In
1980, the American rich and middle class and most of the poor had
higher incomes than their counterparts almost anywhere in the world. But
incomes for the middle class and poor
in the United States have since been growing more slowly than
elsewhere. Why? Among the reasons: This country has lost its once-wide
lead in educational attainment. Other countries have increased their
workers’ skill levels more quickly, helping create well-paying jobs. The
United States also tolerates more inequality: The minimum wage is lower
here. Executives make more money. The government redistributes less of
it. By 2010, the poor in several other countries had pulled ahead. And
Canada’s median income had reached a virtual tie with that of the United
States. Since 2010, other data suggest Canada has moved ahead.
There are some exciting opportunities for students and graduates to learn and/or use their German.
Check out these links if you have a desire to study, work, volunteer or just travel in German-speaking countries!
Explore - Experience - Enjoy
http://www.volunteergermany.org/ This organization oversees volunteer or internship-type opportunities without costing an arm and a leg.
Almost every college has an exchange program or study-abroad
program for their students. Take advantage of a semester or year abroad.
Often the costs are not much more than that same time here in the US.
American Association of Teachers of German
Their web page features some opportunities for post UHS study and work in Germany.
National opportunities. There aren't very many
scholarship opportunities that are open to Jewish students across the
United States, and most of these have requirements other than simply a
Jewish background. Here are a few available national scholarships.
* Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation Essay Contest.
This essay contest is for middle and high school students, and involves
writing a 250-1500 word essay on a given topic related to Judaism.
Awards are between $750 - $1800. For more information, contact the
foundation at P.O. Box 234428, Great Neck, New York 11023. *
The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. This
organization offers three scholarships to high school seniors who are
direct descendants of members. Awards range from $500-$1000. To qualify,
students need to be accepted to an accredited college or university, in
the top 25% of their class, and active in extracurricular activities
and the Jewish community. For more information, call 202-265-6280.
* Alisa Flatow Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship fund was created
in memory of a young woman who was killed in a terrorist attack while
studying in Israel. Annual awards are given to students who are not
currently in Israel but who plan to study there. Preference is given to
students of religious studies. For more information, call 973-736-3200.
Read more at Suite101: Scholarships for Jewish Students: How to Find Grant, Scholarship, and Financial Aid Opportunities
Manager Jurgen Klinsmann Working With MLS-Based Side
By Paulo Winterstein
Jan. 14, 2014 6:07 p.m. ET
SÃO PAULO—U.S. men's soccer coach Jurgen
Klinsmann played down the long distances and muggy climate his team will
have to face at this year's World Cup, saying that American players are
used to both.
The U.S. team will be
based in São Paulo, South America's biggest city, and will travel for
first round matches to the Amazon heartland city of Manaus, as well as
the northeastern coastal cities of Natal and Recife. That means the U.S.
will have to travel some 14,000 kilometers in the first round alone,
the most of any of the 32 teams that will compete in the league play
round of the monthlong event that starts in June.
"We
have the worst travel schedule of all teams," Mr. Klinsmann told
reporters after a brief training session at the training grounds of São
Paulo Futebol Clube, one of the continent's top teams.
Twenty-six
players arrived in Brazil Monday as part of the men's team annual
January training, and Mr. Klinsmann is using the opportunity to get to
know the training center as well as a chance to pick new talent for the
team. The squad is made up of players from Major League Soccer except
for Norway-based Mix Diskerud.
"American
players are used to traveling long distances, but we want to minimize
the problem," he said, mentioning th possibility of traveling between game
sites directly, rather than making the long slog back to São Paulo
between rounds.
After two weeks in São
Paulo, the 26 players head back to Los Angeles for another week of
training. The final group of 23 players Mr. Klinsmann picks will be back
in Brazil in June to prepare for a crucial first match on June 16
against Ghana in Natal, some 1,800 miles northeast of São Paulo.
"We
have to win our first game no matter what," he said. That's because
after Ghana, the U.S. will face Portugal—whose star Cristiano Ronaldo
this week won the prestigious Balon d' Or title as the world's best
player—and then plays soccer powerhouse Germany in the final group
match. Germany clinched second place in 2002 after losing to Brazil, and
came in third place in the following two World Cups.
With such a tough group, it will be a challenge for the U.S. team.
"We
still have a long way to go and we know that, but we are getting better
and hopefully we can prove that in the World Cup," he said.
The
rapid growth of soccer in the U.S. following that country's hosting of
the 1994 World Cup has helped improve the quality of American soccer,
Mr. Klinsmann said, but they are still some years away from ranking with
the best.
"We need to develop better players and better coaches, but that's not going to happen overnight," he said.
With all the excitement of the World Cup draw last Friday for Brazil
2014, now seems like a good time to take a closer look at the cities and
stadiums the U.S. national team will play in next summer.
As we all know, Jurgen Klinsmann’s side were handed and incredibly
tough draw In Group G with Germany, Portugal and Ghana standing in their
way of making it to the knockout stages. Ahem, ‘Group of Death’…
But what many have overlooked is the fact that in the group stages
the USA will play in three of the four most Northern cities hosting
games in the World Cup, which means unbearable heat, incredible humidity
and will put plenty of extra strain on the players bodies as they play
three games in 10 days.
So, from the Amazon to the North East coastal resorts, here’s a look
at what cities fans of the USMNT will be visiting if they’re lucky
enough to be heading to South America to cheer on the Yanks. Plus, we
take a cheeky look at the venues the USA may play at in the knockout
stages, if they make it out of the dreaded ‘Group of Death.’
Warning: take plenty of sun block… and a hat.
Estadio das Dunas stadium, named after the famous sand dunes which are in the region of Natal, is a beauty.
NATAL – 16 June, 6pm ET: Ghana v USA City: In the far North East of Brazil, a tropical
climate awaits the USA (that will be a running theme here) as Natal
enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year and is known as ‘Sun City’ in
Brazil. Heavy European influence adorns the buildings and architecture
of the city and tourism plays a big part in the local economy due to
wonders such as Ponta Negra, Genipabu, Redinha, Pipa, Pirangi and the
fabulous beaches along the coast. This area has struggled for any
domestic soccer success for quite some time as fierce rivals America
Futebol Clube and ABC Futebol Clube have both struggled since the
1980′s. Stadium: The Estadio das Dunas has been newly
constructed and it’s fantastic curving shape emulates the sand dunes
Natal is famous for. A capacity of over 42,086 means it’s the smallest
stadium at the World Cup. Could prove difficult to get tickets for this
one.
The Arena Amazônia is the host stadium in the humid confides
of the Amazon rainforest. Will the USA handle the heat?
MANAUS -22 June, 6pm ET: USA v Portugal City: One of the most spectacular, yet problematic,
venues in World Cup history, the Amazonian capital of Manaus is host to
the USA’s game against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Humidity around the
99 percent mark is likely to greet the USMNT, as well as heat in excess
of 100 degrees in the heart of the Amazon rainforest but plenty of
stunning sights, such as the convergence of the Negro and Amazon rivers,
will make a trip to Manaus a one in a life-time experience. The most
northern venue boasts quite a poor crime-record, so be on your guard.
Stadium: There are plenty of concerns over the heat
and conditions deep in the world’s largest rainforest, as the kick off
time has been moved backwards, but what a stadium they’ve built to
welcome the world into the Amazon. Huge interwoven rafters mimics the
wooden baskets this region is now far, but once again the capacity is
only just over 42,000 so the USA will be playing in another of Brazil’s
smallest host stadiums.
The Arena Pernambuco has already hosted Confederations Cup games
and is ready to go.
RECIFE – 26 June, 12pm ET: USA v Germany City: Just down the coast from Natal, Recife is the
state capital of Pernambuco and the fourth largest metropolitan area in
Brazil. The gorgeous beaches close to urban areas makes this city unique
and a heavy Dutch influence from the 16th century can be found amongst
the architecture. Just like Natal and Manaus, this sprawling Northern
city also enjoys searing temperatures and the USA’s noon kick off time
vs. Germany may actually play in their favor. Well, at least more of the
USMNT’s players will be used to playing in hot conditions compared to
the Germans.
Stadium: Built through public and private funding,
the stadium is now home to Clube Nautico Capibaribe, one of Recife’s
three professional teams. With a capacity of 46,154, again it’s not the
biggest stadium in Brazil but there’s sure to be a terrific atmosphere
in the ‘capital of the North-east’ when the U.S. face Germany in their
pivotal last group game. The stadium itself is located outside of the
city proper and close to the region known as Grande Recife where huge
poverty affects the local people, but this venue has regenerated the
area by offering shops, jobs and other businesses to locals.
USA’s potential venues in knockout stages Last 16: Porto Alegre on June 30 orSalvador on July 1 Quarterfinal: Rio de Janiero on July 4 orBrasilia on July 5 Semifinal: Belo Horizonte on July 8 orSao Paulo on July 8 3/4 place game: Brasilia on July 12 Final: Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janiero on July 13
Wer spielt für uns?
American Top 30: Projecting Klinsmann’s 2014 World Cup roster, 17th ed
June 2: FIFA deadline to submit 23-man World Cup roster. June 7: Nigeria friendly in Jacksonville. June 8: Team flight to Sao Paulo. June 16: Group G opener against Ghana in Natal, Brazil.
********************* Changes from last week:
Maurice Edu overtakes Mix Diskerud in midfield. Terrence Boyd rejoins
the 30, DeAndre Yedlin drops out. Movement among the midfield and
defensive contenders.
Of note: Check marks indicate my picks for the final roster.
“Contenders” are my leading candidates for the 23-man list (+ 7 contenders, for 30-man list).
Players not
mentioned could re-enter the mix at any time in the coming weeks.
As it
stands, I am projecting 14 MLS players, eight European-based players
and one Mexican-based player on the flight to Brazil.
GOALKEEPERS 3
√Tim Howard (Everton): 90 minutes in 2-0 victory over Man-U. Next: at Southampton Sat.
√Brad Guzan (Aston Villa): 90 in 0-0 draw with Southampton. Next: at Swansea City on Saturday.
√Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake): 90 in 1-0 victory over Portland. Next: Vancouver on Saturday.
DEFENDERS 8
√CB Matt Besler(Sporting Kansas City): 90 in 4-0 victory over Montreal. Next: REVs. Sat.
√RB-CB Geoff Cameron(Stoke City): 90 in 1-1 draw at Cardiff City. Next: at Tottenham, Sat. √LB-RB-LMF Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim): 90 in 3-1 loss at Werder Bremen. Next: Eintracht Frankfurt on Sat.
√CB Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy): 90 in 2-2 draw at Vancouver. Next: at Colorado on May 3.
√CB Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes): 90 in 0-0 draw at Colorado. Next: Chivas USA on Sat.
√LB-LMF DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla): 1st 40 (injured) in 2-1 victory at Pachuca. Next: Morelia on Sun.
√RB-DMF Brad Evans(Seattle Sounders): last 23 in 2-1 victory at Chivas USA. Next: Colorado on Saturday.
√LB-RB Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew): 90 in 1-1 draw with D.C. United. Next: NY on Sat.
— Contenders —
↑CB Tim Ream(Bolton): 90 in 0-0 draw at Charlton. Next: Leicester City on Tues., Sheffield W. on Sat. ↓CB Michael Orozco(Puebla): not in the 18 (leg injury) for 2-1 victory at Pachuca. Next: Morelia on Sunday.
MIDFIELDERS 8
√DMF-CMF Michael Bradley (Toronto FC): 90 in 2-1 loss at Dallas. Next: REVs. on May 3.
√CMF-F-RMF Clint Dempsey(Seattle Sounders): 90 (assist) in 2-1 victory at Chivas USA. Next: CO on Sat.
√RMF Graham Zusi(Sporting Kansas City): 90 (assist) in 4-0 victory over Montreal. Next: REVs. on Sat.
√DMF Jermaine Jones(Besiktas): 90 in 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce. Next: Sivasspor on Sun.
√LMF-CMF-RMF-F Landon Donovan(LA Galaxy): 90 in 2-2 draw at Vancouver. Next: at CO, May 3.
√DMF Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake): 90 in 1-0 victory over Portland. Next: Vancouver on Sat.
√RMF-CMF Alejandro Bedoya(Nantes): 90 (goal in 31st) in 6-2 victory at Valenciennes. Next: Marseille on Fri.
√↑DMF Maurice Edu (Phila.Union): 90 in 0-0 draw with Houston. Next: at Montreal on Saturday.
— Contenders —
↓CMF Mikkel Diskerud(Rosenborg): no match scheduled. Next: at Bodo/Blimt on Monday, at Orkla in Norwegian Cup on Thursday, Brann on Sunday. LMF-F Julian Green(Bayern Munich II): no match scheduled. Next: at Rain Lech on Sat.
↑RMF-LMF Joe Corona (Tijuana): 7 in 2-1 victory at Atlante. Next: Leon on Friday.
↓LMF Brad Davis(Houston Dynamo): not in the 18 (ankle
injury) for 0-0 draw at Phila. Next: NY Wed;
Portland Sun.
FORWARDS 4
√F Jozy Altidore(Sunderland): 24 (drew controversial late PK; video) in 2-1 victory at Chelsea. Next: Cardiff City on Sun.
√F-LMF Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar): no match scheduled. Next: at Den Haag on Sunday.
√F-LMF Eddie Johnson (D.C. United): 76 in 1-1 draw at Columbus. Next: Dallas on Saturday.
√F Chris Wondolowski(San Jose Earthquakes): 90 in 0-0 draw at Colorado. Next: Chivas USA on Sat.
– Contenders –
↑F Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna): 90 (goals in 24th
and 43rd) in 2-2 draw at Groedig. Next: Red Bull Salzburg on Sat.
(11 goals in 26 league matches, 16 in 34 overall)
Lustig von Stefan Raab? Wie immer. Und auch erfolgreich. So aber auch ist Hans Hubert Vogts. Wer ist er denn? Er kommt aus Kaarst -- nahe Düsseldorf. Gibt es noch was? Ja, und wie! Das ist wirklich noch etwas für uns herauszufinden.
Jurgen Klinsmann Discusses USMNT Changes Surrounding Berti Vogts, Martin Vasquez
Jurgen Klinsmann has appointed former Germany,
Scotland and Nigeria head coach Berti Vogts as Special Advisor for the
United States' men's national team, further altering the nation's
backroom staff after dropping Martin Vasquez from his assistant role.
Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl revealed the news on Twitter:
USMNT assistant Martín Vásquez being reassigned within USSF. Berti Vogts hired as adviser, Tab Ramos working with senior team.
Klinsmann revealed his delight at linking up with Vogts once again,
the manager he played under when Germany captured the Euro '96
championship, as reported by USsoccer.com:
We are absolutely thrilled to have Berti join us as an advisor.
He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, both as a player and a
coach, and he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He
was my coach for Germany in the 1990s and we have a great relationship. Through his time as the head coach of Scotland, Nigeria and
Azerbaijan, he is obviously very familiar with our opponents in the
group stage of the World Cup, and for us this is a huge bonus.
USA Under-20's overseer Tab Ramos has also been promoted to the
senior coaching staff, while Martin Vasquez moves across toward other
duties within the United States Soccer Federation. Klinsmann believes
such change provides the nation "with the best opportunity to be successful," per USsoccer.com's report.
Vogts' appointment could prove to be a real coup for the
U.S., who have tied up another German legend until after the 2014 FIFA
World Cup. The 67-year-old won the 1974 tournament with West Germany and
totted up five Bundesliga titles with Borussia Monchengladbach during
his playing days. UEFA Cup wins in '75 and '79 also sum up a successful
career on the pitch.
Klinsmann has hired Vogts to scout opponents and develop
training regimes in a key role for the U.S. Despite his Euro '96 success
with Germany, Vogts' international tenures with Kuwait, Scotland,
Nigeria and Azerbaijan have been riddled with frustration.
Boris Roessler
He will continue to serve as Azerbaijan manager even
after agreeing to the U.S. role. Vogts' team have little action to look
forward to across the summer after failing to qualify for the
competition, ensuring his jobs won't clash.
The upcoming World Cup puts both Klinsmann and Vogts in
the strange position of facing their country of birth while representing
the U.S. Vogts is sure to have a detailed knowledge of happenings
inside the German camp and may be able to call upon his experience with DFB to inspire a positive result for the USMNT.
Matthew Tomaszewicz of The Guardian outlined Vogts' recent experience against the country's World Cup opponents as a key to his appointment:
It seems everything has slotted into place for this deal to go ahead.
Klinsmann and Vogts' previous relationship was a winning one,
highlighting that they can work well together against difficult odds.
Although the USA aren't expected to challenge for the trophy in Brazil,
Vogts' scouting duties provide Klinsmann with the chance to focus on his
players and strategy.
Both the U.S. team and staff can head into the World Cup with a
fearless outlook in a group that includes Germany, Portugal and Ghana.
These are tough matches that could yield little to shout about for the
Americans, but with Klinsmann and Vogts leading the charge, there's
enough experience here to challenge in each encounter.
Yet another entry for Ms Fischer?? Here, she sings her Nr. 1 song in today's charts. Later in the medley, she demonstrates some of her training as a dancer.
Do you sense the audience is put off that she's singing in Russian?
Das Musik und Harmonie finden ich ganz in Ordnung.
-- Den ganzen Text verstehe ich nicht.
Notizen zum Songtext:
Raus! Sonst ist es zu spät
Ich will meine Seele befreien!
Ich brauche dich
--- ein Katharsis.
Ich suche....
verzweifelt
Nach der Erlösung!
Was ist los mit mir?
Was passiert mit mir?
Ich spüre das es etwas in mir erweckt
Ist es gewusst?
Ist das die Erlösung?
Schau mich an.
Das Leben lässt mich aus.
Ich kann es nicht ertragen.
Novel by Todd Strasser (originally penned under pseudonym, Morton Rhue)
The original Film (1981) was based on the real experience of a high school class in Palo Alto,
CA in April 1967, whose teacher wanted to explain the rise of the Nazi
party to his students.
Some of you have seen the more recent German film in history class, which incorporates several more conflicts. Here are the first 8 minutes of that version, with Turkish subtitles:
Yup -- this character is... Bread. A loaf? A slice? You decide. Bernd has a daily
First Bernd tries to get you to watch a different channel.
Then, he is welcomed into the KiKa Fan Lounge for Nerds.
He dislikes magicians, but becomes Harry Potter.
He becomes an intergalactic Obertrekkie and learns (with narration help) how Scotti can beam him back, or not.
His fans plan and reenact a dragon capturing scene, and wind up reciting the top phrases from Star Trek.
Then comes proof that Bernd is really a nerd.
Time for a Nerd party!
This episode has Bernd, das Brot escorting us through German history:
from the Neanderthals to the Roman occupation,
to the Middle Ages,
to Gutenberg's press,
to Martin Luther's reformation and Protestantism
1618 Prague (specifically an event in which a well-placed heap of refuse saved the lives of three people who had been thrown out of a tall tower window) which led to the
30 years' War, between religion, but mostly took place in Germany
to Prussia's glory days with Friedrich Wilhelm v. Brandenburg (der Große Kurfürst-Fritz).
Napoleon's war (!) and Waterloo
Versaille
WWI
to the glorious 1920's, and then,
yes, he becomes the man with the mustache(ach, dem Mann mit dem Schnurbart). [FYI: As Hitler Bernd speaking a mish-mash, NOT German!]
Bernd has then "kein Bock mehr" - he wants to give up.
At the Berliner Mauer "Wer bin ich? Ich bin ein Brot!" (Nicht ein Berliner!)
If you don't learn from history, you are destined to repeat it.... Ach nein!
How many of the scenes do you recognize?
Crazy! It takes a full 2+ minutes to start the flashbacks, while Bernd tries to convince his audience of the harms of watching too much TV, etc. (vor der Glotze = in front of the screen. abschalten = turn off!Fernsehen macht total doof. = TV makes you ridiculous. der Ofper = the sacrifice. tragisch = tragic. Einschalten = watch.)
Music and performance:
1. Vom Anfang bis 1:42 VIVALDI (4 Jahreszeiten/Seasons: Sommer--am Ende)
----------------> 1:34 bis 1:38 Mission Impossible, von LALO SCHIFRIN
2. 1:42 bis 2:21: MOZART: KLAVIER-Sonate Nr. 16
3. 2:22-zum Ende: MACKIE MESSER (Drei-Groschen OPERA --3 Penny Opera -- v. KURT WEIL)
Ein spektakulärer Fund(A spectacular find) in der Kieler Förde: Seit 1913 trieb eine
Flaschenpost durch die Ostsee, nun ist sie einem Berufsfischer ins Netz
gegangen.
Ein Berliner hatte sie einst aus Dänemark losgeschickt.
Offenbar ist es die älteste Flaschenpost der Welt.
Die bislang älteste bekannte Flaschenpost ist einem Fischer in der
Kieler Förde ins Netz gegangen. Am Dienstag habe er ein Netz an Bord
seines Kutters „Maria I“ gezogen und darin als Beifang eine Bierflasche
mit einer fast 101 Jahre alten Postkarte gefunden, bestätigte der
Fischer Konrad Fischer aus Heikendorf in Schleswig-Holstein am
Donnerstag einen Bericht der „Kieler Nachrichten“. Die Karte hat das Datum 17. Mai 1913.
Wie
er der Zeitung erzählte, wollte Fischer die mit Seepocken überwachsene
Flasche eigentlich gleich wieder ins Meer werfen, doch der Kollege des
65-Jährigen habe den Inhalt entdeckt. Mit einem Blumendraht sei es den
Berufsfischern gelungen, die Postkarte aus der Flasche zu ziehen. Ein
Mann namens Richard Platz aus Berlin hatte sie an sich selbst adressiert
und Briefmarken beigelegt. Den Finder bat er, die Postkarte
weiterzuschicken.
Postkarte aus Dänemark, Flasche aus Kiel
Während
die Postkarte offenbar aus Dänemark stammt, hatte der Berliner sie nach
Angaben der „Kieler Nachrichten“ in einer braunen Flasche mit der
Prägung „Kiel“ verstaut. Danach trieb die internationale Botschaft 100
Jahre in der Ostsee. Nun wolle Fischer den Fund einem Experten zeigen,
um die Echtheit zu überprüfen. „Wenn die Flaschenpost wirklich so alt
ist, freut sich vielleicht ein Museum darüber“, sagte er der Zeitung.
dpaEine Postkarte aus Dänemark in einer Flasche aus Kiel
The above link connects to a very approachable one-hour TV special which focuses on Sophie Scholl and her brother, Hans, who dared to articulate their resistance to the atrocities of the Nazis.
Photograph by Kristoffer Tripplaar/Sipa via AP Photo
A chip-based EMV smart card
After last year’s massive security breaches at Target (TGT)
and Neiman Marcus, data security pros urged U.S. retailers to upgrade
their credit and debit card technology to reduce fraud. Companies have
been slow to embrace the more secure payment systems that have been
widely used in Europe and Asia for years, mostly because of the expense
and a lack of synchronization among retailers, credit card providers,
and banks.
Many companies are behind schedule in updating their
systems to comply with a chip-based smart card standard known as EMV
(for Europay-MasterCard (MA)-Visa (V),
the companies that first backed the technology). Credit card networks
have set an October 2015 deadline for most U.S. merchants to upgrade
their payment systems.
EMV is considered more secure because it’s harder
to copy account numbers and security codes from chips than from the
magnetic strips on most cards used in the U.S. EMV cards create a unique
code for each transaction, making them more difficult to hack or
counterfeit than striped cards.
Merchant
Warehouse, which processes credit and debit card transactions for
80,000 U.S. merchants, projects that only about 60 percent of its
clients’ locations will be ready to accept chip-based cards by the
deadline. Richard Crone, chief executive officer of payments advisory
firm Crone Consulting, says more than half of U.S. merchants will miss
the cutoff.
One reason for the delay is the upgrade’s high cost—$500 to
$1,000 per payment terminal, according to researcher Javelin Strategy
& Research, a division of Greenwich Associates. Retailers are also
concerned that the switch will slow checkout times and that it remains
unclear how the EMV software will work with debit cards. “It is not a
question of just turning it on,” says Margaret Chabris, a spokeswoman
for 7-Eleven (3382:JP). “EMV specifications are still being finalized.”
....
For terminals to provide added security, customers must have
chip-enabled cards. “Part of the reason we haven’t pushed faster is
there’re just no cards out there for acceptance,” Cook says. Today, with
about 1 billion cards in use in the U.S., just 20 million chip cards
have been issued, according to Smart Card Alliance. Only 20 percent to
30 percent of U.S. card holders will have the new cards by the deadline,
says Nick Holland, an analyst at Javelin.
The new cards can cost
up to $2 each, compared with pennies for the magnetic-stripe models.
“We’ve got 10 million cards in inventory out in the field,” says Mark
Putman, a senior vice president for First Data (KKR),
which offers prepaid card services. “At $2, we are probably looking at a
$20 million investment, which I am going to defer for as long as
possible.”
Retailers are willing to do their part to improve
security, the National Retail Federation says, but banks and card
companies also have a responsibility to update their systems. That
includes making and issuing chip-enabled cards.
The price for not complying could be high. Credit card
companies have said most retailers and banks will be liable for some
fraudulent in-store transactions if they don’t have the new system. Even
so, “merchants aren’t crazy about this migration to EMV, and many of
them are fighting it tooth and nail,” says Julie Conroy, an analyst at
Aite Group.
