#notapes

[dailyanarchistposts]

Why ignore committed struggle?

The occupation and direct action movements are nearly endless. Remember the NoTAP (Trans Adriatic Pipeline) struggle, numerous ZADs, inhabited forests in Uppsala and forest defense against highways in Germany and so many more across Europe and the world. Considering the state of ecological and climate crisis, employing brisantic politics and “diversity of tactics”—“vandalism” (or art), sabotage, blockades or destruction of coercive infrastructure—is legitimate. This is real democratic participation in matters where people have no vote or choice, only consultation.

Degrowth celebrates mainstream environmentalism promoting climate marches, weeklong gatherings and civil disobedience actions. Yet, why ignore the decades long struggles committed to inherently enacting degrowth within Europe itself? This extends to other schools of thought and academic disciplines as well. Degrowth should embrace and celebrate combative movements, spreading the knowledge of their struggles.

[fredfilmsblog]

Frederator Networks interns, autumn 2015, left to right: Fred, Sam Lee (University of Michigan), Josette Roberts (SVA), Jenny Brent (SUNY Purchase), Judy Tam (SVA), Lisa Franklin (Brown), Liz Chun (RISD), Danielle Ceneta (Syracuse), Peter Carlson (Ringling) Photo by Kirsten Wagstaff

Why I like interns. 

This post is from 2015 when I was running Frederator Networks, a much larger company than FredFilms. But most of the sentiments (we now pay interns, when we have them, which is NOT NOW) continue to be true.

And, I have to say, the part I find most unlikely but most true is... interns are our mentors. Seriously.

There’s been a lot of squabbling in the press this year about interns, especially in the media and technology businesses. And since I’ve had rookie programs in place for several decades, it seemed like a good time to weigh in.

Science? Or The Beatles?

For me, it’s personal. Back in the day (my day, that is), there were no organized apprenticeship programs that I knew of to prepare me for the work life I was seeking. But a lot of helpful people gave me guidance, and I want to pay it forward.

I grew up in a science family, knowing I’d be a scientist too. And then The Beatles came to America, and like a lot of other kids, my world got turned upside down. Eventually, I became determined to be in the recording business as a record producer. The problem was I knew no one who could help. And so I started to make my own way, in what to me was an underground, secret society. As full time, liberal arts college student it the 70s, there was no NYU Clive Davis Institute, Full Sail University. No Mix Magazine, noTape Op. I was totally on my own. I found one class taught by an RCA recording engineer and producer, and one highly technical publication. I stumbled into private recording sessions, asked anyone who knew anything, bullied my way into record companies.

There were no internships. I hadn’t even heard the term.

There were dozens of nice people who helped me and taught me things along the way. I worked in hundreds of circumstances for free, making mistakes and successes along the way, basically creating my own training path. I figured things out, started a record company, got a gig here and there. I rubbed shoulders with enough world class experts to figure out I had staked out the wrong direction for myself, and by the time I was 30, found myself in the television business. It all eventually worked out for me.

But, if there had been someplace for me to start fathoming what was going on, somewhere where I could smell what the scene was, I could have learned things a lot faster, and maybe cordoned off my path into the right direction a little sooner.

Interns aren’t easy.

For years it was hard for us to attract interns. Most of my companies have been startups, or below the radar service organizations, not famous ones at that. We really had to search, reaching out to local colleges and putting our best foot forward, hoping to attract minimally interested candidates. (Things have changed dramatically, ever since we produced Adventure Time and started Cartoon Hangover. Now we have to cut things off when we get 250 applications per semester, for less than 10 spots). Occasionally, an eager high school student would show up and ask to stick around, and despite the anxieties of our lawyers and insurance carriers, we worked things out.

I couldn’t tell you the exact criteria we’ve used to select contenders. But, I must say, our highly subjective process has resulted in some stellar colleagues and often, friends.

And intern programs aren’t easy to administer. We’re not heavily staffed, so whomever is responsible for the program is usually fitting it into an already over packed work day. And frankly, most of the students come into our place eager, but really rough around the edges. Many have no real work ethic, daily discipline, or much of an ability to actually interact with the adults in the workplace. I mean, they’re kids, after all.

On balance though, from my limited perspective, while internships sometimes put a burden on our small staff, our company has come out all the richer. Especially these days, as the way young people set the agenda for technology use and innovation, having the innocent perspective of new faces streaming in and out of our offices makes us sharper, smarter, and fresher.

And based on the long term relationship we have with many of our past candidates, the benefit has definitely been in both directions.

Interns are our mentors.

“No one hires interns,” says a disgruntled one in a recent New York Times story in the aftermath of some of the unpaid intern lawsuits.

I’m of two minds about the discontent. On the one hand, it’s clear that many companies are using interns as unpaid labor. Totally unjust. And, there’s a good argument that unpaid internships often favor well off students. But, it’s also true that internship programs can cost companies in real opportunity cost and productivity losses, as time spent away from daily workflow. Definitely, interns can be a double edged sword.

At my company, we don’t pay interns as a matter of policy. [The policy changed at Frederator, and now at FredFilms, we will pay interns.] As a start up we’re thinly resourced as it is, and any extra dollars are needed to keep the wheels on the bus. But, more importantly to me, I want people who actually want to be at Frederator, not someone who just wanted something cool to do for a while. Not for nothing, it’s the same criteria we use for employees. If someone comes into our offices with no clue about who we are, what we do, and what we stand for, we show them the door. We’re not a place for people who work to live, we live to work.

All that being said, we work super hard to be fair. If there’s an intern job in the house that we would pay a freelancer to do, the intern gets paid. We also limit their time at the office to two or three days a week. That gives a chance for more people to get exposure, and it encourages them to be out in the world rather than cooped up with us old working folk.

At the end of the day, some interns are good, and some are really bad. And, it’s true, not all good interns get hired. However, I can say with great assurance that my companies hired interns 30 years ago, and we hired interns 30 days ago. I think it’s safe to say that fully 25% of our current, full time team started in our internship programs.

And honestly, the former interns are some of my very favorite colleagues.

The interns in my shops remind me of why I wanted to get working the minute I was done with schooling (actually, before I finished, but that’s another essay). They’re intelligent, they’re fun, they know things I’ll never know. Sure, I can give them some benefits too, but the thing they don’t realize is that while we’re mentoring them, they’re actually mentoring us.

Fair trade, in my book. I really like interns.

[aalawsng]

Compliance Expectations for an ICT Company in Nigeria

With continuous technological advancement, technology development companies are evolving, especially in the Nigerian tech scene. This article explains the registration and compliance expectations for an ICT company in Nigeria.

1. Registration Steps

To start a technology development company in Nigeria, the company must register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The CAC regulates company incorporation, operation, and dissolution under CAMA 2020.

Key Registration Requirements:

Companies must file annual returns and audited accounts annually, demonstrating continued operation and updating CAC records.

A new company must hold its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 18 months of incorporation and subsequently every year. Failure to comply can result in penalties and removal from the CAC database.

Available business formats include limited liability company (LTD), partnership, or sole proprietorship. The right structure depends on various factors, including size, tax consequences, and liability protection.

In addition to CAC registration, an ICT company must also register with the following:

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS): Register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Value Added Tax (VAT). The TIN allows the company to file tax returns via TaxProMax, the FIRS electronic tax platform.

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA): ICT companies must register with NITDA, which governs Nigeria’s IT ecosystem. Key requirements include adopting a .ng domain name and having a standardized service level agreement (SLA). NITDA also outlines specific fees and other compliance conditions.

Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML): ICT companies handling financial transactions must register with SCUML to prevent financial crimes.

Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP): ICT companies intending to provide services to government entities must register with the BPP.

Computer Professional Council of Nigeria: At least one principal officer or a corporate representative must be registered with the Computer Professional Council of Nigeria.

2. Compliance Requirements

Intellectual Property Protection

The foundation of a company's technological development is its Intellectual Property (IP). Protecting IP through patents, trademarks, and copyrights is essential for maintaining a competitive advantage. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) oversees this registration process. Companies should establish guidelines for IP ownership and protection, educate staff about its value, and conduct routine audits.

Tax Registration and Compliance

Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is essential. ICT companies must register within six months of establishment to remit Companies Income Tax (CIT) and VAT. The TIN is a unique identifier for all registered Nigerian taxpayers and must appear on all business invoices.

Key Tax Compliance Requirements:

Companies must use their TIN to file and pay corporate income tax.

Failure to register can hinder withholding tax from foreign partners and prevent filing tax returns or obtaining Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs).

Engaging certified tax professionals can assist with navigating tax compliance.

Data Protection Regulation (NDPR)

To secure user data and privacy, ICT companies must comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and implement data protection policies to prevent breaches. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) governs the electronic data ecosystem and ensures NDPR compliance.

Key Data Protection Requirements:

Businesses must adopt robust cybersecurity measures.

Regular staff training on data governance is recommended.

Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act mandates that companies retain customer data for at least two years.

Technology Transfer (NOTAP Act 2004)

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) ensures proper registration of agreements for transferring foreign technology. Failure to register or submitting false returns can result in personal liability for company officers.

Employee Relations

Tech firms must adhere to Nigerian labor laws, ensuring compliance with employment contracts, benefits, and workplace safety regulations as outlined in the Labour Act, 2004.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC)

Companies handling financial transactions must adhere to AML and KYC regulations to prevent money laundering and ensure client identification.

Consumer Protection and FCCPC

ICT companies must comply with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which established the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The FCCPC enforces consumer protection and competition laws across all sectors, including ICT.

Key Points on Consumer Protection:

The FCCPA ensures fair trading practices and prohibits anti-competitive behavior, such as price-fixing and monopolies.

Companies must provide transparent and accurate information about their products and services, ensuring consumers’ rights to fair treatment and protection from exploitation.

Violations can lead to penalties, sanctions, or legal action.

References

Section 237 CAMA 2020

https://ncc.gov.ng/

https://www.oecd.org/

https://apps.firs.gov.ng/

Section 6 NOTAP Act 2004

Labour Law 2004

Written By

Aviel Avenante Law Practice

Compliance with regulations is key to sustainable growth. This guide covers all you need to know about the requirements for registration, taxation, data protection, and more for an ICT company!

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade Anybody under 18 years of age have no business drinking alcoholic beverages- Guinness Nigeria Mr Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, has called for more partnerships with relevant authorities to promote responsible drinking in Nigeria. Odusola made this call when the Guinness Nigeria team led by Mr John Musunga, its Managing Director, paid a courtesy visit to the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) office on Friday in Abuja. According to Odusola, those under 18 years have no business consuming alcoholic beverages. He said that the organisation was working to promote responsible and positive drinking habit for Nigerians to drink better and not more. Odusola said that in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), many motorists had been educated on the dangers of excessive drinking and driving. He noted that the visit was to strengthen collaboration with NOTAP on diverse areas, so as to do business correctly and in line with its corporate governance. He said although Nigeria was faced with a lot of challenges that hindered organisations, his company would continue to play its part in changing the economic landscape by supporting locally manufactured products for their alcohol beverages. “I have to say that in our value chain, we have farmers; farmers that supply us with raw materials for our production processes, especially sorghum; we have even localised recently, the ethanol that we use in the production of some of our alcoholic beverages. “At the moment, the value chain in the farming area that constitutes the support of our business supports up to about 30,000 farmers across the country. “80 per cent of our local raw materials or materials are sourced locally, and we also support a lot of local businesses to the tune of about 30 billion,” he said. The corporate director said his organisation would continue to research on ways to further localise the things that were used in production process, as part of its social responsibility. He, however, urged NOTAP to support the company in its renewal of all approvals needed to function well in the country for the benefit of all Nigerians. NOTAP’s acting Director General, Dr Idy Imiyoho, commended the interventions of Guinness in economic strengthening and development. She said there was the need for the agency to be carried along in all activities as it regulated the inflow of foreign technologies into the country through the registration of technology transfer agreements. According to him, the agency also has the duty to encourage the development of indigenous technologies, hence the call on Guinness to invest more in research. “We will continue to strengthen partnerships to change the narrative for manpower technology development; we ask that Guinness carries us along in all activities,’’ he said. Mrs Yejide Akinkunmi, NOTAP’s Director of Consultancy Services, called for more corporate social responsibility from Guinness in sponsoring young professionals in the NOTAP Industry Transfer fellowship. She said it would encourage manpower development and close the huge technology gaps, adding that emphasis should be placed on market-driven research. Mrs Caroline Anie-Osuagwu, NOTAP’s Director of Technology Acquisition Research Coordination, noted that demand-driven research would help to reduce the major setback to technology development of the country. She said that NOTAP had the duty to encourage the development of indigenous technologies, urging Guinness to key into the database of science, technology and engineering platform of the agency. “We need to start raising awareness for demand-driven research; we encourage universities to come out with products and we are taking them into the industries,’’ she said. Anie-Osuagwu added that Nigerian researchers should take up demand-driven research that would turn into goods and services for the benefit of the country.

[walkcycles]

This swimming animation strikes a good balance of stressful and cosy as you try to cross a lake with ya lil’ babas on your back, oblivious to their mothers struggle and the players steadily depleting stamina bar.

[metalsludgeceo]

Read the story at Www.MetalSludge.Com STILL GONE WILD Sebastian Bach plans to perform entire Skid Row debut for 30th-Anniversary Tour #SebastianBach #StillGoneWild #30thAnniversary #SkidRow #AllReal #AllTheTime #NoTapes #NoFakes #MetalSludge @sebastianbach @brentwoodsguitar @bobby_jarzombek @rob_deluca_bass @officialskidrow @skid_row_fans_ http://metalsludge.tv/still-gone-wild-sebastian-bach-plans-to-perform-entire-skid-row-debut-for-30th-anniversary-tour/ https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVbIIMHK9f/?igshid=1oeadcccm4xxu

[dpomalescreative]

Thank you Lord... For bringiN back my smile... Man yah know..it's been a while.. Took a long time to heal... Walked some grueling miles Fought to get my confidence back... Took climbing over mountains in fact Took 1 to many hits... Left my smile on that car dash... Left my reflection in the windshields glass But that was long ago... Now we've come full circle... Still living Life but with a better perception .. I pray daily with genuine inflection I stake my claim as a walking Miracle No need to prove mys3lf or get hysterical But walk in my shoes ... You would feel something spiritual Beyond any sense of time or natural selection I'm as blessed as they come... te lo juro... I'm no fool on the run... had my years of fun... I've seen my share of impossible outcomes Thanks to my mommas prayers And God's intervention denying all attempts by the defiant one.. on many occasions I've been fighting off some evil shit since I was real young... The devil himself stepped off As God's will be done.. I'm not one to brag... But I share only what I've overcome I speak only of #miraculous things he's done I've lost count of the battles I have won And now may my #smile shine on My energy is off the scales.. And it's time to MooVe on... Get my Chi right...and GrooVe on... Glad to grab a Mic if it's just gonna get dropped.. I mean cMon... Say something worthwile... And just hold on... I got plenty left to say... Or shall I let my smile say it all... #dpomlive #dailyjam #practicesessions #mission #vision #goodkarma #blessed #notap #firsttakes #rawandreal #drummerslife #meditation #relaxation #mentalhealthawareness #emdrtherapy #mentalhealthmatters #ptsd #bipolarism #bipolar #ptsdawareness #anxiety #anxietyrelief #boom #tiktok #fyp #poet #poetry #speakeasy (at DPomales Creative Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVgEfbFvGZb/?utm_medium=tumblr

[alvaroespinales]

Simple trick if you don't want your wood to chip. #notape needed and this works for #melamine as well and #woodcut . Try also using a #80toothblade as well. #carpentrytips https://www.instagram.com/p/B-n0pCqFNCH/?igshid=1kj0uldqkfjea

[ecstaticbones]

*WARNING! the next image can trigger those with Photosensitive Epilepsy* Do not swipe if so! If not, then enjoy! Roughly 50 hrs on it, including all 3 times I repainted it. #notape #ecstaticbones #jacobhickey #art #acrylic #acrylicpainting #painting #line #lines #stars #opticalillusion #illusion #cyan #magenta #yellow #white #cmyk (at Orlando, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7CQ-C7hk_K/?igshid=pyhqk2fj0zwz

[doodleslice]

Version two has a little more structural integrity (and a little more pizzazz) #icosahedron #geometry #art #math #paperengineering #cardstock #laminatedcardstock #notape #noglue #atlart #atlartist #atlantaart #atlantaartist #stem #steam (at Doodleslice Dojo) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxGcD6Qgt_F/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10ebdihoghpik

[goodbearblind]

#Repost @supercalifragilistiche • • • • • Ieri mattina nelle campagne di Melendugno diversi attivisti e abitanti della zona impegnati nell’opposizione alla costruzione al magagasdotto si sono ritrovati davanti al cantiere del Capitano che dovrebbe ospitare l’approdo dell’opera. Le operazioni dei camion sono state rallentate dai manifestanti che hanno intensificato la propria presenza nei pressi del cantiere dopo il voltafaccia dei rappresentanti del movimento cinque stelle che avevano sposato la causa della contrarietà al TAP e alla devastazione apportata da questo affare milionario alle coste salentine. Dopo le promesse vacue e il tradimento di fatto della politica una già pesante militarizzazione dell’area e l’arroganza poliziesca provano a imporre la realizzazione dell’opera nonostante la manifesta opposizione della popolazione residente. Da una nota della pagina facebook del Movimento si apprende che: “come al solito, alcune famiglie, madri e padri insieme ai loro bambini, sono andati a fare la loro pacifica passeggiata di protesta per manifestare contro quel mostro di imposizioni dal nome TAP. Mentre una donna era seduta per terra per dimostrare il suo attaccamento alla terra, le forze dell'ordine, bardate di tutto punto come se dovessero andare ad intercettare il peggior criminale della storia, hanno iniziato a strattonarla e a trascinarla per terra. Un attivista, intervenuto in sua difesa, inizia ad essere provocato da un uomo in borghese, il quale intima l'attivista di spingerlo e di mostrargli i documenti. Ma quando l'attivista dice "io non spingo nessuno e mi mostri lei i documenti" (ricordiamo che l'uomo era in borghese), questo viene preso con la forza e condotto in questura”. #notap https://www.instagram.com/p/BsAXJjxFIBA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ez0rfv7mmcme

[mr-agj]

Di Maio tranquillizza i No Tap

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade News Agency of Nigeria Hi, Total Anybody under 18 years of age have no business drinking alcoholic beverages- Guinness Nigeria Mr Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, has called for more partnerships with relevant authorities to promote responsible drinking in Nigeria. Odusola made this call when the Guinness Nigeria team led by Mr John Musunga, its Managing Director, paid a courtesy visit to the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) office on Friday in Abuja. According to Odusola, those under 18 years have no business consuming alcoholic beverages. He said that the organisation was working to promote responsible and positive drinking habit for Nigerians to drink better and not more. Odusola said that in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), many motorists had been educated on the dangers of excessive drinking and driving. He noted that the visit was to strengthen collaboration with NOTAP on diverse areas, so as to do business correctly and in line with its corporate governance. He said although Nigeria was faced with a lot of challenges that hindered organisations, his company would continue to play its part in changing the economic landscape by supporting locally manufactured products for their alcohol beverages. “I have to say that in our value chain, we have farmers; farmers that supply us with raw materials for our production processes, especially sorghum; we have even localised recently, the ethanol that we use in the production of some of our alcoholic beverages. “At the moment, the value chain in the farming area that constitutes the support of our business supports up to about 30,000 farmers across the country. “80 per cent of our local raw materials or materials are sourced locally, and we also support a lot of local businesses to the tune of about 30 billion,” he said. The corporate director said his organisation would continue to research on ways to further localise the things that were used in production process, as part of its social responsibility. He, however, urged NOTAP to support the company in its renewal of all approvals needed to function well in the country for the benefit of all Nigerians. NOTAP’s acting Director General, Dr Idy Imiyoho, commended the interventions of Guinness in economic strengthening and development. She said there was the need for the agency to be carried along in all activities as it regulated the inflow of foreign technologies into the country through the registration of technology transfer agreements. According to him, the agency also has the duty to encourage the development of indigenous technologies, hence the call on Guinness to invest more in research. “We will continue to strengthen partnerships to change the narrative for manpower technology development; we ask that Guinness carries us along in all activities,’’ he said. Mrs Yejide Akinkunmi, NOTAP’s Director of Consultancy Services, called for more corporate social responsibility from Guinness in sponsoring young professionals in the NOTAP Industry Transfer fellowship. She said it would encourage manpower development and close the huge technology gaps, adding that emphasis should be placed on market-driven research. Mrs Caroline Anie-Osuagwu, NOTAP’s Director of Technology Acquisition Research Coordination, noted that demand-driven research would help to reduce the major setback to technology development of the country. She said that NOTAP had the duty to encourage the development of indigenous technologies, urging Guinness to key into the database of science, technology and engineering platform of the agency. “We need to start raising awareness for demand-driven research; we encourage universities to come out with products and we are taking them into the industries,’’ she said. Anie-Osuagwu added that Nigerian researchers should take up demand-driven research that would turn into goods and services for the benefit of the country.

[nnamari]

#detail #mural with @naamlooozz #blackandwhite #paint #tape #notape #lines #abstract #abstractart #contemporary #urbanart #contemporaryart #studio #fun #nnamari #naamlooozz (helyszín: Rotterdam, Netherlands) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZa73SCq50/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1prp4cnoeozwf

[metalsludgeceo]

Read the story at Www.MetalSludge.Com STILL GONE WILD Sebastian Bach plans to perform entire Skid Row debut for 30th-Anniversary Tour #SebastianBach #StillGoneWild #30thAnniversary #SkidRow #AllReal #AllTheTime #NoTapes #NoFakes #MetalSludge @sebastianbach @brentwoodsguitar @bobby_jarzombek @rob_deluca_bass @officialskidrow @skid_row_fans_ http://metalsludge.tv/still-gone-wild-sebastian-bach-plans-to-perform-entire-skid-row-debut-for-30th-anniversary-tour/ https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVZhNmHz7S/?igshid=1i1tgi32kqij7

[halaburda-artistic-diary]

Abstract Iranian tapestry on canvas... Such an inspiration for new geometric patterns ! 📐🧐 #contemporaryartist #creativeprocess #artistsoninsta #art_4share #artoftheday #arte #creativegrammer #abstracted #abstractpainting #abstractpainter #artistry_vision #designart #designartwork #artdailydose #creativehub #creativeart #arteveryday #artistatwork #artoncanvas #notape #abstraction #flaming_abstracts #affordableart #artfinder #sellingart #originalartforsale #artsy #artlife #art #contemporaryart (at Newburgh, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/COMKoAKAh6n/?igshid=9zrghotzoox9