PRO-CONSUMER LEGISLATION TO REIN IN PREDATORY LAWSUIT LOANS PASSES COMMITTEE
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) organizations across Texas today applaud members of the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee for passing House Bill 1595, by Rep. Doug Miller, which will protect Texas consumers from the most unscrupulous and egregious practices of the lawsuit lending industry. Currently, the industry is wholly unregulated in Texas.
PRO-CONSUMER LEGISLATION AIMS TO ADDRESS PREDATORY, EXCESSIVE AND UNREGULATED LAWSUIT LOANS
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Citing a lack of transparency and predatory, anti-consumer practices, Rep. Doug Miller and other leaders today urged lawmakers to support HB 1595 which will impose new and necessary regulations on the lawsuit lending industry in Texas.
LOCAL LEGAL WATCHDOG LAUNCHES RADIO AD PLAYING OFF FAUX FACE-OFF BETWEEN TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA
Austin, TX- Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas launched radio spots today on the faux face-off between Texas Governor Rick Perry and California Governor Jerry Brown, who’ve engaged in a recent exchange following Perry’s overt, up-front campaign to lure California jobs to the Lone Star State. While this exchange has often been humorous, the radio ads describe the serious importance of legal reform, and the positive effects it has had on the Lone Star State. It also contrasts these effects with the current legal climate in California.
REAL ISSUES AT PLAY IN EFFORTS TO LURE JOBS FROM GOLDEN TO LONE STAR STATE SAYS LEGAL WATCHDOG GROUP
Austin, TX - Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas weighed in today on the faux face-off between Texas Governor Rick Perry and California Governor Jerry Brown, who’ve engaged in a recent and often humorous exchange following Perry’s overt, up-front campaign to lure California jobs to the Lone Star State.
RELEASE: HOUGH ELECTED TO LEAD CITIZENS AGAINST LAWSUIT ABUSE OF CENTRAL TEXAS, SHACKELFORD TO SERVE AS VICE CHAIR, BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED
HOUGH ELECTED TO LEAD CITIZENS AGAINST LAWSUIT ABUSE OF CENTRAL TEXAS,
SHACKELFORD TO SERVE AS VICE CHAIR, BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED
AUSTIN, TEXAS –Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas, a nonprofit legal watchdog group, today announced that two local community leaders have been elected to lead its board of directors for 2013. San Antonio’s Chip Hough, managing partner of Basic Industries, will serve as Chairman, while Austinite Jill Shackelford will serve as vice chairperson.
LOCAL LEGAL WATCHDOG LAUNCHES ONLINE EFFORT TO MARK NATIONAL LAWSUIT ABUSE AWARENESS WEEK (LAAW)
AUSTIN,TX – Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) will launch an Internet campaign this week to commemorate the nationally-celebrated “Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week” (LAAW), typically a time to educate citizens that when it comes to lawsuit abuse, we all pay and we all lose, according to CALA.
STOSSEL DISCUSSES LIMITS OF GOVERNMENT, SUCCESS OF INDIVIDUALS DURING GRASSROOTS LAWSUIT REFORM GROUP EVENT
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas Hosts New York Times Best-Selling Author, Fox Business Network Host in Austin
AUSTIN, TEXAS—Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas, one of the preeminent consumer and small business driven lawsuit reform advocacy groups in the nation, was host to New York Times best selling author and Fox Business Network host John Stossel during a well-attended reception Friday evening in downtown Austin.
NEW OFFICERS ELECTED TO LEAD CITIZENS AGAINST LAWSUIT ABUSE OF CENTRAL TEXAS
Three local community leaders have been elected to lead Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas for 2012. CALA of Central Texas is a grassroots movement of people concerned that lawsuit abuse hurts Texas families and Texas employers and can ultimately cost jobs and limit access to all types of goods and services. The officers will steer CALA in its mission to raise public awareness about the cost and consequences of lawsuit abuse.
Texas Recognized as Positive "Point of Light" in 2011/2012 National Judicial Hellhole Report
A rigorous focus on more targeted legal reform has earned the state of Texas a spot in the “Points of Light” section of the annual American Tort Reform Foundation’s Judicial Hellholes® report. State legislators and Governor Rick Perry are recognized in this latest report for their leadership on behalf of smart, common-sense legal reform. The 2011/2012 Judicial Hellholes® report was released today by the foundation in Washington, D.C.
DON’T GET SERVED A LAWSUIT WITH YOUR EGGNOG AND MISTLETOE
AUSTIN, TEXAS –With the holiday season in full swing, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas (CALA of Central Texas) cautions that this time of seasonal cheer can be dampened by the threat of lawsuits. CALA of Central Texas urges party hosts to keep social host liability in mind as they plan celebrations that involve libations.
DON’T GET SERVED A LAWSUIT WITH YOUR EGGNOG AND MISTLETOE
AUSTIN, TEXAS –With the holiday season in full swing, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas (CALA of Central Texas) cautions that this time of seasonal cheer can be dampened by the threat of lawsuits. CALA of Central Texas urges party hosts to keep social host liability in mind as they plan celebrations that involve libations.
"’Tis the season for eggnog, bright lights and mistletoe, and, unfortunately, it’s also lawsuit season,” said Cliff Collier, chairman of the CALA of Central Texas Board of Directors. “You don’t have to be Scrooge or the Grinch, but playing it smart and safe will help you avoid a lawsuit."
Whether in the home or at the office, holiday parties keep social calendars busy in December. Yet in our overly litigious society, and given that alcohol may be involved, CALA of Central Texas warns that the stakes are even higher that unfortunate lawsuits may be served.
The following tips are holiday host suggestions for keeping a lawsuit out of your stocking:
- For parties in your home, plan transportation for your guests, including designated drivers or cabs for a safe ride home, and have ample and appealing nonalcoholic beverages for your designated drivers;
- For office parties, consider a bus or taxi service for your employees;
- Avoid providing a self-service bar, opting instead for a bartender well-versed in identifying underage and intoxicated drinkers;
- Halt the flow of alcoholic beverages long before the party ends; and
- Take action if a guest does overindulge, arranging for transportation home.
To learn more about the work of CALA of Central Texas, join us on Facebook (Facebook.com/CALACTX) and online at www.calactx.com.
ROVE TELLS GRASSROOTS SUPPORTERS: "REFORM WORKS"
Contact: Jennifer Harris
(512) 773-7168
CALA of Central Texas’ fall fundraising event highlights lawsuit reform successes
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The leading lawsuit reform grassroots movement, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas (CALA of Central Texas), held its sixth annual fall fundraiser in Austin on Thursday to a capacity crowd of business leaders and grassroots activists at the Austin Club.
“With Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse leading the charge, Texas is a trailblazer in the lawsuit reform movement,” said Cliff Collier, chairman of the board of the Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas. “Lawsuit reforms have helped create or retain jobs in our state, allowed small employers to flourish, dramatically improved access to health care and brought balance and fairness to our courts.”
Collier thanked the 40-plus sponsors who underwrote the event and the 140-plus crowd for attending.
“This annual event and your strong support send a clear message that Central Texans support smart, common-sense legal reforms and want our leaders to protect them,” Collier said.
Lawsuit reform supporters heard from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and keynote remarks by Karl Rove, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush.
Both Abbott and Rove echoed the grassroots message that while Texas continues to make significant progress in lawsuit reform, there remains a continuing threat by well-funded special interest groups and trial lawyers to roll back legal reforms.
To see photos and learn more about Thursday’s event and the work of CALA of Central Texas , join CALA of Central Texas on Facebook (Facebook.com/CALACTX) and online at www.calactx.org.
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Anniversary of Proposition 12 Marked by Record Number of New Texas Physicians, Expanded Services at Hospitals, and Overall Improved Access to Care for Texans CALA Remains Ever Vigilant of Lawsuit Abuse
CONTACT: Jennifer Harris, 512.773.7168
The following release comes on the eve of the 8th anniversary of Proposition 12, the voter-approved constitutional amendment to help curb health care lawsuit abuse in Texas. Proposition 12 took effect Sept. 13, 2003.
In anticipation of the eighth anniversary of Proposition 12, the Texas constitutional amendment to help curb health care lawsuit abuse in Texas, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) noted dramatically expanded health care and a record number of new physicians now treating Texans.
Anniversary of Proposition 12 Marked by Record Number of New Texas Physicians, Expanded Services at Hospitals, and Overall Improved Access to Care for Texans
In anticipation of the eighth anniversary of Proposition 12, the Texas constitutional amendment to help curb health care lawsuit abuse in Texas, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) noted dramatically expanded health care and a record number of new physicians now treating Texans.
CALA LEADER EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF LAWSUIT REFORMS IN BOLSTERING STATE’S ECONOMY, SPURRING JOB CREATION
AUSTIN – Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas Board Member Bobby Jenkins provided testimony before a group of California lawmakers today at the State Capitol in Austin. The California delegation, including lawmakers and business executives, are in Texas as part of a fact-finding mission focused on why Texas’ economy has grown while other states, like California, have suffered job losses and a bad economy.
CALA TO CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS: COMMON-SENSE LEGAL REFORMS HAVE WORKED IN TEXAS AND CAN WORK IN THE GOLDEN STATE
AUSTIN – Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) today welcomed a group of California lawmakers as they begin a fact-finding mission focused on why Texas’ economy has continued to grow while other states, like California, lose businesses and jobs.
CALA TO CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS: COMMON-SENSE LEGAL REFORMS HAVE WORKED IN TEXAS AND CAN WORK IN THE GOLDEN STATE
AUSTIN – Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) today welcomed a group of California lawmakers as they begin a fact-finding mission focused on why Texas’ economy has continued to grow while other states, like California, lose businesses and jobs.
Long-time Legal Reform Champion on ‘Loser Pays’ Proposal
The following can be attributed to Chip Hough, owner of Basic Industries, an industrial and commercial maintenance and construction company and board member of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas. Mr. Hough joined Governor Rick Perry at a press event today in Houston to discuss “loser pays” legislation, which he says will help keep junk lawsuits from burdening the courts.
Miller Files Bill to Halt Abuses in Asbestos Lawsuits
AUSTIN, TEXAS – March 2, 2011 – State Rep. Doug Miller (R-New Braunfels) filed House Bill (H.B.) 2034 today to halt abuses in asbestos lawsuits by requiring plaintiffs' lawyers to seek compensation from federal bankruptcy trusts before going to trial against solvent defendants.
Survey Says: Majority of Texans Say Legal Reforms Have Helped Texas
A just-released statewide survey of Texas voters clearly shows that any concentrated – and well-funded – efforts to push a pro-lawsuit, anti-reform and anti-jobs agenda are out of step with Texas voters.
No proof lawsuits: Bad for jobs, bad for business and bad for Texas
AUSTIN – Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) cautioned members of the Texas House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee today that “no proof” lawsuits will wreak havoc on Texas’ civil justice system, harm the state’s reputation as a good place to do business, cost jobs and hurt Texas families.
No proof lawsuits: Bad for jobs, bad for business and bad for Texas
AUSTIN – Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) cautioned members of the Texas House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee today that “no proof” lawsuits will wreak havoc on Texas‟ civil justice system, harm the state‟s reputation as a good place to do business, cost jobs and hurt Texas families.
http://www.quorumreport.com/
PUT THE BRAKES ON AMBULANCE CHASING
Ambulance chasing is booming in parts of Texas, undermining not only our system of justice but our sense of justice, as injured people are subjected to questionable and insensitive tactics at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Now, Texas lawmakers have a chance to further protect Texans from this predatory practice
No-Proof-Needed Asbestos Shake Downs Will Cost Jobs
Some personal injury lawyers’ commitment to the proverb, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” is apparently paying off. During the last legislative session, personal injury lawyers pushed a sweetheart deal that would have allowed them to bring asbestos lawsuits to court with virtually no proof of who caused an asbestos illness. The shakedown asbestos bill was more of same for personal injury lawyers constantly looking for new ways to sue and to circumvent laws to keep junk science out of our courts. Even though this bad bill (thankfully) died in the Texas House in 2009, the issue is up for discussion once again at a hearing before the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee on May 26.
Little League, Major League and Lawsuits!
It is that time of year again when friends and family gather to cheer on their favorite teams at the old ballgame. Hot dogs, apple pie and baseball are traditions in America that have gone together for more than one hundred years.
Just in Time for Mother’s Day: Baby Products’ Wacky Warnings Signal Lawsuit-Happy Society
Any woman celebrating Mother's Day understands that, along with the joys of motherhood, sleep deprivation can make you a little foggy. Your car keys seem to be consistently lost. Sometimes your socks don’t match. Sometimes the baby's socks don’t match. While you may lose some of your edge as a new mom, your brain doesn't dissolve completely.
United States Congressman Lamar Smith Addresses Supporters of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas
This morning the Central Texas Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (“CALA”) hosted an informative breakfast exchange with Congressman Lamar Smith (R-21). More than 50 community supporters attended the event at El Arroyo in Austin, Texas.
LEGAL WATCHDOG URGES COMMITTEE TO RECOGNIZE “PAID VS. INCURRED†PROPOSAL AS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER SCAM
Austin, TX – Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) today urged the Texas House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence to recognize the “paid vs. incurred” proposal as nothing more than a personal injury lawyer windfall that will increase costs for all Texans. The Committee is considering the issue as part of its interim charges.
Lawyers Waste No Time Milking Tragedy
Tragedy can bring out the best in people who rally resources to help those in need. The outpouring of global support following the earthquake devastation in Haiti is a good example. Unfortunately, tragedy can also elicit greed, opportunism and an ugly underbelly of our society. The speed with which some personal injury lawyers started trolling for business in the aftermath of the tragic deaths associated with the Toyota recall is a cringe-worthy example.
NEW OFFICERS and BOARD MEMBER ELECTED TO LEAD CITIZENS AGAINST LAWSUIT ABUSE OF CENTRAL TEXAS
Three local community leaders have been elected to lead Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas, a nonprofit legal watchdog group, for 2010. The officers will steer CALA in its mission to raise public awareness about the cost and consequences of lawsuit abuse.
ARBITRATION WORKS FOR CONSUMERS
AUSTIN – Urging legislators to resist efforts that would undermine the use of arbitration in Texas, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) groups today told members of a House committee that arbitration is a less expensive, more efficient alternative to litigation that bolsters access to justice for many Texans.
ARBITRATION WORKS FOR CONSUMERS
Urging legislators to resist efforts that would undermine the use of arbitration in Texas, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) groups today told members of a House committee that arbitration is a less expensive, more efficient alternative to litigation that bolsters access to justice for many Texans.
Local Legal Watchdog Names 2009 CALA Champions
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas honored Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and State Representative Todd Hunter during the organization’s highly successful fall fundraiser in October.
“Attorney General Abbott and State Representative Hunter are strong supporters of a civil justice system based on common-sense and fairness,” said Clay McPhail, owner of El Arroyo restaurant and the group’s chairman. “They were both delightful and informative speakers and we were pleased to recognize them for their strong stand in the most recent session against any efforts to roll back reforms or create new ways to sue in Texas.”
Legal Watchdog Group Hosting Annual Fundraiser
AUSTIN, Texas—Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas will hold its annual fundraiser at the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with special guests Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst and State Rep. Todd Hunter.
ANSWER THE CALL – SERVE ON A JURY
Jury duty. Two words in the English language that send people searching for an excuse.
It takes time away from work and family. And, really, it’s not convenient.
But jury duty is a service we can all provide our community and we should all answer the call when summoned.
Legal Watchdog Marks Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week with ‘Reform Works’ Campaign
Several Texas employers and physicians joined Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse to mark Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week by launching a statewide “Reform Works” campaign. The campaign, which features a series of testimonials from local business leaders and doctors discussing the real world benefits of reform, reminds Texans of the need to ward off relentless attempts to roll back progress.
Reform Works for Texas- Reform Works for Williamson County
Here are the facts: medical malpractice reforms mean increased access to care as more doctors come to Texas.
Reform Works for Texas- Reform Works for Bexar County
In Bexar County specifically, more than 800 doctors have come to practice here since reforms were passed in 2003.
Local Lawsuit Abuse Watchdog Organization Unveils New Web site
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas today announced the launch of its new website. The user-friendly site highlights the group's mission, provides insight into the cost and consequences of lawsuit abuse, serves as a guiding point to other resources dedicated to promoting a civil justice system based on common sense and fairness, and offers information on how to get more involved in supporting legal reform efforts in your community.
Local Lawsuit Abuse Watchdog Organization Announces New Executive Director
AUSTIN, Texas – Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (“CALA”) of Central Texas, a non-profit grassroots movement dedicated to making the public better aware of the cost and consequences of lawsuit abuse, today announced the hiring of a new executive director, Stephanie D. Gibson, a proven grassroots organizer and fundraiser.
Good Judges Matter
Most Texans make sure they know their children’s teachers before sending them to school. Most learn about their doctors before entrusting their health to them. We seek information about these professionals because they can impact our lives. Likewise, every Texan should make a point to learn about the judges elected to the bench.
Recent Survey Shows Many Voters Skip Some Or All Supreme Court And Other Judicial Contests; Majority Say They Don’t Know Enough To Make Informed Choice
Austin – A large number of Texas voters skip Supreme Court and other judicial contests with many of them saying they simply don’t know enough about the candidates to make an informed choice.
LEGAL WATCHDOG APPLAUDS JUDGE FOR PUNISHING FILERS OF ABUSIVE LAWSUITS AGAINST WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas issued the following statement Friday praising Federal District Judge Walter S. Smith Jr. for sanctioning a man and his disbarred attorney who “have engaged in harassment of public officials by filing numerous frivolous lawsuits,” according to the judge’s ruling in a case involving a lawsuit against Williamson County officials.
Health related web sites
Austin -- Health-related Web sites sponsored by personal injury lawyers may appear to be credible online resources but are often designed to “sell, deceive or frighten” health care consumers, according to a new national study by the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest (www.cmpi.org).
Legal watchdog urges voters: know your judicial candidates
AUSTIN – With the primary elections over, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) groups are urging voters to spend the coming months learning about all judicial candidates’ backgrounds and qualifications before heading to the polls for the general election in November.
WATCHDOG LAUNCHES WEEK TO MARK STEEP COST OF LAWSUIT ABUSE
AUSTIN– Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse groups across Texas are celebrating Oct. 1-5 as Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week (LAAW), an annual commemoration to call attention to how lawsuit abuse threatens our healthcare system, costs jobs, increases consumer prices, and can cripple small businesses.
Proposition 12 Anniversary – Celebrating a Record Number of New Physicians, Expanded Services at Hospitals and Overall Improved Access to Care
In anticipation of the fourth anniversary of Proposition 12 (Sept. 12), the Texas constitutional amendment to help curb health care lawsuit abuse in Texas, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) noted dramatically expanded health care and a record number of new physicians now treating Texans.
WATCHDOG APPLAUDS TRANSPARENCY CODE FOR STATE AGS
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) groups in Texas today applauded a proposed Transparency Code issued by the American Tort Reform Association to enhance public disclosure of contractual arrangements between state attorneys general and private contingency fee lawyers.
New Board Members Join Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
Three local community leaders recently joined the Board of Directors of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) of Central Texas, a legal watchdog group. The board members will steer the nonprofit, community coalition in its mission to raise awareness about the cost and consequences of lawsuit abuse.
Legal Watchdog Urges Veto of Personal Injury Lawyer Windfall Bill
AUSTIN – A misguided bill passed by the Texas Legislature could once again force Texas families to pay the price for personal injury lawyer greed, according to Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA). CALA is calling on Gov. Rick Perry to protect Texans by vetoing the bill.
Drycleaners Could Lose Their Shirt in Bogus Lawsuit
Austin - Lawsuit abuse is alive and well as a big city lawyer sued his dry cleaner for a whopping $65 million over a pair of pants, according to Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA). The lawyer currently serves as an administrative law judge in Washington, D.C.
Texas Wins Again as Oklahoma Drops the Ball on Civil Justice Reform
Every year, eager footballers from Texas and Oklahoma meet on the gridiron to battle it out in the Red River Rivalry. Just like the Sooners lost in last year’s outing, Oklahoma’s governor seriously dropped the ball in a fight for his state that’s not fun and games – the fight against lawsuit abuse.
Despite Reforms, Texas Still One of Worst Legal Climates in U.S.
Despite significant reforms to Texas’ legal system, the state continues to rank as one of the 10 worst legal climates in the country, according to a recent report by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. Texas ranked 44th on several measures in the 2007 report; the state was ranked 43rd in 2006.
Lawyers’ White Coats on Witness Stand Should “Do No Harmâ€
When a physician takes the stand as an expert witness, the Hippocratic oath to “do no harm” should apply. At least that’s what doctors themselves said in a recent survey. Unfortunately, not all witnesses in white coats – or more aptly, the lawyers who pay them – share this sentiment. An unsettling trend in medical expert testimony has emerged in our courthouses that physicians say discredits the medical profession, erodes patients’ confidence in doctors and threatens civil justice itself.
Fraudulent Expert Testimony Harms Medicine, Physician Survey Finds
Texas physicians are concerned that bogus court testimony by some medical expert witnesses harms the medical profession and overwhelmingly support strong sanctions against medical experts who provide fraudulent testimony in Texas courts, according to a new survey released by Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) groups.
Trial Lawyer Name Change like Lipstick on a Pig
The old adage “you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig” immediately popped into mind when I saw that the Association of Trial Lawyers of America recently changed its name to the American Association of Justice.
Taking the Splash Out of Summer
On a hot Texas day, there’s nothing more refreshing or exhilarating than plunging from a high dive into the neighborhood pool.
Answer the Call - Serve on a Jury
Inconvenient. Can’t afford it. Too busy. Boss won’t give me time off from work.
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2013