Transparency in accounting

Reviewing a document titled Financial Statement Presentation (DataLine 2010-35) from PricewaterhouseCoopers, it is clear that current accounting methods leave much to be desired.

"existing requirements permit too many alternative presentations and that the information in financial statements is highly aggregated and inconsistently presented..."

This is exactly why I feel that one method should be standardized by all stakeholders (major financial institutions, ratings agencies, and governments) so that stock holders can rest assured that someone in the firm that they own isn't cooking the books.

The report went on to state that recommendations for clarifying financial statements were excepting Non-profits, certain retirement plans and other plans governed by another standard.  I am curious to learn about how Non-profits are structured because as my father pointed out:  Many non-profits seem to be very profitable for the individuals involved.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/8646174/Banking-trio-fail-to-meet-accounting-standards-claims-Financial-Reporting-Council.html

Seven Years' War aka The French and Indian War

Here is perhaps where I am most puzzled by the motivations of the French during our revolutionary war.  Britain had backed our protection during the French and Indian War and required more colonial support to continue to protect the 13 colonies.  Yet, less than fifteen years later later, France was on our side, and rather than asserting colonial aspirations of her own, France basically sacrificed blood and treasure on our behalf, presumably to add another adversary to oppose Britain.  Is this then a similar situation as the US supporting Vietnamese "freedom fighters" and a fledgling democracy to oppose the greater influence of China?  It seems that many smaller countries typically become pawns in larger global struggles, but in the case of the US, we had enough talent and geographic distance for long enough to oppose old world influence and our incubation period was a success.

http://people.csail.mit.edu/sfelshin/saintonge/pictures/needham.jpg

http://www.masshist.org/maps/2726_NorthAm/2726_NorthAm.htm#

Revolutionary Assistance

Looking at the events in Libya, its hard not to reflect on the role that other nations play in affecting the outcome of a revolution.  France was a crucial partner in the US revolution against Britain, and the US, and its NATO allies were crucial in the success in the Libyan revolution.  It is interesting to note that revolutions, while filled with messages of self-determination and other such nationalist fervor seem to be as much the product of global power struggles as internal ones. 

General Lafayette

Looking back at the situation in the US around the 1770's I am amazed at the level of support that we received from France.  One thing that I don't understand is why the French were so keen to help us out!  Gen. La Fayette for example came here to fight on our behalf on his own dime and encouraged the French aristocratic class to contribute to our cause.  What was their perceived benefit?  Was is purely altruistic, or were their other motives?

National Committee for Fluid Mechanics Films Link

http://web.mit.edu/hml/ncfmf.html

Featuring cool topics such as Hemholtz resonators (I didn't realize this is what you call wind blowing  across a bottle top!) and cavitation (when water boils due to pressure drop).

Demonstration of a Helmholtz Resonator

Discussion of the cavitation number determining when a flow will cavitate

Immigration Document Links

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/PBSappendix8generalstudent1

UK Visa Submission Page ("Low Risk" Nationalities)

Declaration

I hereby apply for an entry clearance to the United Kingdom. The information I have given is complete and true to the best of my knowledge. I also declare that the photograph submitted with this form is a true likeness of me. I confirm that if, before this application is decided, there is a material change in my circumstances or new information relevant to this application becomes available, I will inform the United Kingdom Diplomatic Mission handling my application.

I am aware that it is an offence under the Immigration Act 1971 (as amended) to make a statement which I know to be false, or not believe to be true, in order to obtain a visa/entry clearance to the UK. I am also aware that my application will be automatically refused and I may be banned from going to the UK for 10 years if I use a false document, lie or withhold relevant information. I may also be banned if I have breached immigration laws in the UK. I am further aware that should I use a false document, lie or withhold relevant information my details may be passed to law enforcement agencies.

I declare that the documents that I have supplied with this application are genuine and the statements I have made with this application are truthful. I understand that UK Border Agency (or a trusted third party) may make reasonable checks to confirm the accuracy and authenticity of evidence I have provided and documents I have submitted with this application. I further understand that UK Border Agency (or a trusted third party) may also make reasonable checks on any sponsors to my application to verify statements contained in the application and establish that I will comply or have complied with the terms of any visa granted.

I confirm that the funds for which I have claimed points in respect of maintenance are available to me, in the manner specified in the Immigration Rules, for use in studying and living in the UK and will remain so available for the duration of any Tier 4 leave granted unless used to pay for course fees and living costs in the UK.

If I have not been required to submit certain evidential documents with this application because I am a low risk student, I confirm that I have these documents and will provide them if requested to do so by the UK Border Agency.

I understand that my application will be refused if I do not comply with the request made.

I understand that I may be required to provide a record of my fingerprints and a photograph of my face ('biometric data') as part of my application. If I refuse to do so, my application may be treated as invalid and, if so, will not be considered further. (See Statutory Instrument 2006 No 1743 - The Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) Regulations 2006, Regulation 7(1)).

I understand that UK entry clearance applications may be handled by British Missions in other locations, including outside the country in which I have applied for entry clearance and that this may involve the transferring of my application and supporting documents to and from another Mission. I understand that the UK Border Agency will be responsible for transferring my application and supporting documents safely. I understand in these circumstances my application will still be handled in line with UK Border Agency published customer service standards.

I am aware that I may be billed for any medical treatment undertaken in the UK and that I do not have recourse to public funds during my stay in the UK.

I understand that all information provided by me will be processed by the UK Border Agency in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. I am aware that the UK Border Agency is the data controller in relation to the information provided by me in this application form. I am aware that the information I provide, including biometric data, will be treated in confidence, but it may be disclosed to other government departments, agencies, local authorities, foreign governments, and other bodies, to enable the UK Border Agency or those bodies to perform their functions. Any disclosures will be in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. I also understand that the information provided by me may also be used for staff training purposes.

I also understand that the information provided by me, or information made available to UK Border Agency during the processing of my application, may be shared with my sponsor(s) or any person(s) acting on their behalf or any applicant linked to my application (for example to my spouse / partner if we apply for visas for a trip together) for the sole purpose of considering my application. I am aware that if there is any information I do not want you to disclose to them I will tell you by enclosing a letter with my supporting documentation. If such requests prevent you from making legitimate inquiries, my application may be refused.

I declare that the information given on this form is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also consent to the processing of information provided by me by the UK Border Agency.

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Date Signed:

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Reading UK Immigration Policy (Tier 4 Visa)

• www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/
•  http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance1.pdf   
•  http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

Some Key Points:

UK Tier 4 status:
Only Cash accounts can be used to show ability to provide financial support.

US Government Loans can be used for non-US schools.
800 Pounds per month in inner London, 600 Pounds per month.
 Total amount of cash that must be shown for International Business Program (at 1.68 exchange rate):
$55,440