text:
Learn about regulations governing cryptocurrencies around the world with our Regulatory Review. We've gathered a timeline of the last three years in chronological order, with details such as what regulations went into effect when and in what countries.
Our team stays updated on what's happening in the U.S. and internationally, so you can see the evolving landscape of crypto regulations, and how that is, in part, driving the security token industry. The information we gather is straight from the governing bodies such as the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) in the United States.
In addition to covering new regulations, we also keep track of and share regulatory actions and enforcement – for example, when a regulatory body such as the SEC shuts down a company. And we also cover regulatory directions provided by government officials through speeches, op-eds, or comments to the news media.
Telegram ordered to stop issuing GRAM tokens by a New York judge who ruled in favor of the United States SEC. Read More »
The United States' SEC obtains an asset freeze and emergency relief to stop ongoing securities fraud involving a former state senator and the "Meta 1 Coin." Read More »
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) announces it will start regulating digital currencies more strictly beginning on June 1st, 2020. Read More »
Hawaii launches its first pilot program for digital currencies called the Digital Currency Innovation Lab. Read More »
France's Financial Markets Authority (AMF) calls for a Europe-wide regulatory sandbox to be established for the security token industry. Read More »
The United States' SEC receives a default judgement against ICOBox for conducting an illegal $14.6 million securities offering. Read More »
The United States SEC announces it has settled charges against actor Steven Seagal regarding failure to disclose payments he received to promote and ICO. Read More »
Malta's Financial Services Authority releases feedback statement on STOs. Read More »
The United States' SEC rules that crypto startup Enigma MPC must return investors money and pay a fine due to violations of federal securities laws. Read More »
The United States' SEC files charges against Michael W. Ackerman with defrauding investors via a cryptocurrency scheme. Read More »
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) proposes stricter regulations to combat money laundering for crypto transactions. Read More »
SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce proposes a three year grace period for crypto startups. Read More »
The U.S. SEC charges Sergii Grybniak and Opporty International, Inc. with running a fraudulent ICO. Read More »
The U.S. SEC files a civil suit against Boaz Manor, Edith Pardo and Blockchain Terminal alleging they raised USD $30M via a fraudulent ICO. Read More »
Canada's securities regulators indicate that Canadian crypto exchanges will be subject to national securities laws stating, "that if crypto assets that are securities or derivatives are traded on a Platform, such Platform would be subject to securities legislation." Read More »
Malaysia's Securities Commission (SC) publishes new guidelines for IEOs, while also banning ICOs. Read More »
The U.S. SEC publishes a warning against initial exchange offerings (IEOs). The notice states, "there is no such thing as an SEC-approved IEO." Read More »
Qatar announces ban on cryptocurrency trading stating that "Virtual Asset Services may not be conducted in or from the QFC at this time." Read More »
Uzbekistan announces a ban on the purchase of digital currencies. Read More »
The United States SEC announces a settlement with BCOT, aka Blockchain of Things Inc., where BCOT must pay a penalty of $250,000 for conducting an unregistered ICO. BCOT must also return USD $13M it raised illegally. Read More »
France's Financial Markets Authority approves first "ICO visa." Read More »
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announces wider definition of what an "accredited investor" is. The new amendment would expand the definition to include people with "professional knowledge, experience, or certifications" which prove their qualifications to participate in private capital markets. Read More »
The United States SEC Commission Chairman Jay Clayton testifies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Afairs. Clayton states he is "optimistic that developments in distributed ledger technology can help facilitate capital formation, providing promising investment opportunities for both institutional and Main Street investors." Read More »
The United States SEC announce charges against the founder of Shopin for conducting a fraudulent unregistered ICO. Read More »
The United States SEC appoints Krstina Littman as the new cyber unit chief, which focuses on violations involving ICOs, distributed ledger and blockchain technology. Read More »
A new German law permits banks to sell and store cryptocurrencies beginning in January of 2020. Read More »
Virgial Griffith is arrested by the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI for violating U.S. sanctions laws by traveling to North Korea to "deliver a presentation and technical advice on using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to evade sanctions." Read More »
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announces that it collected USD $1.3B in regulatory penalties in 2019's fiscal year. This is an increase of 40% over 2018. Read More »
Brooklyn's Masksim Zaslavskiy is sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for securities fraud related to his 2017 ICO schemes. Read More »
The UK Jurisdiction Taskforce of the Lawtech Delivery Panel publishes legal statement which recognizes crypto assets as "tradeable property" under English and Welsh law. The statement goes on to clarify that smart contracts are considered "enforceable agreements" under English law. Read More »
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission announces that it will treat cryptocurrency trading platforms the same as traditional brokers if security tokens are offered. Read More »
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) releases paper stating that it will approach cryptocurrency trading platforms like traditional brokers if security tokens are offered. Read More »
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) says that stablecoin proposals may fall under existing securities market regulations. Read More »
The United Kingdom's tax authority issues new guidelines for crypto taxation, stating that crypto assets such as bitcoin fail to qualify as currencies or securities. Read More »
The Veritaseum crypto ICO announces that it has entered into a consent judgement with the United States' SEC. The settlement shows that Veritaseum must pay approximately USD $10M to the SEC and is permanently barred from selling digital assets. Read More »
The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear a case which would have the SEC stripped of its power to recoup illegal profits from wrongdoers. Read More »
China passes a cryptography law which aims to encourage research and development of commercial cryptography technologies. Read More »
Kenneth Blanco, director of FinCEN, warns crypto industry that it must follow the Bank Secrecy Act and AML regulations or risk facing "hard times." Read More »
The United States Congress introduces a bill to classify stablecoins as securities. Read More »
The Bank of Lithuania issues security token guidelines to improve regulatory clarity and investor protection. Read More »
The Financial Action Task Force issues documents stating that stablecoins are at risk for money laundering and terrorist financing around the world. Read More »
The United States' SEC issues a statement inviting exchanges and market participants to submit "proposals designed to improve the secondary market structure for exchange listed equity securities that trade in lower volumes, commonly referred to as "thinly traded securities." Read More »
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Rob Kaplan announces that the U.S. Central bank is "actively looking at and debating" issuing a digital currency. Read More »
The SEC announces a lawsuit aimed at stopping Telegram, Inc. and Ton Issuer, Inc. from selling and issuing Grams. Grams are the tokens used on Telegram's blockchain which the SEC says are securities due to their lack of a utility function. Read More »
The IRS releases tax guidelines for hard forks involved in crypto assets. Read More »
The United States' SEC issues a letter stating that Bitcoin isn't a security. Read More »
The Liechtenstein Parliament unanimously approves new Blockchain law titled the Token and VT Service Providers Act (TVTG). The new law makes Liechtenstein the first country to have comprehensive regulation of the token economy. Read More »
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) releases updated guidelines for crypto trusts. Read More »
Block.one agrees to pay a USD $24M civil fine to settle charges that it did not properly register its 900 million-token offering, as per the SEC. Read More »
The United State's SEC unveils a new rule which "extends a 'test-the-water' accommodation to all issuers." Under the new rule, all issuers may test market interest via discussions with certain institutional investors prior to, or following, the filing of a registration statement." Read More »
SeedInvest CEO and co-founder Ryan Feit posts a comment letter to the United States SEC calling for updates to "the outdated accredited investor definition is critical for supporting startups and leveling the playing field for Main Street investors." Read More »
The United States SEC chages Jonathan C. Lucas, former founder of and CEO of Fantasy Market, with orchestrating a fraudulent ICO. Read More »
A new blockchain strategy is passed by the German government intended to prevent parallel currencies from being issued in Germany. This includes Facebook's Libra stablecoin. Germany's Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, stated, "We want to be at the forefront and further strengthen Germany as a leading technology location. At the same time, we must protect consumers and state sovereignty. A core element of state sovereignty is the issuing of a currency, we will not leave this task to private companies." Read More »
SEC Chairman Jay Clayton elaborates on the SEC's ongoing "concept release" regarding the private market regulation during his speech at the Economic Club of New York. He stated that "We are taking a fresh look at this framework, including examining whether appropriately structured funds can facilitate Main Street investor access to private investments in a manner that ensures incentive alignment with professional investors — similar to our public markets — and otherwise provides appropriate investor protections. Stay tuned." Read More »
Korea's top financial regulator Eun Sung-soo indicates that he will continue cautiously in regards to cryptocurrencies and digital securities. Read More »
The SEC approves Securitize to operate as the first official registered transfer agent in the United States. Read More »
The New Jersey Bureau of Securities announces that it will take enforcement action against Zoptax and UNOcall, two New Jersey-based ICOs. Read More »
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia warns investors against Onyxcoin. Onyxcoin was flagged due to being unlicensed by regulators. Read More »
Steven Mnuchin, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary, holds a press conference regarding cryptocurrencies where he states that the U.S. "will not allow digital asset service providers to operate in the shadows."Read More »
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announces it is developing a blockchain platform for banking. The new platform will host numerous blockchain applications and is set to launch in 2020. Read More »
The U.S. SEC announces plans to sue Kik on the grounds of conducting an unregistered securities sale during Kik's initial ICO launch. Read More »
SEC Director of Corporate Finance William Hinman announces during the SEC's FinTech Forum that some startups, which originally conducted ICOs, might be eligible for relief in regards to SEC enforcement actions. Read More »
Japan's House of Representatives approves a new bill which amends the current laws governing crypto regulation. Read More »
Australia's Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) announces updates to their regulatory guidance for companies participating in ICOs and crypto assets. Read More »
Valerie Szczepanik, the SEC's Advisor for Digital Assets, warns that platforms which list IEO tokens may be participating in broker-dealer activity. Read More »
SEC Commissioner Hester M. Pierce addresses regulators at the Securities Enforcement Forum saying that the agency was too slow to clarify and update regulations which may stifle the crypto industry's growth. Read More »
FinCEN issues guidance for the application of the FinCEN regulations for business models involving convertible virtual currencies. Read More »
A new warning is issued by the SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy warning investors to beware of misrepresentations of SEC "approvals." Read More »
The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy issues an investor alert warning stating that even though a securities offering or ICO have filed with the SEC, this does not mean it is approved, nor is it endorsed by the SEC. Read More »
Malta's Financial Services Authority, MFSA, issues a warning, as well as guidelines, regarding digital currency, ICO, and cryptocurrency scams. Read More »
Austria's Ministry of Finance announces it is considering establishing a regulatory sandbox for the FinTech industry. Read More »
The FinHub branch of the SEC releases new framework intended to help analyze whether or not a digital asset is a security. Read More »
New regulatory framework is announced by the Reserve Bank of India. The new framework includes blockchain based projects, but prohibits cryptocurrencies and ICOs. Read More »
South Korean lawmakers, claiming the country's current blockchain and cryptocurrency regulations are too strict, push for improvements to the regulatory framework. Read More »
The Financial Services Commission of Mauritius releases clarification of rules for STOs. Read More »
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand approves the first ICO portal. Read More »
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission announces that Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, and Litecoin are banned from use in initial coin offerings. Read More »
The National Legislative Assembly in Thailand approves a Securities and Exchange Act amendment that allows blockchain-based securities to be issued and traded. Read More »
The SEC charges Gladius Network LLC with "conducting an unregistered initial coin offering (ICO), which the company reported to the SEC." The SEC states that Gladius' failed to register its ICO under federal securities laws, nor did it qualify for exemptions from registration requirements. Read More »
The United States' SEC announces plans to expand the "test-the-waters" accommodation to all issuers. The new expansion would allow any prospective issuer to test market interest prior to filing a registration statement. Read More »
The United State's Federal Bureau of Investigation releases details on what they believe to be warning signs of fraudulent ICO activity. The FBI also warned investors to conduct due diligence. Read More »
The SEC obtains "preliminary injunction against Blockvest LLC" and its founder Reginald Buddy Ringgold, III.. The SEC is charging Blockvest with "making fraudulent offers of securities," as well as unauthorized use of the SEC logo in order to mislead investors. Read More »
The SEC releases updated guidelines and warnings concerning ICOs. Read More »
Hester Pierce, one of the SEC's five commissioners, spoke on what she believes to be ideal regulations for tokenized assets and ICOs. Pierce reiterated that the SEC's view of supporting innovation while still maintaining a need for thoughtful regulations. Read More »
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) reminds investors of the risks of investing in ICOs. The MAS also warned an ICO issuer not to proceed until compliant with their regulations. Read More »
Florida's Congressman Darren Soto says that digital assets should not be regulated by the SEC. He proposes that digital assets should answer to the Commodity and Futures Trading Commission. Read More »
The Cyberspace Administration of China announces regulations requiring all companies utilizing blockchain technology to adhere to anti-anonymity regulations. Read More »
Thailand issues licenses to its first four crypto exchanges. The four approved exchanges are Bx, Bitkub, Coins and Satang Pro. Read More »
ESMA, the European Securities and Market Authority, publishes their "Advice" on ICOs and crypto-assets. Read More »
The Capital Market Authority of Kenya warns public against investing in an ICO or trading coins offered by the Kenyan based Wiseman Talent Ventures. Read More »
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission announces that the release of ICO regulations will be delayed. The PSEC says that they were pressured by "different shareholders" into delaying publishing the regulations in order to allow them more time to review the drafts of the regulations before publishing. Read More »
U.S. Representatives Warren Davidson and Darren Soto introduce the "Token Taxonomy Act." The new bill aims to remove digital currencies from being classified as securities. Read More »
The Securities Commission Malaysia and Bank Negara Malaysia announce that they will tighten scrutiny of ICOs via expanded rules which are intended to eradicate issues of money laundering and unfair trade practices. Read More »
The Municipal Bureau of Finance's bureau chief Huo Xuewen announces that security token fundraising is illegal. China also aims to ban airdrops. Read More »
The Municipal Bureau of Finance's bureau chief Huo Xuewen announces that security token fundraising is illegal. China also aims to ban airdrops. Read More »
United States Representative Warren Davidson of Ohio announces plans for federal government to regulate ICOs and cryptocurrencies. The goal of the bill is to classify tokens in their own asset class, thus exempting them from being classified as securities. Read More »
Japan's Financial Services Agency prepares to enact regulations regarding ICOs. The new regulations will require registration with the FSA for businesses planning to offer their own cryptocurrencies. Read More »
The SEC announces charges against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and DJ Khaled for failure to disclose payments they received to promote the Centra Tech Inc. ICO. Mayweather will have to pay upwards of $600,000 in fines, while Khaled will have to pay approximately $150,000. Both celebrities have agreed to not promote any digital securities for three years. Read More »
Two ICOs, Airfox and Paragon Coin agree to settle SEC registration charges and will return funds to investors, register the tokens as securities, pay penalties and file reports periodically with the SEC. Both ICOs failed to register their offerings under federal securities laws. Read More »
Maksim Zaslavskiy, pleads guilty to fraud involving the REcoin ICO offering. This is the first ICO fraud case to be prosecuted. Read More »
The U.S. SEC tweets out "five things you need to know about ICOs" in order to remind investors of the potential risk of investing and that ICOs may fall under the umbrella of securities. Read More »
Colorado's Division of Securities of the U.S. State issues four cease-and-desist orders "directing the cessation of unregistered securities in the state of Colorado." Read More »
The SEC announces that charges against EtherDelta founder Zachary Coburn have been settled. Coburn was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties and his cooperation was noted by the SEC. Read More »
The SEC's annual Enforcement Report is released. The report prominently features ICOs and addresses the SEC's crackdown on the relatively new form of fundraising. Read More »
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission issues warnings against nine ICO and token offerings which are not accredited by the Thai SEC. They are warning investors to beware of fraudulent raises and ponzi schemes. Read More »
Taiwan's securities regulatory agency announces that it will introduce a legal framework for ICOs. Taipei Times predicts that the regulations regarding tokens should be finalized by June 2019. Read More »
Austria's Financial Market Authority issues guidelines regarding its views on ICOs from a financial regulatory perspective. The new guidelines are meant to give further clarification on crypto assets such as tokens and virtual currencies. The new guidelines address what constitutes an ICO, regulatory requirements that should be considered when launching an ICO, as well as a further explanation of the types of tokens. Read More »
The United Arab Emirates' securities regulator announces that it will introduce ICOs next year as a viable source of fundraising. Read More »
The Capital Markets Board of Turkey issues statement that they do not regulate or supervise ICOs or companies utilizing blockchain technology, including cryptocurrencies and token offerings. Read More »
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission co-director Stephanie Avakian states in a speech that the SEC aims to recommend "more substantial remedies" against those ICOs are who fail to meet registeration requirements. Read More »
Gaws Miners' CEO Homero Joshua Garza receives 21 month prison sentence for defrauding investors. Garza was also ordered to pay $9.2M USD in restitution related to the "creation and sale fo a cryptocurrency called PayCoin." Read More »
A judge from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern of New York issues an order which confirms that a federal indictment against maksim Zaslavskiy for promoting digital tokens through an ICO, was adequately pled. Read More »
The SEC and FINRA each announced three "first of their kind" enforcements related to the digital token market. The actions targeted a token sale website for being unregistered broker-dealer, a digital asset hedge fund manager for failure to register as an investment company, and finally a complaint against a firm which violated federal security laws by offering a blockchain token as an unregistered security. Read More »
Plans were approved by the United Arab Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority to recognize ICOs as securities, as well as to increase regulation. Read More »
Gerald Rome, the Colorado Securities Commissioner, issues orders to three companies conducting unregistered ICOs. The three companies under investigation are Bionic Coin, Sybrelabs Ltd., and Global Pay Net. The Division of Securities, which is a task force created by Rome, are in charge of the investigations. Read More »
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority warns investors that they should not consider ICOs that promote SAFTS, or Simple Agreement for Future Tokens, as safe investments, nor does the promotion of a SAFT contract mean that the offering is compliant. Read More »
The Securities and Exchange Commission announces "permanent officer-and-director and penny stock bars" against David T. Laurance, who is "the founder of a company who perpetrated a fraudulent initial coin offering (ICO) to fund oil exploration and drilling in California. Read More »
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission releases additional guidelines regarding compliance for ICOs and cryptocurrencies via Information Sheet 225. The new guidelines provide clarity on the legal status of ICOs, as well as other issues relating to ICOs such as social media promotion and disclosing of information. Read More »
The Gibraltar Stock Exchange announces plans to apply for an extension to its license from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. The extension would then allow the trading of security tokens on the GBX exchange. Read More »
FINRA, the Financial Regulation Authority, sends reminder urging firms to "consider all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, including those of FINRA and the SEC." The notice went on to say that firms should disclose involvement in cryptocurrency products and production. Read More »
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission announces that its ICO regulations will go into effect on July 16th. The regulations utilize a "two tier form vetting procedure" which requires applicants to pass a final SEC screening. Read More »
Delaware announces that the Delaware Blockchain Amendments "do not provide blanket authority for shares of stock of a Delaware corporation to be tokenized." Read More »
Thailand unveils new Digital Asset Business Decree law which respectively defines cryptocurrencies and digital tokens as a "medium of exchanging goods" and "rights to participate in an investment or receive specific goods." The new law also provides rules for exchanges, brokers and dealers, as well as a formalized process for ICOs. Read More »
The SEC announces it will not consider bitcoin or ether as securities. Read More »
Lithuania's Ministry of Finance announces new guidelines for ICOs which address regulations, taxation, accounting and AML. Read More »
Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission announces new regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and ICOs. Read More »
The SEC appoints Valerie Szczepanik to the position of associate director of the Division of Corporation Finance and senior advisor for digital assets and innovation. Szczepanik's role will be to "coordinate efforts across all SEC Divisions and Offices regarding the application of U.S. securities laws to emerging digital asset technologies and innovations, including initial coin offerings and cryptocurrencies. Read More »
The Monetary Authority of Singapore warns 8 cryptocurrency exchanges that trading of tokens which are regarded as securities or futures contracts are not permitted without permission from the MAS. Read More »
Regulators in the US and Canada announced they have opened investigations into 70 cryptocurrencies and ICOs in a wide-ranging crackdown named "Operation Crypto Sweep. " Read More »
Overstock.com's company tZero and BOX Digital Markets announce plans to open the first regulated exchange for security tokens. Read More »
CPA Ontario urges chartered accountants to avoid "participating in unregulated cryptocurrency offerings" and to avoid any ICOs which don't treat their tokens as securities. Read More »
SEC Commissioner Robert Jackson issues criticism of ICOs saying, "Investors are having a hard time telling the difference between investments and fraud…If you want to know what our markets would look like with no securities regulation, what it would look like if the SEC didn't do its job? The answer is the ICO market. Read More »"
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said Tuesday that it is taking aim at fraud in the initial coin offering (ICO) market. Read More »
The U.S. House of Representatives holds hearing regarding whether or not ICOs could be regulated with a "balanced approach." Read More »
Bermuda House Assembly passes the Companies and Limited Liability Company Amendment Act 2018 (ICO Act) which, if approved by the Senate, will regulate all aspects of digital assets (including ICOs.) Read More »
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission announces that ICOs will be a key focus as it expands its guidance and regulations. Read More »
Gary Gensler, the former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, said that government officials should take a closer look at the largest coins by market capitalization, not just at tokens sold in ICOs. Ethereum's Ether and Ripple's XRP could probably be classified as securities, Gensler said. Read More »
Former CFTC Head Gary Gensler says that coins with high market capitalization, such as Ether and XRP, should be examined and possibly classified as securities.
SEC officials have filed fraud charges against a third "mastermind" in in Centra Tech's allegedly fraudulent initial coin offering. Read More »
Tezos cofounder Arthur Breitman is fined $20,000 by FINRA and is barred from broker-dealer interaction until 2020 due to a failure to disclose outside business activities. Read More »
The Ontario Securities Commission announces that platforms offering cryptocurrency trading must determine if they are a marketplace. The OSC went on to say that cryptocurrencies may qualify as securities. Read More »
Australia announces that Australian cryptocurrency exchanges are required to abide by anti-money laundering (AML) rules. Read More »
The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged two co-founders of Centra Tech Inc., a Miami startup, for orchestrating a fraudulent initial coin offering that raised more than $32 million from investors last year. Read More »
The SEC charges Michael Liberty, the founder of Mozido Inc., with defrauding investors of more than $48 million by tricking investors into investing in shell companies. Read More »
Russia's Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications announces new set of regulations for ICOs. The new regulations state that companies conducting ICOs are required to guarantee that tokens can be bought back at a nominal price. Read More »
Massachusetts regulator orders the halting of five ICOs due to being unregistered securities. Read More »
South Korea reverses view on cryptocurrencies and announces it is working on creating policy guidelines for ICOs. Read More »
Tennessee government proposes bills to ban retirement funds from investing in cryptocurrencies. The state's government also proposed bills that would legalize the use of blockchain for electronic transactions. Read More »
South Carolina lawmakers have requested that Genesis Mining, a cryptocurrency cloud mining platform, leave the state "due to selling unlicensed securities." Read More »
The Praetorian Group files with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to hold the "first ever SEC-registered ICO." Read More »
Japan's Financial Services Agency issues punishment notices and business improvement orders to 7 cryptocurrency exchanges due to a lack of required internal control systems related to anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing. Read More »
The SEC publishes statement regarding cryptocurrency exchanges / online trading platforms that states that the mechanism for trading assets meets the definition of a security under federal securities laws. Read More »
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published a letter Tuesday that indicates the U.S. agency will apply its regulations to those who conduct initial coin offerings (ICOs.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued dozens of subpoenas and information requests to technology companies and advisers involved in the red-hot market for cryptocurrencies, according to people familiar with the matter. Read More »
Malaysia announces that all cryptocurrency exchanges must verify identities of traders due to new AML legislation going into effect. Read More »
A cease-and-desist letter is issued by the Texas State Securities Board to Leadinvest.com due to accusations of fraudulently selling unlicensed securities. Read More »
The Israeli Supreme Court decides that banks must allow crypto trading and may not prohibit company accounts associated with the industry. Read More »
Israel announces it will tax cryptocurrencies as property. Individuals will not have to pay the value-added tax, however businesses will. Read More »
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) suspends trading in three companies amid questions surrounding similar statements they made about the acquisition of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology-related assets. Read More »
The U.S. Treasury releases letter stating that companies must report suspicious transactions to authorities in order to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism.
Thailand's central bank prohibits financial institutions from investing or trading cryptocurrency, offering cryptocurrency exchanges, and creating cryptocurrency based platforms. Banks are also banned from allowing credit card transactions to buy cryptocurrencies. Read More »
Russia's Ministry of Communications unveils new licensing rules for ICOs. New regulations include a required $1.7M nominal capital, specific licensed bank accounts, as well as a license for the development, production, and issuance of tokens. Read More »
European Supervisory Authority warns customers that virtual currencies (cryptocurrencies) are highly risky, not backed by tangible assets and unregulated under EU law. Read More »
China's National Internet Finance Association (NIFA) announces plans to increase oversight of ICOs and cryptocurrencies. Read More »
Gibraltar officials look to develop regulations and a framework for companies utilizing ICOs. Read More »
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission alerts investors to the potential risks of dealing with cryptocurrency exchanges and investing in ICOs. Read More »
China announces plans to cut off internet access for citizens to sites which trade cryptocurrency and permit ICO investments. Read More »
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issues a warning regarding the risk of investing in ICOs, advising that legal protection is not available since the agency doesn't regulate ICOs. Read More »
The Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission announced it is crafting rules to regulate cryptocurrency transactions to protect investors and reduce the risk of fraud. Read More »
Wyoming lawmakers propose bill that would exempt creators and sellers of utility tokens from securities regulations. Read More »
South Korea announces plans to create a task force to oversee local cryptocurrency exchanges and enforce compliance with regulations for cryptocurrency-based businesses. Read More »
India's top banks suspend and severely limit functions of Bitcoin exchange accounts. Read More »
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) targets two allegedly fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes with lawsuits. Read More »
Bermuda Monetary Authority issues statement regarding the risks of ICOs which warns investors about the lack of investor protections in the unregulated space. Read More »
Israel's Tax Authority publishes a draft circular addressing the possibility of taxing ICO profits. Read More »
China's National Internet Finance Association (NIFA), a self-regulatory organization in the field of Internet finance, issues a warning against risks from the so-called "initial miner offerings" (IMO). NIFA claimed in a statement that IMOs are disguised initial coin offerings (ICO), which are completely banned in the China. The warning is in compliance with the Notice on ICO issued by the Chinese government in September, 2017. Read More »
Bank Indonesia teams up with the National Police to enforce Indonesia's ban on cryptocurrencies. Police announce they will target Bali. Indonesia's ban on cryptocurrencies require that all transactions be made in Rupiah. Read More »
The Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission warns investors to exercise caution when invited to participate in initial coin offerings (ICOs) involving cryptocurrencies. Read More »
The Swiss government announces support for Taskforce Blockchain, a new group which will review legal guidelines for blockchain companies. Read More »
The Swiss Crypto Valley Association unveils code of conduct for ICOs. Read More »
The SEC announces it will begin cracking down on suspicious cryptocurrencies. Read More »
The NASAA reminds investors to be cautious of cryptocurrency investments, while also having previously identified ICOs as emerging investor threats last month. Read More »
A new bill that would limit the raises of ICOs to a maximum of $17.3 million USD, as well as limit the individual investment amount per person to $864, has been proposed by the Russian Ministry of Finance. Read More »
The SEC announces it will begin cracking down on suspicious cryptocurrencies. Read More »
Russia announces plans to regulate cryptocurrencies by imposing limits on investment amounts in ICOs. Read More »
The Caribbean nation of Anguilla proposes the AUTO Act which would aim to register and monitor ICOs while at the same time avoid securities regulations. Read More »
UK watchdog Financial Conduct Authority announces it will take closer look at ICOs to determine if more regulations are needed to protect retail consumers. Read More »
Bitcoin futures begin trading on Chicago's Cboe Global Market. Read More »
The SEC halts the Munchee ICO due to it being unregistered securities offering. Read More »
SEC issues statement regarding cryptocurrencies and ICOs addressing considerations main street investors and market professionals should review before investing. Read More »
The Financial Services of Korea bans bitcoin futures trading by securities firms.
The SEC filed the first-ever charges against an ICO. An emergency asset freeze was enacted against Canadian company PlexCorps. Read More »
The Royal Bank of Zimbabwe announces that Bitcoin is illegal and would not allow its use in Zimbabwe. Read More »
The Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX), announces plans launch the first ICO regulated ICO token exchange in January 2018 pending regulatory approval.
The government of Anguilla announced plans for cryptocurrency regulations regarding the registration of ICOs. The AUTO Act, or the Anguilla Utility Token Act, is the world's first registration regulations for ICOs. Read More »
The Financial Conduct Authority, a British regulator, issued a warning stating that CFDs (cryptocurrency contracts for differences) are high-risk investments and warned investors against investing in them. Read More »
Singapore issued new guidelines on ICOs which outline securities laws and their relations to token sales. Read More »
India announces plans to develop regulations for Bitcoin and ICOs. Read More »
The European Securities Markets Authority (ESMA) issued a statement on ICOs. ESMA alerted ICO firms to meet relevant regulatory requirements, as well as to adhere to their obligations under EU regulation. ESMA also warned investors about the risks of investing in ICOs. Read More »
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany, also known as BaFin, issued a warning to investors about the risk of investing in ICOs. Read More »
SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said so-called initial coin offerings in many cases looked like securities, raising the prospect the agency will take a more aggressive stance to this red-hot fundraising method.
The United States SEC issued a statement on potentially unlawful promotion of ICOs by celebrities. Read More »
New Zealand's FMA claimed that any digital currency or ICO-obtained token would be considered as a security. The finance regulator also explained the various means in which token sales will be covered under the country's national law.
Lithuania's Central Bank publishes new ICO guidelines and states that financial institutions must distance themselves from ICOs and ICO activity. Read More »
Abu Dhabi global market sets out guidance on ICOs and virtual currencies. Read More »
Australia's ASIC announces its intent to assist businesses to understand their potential obligations under the Corporations Act by issuing guidance over ICOs. Read More »
South Korea bans raising money through ICOs and token sales. Read More »
Macau's top financial regulator orders all banks and payment services to not provide services for ICOs and cryptocurrencies. Read More »
Japan announces plans to introduce oversight on virtual currency exchanges. Read More »
In the UK, the FCA issues a stern warning over investing in ICOs. Read More »
Similar to the US, Hong Kong says that ICOs are subject to the securities laws per Hong Kong regulators.Read More »
China institutes ICO and token ban. Tokens sold as securities are subject to securities laws in China. Companies who have sold ICO tokens to Chinese investors are directed to refund that money. Read More »
South Korean regulators introduce new regulations on domestic trading of digital currencies. Read More »
Canadian regulators decide that many ICOs are considered securities under Canadian securities law. Read More »
The National Bank of Ukraine announces it cannot recognize cryptocurrency as currency and also warns about the risks of fraud in ICOs. Read More »
South Korean regulators give a break to fintech companies using Bitcoin for currency transfers. Read More »
In a similar statement to the US, Singapore announces that ICOs and token sales will be regulated by the MAS if the digital tokens are products that are regulated under the Securities and Futures Act. Read More »
Thailand announces that ICOs issuing tokens will fall under regulatory jurisdiction of SEC Thailand. Read More »
The Bank of Indonesia says ICOs will not be legally recognized in the country.
In the United States, the SEC rules some ICOs are indeed securities and must follow specific laws, and issues guidance for investors. Read More »
Gibraltar announces that ICOs are to come under regulatory oversight in January 2018. Read More »
Switzerland and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority informally voices support for blockchain developments and begins looking into ICOs. FINMA also closes down fake currencies. Read More »
Russia prepares to officially legalize ICOs. Read More »
CoinDesk reports that for the first time, blockchain enpreneurs raised more in ICOs ($327M) than through traditional venture capital funding ($295M) during a similar time period (Jan-June 2017).
The DAO code is exploited to steal $50M worth of ETH, causing the collapse of the DAO; however, the success of the DAO token crowdsale does not go unnoticed.
The Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) is launched; approx. $150M in DAO tokens are sold in a 28-day crowdsale.
The Swiss financial market regulator (FINMA) announces guidance that is seen as an encouragement to innovate with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Ethereum goes live; an earlier crowdsale in July-August 2014 sold 11.9 million coins, called Ether (ETH), to purchasers using bitcoin (BTC).
Isle of Man issues regulations for Bitcoin businesses.
Swiss law firm MME, together with Ethereum, blockchain startup Monetas, and the Zug Economic Development Office form a crypto-technology cluster in the Swiss Canton of Zug, calling the initiative Crypto Valley.
The first ICO is launched called Mastercoin.
SecurityTokenAcademy.com is a platform for information about the new world of Security Tokens. We are not a registered broker-dealer or investment advisor. We are not a Security Token or blockchain platform, nor can you purchase or invest through our website. We do not offer investment or purchase advice; nor do we endorse or recommend purchases or investments in any Security Token, and we don't tell you if any purchase or investment is suitable for you. Additionally all investments entail risk, and investments in start-ups as well as Security Tokens involve a potentially greater risk.
Copyright © 2020 SecurityTokenAcademy.com®. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Come and Have a Seat!
These contemporary styled Stackable Toddler Chairs are just the right choice for your playroom, day care or classroom. It features solid wood construction in a natural finish, so you can be sure that these chairs will last. This set of two chairs boasts rounded edges for safety and interstacks for easy storage. Choose from the three available seat height options to fit your specific needs.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Latest Articles
Welcome to Downsizer
How to castrate and tail a lamb
Birth presentations in lambs
Medicine dosages for acute problems in sheep and lambs
Little Knitted Pumpkins.
Instal a wood burner into a fireplace, queries?
Downsizer Forum Index
Energy Efficiency and Construction/Major Projects
stumbling goat
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 1989
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 17 9:08 pm Post subject: Instal a wood burner into a fireplace, queries?
Good evening,
Is this is the right section for this post? If not, Moderator, please relocate it.
Hoping someone can give some guidance me with the above project I am starting?
I've used the search function and can not find a post that answers all the questions I have, and I want to get this right.
The existing fireplace has a metal plate surround, iron mantel above, with a grate in the bottom. It was suggested by someone that gave a quote that the existing FP is a bedroom fireplace, installed by persons, skills, ability unknown.
Had a quote to instal a class 1 flue liner, came in at at £800. Would like to reduce this if I can without compromising on safety. Rather than ask about options, does anyone know what sort of flue liner I need?
This week I'm going to remove the existing fireplace, and clean the chimney, I can do that without risk.
Any information and suggestions are very welcome.
If anyone knows an installer who works in or would work in North London, I would welcome a name and number.
Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any help.
Ty Gwyn
Joined: 22 Sep 2010
Posts: 4340
Location: Lampeter
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 17 9:32 pm Post subject:
What size is this cast iron surround?that usually determines what the original purpose of the grate was.
A 903 grade is a longer lasting liner,suprisingly some installers whom I picked their brains recommended the 405? ,half the lifespan yet they charged more for.
Fluesystems .com I can recommend for supplying the whole kit needed for the installation.
Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 38012
Location: yes
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 17 9:53 pm Post subject:
cant help with an installer, sorry
for a woodburner you do need the proper flue, this is partly for fire safety ( wood tars = chimney fires ) , to ensure a proper draft and therefore ventilation (safety again ) and a good one can be regularly cleaned fairly easily.
when removing the original fireplace chip out a bit of the plaster around it until you can find the ties that fasten it into the wall/hole. cut or dislodge those and it should lift out fairly easily.
beware soot, rubble etc tis a messy job usually.
make sure your installer has the right qualifications ( same as gas, leccy etc but a different ticket ) , badly installed woodburners can kill with carbon monoxide or fire
as you are in a smokeless zone you will need a clean burn unit ( check the specs say it is defra approved for urban/smokeless areas ) they range in price but are more expensive than the basic grate in a box.
avoid supercheap cast iron (they often crack ) and go for steel or good quality cast iron. antique ones wont meet defra standards but second hand can give bargains (see approved specs and make sure it is ok )
£800 for a flue inc fitting seems about right in london for a short lift from a bedroom , see insulation above, make sure the flue and burner unit will connect easily (odd sized fittings can be expensive )
if poss get the gap between the flue and chimney walls filled with the correct insulation ( vermiculite iirc ) to ensure the flue stays hot to provide a good lift of gasses/smoke, a cold pipe wont draw properly
an access port for rodding the flue avoids removing the burner for cleaning
if you can line the hole with rockwool insulation and fireproof mineral boards to reflect heat into the room if you cant be bothered with that render the inside of the hole with a lime based mix or add plasticiser to a cement render to allow for thermal expansion which should avoid cracking. if you want a tiled hole it needs rendering
to get the render to stick it needs any cement render hacking off ,a very good cleaning and treating with a tub of the stuff for the job sorry cant remember the names but it is the same as damp proffers use when rendering fireplaces and chimney breasts (old soot/chemicals in the bricks etc ) as well as good raking of joints and roughing of any smooth bricks (a needle gun head in an sds drill/kango is quick but hellish noisy )
a decent size platform is required , most bedroom fireplaces have a very small hearth. a cast concrete or stone slab giving at least 18" in front of the burner door is ideal to avoid embers burning the carpet when stoking etc and gives a place for a bit of spare fuel.
make sure the platform is level, a wonky fire looks dreadful and is difficult to attach to the flue ( see carbon monoxide etc )
the room will need some form of ventilation to provide air for the burner
have fun and use appropriate ppe, coal tars/soot are quite toxic so good hygine matters at the rip it out and clean it up stages
hope that helps a bit, have fun .
stumbling goat
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 1989
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 17 9:57 pm Post subject:
Good evening TG,
And thanks for your input.
I don't know the dimensions of the existing FP. I'll check and post them on Wednesday, with a picture, if I can work out how to post one.
Thanks for the link, I'll take a look. I was going to have the flue fitted, got to the age where I don't bounce so well if I fall. Not sure I would have ever bounced too well if I fell off a roof?
stumbling goat
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 1989
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 17 9:59 pm Post subject:
And thanks dpack,
for such a detailed response.
I'll read that several times to make sure I get everything out of it.
Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 38012
Location: yes
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 17 10:05 pm Post subject:
i might have missed a few things, if you get stuck just ask.
Mistress Rose
Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 11989
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 17 6:34 am Post subject:
Think Dpack has covered most of it. Flues are either metal or salt glazed ceramic. In many ways salt glazed ceramic is better as it is longer lasting, but it needs to be put in with the sockets pointing downwards. It will be more expensive however, and it may not be easy to build into an existing chimney.
If you haven't had a wood burner before, make sure your wood is as dry as possible before burning. If possible, bring about a weeks supply into the house a week before use, and store some near the side of the fire (but not touching) for a day if you can. A stove suitable for a smokeless zone should be fairly efficient. Another advantage is if you can get a multifuel grate as then you can add a bit of smokeless coal overnight if you want to keep the fire in. When shutting the fire down overnight, make sure that the logs have charred a bit before shutting down. Putting fresh, even very well seasoned and dry wood on, then shutting straight down causes tar. You may get away with a few big logs for overnight, but having the option of adding a bit of coal is always useful, although not so eco-friendly.
stumbling goat
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 1989
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 17 7:17 am Post subject:
Thank you M Rose,
I installed a coal/wood fire many years go prior to the new regs. That worked fine and was safe.
With this project and new regs, think it's best if I do one stage at a time and then check that I am doing it right at that stage?
Taking out the existing should not be too difficult and will give savings. I'll be back with dimensions and pictures.
stumbling goat
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 1989
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 17 11:51 am Post subject:
The old fireplace is out. Dimensions pdf the grate are
13.5 inches across at the front, not allowing for a slight arc, 9 inches across at the back, 5 inches depth front to back.
The original gap is now exposed and its already an improvement.
The gap is now 28 inches cross. 17 inches depth. and 28 high from base to top of the steel bar (lintel) which has a course of bricks above. This sill need making good with render and plaster.
A neighbour has had a burner recently fitted, and on looking at it, the plate above the burner filling the gap between the room and the chimney is fitted in the gap but not sealed. Also, it feels like very thin SS. Is it advisable, or should, the gap around the plate be sealed?
Client wants a slot in wood burner apparently despite the fact that a stand alone looks better as not a solid wall of object. Breaks up the view for the eye. Hey ho.
It will be an enclosed wood burner not a fireplace so does the render to make good need to be a special mix? Or just sharp sand and cement with a plaster skim coat? I'm going to need to fit beads for the edges as the old fire damaged the corners.
Ty Gwyn
Joined: 22 Sep 2010
Posts: 4340
Location: Lampeter
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 17 12:19 pm Post subject:
Definitely a bedroom fire place,
Were there securing clips on the casting?as I`ve never seen any on the numerous ones I`ve pulled out and installed.
The register plate above the burner is normally sealed.
If its an enclosed one,it needs fermiculite around the burner,similar to how parkrays were fitted years back,normally brick around the sides and back ,leaving a 3in gap between burner and fill the gap with fermiculite.
stumbling goat
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 1989
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 17 12:34 pm Post subject:
Hello TG,
It is as was suggested then, a bedroom FP installed in a lounge. Would have been a real time consumer to keep filling up with little tiny logs.
It had 2 lugs about 6 inches below the top each side which allowed 2 screw fixings that we ere then rendered over. Unfortunately the bottom of one side cracked off, but a clean break, so repairable. It will end up on eBay I suspect.
Looking at FDC burners, the one next door looks lovely.
Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 38012
Location: yes
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 17 11:17 am Post subject:
what tg said, the chimney plate should be stout enough to be properly fitted to the masonry and to allow for a proper flange to attach around the flue system
3/16 mild steel is a good choice
the flue fitters can advise etc .
if you sweep the chimney now you can A get the messy stuff over and B notice if any bits of masonry fall down
i dont know what a sweep costs in london but a set of rods is about £20, it is an easy job ( work through a taped on cloth with a slot in it to minimise mess, always turn the rods in the together direction only
) and they will save you loads on doing the new flue regularly
Downsizer Forum Index
Energy Efficiency and Construction/Major Projects
All times are GMT
View Latest Posts
Powered by
© 2001, 2005 php-BB Group
Style by
, released under
Copyright © 2004 marsjupiter.com


text:
Ariat riding boots, jackets and riding apparel are known for quality and authentic design. With an array of English equestrian apparel and footwear to choose from, Ariat delivers style and performance throughout their entire lineup.
Experience comfort and style as you shop our extensive line of Ariat boots -- from the popular Ariat Heritage Field Boot to the always-in-fashion Ariat Challenge Contour Zip Field Boot. Shop for Ariat chaps and breeches, too.
Ariat jackets, wellies, riding gloves and much more offered at Dover Saddlery ensure you'll have the Ariat apparel you need to ride in comfort and style.


text:
Westinghouse Mini-Twist 18 Watt Warm White (2700K) E26 (Medium) Base CFL Spiral Light Bulb 3794900CFL twist and mini-twist light bulbs are a brilliant alternative to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. These CFLs last up to 10 times longer and use 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs having the same light output. To help you find the right bulb for the right application, see Westinghouse's full offering of CFL twist and mini-twist light bulbs available in a variety of colors including warm white, cool white and daylight. The CFLs with medium screw bases are compatible for use with many standard household fixtures--everything from recessed or track lighting to table lamps and porch lights. These light bulbs contain mercury. Dispose of according to local, state or federal laws.
- Variety of twist and mini-twist CFL light bulbs available
- CFLs save up to 75% energy compared to incandescent light bulbs
- Last up to an average of 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs
- Available in a variety of colors including warm white, cool white and daylight
- Compatible with most standard fixtures


text:
Do Tools Ever Die Off?
from the species-extinction deptRobert Krulwich, who has done some interviews with Kevin Kelly recently, highlighted a recent discussion in which Kelly makes quite a claim:
"I say there is no species of technology that have ever gone globally extinct on this planet."Further in the debate, Kelly expanded and even bet Krulwich that he couldn't find any tool, no matter how far back in the past it was from, that wasn't still being made today (and made new) somewhere in the world. Krulwich brings up a few suggestions, each of which gets shot down, including "paleolithic hammers." Turns out they're still being made (mostly by hobbyists). He then went through a bunch of pages of an 1895 Montgomery Ward catalog... and found that every one is still being made. So Krulwich asked people to chime in with suggestions, and they've come up with a few, such as radium suppositories, a Roman corvus (a ship boarding tool) and the ferrite core of a Seeburg Jukebox. Kelly's job is to try to find if all of these are still being made.
Of course, some of this depends on how you view the initial premise. The initial claim from Kelly was that no species of technology has ever gone extinct -- and in that case, you should be able to include more updated technologies that are better/safer/more efficient. But, in the interview, Kelly does seem to take it a step further in claiming that no tool itself was no longer being made new. So, I'm curious if anyone can actually find "new" versions of the things listed above.
Filed Under: extinction, kevin kelly, technology, tools


text:
Friday, June 29, 2007
Shoe/Foot (other)
I wish I'd had a tape-recorder. I'd have gotten it all and sent a copy to the doctors and the nurses. If I were nasty, I'd have sent it to the hospital administrator...
Having had a number of people close to me in the hospital lately, I've spent plenty of time at the bedside. It leads me to conclude that if every doctor and nurse did the same, without letting on that they were "medical," they'd change their behavior overnight. I was a visitor in a hospital just this morning, in a two person room. The roommate was a nice lady, fresh from surgical repair of a broken leg. A few months ago, she'd had breast cancer. A doctor came to see her: thin, dressed in a crispy thigh-length white coat, dark slacks, academically correct glasses. Medical guy, clearly.
"Hello," he said. "How are you feeling?"
"Hi. I'm ok, I ...."
"I saw your scan. It doesn't show the cancer. Does it hurt when I press here on your liver?"
"That doesn't hurt, but..."
"Are you feeling better than yesterday? Does your liver hurt when I push here?"
"A little, maybe..."
"OK." Exits.
Seriously. That was the exact interaction.
Meanwhile, the lady had called the nurse because her drain had come apart, leaking into her bed. As the nurse checked it out, she noticed what was evidently more than the usual amount of swelling in the lady's leg. "Oh, this is pretty swollen. Is it bigger than yesterday?"
"I don't know. I guess so, looking at it..."
"I'm going to call your doctor." Exits. Returns with another nurse in a couple of minutes. "Does this look swollen to you?"
"Yes, and it feels tight."
Someone sticks her head in the door. "You page Dr Ortho?"
"Yes, I'll get it." Exits, returns in a couple of minutes. "He said not to call him urgently, it scared him. He's coming." Rustling around, passing back and forth in front of me and the person I'm visiting, urgent, but no eye contact our way.
Dr. Ortho shows up in about five minutes. "Let's have a look... You have some bleeding into the muscle. It happens. We cut apart the muscle to fix the bone. And you're on blood thinners. You need to be on them, but when they cause problems, we have to stop them. We'll take out the drain. Try to lie right on the leg. The pressure will help."
"Thank you, Doctor."
"You're welcome. Goodbye."
Nurses return to patient, and talk while changing the bandages: "He acted like it wasn't important, like I didn't need to call him. I think it was important."
"So do I. It's a problem."
"Well he sure acted like it isn't."
"It is."
No point in listing the issues: I assume they're obvious, and that if the people were to see or hear a playback, they'd feel bad. Nor did I say anything, because I wasn't part of it. Last time I was, I did.
When my dad was admitted for what turns out to have been his final hospitalization a couple of years ago, it was first to a room on the medical floor. (I arrived a few hours after admission, to find him working quite hard to breathe, and asked the nurse how long it'd been since his oxygen level had been checked. "It was fine when he came in, but I'll check again.... 75%. That can't be right...." But that's another story, maybe for another day.) The point was that while we were awaiting the arrival of his physician, some attending came in leading an audience of admirers, consisting of a resident, an intern, and a student. Never acknowledging my mother, who was sitting by my dad with her fear and concern as obvious as if she were on fire, the attending told my dad he was going to listen to his lungs, and did so. No introduction, no preamble. Without another word to my dad, he asked his charges to do the same, which they did, wordlessly, after which he began to talk to them about it as they exited the room. The student turned and (uncomfortable, I'd like to think, at the absence of humanity) said "thank you" as he left. "I'll be right back," I said to my folks, launching from my chair with the fury of righteous indignation thrusting me like a bottle rocket.
"Excuse me, I'm Dr Schwab, and those were my parents," I intruded into the gaggle outside the room, ignoring entirely the attending and looking only at the student. "I've been in practice over twenty-five years, and I've never seen a worse example of how to behave in front of patients and family. I hope you took notes, because it's really important, more important than whatever you heard in my dad's chest. No one introduced himself, no one explained why they were there, what was going on. If you couldn't tell my mother was scared to death, you're all blind. Yet no one acknowledged her at all. No one even turned her way. She didn't exist to those people. That was the most egregious behavior I've ever seen.... and I'm a damn SURGEON!! Maybe you can learn from this -- (still looking at the student and paying no attention to the doctors) -- I'm guessing the rest couldn't care less." As I walked back into the room, I noticed the eyes of a couple of nearby docs aimed in my direction. I don't know what they were thinking.
Docs, nurses, students: when someone you know is in a hospital where you aren't known, make it a point to visit. Watch and listen. It'll be better for you than a dozen sensitivity classes. Way better. Acknowledgment, explanations. Listening. In that first case, about twenty extra words from the docs, and twenty fewer from those nurses would have made all the difference. For all of 'em: empathy. It's all about empathy. The absence is about 90% of what's wrong with medical care. And you know what? I'll say it. I'll take a chance on sounding like a pain in the ass: I know I was never perfect. I don't have the fastest hands nor the deepest knowledge on the planet; I've made mistakes in technique and in judgment. But I always had empathy. I treated my patients as I'd have wanted my parents to have been treated. I never acted like any of those idiots. (Not to patients, anyway.) And I'm still pissed.
22 comments:
- Lynn Price said...
"And I'm still pissed."
And well you should be, Sid. I called this "Slab-of-beef-itis" in my book. Being in a hospital is scary enough withouth being ignored and irrelevant, so good on you for coming ungled.
Strip away our cell phones and high tech play toys, and all we have left is our humanity. Strip that away, and I'll gladly check out of this dance.
- Chrysalis said...
BRAVO Dr. Schwab!! You had me on my feet and off of this chair reading! I had to comment. (and you know I don't comment any more) Now there's a book for you to write to students and medical personnel in what ever facet of the field they are in. Empathy.. Man, I am sure that student never forgot that moment. Good!
- rlbates said...
Well said.
- Greg P said...
In the end, I wonder if your tirade at the students was a useful or the best approach. You certainly were in attack mode, which I would not normally think is the best for teaching.
I can remember points of my early medical education when frankly I didn't know what the hell I was doing -- it would not have been helpful to me to get a chewing out by the surgeon-son of a patient.
As medical director of a rehab unit, from time to time I observe troublesome interactions between various staff and patients + families. I've learned how difficult it is to try to help the staff learn from what I see because of my authoritative position, even though I'm not responsible for their hiring or firing. So usually I will enlist the head nurse to try to work on the problem process and/or staff member.
I could not agree with you more! Patients are people and more often than not scared people!
Imagine how different a patient would react if EVERY hospital staff member (Dr.'s and others) would first introduce themselves, describe their their role, (Nurse, Dr's. Tech), why they are here and what they are going to do.
Oh and here's a thought, wash your hands, clean your stethoscope and consider the need to maintain athe patients dignity.
I remember one time as an RT making rounds with our Medical Director. With no hesitation what so ever, he undid the gown of a 70 year old lady. lowered the gown exposing her breasts, and applied his stethoscope to her chest, all the while talking to me, not the patient.
No hand washing, no explaination, no clean stethoscope, no dignity and whoa, no permission to do this in front of me!
Afterwards I indicated that I would not appreciate that being done to my mother/wife/girlfriend.
Preserving a patients dignity should be a priority at all times.
- Misha said...
You know---what you described is not at all unusual. I have decided that to a large degree medical practitioners have become accustomed to the nature of the hospital and what happens there. What they lose sight of is that for most patients/patient families a surgery or hospitalization is a special occasion. We watch and listen to everything....we remember it. Hosptials seem to be really big on S O P (standard op procedure)while patients all come with different situations. I would argue that most of my complaints over the years center around failure to communicate. The surgeon does not consult with pain center doc or GP, the pediatric specialist and pediatrician don't collaborate, the nursing staff is tense with the doc or afraid to call him/her. Nobody preps you for what to expect at home. (It would be great to have all of the supplies/etc you need before you take the sick/injured home) Coordinating a loved one's care is a lot like herding cats...not an easy job
- Gravity said...
During the ultrasound of my (very) swollen thyroid two years ago, the person doing the ultra-sounding (who didn't introduce herself or give her job, so I have no idea) kept going back to one place. Then said "Oh my god" in a startled voice. Then excused herself, leaving me laying on the table, and told me stay as still as I could while she was gone.
Eventually, she came back with another woman who didn't introduce herself and picked up the wand again and just started in "right there, you see that? It doesn't look like a shadow, but I'm not sure if it's the machine."
The other lady came around the bed and scolded me sharply "Hold still, please." then addressed Anonymous Tech #1. "No, I don't think so. Did you get it?"
"Yes, I got two good shots."
"Ok, good."
Anonymous Tech #2 left without another glance at me. #1 put down the wand again and followed her out. I could hear them talking outside the door, but not what they were saying.
Tech #1 came back in, overly-cheerful and gave me a cloth to wipe the goo off of my neck.
"There we go, you're all done!"
I sat up and just waited for a minute, but she seemed to be very busy cleaning off the machine.
I said "I realize that you can't tell me anything... but could you just tell me, unofficially, what that MIGHT have been? What you MIGHT have seen? I promise that I won't take it as a diagnosis or anything. Did things look ok?"
She briefly glanced up from the machine. "Oh no. We're not allowed to tell you anything. The radiologist should be giving you a call on Monday."
I never did get a call. I finally got through to someone nearly a week later(I have no idea what their job was, either) and she told me that there wasn't anything to worry about, and that my results had been passed on to my E-N-T, but that there wasn't anything alarming in it. That I hadn't been called or called back because there hadn't been anything out of what they would normally expect to see.
Later, after the surgery, my girlfriend filled out the meal card for me as I just sort of sat there and drooled. I had the right side of my thyroid out as well as my tonsils, so I wasn't in much shape to do anything. The doc left orders for a liquid or very soft supper. My girlfriend noted on the diet sheet that I was very allergic to citrus fruits. Even spelled them out - NO lemon. NO orange juice. NO lime.
For supper, I was served a full pot-roast meal with chunky potatoes and carrots and not even any broth.
I was still fuzzy, and I figured that they wanted me to try to eat what I could and to not baby my throat.
Yeah, I have no idea what I was thinking, either, but it was only like 4 hours after surgery, and I was pretty out of it.
I only managed a few bites before it hurt bad enough that I was crying, and I didn't tell anyone because I thought that it was my fault.
Later, I was brought a cup of tea with a slice of lemon floating in it.
Breakfast was toast with marmalade and a glass of orange juice, since I had said that supper was "too heavy" for me.
I had told everyone at every opportunity that I am a diet-controlled diabetic, but during my entire stay, nobody took a reading that I'm aware of. Every time I mentioned it, I was brushed off as soon as I said that I didn't take actual medication for it.
The people at the hospital were very nice, I'm sure, but the things that were tiny lapses to someone somewhere down the line (like a cheerful slice of lemon in a cup of hot tea) could have had a huge impact on me. I don't want to deal with healing from surgery AND have a mouthful of blisters to deal with.
- Bongi said...
i feel the need to make a few comments.
firstly, i once said i was impressed with dr schwab for the example he is concerning how to be human while being a doctor. i repeat that. you are truly something to aspire to.
secondly, greg p. i must disagree. i think that the good doctor's response was perfect and well aimed. he did not chew out the student, but rather took down the pricks in front of the student. anyway, he is a surgeon. bloody hell, i would have really taken someone apart. i think he showed restraint or incredible tact. well done. i stand in salute to you.
recently a family member went through the process of finding out he had lung cancer. (histology came in yesterday). in such a small town, it was my physician friend that started the diagnosis process and my thorax friend that got the biopsy. i visited him every day he was in hospital. i sat with his wife while he was in theater, just to be there because i would hate to be alone in her situation. i listened when she cried. i felt. and i'm also a surgeon. (only doctors will understand that sentence sid).
i think that to ever elevate yourself above your patients is pathological. to me to feel my own mortality as my patients suffer and die is a priveledge.
- #1 Dinosaur said...
I'll bet that student was thrilled, because you were saying precisely what he was thinking, but didn't have the status to challenge.
I used to get really pissed at the way other docs treated patients back when I was a stud, but there wasn't much I could do about it; except learn from the bad example.
This is a very moving story that serves as a perfect example of how, despite the fact most physicians are very good people with their minds and hearts in the right places, some are arrogant or at least absent in their patient contact. A number of people are in medicine in my family in various ways, and we know the stress of working in an inpatient environment. However, that's no excuse for brash words or no words at all to pateints. (Incidently, I am the guy who's LiveJournal you kindly commented on after I mentioned you blog there.)
When I was in the ED at a local hospital with acute abdominal pain, most of the staff were caring if somewhat rushed—which was fine. In the ED I expect "rushed". However, one resident more or less talked down to me . . . until I reminded him that despite looking very young, that I too am a professional . . . and unlike his PGY-3 self, I am boarded in my field already. I don't think he meant any harm though or even to be arrogant: I think that most physicians when rushed (esp younger ones) tend to overlook the human side of contact and forget that allopathy isn't just about getting tests back from the lab and writings scripts for Cetirizine.
- SeaSpray said...
Good for you! I think that student probably did want to acknowledge your parents. You taught him a lesson that he probably never forgot and hopefully treats his patients empathetically. Those docs needed their come uppins - shame on them!
"I" WANT to know what that lady's obvious concern was! How could he not pick that up or did he just not want to because he did know the answers? But what if he was missing something important? You must have been wondering what she was going to say. And just to relieve her possible anxiety or concern - just give her a minute - Gee!
I have seen nurses do that before and it is too bad. Even Lab techs, x-ray etc. - it's like they forget they have more than a chest pain or a knee there - they forget there is a whole person.
I used to be bothered by how "some" medical staff including the squads bringing them, talked in front of the patients that came to the ER from the nursing home if they had dementia or for some reason believed the patient didn't understand because they seemed unresponsive. The hearing is the last to go. How do they know what another is processing in their spirit even if it is a momentary offense that the patient would forget in the next minute? What about respect for one's Dignity?
One night a Doc was saying something really cruel as a joke about an elderly patient who he perceived to be "gorked" because her eyes were closed and she didn't talk. Well...tears started to come out the corners of her eyes, rolling down her cheek onto the pillow. :(
Then there was another lady who was a frequent flier who was always brought in with SOB from COPD. The squad members would usually say something derogatory about her being back AGAIN when rolling her into the ER - like she wasn't even there. One night one guy was particularly offensive and I ignored him and jumped right up and in to say,"Hi Mrs ... - I'm so sorry your not feeling well tonight. It must feel AWFUL when you feel like you can't breathe!" She looked at me over her oxygen mask like she appreciated what I had said. I ALWAYS treated her with respect and tried to do what I could to help make her more comfortable when staff was tied up. More often then not- she was admitted. I also understand the burden of frequent fliers to staff and squads but she was old, poor and didn't have transportation and she felt like she couldn't freaking breathe!
Most of the time most staff and transporters are compassionate, Every now and then though...
Probably wouldn't hurt to take some reminder classes!
Sorry so long - again Dr S. but I have always been a champion for the underdogs and go out of my way to treat people with respect.
I do have a question about Coumadin and that is do all people run the risk of stroking out if they stop the blood thinners? I Know a lady in her mid 70s who went in to SDS for a routine colonoscopy and so she had to stop the coumadin but doing so caused a stroke during the procedure. She is much better now at 1 year later. She had been on it for approximately 30 years.
What is a patient and doctor to do in that situation? Avoid getting any invasive procedures? Her son said "That's it - she's never doing that again."
I guess it is one of those darned if you do and darned if you don't situations.
You had the advantage because you had the confidence of being a doctor who knew the environment very well. Pity the poor patient and his unsophisticated family in the same situation. Even if they felt slighted and wanted to punch the offending doctor in the nose, they wouldn't have dared to say anything for fear of reprisal - real or imagined.
Obviously, cheers to you for acting on your principles.
- Sid Schwab said...
greg: whereas I was addressing the student, I was speaking to the attending. I think everyone there got that. And whereas I can't claim that if there'd been time to contemplate my response (maybe read some journals, have a conference) it would have been exactly the same, I think it was less a "chewing out" than a real-time object lesson. My general point is that to be a fly on the wall would be an eye opener for most heath care professionals. Communication, more often that it ought, stinks.
seaspray: the risk of stopping coumadin depends on why it's being taken. It's always matched against the benefit of the procedure being contemplated. We try to time the cessation just right, and often cover with a short-acting anticoagualant. It doesn't always work out well; usually, it does.
- justme said...
Wow. Imagine the difference is all doctors could look at their patients, with all their messy emotional/psychological dysfunction and not fear, not avoid, just love them and accept them and be there.
You have saved many lives in your career. You have performed elegant handiwork on lots of bodies, but I bet your patients remembered the kindness and the understanding long after they forgot what the operation was about.
You have the capacity to connect with people. Most doctors today are afraid of their patients or afraid of commitment or maybe just lazy. I hope that you can get involved with educating them that people can be enjoyed instead of endured. Thanks for your excellent writing.
Amen to everything you said. I immediately assumed the reason you were talking to the student, aiming your indignation at him, was because of all the gaggle in the entourage, he was the one that would be the most likely to actually have a chance of real change; while anything is possible, I doubt the attending thought anything except "typical surgeon, trying tell me how to do medicine with my patients."
I've already been there as a patient with a couple of surgeries, but having a father go through end-stage liver disease and a succesful transplant--all after I knew I was going to medical school (meaning, I was already observing, taking mental notes)--was more education in many ways than I've gotten so far.
- XE said...
Good for you, Doc! Can't have the students learn those dispicable interpersonal skills from those attendings!
- Lisa said...
In December 2005 a Jules Stein ophthalmologist openly accused me of fabricating my monocular double vision. blink Then very brazenly stated to myself and my husband that she would stake her career on the fact that there was absolutely nothing wrong with my eyes.
Three weeks ago, post-surgery pit surgery [3cm tumor], all of the swelling fell off of me. The swelling in my eyes resolved and so did the double vision.
I'm debating whether I should let her know that her new career anxiously awaits.
Good for you Doc! I went through the same situation with my elderly parents several times.I can assure you that there is a Hospital Admin. & Medical Director in West Texas that are still walking funny after I ripped them a new --- for the way their ED Doc treated my parents like they were old fools.
I have been in health care for 22 years and I have witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly. When I started out the vast majority of Doc's were good people.Today,I wouldn't give you a $1.99 for half of them out there. I feel sorry for the vast majority of elderly patients out there who have no family around to advocate for them in these situations. Cheers to the good Doc's left!
as a RN, it's a breath of fresh air to read a MD advocating for empathy. i always treat my patients with dignity and respect. they are vulnerable enough just being a patient in a hospital. i've had a similar experience occur to one of my patients as an entourage of med students with a senior came in for rounds. the patient was left in tears, after comforting the patient for a couple of minutes, and i ran after the group in the hallway and basically said what you said in your post, but in fewer words. luckily the attending had enough shame to go back to the patient to apologize.
- Dr. J. said...
In our endless quest for understanding of the anatomic and physiologic cause of disease we have deluded ourselves into thinking that disordered anatomy and physiology are what disease is about. We treat it as such, and in hospitals all too often name it....the lung cancer in 514-2 and the infected post TKA down the hall.
The reality is that we should be caring for patients, who happen to have disordered anatomy or physiology, rather than reducing the issue beyond the level of the person. Even the most specialized of the specialized, the world expert in listening to S3 in elderly male patients who also happen to have enlarged prostates, should take the time to acknowledge the patient and the patients fears. To do so is only human, and humanism is really at the core of what it means to be a doctor. I'm not sure how we've managed to loose that it much of 'modern medicine' but we have, and it worries me. It should worry everyone who plans on aging, and needing medical care in their lives...
Dr. J.
- Lynx217 said...
Where were all the good doctors when my grandma laid dying in the hospital and no one bothered to tell the family what the **** was going on? And where was the compassion for the children involved? I was the oldest and I had just turned 13 at that time, and I would've greatly appreciated even a nurses' assistant coming up and telling me "your grandma's in bad shape but we're doing everything we can to help her" sometime during her stay. Instead, she died alone, with only her children beside her, no one trying to make her - or her family - feel like every reasonable measure had been taken to try to help her. Granted, she'd been in and out of the hospital a lot, but she still deserved better. And her family deserved better too. And what about those nurses who just cut her insulin off, instead of calling the doctor for clarification on his instructions? The medical profession failed my family, but I don't hold it against everyone. I just wish that more were as thoughtful as the ones here. Just a thought, remember we're ALL humans, please!
- Hazel said...
I congratulate you Dr Schwab. I have worked as an RN in teaching hospitals for the past twenty years. This sounds Oh so familiar. I am so glad that you addressed the behavior with the students right after it happened. There is no doubt in my mind that if they remembered anything that week it would have been that encounter. Hopefully it impacted their future practice.


text:
Ladies and gentlemen, I submit for your edification a few selections from the catalogue of The Confederate Reprint Company.
- The Genesis of Lincoln by James Harrison Cathey. This startling tome informs us that "the man known to the world as Abraham Lincoln was actually the offspring of an illicit relationship between Nancy Hanks and a married man named Abraham Enloe, in whose western North Carolina home she worked as a servant in the early years of the Nineteenth Century." Given the well-documented links between an out-of-wedlock birth and a willingness to trample on the Constitution, this could very well change everything we think we know about the Union war effort.
- The Eugenics of President Abraham Lincoln by James Caswell Coggins. This enlightening volume explains how "the science of eugenics forever disproves the myth of the sixteenth President's descent from the near imbecile Thomas Lincoln." Eugenics, in case you didn't know, is the science of improving mankind's genetic stock by encouraging selective breeding and by weeding out the less-desirable. (Coincidentally, this book first appeared in 1941, when the German government stepped up their own endeavors in this fascinating field of study.)
- Why Was Lincoln Murdered? by Otto Eisenschiml. Eisenschiml "suggests that several top-level Government officials in Washington, particularly Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, may have played important roles in the crime and later covered up their involvement." This explains all those mysterious meetings between Stanton, the CIA, Cuban expatriates, and the Dallas mob.
- The Invisible Empire: The Story of the Ku Klux Klan by Stanley F. Horn. The rousing tale of how "the Klan quickly evolved into an institution of 'Chivalry, Humanity, Mercy, and Patriotism' and spread throughout the Southern States to counter the aggression against their people by unscrupulous Carpetbaggers and their vicious Union League cohorts."
And finally, my personal favorite.
- A Scriptural, Ecclesiastical, and Historical View of Slavery by John Henry Hopkins. An 1864 classic which "proves conclusively that Abolitionism is at odds with, not only the entire history of mankind, but also two millennia of Christian theology." What Would Jesus Do? Apparently nothing. He'd make somebody else do it.
Operators are standing by!


text:
And so I came across this post from the Daily Beast offering an apologia as to why the unfortunately named Mr. Weiner could not keep same off of the internet. And it's this: Men feel invisible after a certain age. To wit, once they hit that gray zone, they can no longer go into a cafe and get the twenty-something server to give them the eye. And so they have to compensate.
Spare me.
Before this post ends in a sputter, let's check what the writer, Christopher Dickey, Paris bureau chief and Middle East editor for Newsweek Magazine and The Daily Beast, had to say:
I had lunch recently with a good friend who is a veteran of the CIA and one of those spies who is a study in grays—handsome enough, but always in the background; never the first person you'd notice in a crowded room, and very possibly the last. Given his profession, I thought he wanted to be that way. So I was surprised when, early in the conversation as a college student served us iced tea in the diner, he said to me that one of the worst things about getting older is that you become "invisible to women." It's not just that they aren't interested in you, he said, "it's that they don't see you."Not many men admit this, I think, although I am sure that many men in their 50s and older, and not a few in their 40s, must feel it. And I suspect that it is this sensation of invisibility that makes some men—especially politicians and actors who have made careers trying to be loved in public–make ridiculous spectacles of themselves as they get older.
For Rep. Anthony Weiner , 46, the fear of invisibility would seem to be so profound that he took to tweeting pictures of his depilated chest and distended crotch to complete strangers on Twitter and Facebook. (The congressman may have worried all his life that nobody would see him, and he's such a geek he'd be pitiful if he weren't so arrogant. One wonders, is Rick Moranis too old to play him in "Weiner: The Movie"?)
Similar concerns about invisibility, articulated or not, probably lurked in the head of 62-year-old Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who was director of the International Monetary Fund and the leading contender to be the next president of France until he allegedly forced himself on a 32-year-old African immigrant hotel maid in New York City. "Do you know who I am?" he kept asking her, according to several reports. "Do you know who I am?" And by every indication she did not. Strauss-Kahn, now awaiting trial on criminal sexual assault and related charges, has denied any wrongdoing, but he can't very well deny looking like a fool.
And then there was California's actor-politician governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was pushing 50 when he fathered a child with his not-so-hot-looking housekeeper in 1997. After news of this broke last month, the tabloids told us Schwarzenegger, now almost 64, preferred women who thought he was more beautiful than they, or that he thought might think so; women, that is, who saw him as he wanted to be seen.
Blah, blah and effing blah.
Yes, I get it that men might feel that twinge when they're suddenly the wallflowers at the orgy (Wish that were my phrase. It's not. Credit Nora Ephron) But let's face it. Men of a certain age can still be powerful politicians. They can be CEOs. They can run states and they can run Wall Street. They can be new fathers, for the love of God. And when their hair goes gray — to refer to the metaphor Dickey used above — they are considered distinguished. They have gravitas.
Women? Right. Not so much. We're not only invisible when the gray starts to sprout — but in many careers, we're looked upon as redundant when it comes to our professions. We come to be defined by our age in ways that have little to do with our sexual capital.
Case in point, a drop-dead gorgeous friend who let her short hair go natural after a bout of chemo. Steely gray, and with her clear blue eyes, killer gorgeous. And yet. What she found was that she was treated differently. And it had nothing to do with catching the eye of anyone serving her iced tea or the bagboy at Safeway.
Case in another point. Some years back, when I used myself as a guinea pig to teach my j. students interviewing techniques, I encouraged them to suck it up and ask my age. One courageous soul always did. And when I gave my answer, there was always an intake of breath. As if to say: how can you still be relevant? (I've since chucked that part of the exercise.)
The truth is that women are defined by externals in all-pervasive ways that men are not, and age is one of the worst markers of all. Frankly, I don't know how it feels for former studs to feel that they've lost their mojo. But what I do know is this: college-aged servers aside, what they haven't lost is their ability to take charge. To be taken seriously. To be considered relevant. To continue their ascent into the world. To be the boss. Or, God forbid, to marry women half their age, without being met by a roomful of snickers. (Well, okay. I tend to think that nothing makes a man look more like a jackass than having a woman the age of his daughter who isn't his daughter on his arm, but that's just me.) All you have to do is go to the movies, where more often than not, you'll see the old guy paired happily with the smiling ingenue. But what about the reverse?
Think about it. Okay, done.
But, because I play fair, I will include a bit more from Mr. Dickey's post, which redeems him somewhat:
In truth, invisibility is inevitable. And women have always known that, and felt it, and feared it and discussed. I have rarely spoken about this question with women friends over 40 who didn't understand immediately what I was talking about. Yet the most beautiful and painful expression of invisibility's tragedy that I know is actually a poem written in the 1960s by Randall Jarrell, a man who was then approaching his 50s and who was writing about a woman more or less the same age. Her only wish is that "the boy putting groceries in my car/See me. It bewilders me he doesn't see me."
Welcome to the club, guys. Times ten.


text:
A weekly listing of some of the Canadian websites and blogs that I have come across the week ending Sept 4th, 2011.
The Oram Family Tree http://oramtree.sumgen.com — This Oram family is thought to have originated in Wiltshire, UK. Some members have appeared to have gone to Canada.
The New Auty Genealogy Site http://www.autygenealogy.org — AUTY, AWTY, AUTIE, AUTTIE, AUTEY, AUTTY, AUTTEE surnames covering England, New Zealand, Australia, USA, and Canada.
Roots Cape Breton Genealogy & Family History Centre http://museum.gov.ns.ca/hv/en/home/researchlearn/rootscapebreton/default.aspx — Roots Cape Breton is a computer-assisted research service for those in search of their Cape Breton roots. $
Directory of Oxford County 1857-1858 http://www.ocl.net/genealogy/oxford_dir — Online searchable directory of residents and businesses of Oxford County, Ontario 1857-1858. I wrote a blog posting on this site - http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2011/08/oxford-county-library-databases-indexes.html
Ontario (Upper Canada) County Directories http://www.ontariogenealogy.comontariocountydirectories.html
The FERGUSON Connection - A Family History http://thefergusonconnection.cds-enterprises.com — The FERGUSON, FIELDS, and related families are included from all over the Unites States, and some from Canada.
Quebec Genealogy Pointers - ManyRoads http://www.many-roads.com/category/thoughts/tips-opinions/quebec-genealogy — Mark Rabideau writes about French Canada, and the Rabideau – Henss histories & Genealogy.
Canada Lands Survey System http://clss-satc.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/googledata-donneesgoogle-eng.php — Canada Lands in Google Earth including Indian Reserves, National Parks, and the territories.
Canadian Military Research and Genealogy http://canadiangenealogyandresearch.ca — A bilingual (French/English) website which can help research your military ancestors.
RIVETTE Family Genealogy http://www.rivettefamily.com/places_index.htm Follow the Acadian family through New Brunswick, and other Acadian settlements in Canada.