legal protection and public archaeology Gilson Rambelli

New Frontiers, New Concepts

* Underwater archaeological trails Francisco J. S. Alves
* A resource for sustainable development: the case of Croatia Jasen Mesić
* Underwater archaeological exploration of the Mayan cenotes Luis Alberto Martos López

UNESCO presents exhibition on reconstruction of Aksum obelisk

• © UNESCO/Michael Tsegaye

An exhibition – photographs and a video installation – at UNESCO will celebrate the reinstallation of the Aksum obelisk. The show will allow visitors to learn about the history of the Ethiopian site and to view the key stages of reinstalling the monument, 24 metres high and weighing 150 tons.

Open to the public from 4 to 15 May (9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.), the exhibition will be inaugurated on 23 April by Koïchiro Matsuura, the Director-General of UNESCO, in the presence of the Ethiopian and Italian ambassadors to UNESCO, Adelech Haile Mikael and Giuseppe Moscato.

The artists in the show, who are from Ethiopia, Belgium, France and Italy, were invited by UNESCO to visit Aksum and to express their vision of the restoration of the obelisk, a symbol of Ethiopian culture.

Their works highlight the uniqueness and magnitude of the project. The monument’s history has been eventful: erected in the 4th century then vandalized in the 7th, the obelisk was hauled off to Rome at Mussolini’s orders and set up near the Circus Maximus, finally returning to Aksum in 2005.

The artists - Tito Dupret, Theo Eshetu, Michel Ravassard, Hiwot Gebre Geziabeher, Michael Tsegaye and Paola Viesi – share their interpretation of these events. The gigantic, 15-screen video installation by Theo Eshetu, Ethiopian artist living in Rome, draws on his dual perspective. Hiwot Gebre Geziabeher, a schoolgirl from Aksum who learned photography with Michael Tsegaye, takes the local inhabitants’ point of view. Included in the show are films and photos depicting the extraordinary restoration work and Aksum’s lifestyle and culture. For an even better sense of the project’s scope, a 3D projection offers visitors a simulated tour of the Aksum archaeological site with the work in progress.

With this exhibition, UNESCO is celebrating the successful reinstallation and showing how a cultural project can help reconcile two countries with conflict in their past.

Education for All (EFA) International Coordination

The Big Read: Global Action Week 2009
Puts Spotlight on Literacy

Puts Spotlight on Literacy" src="http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/files/58606/12343618651EFA-Globalaction.jpg/EFA-Globalaction.jpg" width="180">

• © GCE

Global Action Week 2009 (April 20 to 26) focuses on youth and adult literacy and life-long learning to raise awareness about the global literacy challenge.

Worldwide, some 776 million adults lack literacy skills, 75 million children are out of school and millions more leave school early without acquiring basic literacy and numeracy skills. Literacy is a basic right. It is a fundamental condition for being part of today’s knowledge societies. Literacy is a key to reduce poverty, increase economic opportunities, improve child and maternal health, prevent HIV and AIDS and encourage political participation.

Global Action Week, led by the Global Campaign for Education, will send a strong signal to policy-makers and the international community on the importance of one of the most neglected Education for All goals. More political commitment, more effective literacy programs and more funding are required to make literacy a basic right for all.

The highlight of the campaign is the “Big Book”, a collection of short stories about how education changes lives. “Big Read” events will be organized, during which individuals will read from this book and sign a statement at the back of it calling for more commitment and investments to ensure that everyone is able to read and write.

The Global Action Week is an advocacy campaign organized each year by the Global Campaign for Education. UNESCO, as coordinator of the EFA movement and of the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012), supports this campaign and will be organizing activities around the world related to the “Big Read.”

Check this site regularly for stories, videos, presentations and studies about literacy and Global Action Week 2009.

UNESCO, Library of Congress and partners launch World Digital Library

• © UNESCO

UNESCO and 32 partner institutions will launch the World Digital Library, a Web site that features unique cultural materials from libraries and archives from around the world, at UNESCO Headquarters on 21 April. The site will include manuscripts, maps, rare books, films, sound recordings, and prints and photographs. It will provide unrestricted public access, free of charge, to this material.

The launch will take place at a reception co-hosted by UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura and U.S. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. Directors of the partner institutions will also be on hand to present the project to ambassadors, ministers, delegates, and special guests attending the semi-annual meeting of UNESCO’s Executive Board.

Media are invited to attend a pre-launch press conference, which will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 21 April at 11 a.m.

Mr Billington first proposed the creation of a World Digital Library (WDL) to UNESCO in 2005, remarking that such a project could “have the salutary effect of bringing people together by celebrating the depth and uniqueness of different cultures in a single global undertaking.” In addition to promoting international understanding, the project aims to expand the volume and variety of cultural content on the Internet, provide resources for educators, scholars, and general audiences, and narrow the digital divide within and between countries by building capacity in partner countries.

The WDL will function in seven languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish – and include content in a great many other. Browse and search features will facilitate cross-cultural and cross-temporal exploration on the site. Descriptions of each item, and videos with expert curators speaking about selected items, will provide context for users, and are intended to spark curiosity and encourage both students and the general public to learn more about the cultural heritage of all countries.

The WDL was developed by a team at the Library of Congress. Technical assistance was provided by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina of Alexandria, Egypt. Institutions contributing content and expertise to the WDL include national libraries and cultural and educational institutions in Brazil, Egypt, China, France, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Examples of treasures that will be featured on the WDL include oracle bones and steles contributed by the National Library of China; Arabic scientific manuscripts from the National Library and Archives of Egypt; early photographs of Latin America from the National Library of Brazil; the Hyakumanto darani, a publication from the year 764 from the National Diet Library of Japan; the famous 13th century “Devil’s Bible” from the National Library of Sweden; and works of Arabic, Persian, and Turkish calligraphy from the collections of the Library of Congress.

One of UNESCO’s main mandates is to promote the free flow of all forms of knowledge in education, science, culture, and communication. The Organization therefore supports initiatives to improve and increase content on the Internet. To this end, it collaborates with a range of partners on the creation of digital and other repositories.

Troubled water

Increased demand, waste and insufficient investment: water shortage may come sooner than we think. Although water covers three-quarters of the world’s surface, only 0.0075% of this immense volume is available for humanity’s use. Some countries have already reached the limits of their resources.

We must act now, warns the just-launched United Nations World Water Development Report, “Water in a changing world”, which assesses the global water situation. The UNESCO Courier examines some strategies for better management.

Under water cultural heritage

Chapter 1: Exploration and Preservation

* Submerged Cultural Sites: opening a time capsule David Nutley
* The Impact of Commercial Exploitation on the Preservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage Tatiana Villegas Zamora
*

In Situ Preservation: 'the preferred option' Martijn Manders
* Conservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage: characteristics and new technologies Jean-Bernard Memet

Chapter 2: Why Create an International Convention?

* How and Why will Underwater Cultural Heritage Benefit from the 2001 Convention? Thijs J. Maarleveld
* The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage: advantages and challenges Ulrike Koschtial
* Safeguarding the Underwater Cultural Heritage of Brazil: legal protection and public archaeology Gilson Rambelli

Chapter 3: New Frontiers, New Concepts

* Underwater Archaeological Trails Francisco J. S. Alves
* A Resource for Sustainable Development: the case of Croatia Jasen Mesic
* Underwater Archaeological Exploration of the Mayan Cenotes Luis Alberto Martos Lopez

UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize 2009 to be awarded posthumously to Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge

• © Reporters sans Frontiers

The late Sri Lankan journalist and editor of the Sunday Leader Lasantha Wickrematunge, who was assassinated on 8 January this year, has been named laureate of the 2009 UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize. The Director-General of UNESCO Koïchiro Matsuura today endorsed the choice of the Prize’s jury of 14 professional journalists from all over the world.

“Jury members were moved to an almost unanimous choice by a man who was clearly conscious of the dangers he faced but nevertheless chose to speak out, even beyond his grave,” said Joe Thloloe, President of the jury and Press Ombudsman of the Press Council of South Africa, referring to the laureate’s posthumous editorial in which he voiced his commitment for press freedom at the risk of his life. “Lasantha Wickrematunge continues to inspire journalists around the world,” added Mr Thloloe.

Mr Matsuura welcomed the choice of Mr Wickrematunge: “In awarding the 2009 World Press Freedom Prize to a committed journalist who opposed war, UNESCO, along with media professionals from all over the world, recognizes the important role that freedom of expression can play in fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation, the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebration.”

The Director-General will present the World Press Freedom Prize in a ceremony on May 3, World Press Freedom Day, which UNESCO will celebrate this year in Doha, capital of Qatar.

Born in 1958, Lasantha Wickrematunge trained as a lawyer and was a member of the Sri Lankan Bar Association. While working as an attorney-at-law, he began working as an investigative reporter for the Sun/Davasa newspaper.

In 1994, Mr Wickrematunge started the Sunday Leader with his brother and used the publication to campaign vigorously against the war between Sri Lanka’s army and Tamil rebels.

In 2000, Mr Wickrematunge secured a court victory which led to the abolition of the law that allowed the government to curb the media. In November 2007, the Sunday Leader was damaged in an arson attack that Mr Wickrematunge said resembled a “commando action.”

Mr Wickrematunge expected to be assassinated and went so far as to write an editorial for publication after his death. It appeared in the Sunday Leader on 11 January 2009, three days after he had been murdered. In his editorial, Mr Wickrematunge voiced his commitment and readiness to die for press freedom: “[…] there is a calling that is yet above high office, fame, lucre and security. It is the call of conscience.”

Created in 1997 by UNESCO’s Executive Board, the Press Freedom Prize is awarded annually to honour the work of an individual or an organization defending or promoting freedom of expression anywhere in the world, especially if this action puts the individual’s life at risk. Candidates are proposed by UNESCO Member States, and regional or international organizations that defend and promote freedom of expression.

Since its creation, the US $25,000 prize - financed by the Cano and Ottaway family foundations, and by JP/Politiken Newspaper LTD - has been awarded to the following laureates: Lydia Cacho (Mexico, 2008), Anna Politkovskaya (Russian Federation, 2007), May Chidiac (Lebanon, 2006), Cheng Yizhong, (China, 2005), Raúl Rivero (Cuba, 2004), Amira Hass (Israel, 2003), Geoffrey Nyarota (Zimbabwe, 2002), U Win Tin (Myanmar, 2001), Nizar Nayyouf (Syria, 2000), Jesus Blancornelas (Mexico, 1999), Christina Anyanwu (Nigeria, 1998), Gao Yu (China, 1997).

UNESCO Director-General to G-20: “Invest in education”

Koïchiro Matsuura, the Director-General of UNESCO, has written to the leaders of the Group of 20 nations, meeting in London this week, to plead the cause of education.

Mr Matsuura said world leaders must tackle systemic and financial problems at the same time as the fundamental issues that determine long-term economic development, such as education. The Director-General stressed that “Expenditure for education is one of the most productive investments that a country can make. […] Research shows that by extending the average period spent at school by one year, per capita GDP is increased by 4 to 6 %. By injecting resources into education now, not only would we stimulate economic recovery, but we would also contribute to stronger growth in the future and guarantee global stability in the long term. This is why UNESCO proposes including education on the agendas of all international meetings aimed at resolving the current crisis.”

The Director-General added, “Investing in science, innovation and new technologies, including green technologies, is also fundamental for stimulating economic growth while contributing to a sustainable environment. UNESCO is already working with many countries, especially in Africa, to develop scientific policies and build human and institutional capacities in order to promote innovation.”

“Responding to the global crisis, which is of unprecedented magnitude and complexity, will require unfailing cooperation and international solidarity. The organizations in the United Nations System, including UNESCO, of which all the G20 countries are members, have the ability to undertake coordinated and strategic action,” said Mr Matsuura, stressing that “multilateralism will be vital for finding common solutions to the current challenges.”

The Director-General continued, “The crisis risks wiping out the gains of recent years - attained after major efforts - especially in developing countries, and compromising progress towards the development goals set by everyone, including the Millennium Development Goals. With the population of Africa expected to double in the next 35 years, cutting investments allocated to the reduction of poverty now is the best way to cause social disaster. […] I exhort the G20 to urge aid donors to reverse the current trend of decreasing aid commitments and disbursements.”

UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee will meet in Mexico City

UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee (IBC) will meet in Mexico City (Mexico) from 4 to 6 May. This 16th session, organized in cooperation with the Consejo Consultivo de Ciencias of the Presidency of Mexico, will be followed by a European Commission-UNESCO conference, which will bring together experts and members of national bioethics committees from all over the world from 7 to 9 May.

Three main topics will be presented at this session of the IBC: social responsibility and health, the principle of respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity and the issue of human cloning and international governance. Furthermore, there will be an overview of the situation of bioethics in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The 16th session will be opened on 4 May (9.15 a.m.) by Alonso Lujambio Irazábal*, the Mexican Minister of Education, Pierre Sané, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences and Adolfo Martínez-Palomo, Chairperson of IBC. The opening ceremony will be followed at 10.00 a.m. by a progress report on the UNESCO bioethics programme, especially the REDBIOETICA initiative, which concerns Latin America and the Caribbean. The topic Bioethics in Latin America and the Caribbean: experiences and perspectives will take up the rest of the day.

On 5 May (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) there will be a presentation of the draft IBC report about human cloning and international governance. The IBC was a pioneer in the field of cloning, creating the foundations of the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights (1997), which condemned cloning for human reproduction as contrary to human dignity. Since then, more than 50 countries have passed laws to forbid cloning for reproduction. However, voices have been raised, especially by scientists, to demand a different treatment for therapeutic cloning. At the request of UNESCO’s Director-General, an IBC working group has started to consider this issue in order to determine whether the latest scientific, ethical, social, political and legal developments justify a new initiative at the international level. The afternoon session will be devoted to the draft IBC report about social responsibility and health.

The session on 6 May will concern the principle of respect for human vulnerability and personal integrity (morning) and the IBC’s work programme for 2010-2011 (3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.), before the closing by Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pierre Sané, Adolfo Martinez Palomo, and the new IBC chairperson, to be elected during this session.

The European Commission-UNESCO Conference, which will follow on 7 May, aims at strengthening the capacities of bioethics committees. It will bring together experts and members of national committees at all stages of development. The conference, organized with the financial support of the European Commission, will be structured around three major themes: emerging bioethics issues, building an international network of national bioethics committees and the committees’ engagement in ethical discourse.

Unless trends change, 700 million adults will still be illiterate in 2015, says UNESCO’s Director-General

• © UNESCO/Sake Rijpkema

22-04-2009
The Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura has voiced concern that literacy remains a preeminent global challenge, as well as being one of the most neglected Education for All goals.

His comments came during the 2009 Global Action Week which this year focuses on youth and adult literacy and life-long learning.

“Achieving literacy for all is a collective responsibility”, the Director-General said. “According to estimates from the 2009 EFA Global Monitoring Report, unless current trends are changed, 700 million adults will still be unable to read and write in 2015, only 10 per cent fewer than today. We simply cannot let this happen.”

A staggering 776 million young people and adults, or 16 per cent of the global adult population, are currently on the margins of society due to a lack of literacy and numeracy skills. To this end, the Director-General mentioned UNESCO’s close collaboration with Member States and EFA partners to advocate for greater strategic collaboration, innovation and policy shifts in the field of literacy, notably through its role as global coordinator for Education for All and the UN Literacy Decade (2003-2012), as well as through country-level programmes such as the Literacy Initiative for Empowerment (LIFE).

As illiteracy continues to disproportionally affect disadvantaged populations and the gender gap remains unchanged with women still comprising two-thirds of illiterate adults, Mr Matsuura urged the international community to focus on expanding access to basic education and improving the quality of teaching and learning, beginning with an urgent scaling-up of financial resources.

This year’s Global Action Week events provide opportunities to raise the status of literacy on policy agendas and emphasize the indispensable role literacy plays in the achievement of all of the internationally agreed development goals. Under the slogan ‘Open Books, Open Doors’, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day, a range of activities will take place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 23 April at UNESCO HQ.

How To get Cash for Structured Settlements

If you have a structured settlement and you need a lump sum of cash right away, you may consider getting cash for your structured settlement. You can sell your settlement to a private note investor or a lending institution. But keep in mind that this move is not without some risk. Read on to discover some important information about how to get cash for a structured settlement.



When you apply to get cash for a structured settlement, you have to keep in mind that this can be a complicated process. You should have a structured settlement specialist help you. This person may be an attorney or a financial professional that has had specialized training.



Selling your annuity payments will assign all rights to future payments to the institution that you sell your payments to. But it is important to remember that in most cases you can choose to sell your annuity payments in parts or you can sell the whole thing. For example, if your annuity payments are set up over a period of thirty years, you may choose to sell only two years worth.



The very first thing you should do before getting cash for a structured settlement is to figure out how much money you need. What are you going to be using the money for? Do you need to pay off mounting medical bills? Do you have high interest credit cards that are eating up your budget? Once you determine the amount that you need and what you need it for, you will have a clearer picture of how much of your annuity payments to sell.



The next thing you need to do is to get all of your structured settlement details together. You need to have the name of the life insurance company that backs your annuity payments. You also need to know the exact dates of payment disbursement, how much the payment is going to be and how many payments you have left.



When you meet with your investor you need to let him know how much money that you need and how many payments your are going to sell. He will take this information, calculate the present day value of your settlement and connect you with those individuals or organizations that can give you the most money for your annuity payments.



Before you try to get cash for a structured settlement, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Make absolutely sure it is something that you want to do. When you sell your structured settlement you are giving up future income. If you do opt to get cash for your structured settlement, use the money wisely.

Annuities After Retirement

The difference between people who look forward to their retirement and those who wonder if they will ever retire is the fact that the former group has made investments in annuities. There are two phases in an annuity investment, the accumulation phase or the period when you pay a premium or premiums and the pay out phase when you begin to receive income from the investment.

Annuities are designed to help people live independently and comfortably in their retired years and truly make them the golden years. Insurance companies offer individuals a chance to buy an annuity by making a one-time payment or several premium payments and assure them a certain rate of return that may be revised from time to time. There are many types of annuities that can be used to plan for your retirement and to ensure that little changes in your lifestyle after you stop working. The different types of annuities include deferred annuities, equity-indexed annuities and immediate annuities.

The income received from the annuity would depend on many factors such as the age of the investor, rate of return, etc. Women usually receive less income than men because they have a longer life expectancy. Also if partners hold the annuity jointly then the income received is lower.

Some features of annuities after retirement:

* Tax is deferred on annuities and is paid on the gains one receives as income from the annuity. Since one is in a lower tax bracket, the tax is thus affected. Also the gains from the annuity are taxed as ordinary income.

* Only the part of the income that is considered as gains are taxed and not the rest of the investment.

* After your working years you can decide to receive income from the annuity for the rest of your life or for a fixed period of time.

* The income can be received as the investor wishes, on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

* In cases where people have not invested in annuities before their retirement they may choose to do so later. There is no age limit on investment in annuities. For such investors the immediate annuity may be the most appealing. The immediate annuity begins paying income to the investor virtually as soon as the annuity is bought.

* If required payment from an annuity can also be deferred until the investor is ready to receive it.

* If the retired person has a bulk sum of money then investment in an immediate annuity will supplement the other sources of income.

Your retirement can be secure and enjoyable by investing in an annuity. If you haven’t created a personal retirement plan with an annuity, it is never too late to start. Buy an annuity today!

Retirement Income Annuities

Retirement Income Annuities are ordinary deferred annuities, but with an additional feature...a decreasing term life insurance rider that provides term life insurance with a face amount that decreases each year the policy is in force.

The effect is that if the annuitant reaches retirement age...for example, 65...the decreasing term insurance death benefit expires and annuity payments begin providing long term income. If, however the annuitant dies before reaching this age, the decreasing term insurance death benefit is combined with the value of the annuity and then paid to the annuitant's beneficiary in any settlement option chosen.

A number of financial products now offer significant security for retirees. Consider annuity policies, which allow you to invest a chunk of your savings in return for regular payouts. Annuities got a famously bad rap in the 1990s because of their unfamiliar - and surprisingly steep - fees. Since then, the variety of products has grown and some of the fees are down, especially if you shop around. Moreover, today there is an annuity to suit every stripe, and many are "unbundled," allowing consumers to customize their annuity just as they might tweak a new car purchase to add side-curtain airbags.

Even with all the bells and whistles, annuities still roll out of the factory on one of two basic chassis. Fixed annuities yield a steady stream of income for a set number of years or the rest of your life. Variable annuities can also provide regular checks, but they tie the amount of your payouts to the performance of an investment portfolio. Both types allow you to choose whether to begin receiving payouts immediately (in monthly, quarterly, or annual installments) or at a later date. And both varieties pay out partly taxable money - you are taxed only on your gains, not your original investment - at regular income-tax rates, an important fact to weigh when considering annuities for your financial plan.

Just like a new-car purchase, you then start adding options. You can buy fixed annuities and tack on inflation protection for your payouts; you can choose to add a death benefit - or not. Some policies offer an option for long-term-care insurance, which raises your payouts if you become disabled. On certain variable annuities, you can opt to have your portfolio value (and thus your payouts) reflect your performance only in neutral or good years.

Structured Settlement

The Benefits of a Personal Injury Structured Settlement

Prior to 1982, if you were injured in accident and awarded a settlement, you had to take it in one lump sum. This one time payment caused a lot of problems for people who did not know how to manage the money correctly. After the injured party spent all of the money on things that were not related to their medical care or injuries, they were left wondering how they were going to pay for their future medical needs.

In 1982, the law was changed to a personal injury structured settlement plan. This type of payment plan consists of sending the injured party a monthly or annual payment over a period of time. This type of settlement plan gave people the security of having income on a regular basis.

When a structured settlement payment plan is in place, the injured party will be able to receive the funds necessary to pay for their medical care. If the injured party is confined to a bed or even to a nursing home, the monthly payment from the structured settlement will alleviate the worries that the family may have about how to afford care for their loved one.

The decision to change from lump sum payments to structured settlement payments was not made without careful deliberation. Studies have shown that about 30% who received a lump sum payment due to an accident spent all of the money within two months. Further studies revealed that 90% of the people spent all of the money within five years.

For a lump sum payment to be beneficial for the injured party for future medical expenses it must be invested and administered over time. Since most people do not have experience in investing money, the injured party must hire a financial advisor to invest the money for them. When a huge sum of money is invested, the returns on the investment are taxable. In addition, when you hire a financial advisor you run the risk of getting the wrong person and having your money disappear due to theft or just plain mismanagement of the funds.

A personal injury structured settlement can be beneficial because it is tax free. The money is backed by a life insurance company and delivered to the injured party in annuities or smaller monthly or yearly payments. The reasons that personal injury structured settlements are beneficial are many. For example, if a victim dies and leaves behind minor children, the personal injury structured settlement payments can provide for food, housing and education for these minors.

So as you can see, personal injury structured settlements are a good thing. The money will be there if needed. The injured party and family members will not have to worry about financing future medical expenses. If you are ever injured in an accident and your attorney suggests structured settlements, it may be a good idea to take him up on this offer.

The Benefits of Structured Settlement Annuity Payments

Getting injured in an accident or becoming disabled due to medical malpractice can ruin your life and the lives of your loved ones. But if you have taken it to court and won your case then there is hope. This hope comes in the form of structured settlement annuity payments. Read on to discover a little more about this type of payment structure and how it will benefit you and your family.

Structured settlement annuity payments are the payments that you will receive after you win a lawsuit. These annuities are an alternative to getting a one time lump sum from your settlement.

So why are structured settlement annuity payments better than a single lump sum? The reasons can be as diverse as the person receiving them. Let’s look at a few of the benefits of structured payments.

1. Structured settlement annuity payments will allow you to have income over a lifetime. You will be guaranteed a monthly or yearly check for the duration of your life.

2. These payments can be used for living expenses, medical bills or medical equipment, education or however else that you see fit.

3. A structured settlement payment plan will prevent you from spending your whole settlement in just a few short years. Unfortunately, a lot of people have no constraint when it comes to spending, so a payment plan will do away with the temptation to spend your money foolishly.

4. A payment plan also deters friends and relatives from asking for a loan or a handout. It is amazing how many friends you will discover when you come into some money.

5. Money received from structured settlement annuities are not taxable. This simply means that this is not considered income and will not be taxed at the end of the year.

6. If the recipient of a structured settlement is already receiving social security, the income generated from these payments will not affect your social security benefits. Social security cannot decrease your benefits because you are receiving structured settlement payments.

7. Structured settlement payments can be customized on a yearly basis to factor in for cost of living or additional expenses that may become apparent. That means that you can request that your payment amount be raised.

8. Structured settlements are protected from creditors and divorce. You cannot lose any amount of your settlement to a creditor that sues you or to your spouse in a divorce proceeding.

So if you are injured and have won the case, your attorney may talk to you about structured settlement annuity payments. Listen to his advice and the advice of a good financial advisor. A structured settlement may be the best way for you to receive your payments.

The Importance of Choosing a Good Structured Settlement Broker

If you have won an case where you were awarded a large sum of money, you may be offered the money in payments over a specific period of time. This is called a structured settlement. This type of payment system will provide you with a guaranteed income on a regular basis until the whole settlement is paid. But for this whole process to work properly, you need the services of an experienced structured settlement broker.

It is the job of the structured settlement broker to help the parties understand the costs involved and to come up with a proper financial analysis. An experienced structured settlement broker will be able to develop the best payment plan that will best benefit the recipient.

A structured settlement is paid out by annuities that are backed by a life insurance company. These annuities can be paid in several different ways. The payee may choose to get a partial lump sum initially and then receive payments on a monthly basis, a quarterly basis or a yearly basis.

The payment structure can be changed over the life of the payment schedule in some cases. If the payee has medical needs arise, he can request an increase in payments to cover these costs. It is vital to have an experienced structure settlement broker working with you if this becomes the case.

Structured settlements can also be sold to get a cash payout. People may opt to do this if they need a large sum of cash right away. But it is important to keep in mind that selling a structured settlement will decrease the amount of money that you will get because you are given only a fraction of the total settlement sum.

If you sell your structured settlement, you are also giving up a guaranteed monthly income. These structured settlement payments are tax exempt and protected from creditors and divorce settlements. So you need to positive that the annuity payments are something that you want to part with.

Selling your structured settlement payments is a complex process and will take the advice of a good structured settlement broker. You should also consult your attorney before you decide to sell. You must be very careful in who you choose to sell your settlement to. Like everything else out there, there are unscrupulous companies that will take control of your settlement and not pay you. Some companies will not want to give you a fair price for your structured settlement. Therefore, it is critical that you have your attorney or structured settlement broker guide you when selling your structured settlement.

So never hesitate to employ the services of a structured settlement broker.

Why Sell a Structured Settlement?

A structured settlement is a payment that you will receive monthly, quarterly or yearly if you have been injured in an accident and are entitled to compensation. These payments may come for a few years or they may be set up to come over a lifetime. A structured payment is a guaranteed check to help support you and your family. But sometimes people want to sell a structured settlement. You may be asking yourself why someone would want to do this. Keep reading to uncover a few good reasons for selling a structured settlement.

The reasons that someone will sell a structured settlement are different for each individual. But one of the biggest reasons for selling is that money may be needed for a major operation or for medical equipment that can help enhance the life of the recipient. Sometimes, money is needed for other family members that have a health crisis.

For some people, selling off a structured settlement will allow them to purchase a home. Having a place to live without the worry of a mortgage or being evicted is enough of a reason for certain individuals to sell a structured settlement.

There are those that may be particularly savvy with the stock markets. These people may choose to sell a structured settlement to invest in stocks or bonds that will make them more money in the long run. This is probably the smartest reason to sell a structured settlement. But you must know what you are doing to make this work.

Older adults that have been involved in an accident and are getting structured settlements may choose to sell so that they can help their children or grandchildren. An older adult who receives a structured settlement for life realizes that they may not have many years left and may decide to use the money to enhance the lives of their children.

Regardless of the reason that someone may choose to sell a structured settlement they must do so carefully. They need to enlist the aid of a lawyer or financial specialist who is trained to sell structured settlements. Make sure that the individual that buys the settlement is on the up and up. You should also shop around for buyers, because one buyer may offer a higher price than the other.

Selling a structured settlement is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. When you sell a structured settlement you are virtually giving up a lifetime of steady income for a fraction of the price. But if you are positive that it is the best route to take, then by all means, go for it!

Sell Structured Settlement Annuity Payments

Structured settlement annuity recipients receiving payments over time can convert their future payments into cash.

You can choose to receive a lump sum cash payment for all or just some of your structured settlement annuity payments to:

• Eliminate debt
• Pay off high-interest credit cards
• Reduce your medical bills

Stone Street Capital is a leading lump sum structured settlement annuity company that can convert your future payments to cash.

The Lump Sum Option

The lump sum option gives you flexibility to sell your structured settlement annuity payments and get the up-front cash you need now. Life changes happen fast. Even though a structured settlement may have been the right choice at the time, things may have changed and you need money now.

Structured Settlement Annuity Buyer

Stone Street Capital will purchase your future payments for your settlement annuity payments resulting from a:

• Personal Injury Settlement
• Medical Malpractice Settlement
• Wrongful Death Settlement
• Lawsuit Settlement

About Stone Street Capital

Stone Street Capital is America's leading structured settlement annuity buyer. We are the oldest, most respected firm in the lump sum industry. For nearly 20 years, we have helped thousands of structured settlement annuity recipients convert some or all of their annuity payments into cash. We can help you too.

Cash for Annuity Payments

Do you own an annuity but need to access cash now? Stone Street Capital can turn some or all of your annuity cash payments into one lump sum of cash if you:

• Inherited an annuity payments and prefer cash
• Prefer a different investment vehicle
• Need a large amount of money but do not want a high interest loan

Whatever the reason, Stone Street Capital makes it easy to get cash for annuity payments.

The Lump Sum Option

A lot can happen during the time that you chose an annuity and today. It’s for this simple reason Stone Street Capital began offering the lump sum option nearly 20 years ago. Choosing the lump sum option with Stone Street Capital means you have the ability to turn some or all of your annual annuity cash payments into one large lump sum of cash.

How Do I Sell Annuity Payments?

If you are interested in converting some or all of your annuity into cash, or simply want to know how much you can get right now, call us today at 1-800-LUMP-SUM (800-586-7786).

About Stone Street Capital

In 1989, Stone Street Capital was created to give annuity owners, like you, financial options. Our unique programs allow you to tap into finances that would otherwise be out of reach. It's for this reason that so many annuity owners contact us again and again - because we get you access to the money you need. It's that simple.

Sell Annuity Settlement Payments

Structured settlements are set up for a reason - to provide you with income over time. However, things change and your situation may require you to access cash now.

Stone Street Capital offers annuity settlement recipients the option to receive a lump sum cash payment for all or some of your structured settlement annuity payments to:

• Pay off your home mortgage
• Reduce or eliminate debt
• Pay medical bills
• Pay off credit cards or other loans

The Lump Sum Option

Choosing the lump sum option with Stone Street Capital can give you the flexibility to sell annuity settlement payments and get the up-front cash you need now. Receiving annuity settlement payments over time may have been the right choice previously, but your situation may have changed. Even the best prepared person can face financial hardships.

Immediate Cash When You Sell Annuity Settlement Payments

You may sell annuity settlement payments resulting from a:

• Structured Settlement Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death Settlement
• Medical Malpractice Settlement
• Lawsuit Settlement
• Annuity

Let Us Help You

You may have many questions about the lump sum option. Our staff of experienced professionals understands your concerns. Whether you are ready for a free quote, or have additional questions about a lump sum transaction, we are here to help.

About Stone Street Capital

For almost 20 years, Stone Street Capital has been a leader in the specialty finance industry. With over $1 billion in originated transactions, we have helped thousands of clients nationwide. We can help you too.

Sell Annuity Information

If you are one of the many annuity owners looking for information on selling annuity payments, you are not alone. For almost 20 years, Stone Street Capital has helped thousands of annuity owners or recipients cash in their annuity payments for a large lump sum.

Why Cash in Now?

There are many reasons that cashing in your annuity makes sense.

• You may want to invest the cash into other products
• Your tax situation may have changed
• You need access to a large amount of money and a loan does not make sense

Whatever the reason, Stone Street Capital makes selling annuity payments fast and easy.

Sell Annuity Information

There are many reasons why cashing in some or all of your annuity payments makes sense. It could be an unexpected expense or change in your financial situation has occurred, or perhaps you were not the original owner of your annuity and would rather free up your money that would otherwise be out of reach.

Whatever the reason, Stone Street Capital makes it easy to convert some or all of your annuity payments into cash.

How Much Will You Get?

Fill out the quote form on this page or call 1-800-LUMP-SUM and one of our Annuity Lump Sum Experts will present you with customized lump sum options that match your needs.

Not ready for a quote just yet? Call 1-800-LUMP-SUM (800-586-7786) to receive more information on selling annuity payments and explore your options.

There is no cost and no obligation of any kind.

Why choose Stone Street Capital?

• We are the annuity lump sum experts: Founded in 1989 we have been helping settlement and annuity recipients for nearly 20 years.
• We have closed over $1 Billion in transactions
• Stone Street Capital puts annuity owners' rights first - We've lobbied to change restrictive laws and open up new financial alternatives for annuity owners.

Get Cash For Structured Settlement Payments

Structured settlement recipients: you can choose to receive lump sum cash for your structured settlement payments to:

• Pay off credit cards and other bills
• Eliminate debt
• Reduce your medical bills

Whether you are ready to receive cash for structured settlement payments or simply have questions about the lump sum option, call us today.

1-800-LUMP-SUM
(800-586-7786)
Free Call. Free Quote.

Receiving structured settlement payments is an excellent way for people to protect their financial security. But what happens when there are unexpected life changes? Isn't it great to know that you have an option to get cash for your:

• Structured settlement payments
• Personal injury structured settlement payments
• Structured settlement annuity payments

The Lump Sum Option

The lump sum option gives you flexibility to turn structured settlement payments into the immediate cash you need now. Even though a structured settlement may have made sense previously, life changes. No matter how prepared you are, sometimes you need cash to handle unforeseen circumstances. Accessing cash for structured settlement annuity payments may be the answer.

Immediate Cash When You Sell Structured Settlement Payments

You can sell structured settlement payments resulting from a:

• Lawsuit Settlement
• Medical Malpractice Settlement
• Personal Injury Structured Settlement
• Wrongful Death Settlement
• Structured Settlement Annuity

We Can Help You

The decision to sell structured settlement payments should not be taken lightly. While many times, the lump sum option makes sense, sometimes it doesn't. Our staff of experienced professionals understands you may have questions about the lump sum option. We will work with you to help you decide if getting cash for structured settlement payments makes sense for you.

About Stone Street Capital

Stone Street Capital has been a leader in the specialty finance industry for almost 20 years. In that time we have helped thousands of people receive immediate money for their future payment streams. Since 1989, we've paid over $1 Billion to people all across America and we are focused on helping our customers. We can help you too.

Eastern Colonial India

The Settlement of Structure of Eastern Colonial India/Paramita Majumdar. Delhi, Gagandeep Pub., 2007, xvi, 272 p., tables, maps, diagrams, ISBN 81-88865-01-X.

Contents: Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction. 2. Settlement structure. 3. Economic structure. 4. Migration. 5. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

"The form of settlement in any particular region reflects Man's relationship with the environment. The pattern and structure of settlement in a space along with the organization of population provides fair idea about the levels of development achieved by that region. The history of Bengal presidency and the province of Bihar and Orissa have been most significant in the context of colonial rule in India. It went through most turbulent periods in terms of economic casualty, political instability, social transformation and cultural syntheses. The perceive the vicissitudes of changes in every sphere, the region is one of the best. Being a highly involved and complex area and the scene of many political events which shaped the society and economy, it is interesting to know how these forces played a decisive role in shaping the settlement structure of the region. The present study is an attempt towards understanding the settlement structure of the two provinces during 1901 and 1931. The main objectives of the study are as follows:

1. To observe the temporal variation in settlement structure in terms of density, distribution, growth and size of settlements.

2. To analyse the occupational distribution of the population in order to understand the economic structure of the settlements.

3. To analyse the difference in the density of population and settlement growth by observing the pattern and trend of migration.

Well illustrated with tables, maps and diagrams the book would meet the requirements of geographers, sociologists, historian, researchers and all others interested in the subject." (jacket)

the view of US. structured settlement

Structured Settlements in the United States

The United States has enacted structured settlement laws and regulations at both the federal and state levels. Federal structured settlement laws include sections of the (federal) Internal Revenue Code^[1]. State structured settlement laws include structured settlement protection statutes and periodic payment of judgment statutes. Medicaid and Medicare laws and regulations affect structured settlements. To preserve a claimant’s Medicare and Medicaid benefits, structured settlement payments may be incorporated into “Medicare Set Aside Arrangements” “Special Needs Trusts."

Structured settlements have been endorsed by many of the nation's largest disability rights organizations, including the American Association of People with Disabilities ^[2] and the National Organization on Disability ^[3].

[edit] Definitions

The United States definition of “structured settlement” for federal income taxation purposes, found in Internal Revenue Code Section 5891(c)(1) (26 U.S.C. § 5891(c)(1)), is an "arrangement" that meets the following requirements:

• A structured settlement must be established by:
  • A suit or agreement for periodic payment of damages excludable from gross income under Internal Revenue Code Section 104(a)(2) (26 U.S.C. § 104(a)(2)); or
  • An agreement for the periodic payment of compensation under any workers’ compensation law excludable under Internal Revenue Code Section 104(a)(1) (26 U.S.C. § 104(a)(1)); and
• The periodic payments must be of the character described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of Internal Revenue Code Section 130(c)(2) (26 U.S.C. § 130(c)(2))) and must be payable by a person who:
  • Is a party to the suit or agreement or to a workers' compensation claim; or
  • By a person who has assumed the liability for such periodic payments under a qualified assignment in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 130 (26 U.S.C. § 130).

[edit] Legal Structure

The typical structured settlement arises and is structured as follows: An injured party (the claimant) settles a tort suit with the defendant (or its insurance carrier) pursuant to a settlement agreement that provides that, in exchange for the claimant's securing the dismissal of the lawsuit, the defendant (or, more commonly, its insurer) agrees to make a series of periodic payments over time. The insurer, a property/casualty insurance company, thus finds itself with a long-term payment obligation to the claimant. To fund this obligation, the property/casualty insurer generally takes one of two typical approaches: It either purchases an annuity from a life insurance company (an arrangement called a "buy and hold" case) or it assigns (or, more properly, delegates) its periodic payment obligation to a third party which in turn purchases an annuity (which arrangement is called an "assigned case").

In an unassigned case, the property/casualty insurer retains the periodic payment obligation and funds it by purchasing an annuity from a life insurance company, thereby offsetting its obligation with a matching asset. The payment stream purchased under the annuity matches exactly, in timing and amounts, the periodic payments agreed to in the settlement agreement. The property/casualty company owns the annuity and names the claimant as the payee under the annuity, thereby directing the annuity issuer to send payments directly to the claimant. If any of the periodic payments are life-contingent (i.e., the obligation to make a payment is contingent on someone continuing to be alive), then the claimant (or whoever is determined to be the measuring life) is named as the annuitant or measuring life under the annuity.

In an assigned case, the property/casualty company does not wish to retain the long-term periodic payment obligation on its books. Accordingly, the property/casualty insurer transfers the obligation, through a legal device called a qualified assignment, to a third party. The third party, called an assignment company, will require the property/casualty company to pay it an amount sufficient to enable it to buy an annuity that will fund its newly accepted periodic payment obligation. If the claimant consents to the transfer of the periodic payment obligation (either in the settlement agreement or, failing that, in a special form of qualified assignment known as a qualified assignment and release), the defendant and/or its property/casualty company has no further liability to make the periodic payments. This method of substituting the obligor is desirable for property/casualty companies that do not want to retain the periodic payment obligation on their books. Typically, an assignment company is an affiliate of the life insurance company from which the annuity is purchased.

An assignment is said to be "qualified" if it satisfies the criteria set forth in Internal Revenue Code Section 130. Qualification of the assignment is important to assignment companies because without it the amount they receive to induce them to accept periodic payment obligations would be considered income for federal income tax purposes. If an assignment qualifies under Section 130, however, the amount received is excluded from the income of the assignment company. This provision of the tax code was enacted to encourage assigned cases; without it, assignment companies would owe federal income taxes but would typically have no source from which to make the payments.

Definition of structured Settlement

A structured settlement is a financial or insurance arrangement, including periodic payments, that a claimant accepts to resolve a personal injury tort claim or to compromise a statutory periodic payment obligation. Structured settlements were first utilized in Canada and the United States during the 1970s as an alternative to lump sum settlements. Structured settlements are now part of the statutory tort law of several common law countries including Australia, Canada, England and the United States. Although some uniformity exists, each of these countries has its own definitions, rules and standards for structured settlements. Structured settlements may include income tax and spendthrift requirements as well as benefits. Structured settlement payments are sometimes called “periodic payments.” A structured settlement incorporated into a trial judgment is called a “periodic payment judgment."

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