Italian Educators Use Multi Media Art Technique to Nurture Collaboration, Inclusivity and Innovation

December 17, 2018, 12:03 am

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In a new interview with CMRubinWorld, Alessandro Lumare co-Founder of Segni Mossi, explains how a unique art research project is promoting social inclusion and nurturing critical competencies needed for a 21st century world.

NEW YORK (PRWEB) December 17, 2018

In a world where creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration have become critical to flourish, there has never been a more important time for innovative art education. Visual artist Alessandro Lumare and choreographer Simona Lobefaro provide youth and adults with workshops and training courses that blend movement with graphic art. Lumare describes the approach as art without rules or boundaries in which the body and mind are free to explore and innovate “minus stereotypical constraints.” This cutting edge technique nurtures artistic expression without anxiety and has become a critical outlet for people of all ages to develop essential skills such as creativity and curiosity. “We work with the curiosity, the resistance, the frustration, the desire and the physical limit of that particular day. Every quality is introduced into the mechanism, which makes each and every experience unique,” says Alessandro Lumare. Today the program is offered to kids and adults in primary schools throughout Italy.

Read the full article here

Alessandro Lumare is a visual artist and Simona Lobefaro is a choreographer. Their research project – Segni Mossi – was born in 2014 in Rome to study the relationship and common ground between the languages of drawing and dance with children and adults. The focus of their program is on nurturing creativity and social emotional learning inspired by these art forms within a safe, free environment. Today the program is offered to kids and adults in primary schools throughout Italy.

CMRubinWorld’s award-winning series, The Global Search for Education, brings together distinguished thought leaders in education and innovation from around the world to explore the key learning issues faced by most nations. The series has become a highly visible platform for global discourse on 21st century learning, offering a diverse range of innovative ideas which are presented by the series founder, C. M. Rubin, together with the world’s leading thinkers.

For more information on CMRubinWorld

Follow @CMRubinWorld on Twitter

Contact Information:

David Wine

David(at)cmrubinworld(dot)com Reported by PRWeb 23 hours ago.

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Viale Innovazione Dorms Use Innovative PENETRON Technology

December 17, 2018, 1:04 am

≫ Next: Italy Trade Balance EU dipped from previous €1.183B to €0.744B in October

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Open in December 2018 just time for the new year, the Bicocca Student Dormitory in Milan, Italy, was initially faced with a demanding construction schedule and a budget that allowed for no mistakes – or delays. Penetron crystalline products provided an elegant solution to both challenges, on time and accelerating the budget.

EAST SETAUKET, New York (PRWEB) December 17, 2018

Open in December 2018 just time for the new year, the Bicocca Student Dormitory in Milan, Italy, was initially faced with a demanding construction schedule and a budget that allowed for no mistakes – or delays. Penetron crystalline products provided an elegant solution to both challenges, on time and accelerating the budget.

Owned and financed by InvestiRE SGR, a private investment company specializing in real-estate assets, the Bicocca Student Dormitory is located on the Viale Innovazione in the Milanese district of Bicocca, across from the University of Milano-Bicocca campus and the Teatro degli Arcimboldi. The modernist design of geometric white façades by Goring & Straja Studio (GaS) envelopes a building with a 1,000 m2 (11,000-square-foot) footprint, featuring 15 above-ground floors and two underground floors.

Tight schedule, tight budget
“The builder, Stahlbau Pichler, was faced with an extremely ambitious construction schedule and a tight budget,” explains Enricomaria Brac, Director of Penetron Italia. “In addition, the construction site had high groundwater levels that presented some challenges, and the initial construction plans had specified a membrane solution for the below-grade structures.”

Because of the tight schedule and restrictive budget, the project managers quickly realized that installation of a membrane would completely overwhelm the project deadlines. In addition, the expense of correctly installing a bituminous membrane was not covered by the budget. After reviewing a proposal made by the Penetron Italia team, the builder decided against a membrane solution and specified PENETRON ADMIX for all below-grade concrete structures of the Bicocca Student Dormitory.

Keeping on schedule
Unical, the ready-mix supplier, worked with the Penetron Italia team to come up with a concrete mix that met the waterproofing performance parameters defined by the project specifications. Added to the concrete mix during batching in pre-measured soluble bags as a waterproofing treatment, PENETRON ADMIX had the added advantage of helping the builder accelerate the construction schedule over the previously specified membrane.

“Our team worked with the project manager and the ready-mix supplier to ensure the right mix that would meet the structural demands of the project, which included a wide array of structural joints and other details,” adds Mr. Brac. “Also, the simplicity of adding PENETRON ADMIX in pre-measured, quality-controlled soluble bags to the concrete mix proved advantageous for the concrete supplier.”

Permanent seal for concrete
The active ingredients in PENETRON ADMIX react in a catalytic process to generate a non-soluble crystalline network throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. This reaction permanently seals cracks, pores and capillaries against the penetration of water or chemicals from any direction, drastically reducing the permeability (and cracking) of the below-grade concrete structures of the Bicocca Student Dorm building – guaranteeing a waterproof seal.

PENETRON ADMIX was mixed into the concrete for the base slab and the perimeter walls in the below-grade structures; a total of about 1,000 m3 (1,300 cubic yards) of concrete was treated with the crystalline admixture.

“The innovative Penetron crystalline technology provides a 'self-healing' capability to the concrete that remains active for the life of the concrete matrix,” concludes Mr. Brac.

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700. Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.

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Italy Trade Balance EU dipped from previous €1.183B to €0.744B in October

December 17, 2018, 1:16 am

≫ Next: Italy Global Trade Balance up to €3.784B in October from previous €1.274B

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Reported by FXstreet.com 22 hours ago.

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Italy Global Trade Balance up to €3.784B in October from previous €1.274B

December 17, 2018, 1:16 am

≫ Next: Walker Zanger debuts two new complementary natural stone collections

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Reported by FXstreet.com 22 hours ago.

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Walker Zanger debuts two new complementary natural stone collections

December 17, 2018, 5:08 am

≫ Next: USD longs trimmed, EUR shorts edge lower - Rabobank

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Modern styles, large formats and neutral colors work in harmony to unify any design space

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) December 17, 2018

Natural stone is one of the earth’s truest natural treasures, one that artisans can skillfully call attention to through superior craftsmanship and human ingenuity. Walker Zanger’s two new natural stone collections—Fragmenta Terrazzo and Marble Luxe—are inspired by this time-honored craftsmanship, yet invigorated with contemporary sophistication. These new large-format tiles form a worldly compilation of colors and designs that work in balance with each other to deliver an elevated overall design experience.

“These new collections are an homage to the limitless potential of natural stone and our legacy and experience in selecting only the finest quality materials,” said Erika Egede-Nissen, Walker Zanger Director of Marketing. “Fragmenta Terrazzo and Marble Luxe deliver classically-inspired and skillfully-crafted tile in a versatile selection of formats that celebrate each material through modern styles and beautifully neutral colors to unify your designs.”

TWEET THIS: Two new tile collections from @walkerzanger—Fragmenta Terrazzo and Marble Luxe—feature modern styles, large formats and a neutral color palette to celebrate the craftsmanship behind natural stone. http://bit.ly/WZ_CuratedElegance #walkerzanger

True to the historical inspiration behind the new collections, Walker Zanger has partnered with one of Italy’s oldest family-owned terrazzo tile makers, combining ancient roots and contemporary trends to create the Fragmenta Terrazzo collection. It combines the unique, composite characteristics of classic terrazzo tiles seen in 17th century Venetian palazzos with sleek, modern shades of grey, white and black. Offered in large 24-by-24-inch tiles, the collection blends tradition and innovation to produce a tile that is both rich with history and in line with current design sensibilities.

The new Marble Luxe collection elevates the classic elegance and refined style of marble even further. Cut from large blocks usually reserved for slabs, this tile is offered in a premium size with minimal thickness for easier installation and thinner grout lines. Incorporating crisp colors and patterns, Marble Luxe accentuates the superior quality of marble while transcending the traditional look and feel of more conventional marble tiles through colors like bold turquoise, creamy whites, warm browns and rich greys.

Fragmenta Terrazzo and Marble Luxe are part of the new Curated Elegance collection by Walker Zanger, which includes three exclusive natural stone tile collections that celebrate skillful craftsmanship and modern styles to unify any design space. Visit walkerzanger.com/curatedelegance to learn more.

About Walker Zanger
Walker Zanger, the world’s most respected stone and tile company, combines traditional tile-making techniques with a modern sophistication that transcends any singular design style. A leading choice for design professionals, architects and consumers, Walker Zanger’s natural stone and tile products can be found in luxury homes, trendy boutiques, lavish spas and resorts, famed museums and fine restaurants around the globe. Walker Zanger is available through 14 beautiful showrooms and more than 200 authorized dealers nationwide. For more information, visit walkerzanger.com. Reported by PRWeb 18 hours ago.

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USD longs trimmed, EUR shorts edge lower - Rabobank

December 17, 2018, 5:54 am

≫ Next: USD/CHF finds support ahead of 0.99, recovers modestly to 0.9930 area

≪ Previous: Walker Zanger debuts two new complementary natural stone collections

According to IMM net speculators’ positioning as at December 11, 2018, USD speculators’ long positions have been trimmed further in the week ending December 11 amid growing market concerns that the Fed could make a policy mistake raising interest rates too quickly at the time when slowdown in the global economy may have negative impact on the US.

*Key Quotes*

“While EUR net short positions edged lower, more evidence of a slowdown in Eurozone’s economic activity, a warning from ECB President Draghi that the risks “are moving to the downside” and evaporating appetite to implement structural reforms in France accompanied by populist fiscal measures in Italy should prevent the euro from gaining a sustainable upside traction against the US dollar.”

“GBP net short positions increased to the highest level so far in December on the back of rising risk of a hard Brexit.”

“JPY net short positions have been reduced due to rising demand for safe haven driven by market concerns about the global economy. The same logical applies to CHF as speculators reduced their bearish bets on the Swissie.” Reported by FXstreet.com 17 hours ago.

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USD/CHF finds support ahead of 0.99, recovers modestly to 0.9930 area

December 17, 2018, 6:36 am

≫ Next: Second Annual 'International Volcanic Wine Conference' To Be Held in New York on June 5, 2019

≪ Previous: USD longs trimmed, EUR shorts edge lower - Rabobank

· *Flight-to-safety boosts demand for CHF.*
· *USD/CHF loses more than 50 pips on Monday.*
· *US Dollar Index erases a large portion of Friday's gains.*

Although the USD/CHF pair was able to quickly recover its bearish opening gap in the early Asian session, the risk-off mood allowed the CHF to gather strength against its peers on Monday. After slumping to a fresh session low of 0.9918, the pair staged a small rebound and was last seen trading at 0.9230, still down 52 pips, or 0.5%, on a daily basis.

The uncertainty surrounding Brexit deal and ongoing political drama in France and Italy alongside with concerns over a global economic slowdown continue to push investors toward safe-havens such as the CHF and the JPY.

On the other hand, the greenback is struggling to preserve its strength ahead of this Wednesday's critical FOMC meeting, at which the Fed is expected to announce a 25 bps rate hike. Earlier in the session, the data published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York showed that the business activity in the regional manufacturing sector expanded at a slower-than-expected rate in December with the headline Business Conditions Index slumping to 10.9 from 23.3 in November. At the moment, the US Dollar Index is down 0.25% on the day at 97.18.

*Technical levels to consider*

The pair could face the first technical resistance at 0.9950 (20-DMA) ahead of 1.0000 (psychological level) and 1.0065 (Nov. 5 high). On the downside, supports are located at 0.9910 (200-DMA), 0.9875 (100-DMA) and 0.9860 (Dec. 11 low).

Reported by FXstreet.com 17 hours ago.

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Second Annual 'International Volcanic Wine Conference' To Be Held in New York on June 5, 2019

December 17, 2018, 7:02 am

≫ Next: Skier-snowboarder Ledecka finding more success after golds

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Annual Conference Created and Hosted by Award-Winning Author and Master Sommelier John Szabo and Volcanic Wines International

NEW YORK (PRWEB) December 17, 2018

John Szabo, Master Sommelier and award-winning author and Volcanic Wines International (VWI) are proud to announce the 2nd annual ‘International Volcanic Wine Conference (IVWC), to be held in New York City on June 5, 2019. The event follows the highly successful inaugural conference, held in March of this year, and Szabo’s acclaimed book on the subject, "Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power," published in 2016.

The IVWC, in its second year, aims to continue its mission of establishing a volcanic wine movement, and to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. The conference acts as a catalyst and facilitator to eventually bring together all of the world’s volcanic regions and wines, while incredibly diverse, represent a unique category of wines produced under some of the most extreme viticultural conditions on the planet. The annual conference also aims to help establish the ‘volcanic wine classification’ as a premium category of high quality, terroir-driven wines with a true sense of place.

“This year’s inaugural conference was wildly successful, exceeding all expectations,” says John Szabo. “Guests were able to taste quality wines from diverse volcanic soils and learn from leading winemakers and experts about the unique characteristics that make these wines special.”

A first of its kind, the 2018 conference brought together producers from all over the world, helping raise the profile of volcanic wines; exclusively for qualifying wine trade and media, 300 industry professionals attended the event. During the conference, guests were able to sample wines from over 50 wineries from 16 different volcanic wine regions and engage with some of the world’s leading volcanic wine experts.

"The Soave Consortium has always believed in the need of creating a specific category to identify volcanic wines and their unique characteristics,” says Sandro Gini, Soave Consortium President. “The event in New York in March 2018 brought us much satisfaction, especially by seeing a strong interest in these wines' peculiarities by wine professionals and writers."

Educational seminars included “Volcanic Italy… as seen through Aglianico and Garganega,” sponsored by LLS, a member of The Winebow Group, “Soave: A Never-ending Volcanic Wine Story,” sponsored by the Consorzio Tutela Vino Soave, “The Volcanic Wines of Santorini: 3700 years in the making,” organized by Wines from Santorini & Wines of Greece and “Extreme Cabernet from Lake County’s Extreme Volcanic Terroir,” sponsored by the Lake County Winegrape Commission & Lake County Winery Association. The seminars explored what differentiates volcanic wines in the world of wine, and what unites them. It also gave participants an unprecedented opportunity to taste a vast collection of volcanic wines under a single roof, with producers at hand to further explain their unique attributes.

"We were thrilled to support this unique opportunity to delve into a compelling and important topic that goes beyond any one specific region to foster a broader understanding of soil and geology, and its impact on winegrowing and winemaking," said Ian Downey, Executive Vice President of Winebow Imports. "The high level of enthusiasm, questions, and dialogue surrounding the conference indicates that the discussion is far from over and we look forward to future initiatives."

Producers from regions around the world such as Sicily, Soave, Campania, Santorini, Tokaj, Badacsony, Somló, Washington State and many more will be participating in the second annual conference. Winemakers, academics, and journalists will be presenting in-depth educational seminars during breakout tasting sessions on various aspects of volcanic wines.

“I am excited for what’s to come. Next year’s conference will give us the opportunity to present new volcanic regions and new research, and continue our mission to define and elevate the volcanic wine category in the eyes and palates, of industry professionals and wine lovers,” says Szabo.

Additional details regarding the conference, including confirmed participants and seminar schedules, will be announced in the following months.

For more information and latest updates, be sure to visit the Volcanic Wines International official website http://www.volcanicwinesinternational.com, as well as following the VWI’s Facebook (Volcanic Wines International) and Instagram (@volcanicwines_intl) pages.

About John Szabo
John Szabo is a Toronto-based author and wine critic, and in 2004 was the first Canadian to add the Master Sommelier credential to his name. He was named ‘Canada’s best-known sommelier’ in Meininger’s Wine Business International, and he is a partner and a wine critic for WineAlign.com and freelances widely. In addition to "Volcanic Wines, Salt, Grit and Power," his book titles include "Pairing Food and Wine for Dummies" and "Sommelier Management." John also works as a restaurant consultant and speaks and judges internationally when he’s not making a few dozen bottles of wine from his vineyard in Eger, Hungary.

About Volcanic Wines International (VWI)
The mission of Volcanic Wines International is to take the leading role in defining and establishing a Volcanic Wine Movement, and to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. Volcanic Wines International also plans to establish the volcanic wine brand as a premium category of high quality wines with a true sense of place.

About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on “closing the loop” between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity, and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. Founded in 2006, Colangelo & Partners was honored as one of the year’s top integrated communications firms at the 2013 Agency Elite Awards and for one of the best digital marketing campaigns at the 2014 Digital PR Awards. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.

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Skier-snowboarder Ledecka finding more success after golds

December 17, 2018, 8:39 am

≫ Next: '100 Nativities in the Vatican' seeks to show true meaning of Christmas

≪ Previous: Second Annual 'International Volcanic Wine Conference' To Be Held in New York on June 5, 2019

SELVA DI VAL GARDENA, Italy (AP) — The skier-snowboarder who stunned just about everyone by winning the Olympic super-G in February is finding her groove again. Ester Ledecka led the second training session for a World Cup downhill by a comfortable margin Monday — two days after winning a parallel giant slalom snowboarding event. “My […] Reported by Seattle Times 14 hours ago.

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'100 Nativities in the Vatican' seeks to show true meaning of Christmas

December 17, 2018, 3:31 pm

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Vatican City, Dec 17, 2018 / 04:18 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- More than 100 nativity scenes are on display near the Vatican as the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization seeks to share the history and spirituality behind the nearly 800-year-old Christmas devotion.

“The nativity, in addition to being a beautiful cultural tradition transmitted [by] the genius of St. Francis of Assisi and spread throughout the world, is a strong instrument of evangelization,” Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the president of the pontifical council, said at the exhibit’s opening.

“Every Christmas many people stop before the mystery of God-made-man, represented with statues, which in many cases are authentic masterpieces of art, to pray, reflect and discover the love of God who becomes a child for us,” Fisichella continued.

The indoor nativity display brings together 126 diverse nativities from Taiwan to Panama made from a variety of materials including pinecones, aluminum, coral, yarn, and papier-mache. Among the many historical nativities from Italy is a modern rendition of the nativity made entirely out of pasta.

The exhibit is completely free to encourage families and school trips to rediscover the meaning of Christmas -- the birth of Jesus, organizers said. While viewing the nativity scenes, visitors can read reflections on the meaning of the nativity from saints throughout history.

St. Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene in 1223 in a cave outside of Rome using a live donkey and ox to surround a manger and an altar with the Holy Eucharist as the presence of the newborn Christ child.

Francis was partly inspired by the relic of the wooden boards from Christ’s manger in the crypt the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, where they can still be viewed and venerated today.

The mystic St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373) received a vision of the nativity in which “the Virgin knelt down with great veneration in an attitude of prayer.”

“She gave birth to her son from whom radiated such an ineffable light and splendour that the sun was not comparable to it,” St. Bridget wrote.

Several of the historic seventeenth and eighteenth century nativity scenes from Italy display the nativity scene among ruins of ancient columns of palaces. This imagery both alludes to Jesus’ royal lineage from the House of David, and to a pagan legend that the Temple of Peace in Rome would collapse if a virgin gave birth.

The annual “100 Nativities” exhibit was started in 1976 by Italian Manlio Menaglia, who worried that the Catholic devotion was being overshadowed by other Christmas decorations. This is the first year that the nativity exhibition is under the leadership of the Vatican.

“100 Nativities in the Vatican” can be viewed inside the Saint Pius X Hall along the Via della Conciliazione. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through January 13, 2019.

Credit for all photos: Courtney Grogan / CNA. Reported by CNA 8 hours ago.

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Hirscher on the double with parallel giant slalom win

December 17, 2018, 9:53 pm

≫ Next: Vialli's crowdfunding platform creating 'bond' between clubs and fans

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ALTA BADIA, Italy: Olympic champion Marcel Hirscher continued his impressive form, winning the men's parallel giant slalom for the first time at Alta Badia on Monday to bring his career tally to 62 World Cup wins. Reported by Bangkok Post 1 hour ago.

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Vialli's crowdfunding platform creating 'bond' between clubs and fans

December 17, 2018, 6:55 pm

≫ Next: Da Vinci design jewel still key for Tuscan silk weavers

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LONDON - Former Italy international Gianluca Vialli and business partner Fausto Zanetton believe their innovative crowdfunding platform Tifosy can help arrest the growing feeling of estrangement between football clubs and supporters. Reported by Bangkok Post 4 hours ago.

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Da Vinci design jewel still key for Tuscan silk weavers

December 17, 2018, 7:58 pm

≫ Next: EUR/USD: Bears trapped, focus on German IFO

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FLORENCE (ITALY) - Five hundred years after the death of Leonardo da Vinci, a silk mill incorporating one of his designs is still shuttling some of the finest threads in the world across its looms. Reported by Bangkok Post 3 hours ago.

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EUR/USD: Bears trapped, focus on German IFO

December 17, 2018, 8:33 pm

≫ Next: Migration: A Case For Stay And Build – Analysis

≪ Previous: Da Vinci design jewel still key for Tuscan silk weavers

· *The EUR/USD pair posted gains yesterday, despite the bearish technical setup. Dollar selling ahead of the Fed likely put a bid under the EUR/USD.*
· *Falling Italy-Germany yield differential and dovish Fed expectations could keep the EUR better bid today.*
· *The bullish tone, however, may weaken if the German IFO numbers miss expectat*i*ons.*

The EUR/USD pair on Monday closed well above the lower edge of the contracting triangle, neutralizing the bearish view put forward by Friday's triangle breakdown.

Essentially, the EUR bears have been trapped on the wrong side of the market. Moreover, the dollar was offered across the board yesterday on expectations that the Fed would either remove one hike from next year or by taking out the 2020 hike to reflect that the outlook for growth and inflation is modestly weaker than it was in September.

These expectations are likely to keep the EUR/USD better bid ahead of tomorrow's Fed decision. Further, easing concerns regarding Italy's budget issue, as represented by the narrowing spread between the 10-year Italian government bond yield and its German counterpart could also put a bid under the EUR.

As of writing, the spread stands at 272 basis points and could slide further in the EUR-positive manner as Italy expressed confidence yesterday that it would clinch a deal with the European Commission.

The upside in EUR/USD, however, could be limited if the December IFO surveys, due at 09:00 GMT, show a fourth consecutive dip in business confidence.

That said, the outlook would turn bearish only below Monday's low of 1.1299. At press time, the pair traded at 1.1354.

*EUR/USD Technical Levels*

EUR/USD

Overview:
    Today Last Price: 1.1355
    Today Daily change: 9.0 pips
    Today Daily change %: 0.0793%
    Today Daily Open: 1.1346
Trends:
    Previous Daily SMA20: 1.1354
    Previous Daily SMA50: 1.1396
    Previous Daily SMA100: 1.1494
    Previous Daily SMA200: 1.1712
Levels:
    Previous Daily High: 1.136
    Previous Daily Low: 1.1302
    Previous Weekly High: 1.1444
    Previous Weekly Low: 1.1269
    Previous Monthly High: 1.15
    Previous Monthly Low: 1.1216
    Previous Daily Fibonacci 38.2%: 1.1337
    Previous Daily Fibonacci 61.8%: 1.1324
    Previous Daily Pivot Point S1: 1.1312
    Previous Daily Pivot Point S2: 1.1278
    Previous Daily Pivot Point S3: 1.1254
    Previous Daily Pivot Point R1: 1.1369
    Previous Daily Pivot Point R2: 1.1393
    Previous Daily Pivot Point R3: 1.1427

Reported by FXstreet.com 3 hours ago.

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Migration: A Case For Stay And Build – Analysis

December 17, 2018, 9:16 pm

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Address migration’s root causes: Rather than fund walls, nations could end wars and offer development aid to help migrants at home.

By Chandran Nai*

A freighter trundles into a harbor, carrying several hundred migrants escaping war. Authorities discover them and refuse to let them disembark. The international humanitarian crisis is resolved only when desperate refugees force the issue by scuttling their ship.

This is not a story from today’s Greece or Italy, but about the Skyluck, a Panamanian freighter carrying 2,000 refugees from Vietnam in early 1979. The freighter sailed into Hong Kong, where it stayed for four months. Refugees, weary of squalid conditions, cut the anchor cable and ran aground on Lamma Island. Vietnamese refugees challenged many countries in much the same way that refugees test Europe or the United States today. Camps sprung up in poorer countries, like Indonesia and the Philippines. Wealthy places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and countries further abroad revealed themselves as less open than implied, often to the harsh criticism of international humanitarians.

Decades later, the South China Sea no longer has a refugee crisis. Instead, people are returning to the dynamic economies of Vietnam and Cambodia.

At the time, accepting Vietnamese refugees may have been the moral action, but it did not solve fundamental reasons why people fled. In the end, what “solved” the boat people crisis was a stable, no-nonsense government in Vietnam pursuing a platform of growth and development on its own terms, with the hard work of those who stayed behind and sacrificed.

Building a nation is hard work, especially after the destruction and deprivation of war and colonization. It is often easier for those with resources to pursue a better life elsewhere than to stay and build. The mindset of those who leave is understandable: Opportunities in wealthy countries appear potentially safer in the short term. Yet for many migrants, such moves lead to a life of regret in a foreign land, shaped by an inability or unwillingness to assimilate or a resentment borne out of isolation and discrimination.

“Brain drain” and “brawn drain,” taking able-bodied and educated people and under-employing them in developed ones, is clearly harmful to developing countries. One encounters countless trained engineers, doctors and other professionals working as shopkeepers, domestic help and taxi drivers in Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. This trained professional workforce endures pain of a different sort while exacerbating a dire situation at home.

Richer countries, in general, take pride in being open societies, especially when migrant flows are small and made up of the skilled and talented. But when migrant flows increase dramatically, as they did in Southeast Asia during the 1970s and 1980s, or in Europe today, this rhetorical commitment becomes more difficult to sustain. In addition, as globalization chips away at the economic privileges of the richer nations and creates a more level playing field, resentment has increased towards immigrants. In Europe, the migrant crisis has empowered several reactionary and populist movements, some of which openly cross the line into discriminatory rhetoric. And while there is a basic humanitarian obligation to absorb people in dire straits it is only realistic to recognize that no country – no matter how liberal and democratic – can or will accept an endless stream of people without conditions. Politicians see to that.

The world can no longer hold on to the illusion that citizens from poor and badly governed places will always have an option to escape for the liberal West. The truth is that the doors have been slammed shut. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conceded this in an interview with The Guardian, expressing admiration for the “generous and compassionate approaches” taken by leaders like Angela Merkel, yet noting, “it is fair to say Europe has done its part,” adding if societies don’t “deal with the migration issue, it will continue to roil the body politic.”

The world must better manage global migration flows, but really solving the problem requires improving opportunities in developing countries, avoiding tragic interventions by foreign powers, often led by the United States, and resolving conflicts as they arise. Closing borders, whether by tightening controls or constructing physical barriers, is not the answer. Anyone desperate enough to leave can evade controls, and others happily smuggle people, worsening tensions: Anti-immigration forces point to “increasing” illegal migration, while pro-immigration groups criticize harsh enforcement.

Ultimately, the only way to solve the migrant crisis is to improve economies and living standards in the most vulnerable countries, encouraging skilled and competent people stay and build the country. Stability while being poor is better than being poor in an unstable environment.

Interventions in the Middle East and North Africa created instability, triggering mass movements of people. Developed countries need to find ways to understand this simple equation and instead invest in an approach to support people building their lives where they are. For example, in the aftermath of conflict in Vietnam and Cambodia, Asian countries helped these countries rebuild. Japan offered development aid to countries throughout Southeast Asia, sometimes ignoring Western sanctions, betting that improved living conditions would secure these societies better than lecturing and isolation. This has been borne out in Vietnam, now a Southeast Asian economic power in its own right.

Mexico’s new President Andrés Manuel López Obrador after his election made a similar offer to President Donald Trump: Obrador would limit migration from Mexico into the United States in exchange for development aid. Obrador understands that a developed and stable economy would do more to limit migration than any wall Trump might build. Admittedly, the United States has an easier situation when it comes to working with its neighbors to control migration. Latin America countries are, with a few exceptions, functioning states and largely democratic.

Europe’s problem is tougher. Migrants come from nearby war zones, authoritarian, corrupt, crumbling and conflict-ridden. But if Europe wants to limit the flow of migrants, it must start working to improve the governance, economy and social framework of these countries rather than try foreign-policy adventures or military interventions. In this regard, the United States is culpable as its actions have been central in destabilizing the Middle East, including the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and North Africa. Europe must revamp its foreign-policy positions on the Middle East independent of the United States – by helping countries resolve political tensions or violent conflict, even if that means talking to governments they find odious. It means keeping an eye on long-term economic, social and political development, moving beyond current approaches to aid with conditions and working with governments on their terms, not dictating to them. In poor developing countries where there is no outright war and collapse, Europe must refrain from encouraging elites and intellectuals to seek a better life in the West, supporting them to become armchair revolutionaries undermining the governments of their home countries from afar. Instead, Europe should support leaders to work within their countries and existing institutional structures, with the goal of improving them over time. This means abandoning the pretext of a higher moral ground when advancing geopolitical and other interests.

For example, the most effective action Europe can do to limit the flow of Syrian refugees is to help end the Syrian Civil War – that requires talking to President Bashar al Assad and involving him in reconstruction. Europe will find willing partners in China, Japan, Korea and Singapore to create jobs and restore confidence, peace, stability and economic opportunity. Then the migrant and refugee flows will ease. People will even return to avoid the indignities of being a “migrant.” Europe would be the beneficiary of growing economies in the Middle East and North Africa. Until then, refugees will keep trying to escape devastation in Syria, Libya, Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Putting up walls and barriers to stop refugees fleeing devastation, while refusing to talk to leaders or end conflict, only perpetuates the refugee crisis and the ugly industry that has grown around this human tragedy.

**Chandran Nair* is the founder of the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT) and the author of The Sustainable State: The Future of Government, Economy, and Society. Read a review of the book. Reported by Eurasia Review 2 hours ago.

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Jayride Group continues international expansion with 11 countries added in December

December 17, 2018, 10:06 pm

≫ Next: LED Lighting Market in Europe to cross $30bn by 2024: Global Market Insights, Inc.

≪ Previous: Migration: A Case For Stay And Build – Analysis

Jayride Group Ltd (ASX:JAY) has added six countries to its e-commerce airport transfer service, bringing the total added in December to 11. The additional destinations represent Jayride’s fastest rate of international expansion so far, with market access also growing more than 100% in under 6 months. The six additional countries will include the Middle East region where Jayride now serves travellers in the United Arab Emirates. READ: Jayride Group launches its transfer service in 70 additional airports in Europe The latest launch includes 34 new airports with 114 new transport companies available. It also grows Jayride’s market access by 276 million passenger trips to 4.2 billion which is 54% of the world’s total airport passenger trips. Jayride’s recent expansion includes: Poland with 13 airports; Switzerland with six; one airport in Luxembourg; one in Sri Lanka; the Philippines with seven airports; and six airports in the UAE. READ: Jayride Group breaks through $10 million milestone Jayride’s international expansion initiative began in May with the release of the company’s new transport technology platform. Launches of new countries have been successful and are expected to continue. Other countries to have Jayride services introduced since May include Canada, Italy, France, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Germany, Malaysia, Taiwan, Portugal and Belgium. Reported by Proactive Investors 1 hour ago.

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LED Lighting Market in Europe to cross $30bn by 2024: Global Market Insights, Inc.

December 17, 2018, 10:02 pm

≫ Next: Sovereignty Has Its Revenge In Europe – Analysis

≪ Previous: Jayride Group continues international expansion with 11 countries added in December

Commercial applications in the European LED lighting market will gain traction in the coming years due to a high implementation of the modern & stylish lighting systems in hospitality centers, commercial buildings & offices, and healthcare facilities across Europe.

Selbyville, Delaware, Dec. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --LED Lighting Market in Europe is expected to surpass a revenue of USD 30 billion by 2024 when the global industry shipments are predicted to register 18% growth rate; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.

European LED lighting market is anticipated to grow over the forecast timeframe due to the factors such as increasing demand for energy efficient lighting solutions, need to cut-down electricity related costs, high disposable income, rising investments in infrastructure which include roadways, construction of new offices, residential complexes, parks, hotels, etc. among others.

*Request for a sample of this research report @ *https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/3035

The LED Lighting Market across Europe is majorly driven by the new installations which holds a revenue share of over 65% in 2017. The government has launched several smart city initiatives across the region for deploying smart lighting solutions in the indoor and outdoor spaces. Furthermore, increasing adoption of the LED lamps in the region also foster the market growth. The need for energy-efficient lighting systems has increased significantly over the past decade to reduce energy consumption and improve energy security among the developed and the developing countries alike.

Elderly care homes and healthcare facilities are the emerging segments in the Europe LED lighting market owing to the development of patient-centric facilities and the focus on providing the residents’ comfort & security. To keep elderly home residents in a secure atmosphere and to maintain their health, the care centers are adopting facility transformation initiatives that include the replacement of conventional lighting systems with the innovative LED technologies. These lighting units improve the residents’ moods and provide appropriate illumination & brightness that will support the eyesight of the elderly people.

The recently developed LED lights are not compatible with the traditional switching boards fixed across residences, offices, buildings, etc., due to the changes in circuitry designs challenging the European LED lighting market growth. The incompatibility issues result in increasing the possibilities for changing the entire switch systems, increasing the deployment cost of consumers. LED bulbs are developed to generate a lesser amount of heat as compared to the conventional products. Fixing these bulbs in old & enclosed light fittings increases the heat amount and results in failures.

Browse key industry insights spread across 350 pages with 311 market data tables & 32 figures & charts from the report, *“Europe LED Lighting Market Size By Product (Lamps, Luminaires), By Installation (New Installation, Retrofit), By End-Use (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Elderly Care), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark), Application Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 – 2024”* in detail along with the table of contents:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/europe-led-lighting-market

Commercial applications are gaining traction in the European LED lighting market due to a high implementation of the modern & stylish lighting systems in hospitality centers, commercial buildings & offices, and healthcare facilities across Europe. In commercial set-ups including offices, banks, etc., LED lights provide a better working atmosphere to employees and create mood enhancement due to the situational illumination control features. Such facilities deploy the energy-efficient technologies to save the electricity costs and incorporate wireless lighting control systems.

The hospitality segment including restaurants, hotels, recreation centers, etc., in the European LED lighting market is increasingly adopting these technologies to efficiently manage the electricity resources and provide enhanced experience to consumers. Due to the rapidly-developing tourism sector in Europe and the demand for luxurious hospitality facilities by consumers & tourists, the hotel & restaurant owners are focusing on transforming their facilities with luxurious interiors, advanced lighting technology, and better services.

The players operating in the LED lighting market across Europe comprise Acuity Brands Inc., Cooper Industries, Inc., Endo Lighting Corporation, General Electric Company, Hubbell Incorporated, OPPLE Lighting Co., Ltd., OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, Philips Lighting Holding B.V., GreenStar Products, Inc., The Zumtobel Group AG, etc. The players in the industry and several associations are involved in R&D activities that support them in product innovations and the development of LED technologies such as human-centric lighting, smart lighting, and intelligent lighting systems. Companies in market are investing hugely in such activities to gain a competitive advantage and develop sustainable operations related to the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of products.

*Make an Inquiry for purchasing this report @* https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/3035

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*Browse Related Reports:*

*Smart Lighting Market Size *By Component (Product [Luminaires {Smart Bulbs, Fixtures}, Light Control {Sensors, Switches & Dimmers, Relays, Router & Gateways, LED Driver & Ballasts}], Technology [Wired {PLC (Power Line Control), PoE (Power over Ethernet), DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), Hybrid}, Wireless {Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, EnOcean, Hybrid}]), By Lighting Source (LED, Fluorescent Lamp, CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light), HIDL(High Intensity Discharge Lamp), By Application (Indoor Lighting [Residential, Commercial, Industrial], Outdoor Lighting [Highways & Roadways, Public Places, Bridges & Tunnels]), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, China, Japan, Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), South Korea, India, Singapore, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, GCC, South Africa), Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 - 2024

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/smart-lighting-market

*Automotive Lighting Market Size *By Technology (LED, Halogen, Xenon), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Two-Wheelers), By Application (Interior Lighting, Side Lighting, Rear Lighting, Front Lighting/Headlamps), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa), Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 - 2024

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/automotive-lighting-market

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*About Global Market Insights*

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.

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Sovereignty Has Its Revenge In Europe – Analysis

December 17, 2018, 10:04 pm

≫ Next: AITA initiates legal proceedings against Doordarshan for not honouring agreement on telecasting matches

≪ Previous: LED Lighting Market in Europe to cross $30bn by 2024: Global Market Insights, Inc.

By Harsh V. Pant

Western Europe was supposed to have transcended history. A region where nations were happy to surrender their sovereignty to supranational authority in Brussels and the leadership was busy fixing the problems in other parts of the world. Liberal democracy was supposedly at its most perfect and free market capitalism was the guiding mantra of an elite which had no time for superficialities like nationalism. Berating other nations for showcasing their primal instincts and insisting that they follow a rigorous regime on human rights and environmental standards was the favourite pastime of the leadership. Ensconced in the American security umbrella, Western Europe was vocal about the need for reducing defence expenditure. National security was deemed was all about human security as physical borders hardly mattered in the age of the Schengen visa regime.

Today’s crisis in Europe is a reminder that international politics remains a Hobbesian world which even Western Europe has found difficult to overcome. The region is in turmoil the like of which the world has not seen since the end of the Second World War.

Britain is struggling to define its role in Europe with Brexit hardly a done deal. British Prime Minister Theresa May is moving from one crisis to the next with an agility that should prompt respect even among her detractors. She won a vote of confidence in her leadership of the Conservative Party this week but more than a third of her own MPs voted against her, severely weakening her position. To save her leadership, in a last-minute pitch to her MPs before the vote Ms May promised to stand down as leader before the next scheduled election in 2022. But Ms May still faces a battle to get her Brexit deal through the UK parliament, with all opposition parties and dozens of her own MPs against it. Many Brexiteers object to the insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland, known as the backstop, which would be difficult for the UK to unilaterally exit.

France is reeling from four weekends of violent protests against fuel tax rises, living costs and other issues. The so called yellow-vest movement, the name adopted after a social-media campaign urging people to take to the streets wearing the high-visibility yellow jackets that must be carried in every vehicle in France. The movement’s core aim, to highlight the economic frustration and political distrust of poorer working families, has widespread support. And under pressure, France’s President Emmanuel Macron was forced to promise a minimum wage rise and tax concessions in response to weeks of violent protests.

Macron was once the leader who was supposed to succeed the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, as the voice of the European Union.

But Macron’s credibility is shrinking fast in France and Ms Merkel has announced her retirement. Her likely successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, is an unknown figure outside Germany and her ability to tackle difficult pan European problems is not quite clear.

Populism is tearing apart the traditional understanding between Brussels and European states, as exemplified by the ongoing tussle between Italy and the EU. Italy’s governing populist parties have vowed to push ahead with campaign promises, including a minimum income for the unemployed. With this, Italy has put itself on a collision course with the EU, taking the eurozone into uncharted waters. In an unprecedented move with regard to an EU member state, the European Commission has asked Italy to revise its budget.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has proposed to cut the deficit target to 2.04 per cent of output for next year in a significant concession to the European Commission, but it is still not enough to satisfy Brussels.

Far right political parties are gaining strength with mainstream political parties unable to manage the growing popular anger over issues of migration, Islam and identity. The attacks on democratic institutions in Poland and Hungary have also put EU’s democratic foundations at serious risk. Despite their differing priorities, Poland and Hungary have built an “illiberal” alliance to defend the few positions on European integration they share, and to resist what they perceive as EU’s and member states’ illegitimate interference in their internal affairs. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Poland’s de facto leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, would like the EU to be only a community of sovereign states that share a common market, a position they share with Britain.

The European dream is facing a crisis which the present European leadership is unable to articulate, leave alone tackle, effectively. This is also happening at a time when the US under the Donald Trump administration is re-evaluating the basic tenets of the Trans-Atlantic partnership. And the geopolitical and geoeconomic challenge from Russia and China is rising by the day. Not surprisingly, sovereignty is back in business and the facade of Brussels is slipping.

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This article originally appeared in Business Standard. Reported by Eurasia Review 1 hour ago.

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AITA initiates legal proceedings against Doordarshan for not honouring agreement on telecasting matches

December 17, 2018, 10:14 pm

≫ Next: EU reportedly still unconvinced on Italy's revised budget – La Repubblica

≪ Previous: Sovereignty Has Its Revenge In Europe – Analysis

Concerned that the Davis Cup tie against Italy may also go uncovered by Doordarshan, AITA has initiated legal proceedings against the broadcaster for not honouring the agreement on telecasting matches. Reported by Firstpost 52 minutes ago.

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EU reportedly still unconvinced on Italy's revised budget – La Repubblica

December 17, 2018, 10:30 pm

≫ Next: Germany's Altmaier: unclear if France will break EU budget guidelines

≪ Previous: AITA initiates legal proceedings against Doordarshan for not honouring agreement on telecasting matches

The Italian daily newspaper, La Repubblica, reports that the European Union (EU) is said to be still unconvinced on Italy's EUR 2 billion revised budget. Reported by FXstreet.com 36 minutes ago.

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