> ****
>
> On 7 February 2012, the ICANN Board reaffirmed ICANN's commitment to
> opening a second round of applications in the New gTLD Program as
> expeditiously as possible.
>

As strongly suggested by Sebastien at the Singapore vote.

> ****
>
>
> In addition, ICANN is seeking public comment on certain trademark
> protections<http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/newgtlds-defensive-applications-06feb12-en.htm>in the New gTLD Program. Some stakeholders recently indicated that there
> are concerns about the perceived need for "defensive" applications at the
> top level, and encouraged ICANN to ensure that the program was launched in
> a manner that protects intellectual property rights. The public comment
> will help ICANN clarify the scope and benefits of the available protections
> as well as understand and respond to specific concerns with them.
>
ICANN "feels your pain" department.


> ****
>
> Finally, ICANN continues to push forward with its program to provide
> financial and other forms of assistance to qualifying applicants. Having
> designed an Applicant Support Program<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/candidate-support>and an Applicant
> Assistance Handbook<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/candidate-support#financial-assistance>,
> ICANN is now seeking independent panel members<http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-3-03feb12-en.htm>to help make financial award decisions. Global diversity and broad sets of
> experiences will be required and ICANN encourages those interested to seek
> additional information.****
>
> **
>

I trust we are well represented.
-- 
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Joly MacFie  218 565 9365 Skype:punkcast
WWWhatsup NYC - http://wwwhatsup.com
 http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com
 VP (Admin) - ISOC-NY - http://isoc-ny.org
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