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Nic Cicutti: Why remote risk profiling won't cut it
By Nic Cicutti
How much help do clients really need from their advisers? And is the best way of providing it a face-to-face meeting?
I was pondering on this question recently when writing an article for a consumer magazine on how to manage investment risk.
I took a look at the options available for those who want to assess their own attitudes to risk before making decisions about where to invest. The truth is, there is not an awful lot available in the public online sphere.
Barclays signposts users to a set of web pages by its behavioural science team, with some excellent articles on there, but when you try to click through to its "free personality test that will give you a basic idea of your own investing tendencies" the link appears to have been taken down.
There are a few helpful tools out there, though. Standard Life offers a 10-question online survey to help users understand their risk appetite. The survey invites users to agree or disagree, strongly or otherwise, to a number of propositions, such as "My friends would say that I am cautious" or "I prefer my money to be safe from risk". Based on the answers, it scores a person on a scale between 0 and 100.
Variants of the same questions are also asked by Royal London, although the potential profile outcomes are slightly different. In my case, the Royal London profile of my appetite for risk was marginally higher than the Standard Life one. Not so much it was impossible to reconcile the two profiles but it goes to show minor changes in a person's reply to what is, after all, a very basic questionnaire may produce different results.
One of the most detailed, if occasionally annoying (but only in relation to some of the questions asked) comes from Schroders. The firm offers would-be investors a much more in-depth online questionnaire called InvestIQ, based on a series of improbable, hypothetical scenarios geared around an airport flight delay.
Completing it takes about 10 minutes, at the end of which it provides a four-page analysis purporting to tell you what kind of an investor you are. It told me I am a Vigilant Planner: someone who likes to do his homework and is most likely to worry excessively about making a decision. My defining characteristic is that I am anxious about investing and least likely to act impulsively. I will come back to that in a second.
While most advisers that use a rage of similar psychometric profiling services do so from a number of specialist firms – including FinaMetrica, Intelliflo and Dynamic Planner – many of the risk profiling questionnaires, including the one from Standard Life, are provided by Oxford Risk, an independent team of psychology academics originating from Oxford University.
Oxford Risk also provides psychometric questionnaires through a number of other online investment houses, advisers and banks, such as RBS and Brewin Dolphin.
Regardless of which tool is used, what is intriguing is the way most advisers do not allow prospective clients to access their questionnaires without first registering with them or making contact. In some cases, profiles can only be completed in the course of formal face-to-face meetings.
Perhaps the most cogent rationale for this approach was made in an article last year by Colin Low, managing director at Suffolk-based advisers Kingsfleet Wealth. He said: "What I am noticing is people who are prepared to take on more risk go through the form quicker, whereas those who have a lower propensity for risk take their time reading every question and are often querying one answer against the other. These are things you would miss by supplying the questionnaire remotely."
He is both wrong – and right. Most of the risk profile tools I road-tested also identified that my tendency to take my time by weighing up options in more detail potentially made me a more risk-averse investor. In that sense, I would not need to sit opposite Low for that factual nugget to stand out.
Yet it strikes me it is possible to be both careful about carrying out research before making an investment decision and willing to accept higher levels of risk inherent in the process. Which is where face-to-face comes in: I would hope Low would spot that fact about me too before advising on my portfolio.
My brief foray into this risk profiling world indicates that, while online tools and questionnaires can work and will give people a good basic understanding of themselves as potential investors, a good adviser that knows them well remains the gold-standard way for them to make better decisions about money.
Nic Cicutti can be contacted at firstname.lastname@example.com


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subset: commoncrawl


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Work with the
The real world isn't a place you go after school, it is a place you create by developing your skill set and your mind set. In the Turnberry internship program, we help you create your real world, one that marries your purpose and desires with your everyday pursuits. Undergraduates and graduates are invited to realize their best self through thought provoking experiences. You will play an integral role in creating best in class products and experiences for our customers, while yielding meaningful results for the company and your own personal and professional development.
Select your track
We're entrepreneurial. Opportunistic.
A step ahead. We lead; others follow. We are progressive pioneers.
family spirit
We are good people with family values and loyalty at our core. We behave with dignity,
respect and pride.
real world impact
We're community focused and driven.
We give back and impact people
locally, nationally
and internationally.
entrepreneurial spirit
Our history sets us apart. We helped build a city. We've changed lives for the better. It's in our DNA. We know no bounds.
We are elite. We have the highest standards. Everything we build is exceptional. We do things right. To be truly luxurious, detail matters.
In the Turnberry internship program, we help you create your real world, one that marries your purpose and desires with your everyday pursuits. Undergraduates and graduates are invited to realize their best self through thought provoking experiences.
Research and analyze various capital market activities including refinances, joint-ventures and acquisitions/dispositions as it relates to Turnberry's Portfolio. Assist with financial modeling and valuation of company assets, as well as maximizing revenues and market research into future deals.APPLY NOW
Work with our team to in all aspects of the development and construction process from the ideation and design phase to the construction of our best in class projects in retail, residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors.APPLY NOW
Just because we are a large company doesn't mean we can't be entrepreneurial. Turnberry was founded on the entrepreneurial spirit and we expect our team members to be intrapreneurs, finding the opportunities for growth and figuring out ways to make them a reality using our best in class platform and infrastructure.APPLY NOW
Hospitality is a way of life. We are looking for 51% percenters, people who live and breathe hospitality and go that extra mile to make the customer experience memorable. Work at the front desk, poolside, with our world class restaurant teams, in event planning and catering services, or at one of our spas. You will be in the mix, bringing the vision to life.APPLY NOW
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You will play an integral role in shaping marketing strategies for properties using creative, digital, and experiential marketing tactics, or work actively with our business development team to identify, pitch, and execute innovative partnerships to support Turnberry property initiatives.APPLY NOW


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Kenyon Carter is a saxophonist, recording artist, and educator who has spent the past twenty five years helping countless people become better musicians.
Kenyon has worked with middle school and high school students as a band director and frequent honor band clinician, aspiring saxophonists as a collegiate saxophone and jazz instructor, and other musicians across the globe through his popular video lessons and private Skype coaching.
Kenyon is also an internationally known recording artist having released three full length albums. Six tracks from those albums went on to become charting singles and can be heard on contemporary jazz radio around the world.
Drawing from his diverse experiences, Kenyon is known for making the complex simple. His most recent project, "Bebop Boot Camp," uses cutting edge brain science, clever analogies, and the power of deliberate practice to help musicians play better solos and truly improvise authentic bebop lines in just eight weeks.
Although originally from Georgia, Kenyon is currently traveling the United States with his wife Chris and their dog Maggie in a forty foot motor coach exploring America.


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Speakers Announced for 2018 CSU Turner College of Business Executive Speaker Series
Columbus State University's D. Abbott Turner College of Business announced today this year's lineup of speakers for the college's Executive Speaker Series. Free and open to the public, the series features a variety of executives and entrepreneurs who will reflect on their experiences in business:
- Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.: James Yancey, former president of Synovus
- Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.: Michael Barker, Director of CSU'S TSYS Center for Cybersecurity
- Mar. 6 at 11 a.m.: Chris Patterson, Franchise Owner of Bricks & Minifigs
- Apr. 3 at 11 a.m.: Tim Callahan, Senior VP of Global CSO Aflac
Presentations by Yancy, Patterson and Callahan will be held in the second floor auditorium of CSU's Center for Commerce and Technology. Barker's presentation will be in CSU's TSYS Center for Cybersecurity on the ground floor of the CCT, as part of an evening mixer and open house for attendees to explore the new center. Business leaders, alumni, and current and prospective students are all welcome to attend the series.


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Hot Air Cycle Operation Car Tempering Furnace
Brand : Weier
Product origin : jiangsu,China
Delivery time : Within 45-120 working days after receiving the down payment
Supply capacity : 30 Sets per Month
Product Description
Hot air cycle operation car tempering furnace is composed by furnace body, car, heating device, and control system. Frame of the shell is welded by shaped steel. Both of the inner and outer walls are welded by cold rolled steel plate with the advantage of small deformation coefficient. The lining of the body and the door is aluminum silicate refractory fiber acupuncture cotton as the insulation layer that reduces the temperature of the furnace wall. The door also is the welded frame of steel. And the outer wall of the door is cold rolled steel too. The car is made of shaped steel with wheels on the bottom. The car can go into the furnace body and run flexible . Around the inlet of the furnace is embedded with rubber asbestos packing. When the door closed, the door and the rubber asbestos packing fit tightly to ensure that no heat distribution. Belt heating elements equipped on the both sides of the chamber are made of alloy of 0Cr25AL5 with ling service life.
PS:Our company can provide customized design according to user requirements.
How to use it
It is mainly used for quenched and tempered process of high chromium steel, die steel and other special steel. It also can be used for tempering, aging and other various mechanical parts heat treatment, such as high manganese steel castings, steel balls, crusher hammer, roll, iron chrome wear-resistant materials.
Packing & Delivery
The furnace is nude packed but duly fixed inside the container.
The nearest sea port is Shanghai port which is the largest and most convenient port over China.
The delivery time is 45-120 days after receipt of down payment.
The furnace is usually loaded into normal containers (20GP or 40GP) or flat racks.
Usually machine is packed with wooden case and standard export carton, plywood carton or as your requirement.
Our Services
Reply your inquiry within 48 working hours
Experienced engineer instruct and sales communicate with you in fluent English.
Exclusive and unique solution can be provided to our customer by our well-trained and professional engineers and staff.
More contact with users, communicate with each other, to ensure that the manufacturing products meet the needs of customers.
Production: strict quality standard, to produce machine and induction coils.
Installation on site and commissioning in the condition of cold and hot, to ensure the normal use.
Tracking goods shipping and provide bill of lading,invoice,packing list and other documents what you need
Provide install and technology instruction by sending drawings, email, or telephone,video.
If you need, will arrange one engineer to your place,instruct install machine and training operators.
Responsible for free training of technology, service and operation personnel's theory, maintenance and operation skills, to make users use production right and expertly. Training is in the section of device debugging and test run.
After equipment final acceptance, quality guarantee period is for 12 months, the supplier replace and repair for free when the damage is caused by production and materials during the warranty period. To the damage out of warranty period, the supplier should give preferential service and the supply of parts (only accept costs), and provide lifelong offer after-sale service.
1. Whatâs your MOQ?
At present we havenât strict policy for this, so welcome orders with any quantity.
2.What information should the our provide to get an accurate quotation from you?
The customer should provide the working temperature, temperature rising speed, energy medium (gas or electricity), effective size of the furnace, drawings, pictures, industrial voltage, etc.
3.You are a green hand on Alibaba, how can I trust your company and machine?
Our factory have been in Heat treatment equipment for around 20 years , just entering alibaba for ads .And our machine have exported to East Asia, South Asia, the middle East Asia, Africa etc. areas and have a good feedback with no complaints.
4.If there are broken of your machine and spare parts , what should I do ?
In case of any failure occurred in the warranty, damaged parts to be replaced shall be offered free of charge .we providelifelong tracing service, supply equipment parts and relevant maintenance at favorable prices, and give user technical guidance free of charge.


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Consumer Update
When's the last time you've truly been inspired? Well, get ready to be blown away by an interesting new form of art. Sisyphus is a kinetic sculpture that creates mesmerizing patterns in the sand, fusing technology and art for museum-quality pieces in your home.
Motion control art is any art that uses machinery connected to computers so that you are marrying computer programming with the movement of real-world objects. It reminds people of Zen gardens, the raked gardens in Kyoto, Japan. There is something about that which affects people. It is captivating, and it is easy to stare at. It is just a calming presence in your environment.
Michah Roth began working with Founder of Sisyphus, Bruce Shapiro, who had a take on his three-meter museum installations, turned them into an in-home coffee table. Once they had some solid prototypes set up, we launched their first Kickstarter and sold 1500 tables in 28 days, and Sisyphus Industries was born.
Bruce has been asked, "what is your target audience," and it honestly comes down to anyone with a table. Sisyphus wants to increase the community of people who are moved enough by it and will spend their energy and creativity to make new tracks to share with others.
Learn more about this meditative beauty by heading to sisyphus-industries.com today.


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In the current real estate market there is a glut of two parties. You've got a glut of sellers who may or may not be in bad loans who all want to sell now. Then you've got a glut of buyers who, with the dramatic changes in the lending environment, cannot get loans to buy. David Henderson says, "As an investor, you don't want to own property, you just want to control it." The Trust is a tool that allows you to control (not own) multiple properties. David recommends the book, 'A Fortune In Free Real Estate,' for a more in-depth look at the Trust process.
Real Property vs. Personal Property: After Real Property is placed in a Trust, it ceases to be 'real property' and turns into 'personal property.'
The Trust itself has 4 different documents:
1. Trust Document
2. Beneficiary Designation Document (defines each beneficiary's interest in the Trust.
3. Assignment of Beneficial Interest Document
4. Occupancy Agreement (like a standard lease)
**All of these documents are closed at a Title Company.
What about the Due on Sale Clause? Trust does NOT trigger the Due on Sale Clause.
Good Market Opportunity: There is a glut of both buyers and sellers in the market right now. Buyers that cannot qualify for loans to homes and Sellers that cannot refi or cannot sell with so many homes on the market.
Seller Carries Note: David approaches 'For Sale By Owner' Sellers. Sellers must be willing to carry the Note until the Trust is terminated in 36 mo. when the buyer is able to refi the property. All of David's buyers in his Trusts have been able to refi before the 3 yr deadline when the Trust is terminated.
Cash Down Returned to Buyer: Buyers for the property, or your 'Resident Beneficiary' must have 5% down plus 1st months rent. (No credit necessary but do they have the cash down to buy the home?) The selling point on this is that this 5% is returned to buyer when the Trust is terminated.
Terms are flexible: To make a deal work, all of the terms are flexible. Whatever the seller or the buyer needs to enter into the Trust with you, the investor, make it happen!
Leverage your Realtors: Realtors can bring people to you that cannot qualify for a loan if you are willing to offer them a commission. David says this is his best source of referrals.
How do you convince the buyer to become a resident beneficiary in a Trust?
Tax benefit given to 'Resident Beneficiary'
5% down at inception of Trust is returned to buyer at time of Trust termination.
Can offer a split in future appreciation with buyer when Trust is terminated.
Terms of the deal are legally binding through the Trust documents (buyer is protected!)
For more information, contact David Henderson of Project Liberty email@example.com


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By Mark Wilson
In TravelPosted
berk. packs up the tent and heads to Wales
Early July saw Berk Adventures take a long weekend down to the surprisingly sunny coast of Pembrokshire, Wales. We grabbed the tent, a blanket, the GoPro and off we went (we maybe grabbed a few [...]


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Payment Options
Students are encouraged to pay EACH STUDY PERIOD'S FEES IN FULL, that is, before the commencement of each study period in January and June of each year.
A study period is defined as two full terms of study or 22 weeks of study. Enrolment Application fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees will not be transferred to another educational institution.
ACOT accepts Visa and MasterCard. Any payments made by these credit cards will incur a 1% charge. There is no reduction in fees for RPL/CT students. Additional costs will be incurred if students request additional copies of documents. The College may restrict or withhold services or materials including academic results from a student in relation to courses or parts of courses which the student has participated in or completed until those fees have been paid in full. The college will not withhold any results for courses or parts of courses for which the student has paid the college in full.
Payments can be made by cash, cheque, bank cheque, draft, Visa card, MasterCard, or telegraphic transfer. Cheques and drafts should be in favour of Australian College of Trade. Please forward your payments using the following account details:
Account name: Australian College of Trade
Bank name: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
BSB number: 063-010
Account number: 11316739
Swift code: CTBAAU2S (for payments being made from Overseas bank accounts)
Students may be eligible to pay by instalments from the second study period provided they abide by the conditions set out below:
Payment of tuition fees by instalment
- This option does not apply where a sponsor, employer, or any other person, or organisation, pays a student's fees and charges.
- The option applies only to the course tuition fees. All other fees and charges, for which the student is liable to pay, as a condition of enrolment, must be paid in full by the due date specified in the letter of offer.
- At least thirty percent (30%) of the annual course tuition fees must be paid by the due dates specified on the Statement of Account (that is, January and June of each year).
- The balance of the course tuition fees may be paid progressively in any amounts, and at times which suit each student, if the total amount is paid by no later than April, for study period 1, and September, for study period 2 course tuition fees.
- Extensions of time will not be granted for either the initial payment, or the final payment.
- If a variation to an enrolment results in an increase in the amount of course tuition fees, no extensions of time will be granted for payment of the additional fees.
- If a student fails to make the required payments, or has not contacted the College by the applicable due date(s) for payment, the student's enrolment may be suspended within 14 days of the due date
Fee Protection
For tuition protection ACOT assures the security of student fees through its compliance with the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS) and the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).


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Dear customer,
You have undoubtedly read in the press that a technical problem with a major producer of fiscal tills for the HORECA industry has been identified. A more correct description would have been that it has been determined that the storage capacity of some FDMs (Fiscal Data Module or 'black box') coming from a specific producer is too limited. This issue has been confirmed with the FDM type that is probably being used in most of the F&B outlets. That supplier is also the one Van Hessen selected for its fiscal deployment.
Because of an issue with the memory chip, the FDM cannot store the legally required 8 years of fiscal data. All data which have been stored on the device have been registered correctly. There is no incomplete or inconsistent data, but a limitation in the number of days for which the data can be stored.
The problem would not exist with all FDMs produced. But as the FDM is a sealed fiscal device, only the producer is authorized to remove the seal, and only he can determine whether a specific device does or does not have this limitation. We at Van Hessen can therefore thus impossibly determine whether the device(s) we have supplied you with are concerned.
We would like to remind you of the procedure you should follow in case your fiscal POS has a (any) malfunction, and as described on http://www.geregistreerdkassasysteem.be/nl/problemen/wat-te-doen-bij-elk-technisch-probleem (Dutch) and http://www.systemedecaisseenregistreuse.be/fr/entrepreneur/problemes/que-faire-en-cas-de-probleme-technique (French). You must have pre-printed VAT tickets available, which must be issued as a temporary replacement for the ticket normally generated by your fiscal till.
The producer has recently informed us of these findings and is obviously very annoyed with the issue. He has ensured us that he will spare no effort to rectify this and to minimize the impact for the restaurant entrepreneur. A device with the correct storage has in the meanwhile been approved by the government and production has started.
As soon as we receive a supply of these devices, we will start a roll-out campaign where we will replace all FDMs in use with our customers. There will be no charges involved for you. The original FDM contains fiscal data and you need to store this device.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with your commercial contact should you have any other questions in this regard.


text: Kate Does it Again!October 14, 2014, 9:57amWe've featured Kate's running on here before, but this weekend our amazing back office assistant Kate ran her first FULL MARATHON! Kate ran the Bizz Johnson marathon up in Susanville, placing 5th in her age group and 88th overall, finishing the race in 4 hours and 54 minutes! Congratulations Kate!


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FiduciaryNews.com Trending Topics for ERISA Plan Sponsors: Week Ending 1/22/16
Welcome to FiduciaryNews.com Trending Topics. Each Monday, we'll give you a quick synopsis of the major news events and trends impacting ERISA plan sponsors, 401k fiduciaries and those in the business of supporting these fine folks. If you smile when you read these entertaining snippets, well, that's the idea. If you think we're missing something important, then please let us know. But, note this well, we avoid press releases masquerading as news stories (even though they might be reported by journalists) as well as mass media pabulum that merely mouths investment myths and mistakes. "When everybody's a fiduciary… no one is."
FiduciaryNews Lead Story:
"Exclusive Interview with Roger Wohlner," (FiduciaryNews.com, January 20, 2016)
Compliance – The War on The State Begins in Earnest:
The industry has been asleep at the switch, busying itself with its own civil war while Big Brother's nose has been slowly seeping into the private retirement plan marketplace's tent. Things may be beginning to change, though. With the poor management performance of the various governments when it comes to handling their own public employee retirement plans, this should be like shooting fish in a barrel.
"Plan sponsors concerned about ERISA compliance," (BenefitsPro, January 15, 2016) When the personal fiduciary liability risks associated with something that at best can be likened to a hobby (versus your real job), than you know we have a regulatory problem.
"Cities, states could suffer friction over state unfunded pension liabilities," (BenefitsPro, January 18, 2016) And we think it's a good idea for states to take on private retirement accounts why?
"Some People Just Shouldn't Save For Retirement," (Forbes, January 18, 2016) Oops! Turns out the government data used to support the "retirement crisis" meme (and cited in a New York Times op-ed in support of Bernie Sanders Social Security plan) was either misleading or just plain wrong. Read about it here.
"SIFMA, ICI Balk at DOL's State-Run Retirement Plan," (ThinkAdvisor, January 20, 2016) While some say they made self-serving arguments in the fiduciary debate, these groups are asking the right questions on this issue.
Fiduciary – "Here We Come…":
The anticipation will be nothing compared to the monkeying around that we'll see from the usual Washington suspects once the actual rule is released.
"DOL poised to advance final fiduciary rule," (InvestmentNews, January 20, 2016) It's coming!
"Fiduciary Rule Being Rushed to White House, Report Says," (Financial Planning, January 20, 2016) Even with the rush, the earliest implementation date is November 2016.
"Recent class-action surge ups the ante for 401k advice," (InvestmentNews, January 21, 2016) A great overview of what the real cost of ignoring one's fiduciary duty is.
"Roskam anticipates House approval of bill to stop DOL fiduciary rule," (InvestmentNews, January 21, 2016) Point, meet counter point.
"Fiduciary Standards: The Way It Shouldn't Be," (Financial Planning, January 21, 2016) An entertaining piece.
Fees – Heading the DOL Off at the Pass:
The industry fears the DOL's new Fiduciary Rule will change the way they can collect fees. If you've read between the lines in the above sections, you'll know that ship has already sailed.
"Before DOL Fiduciary Rule Change, Time to Act on Fees Is Now," (January Issue, Research Magazine) What service providers are considering in light of the impending DOL Fiduciary Rule.
Investments – Zigging when you Should be Zagging:
We can never know when the market will hit its high or reach its low, but we can always have a pretty good idea when either happens. When your barber starts giving you stock tips, it's time to sell. When he starts talking about the combination lock he's bought for his mattress, it's time to buy.
"Should I invest my nest egg like Warren Buffett recommends?" (CNN, January 13, 2016) Here's exactly what's wrong with the investment industry and with lazy mainstream media outlets. To paraphrase Einstein, "God does not play dice with your retirement portfolio." There's no need to make up the data. The historical record speaks for itself. If you don't trust the historical record, the onus is on you to explain your actions if they end up being detrimental to the portfolio. Just because you can't use past results to guarantee future results, ignoring past results is just as imprudent.
"Yes, ignore that 'sell everything' call," (MarketWatch, January 14, 2016) This article won't tell you anything you don't already know, but it's worthy just for the picture they placed with it (especially if you're a classic movie fan).
"Is your 401k safe when the market tanks?" (CNBC, January 14, 2016) Another "don't sell" theme, which is good, but the article ends with the same-old tired "age-based asset allocation" recommendations, which is bad.
"Retirement saving strategies: Should you target your risk or your date?" (BenefitsPro, January 20, 2016) There seems to be a growing consensus as to the limits of target date funds – and this might have fiduciary implications.
"How to diversify your retirement income portfolio," (CBS News, January 20, 2016) Looks like a dose of old school thinking.
"This Piece of Conventional Wisdom Saved Me a Bundle," (Money, January 20, 2016) The author calls this "conventional wisdom." The pros call it a "rookie mistake." Bottom-line: Never place assets assigned to short-term goals into long-term investments.
Major Plan Sponsor Moves and News:
What are other plan sponsors and fiduciaries doing with their plans? And how are participants responding? The latest in legal proceedings involving plan sponsors and fiduciaries.
"Roth vs. traditional 401k plans: What to consider for clients," (InvestmentNews, January 14, 2016)
"Another massive year in ERISA settlements," (BenefitsPro, January 19, 2016)
"Stable value funds, retirement draw-down strategies cited as 2016 trends," (Benefit News, January 19, 2016)
"PSCA survey: retirement plan deferral rates at all-time high," (BenefitsPro, January 19, 2016)
"Companies miss the mark on retirement communications," (Benefit News, January 19, 2016)
"Kitces: Better Strategies for Partial Roth Conversion and Recharacterization," (OnWallStreet, January 19, 2016)
"Stock-drop claim against JP Morgan dismissed," (BenefitsPro, January 19, 2016)
"Report shows disparities in access to retirement benefits," (Benefit News, January 21, 2016)
Trends and Truths for Retirement Savers:
If you're a retirement plan fiduciary – whether a plan sponsor or a financial professional, don't you think it's a good idea to keep up on the topics retirement savers are most interested in? That's what the media tries to do. Here's what they think is on the mind of the people saving for retirement.
"When making retirement choices, prepare to live longer," (MarketWatch, January 14, 2016)
"The 'Retirement Crisis' Scare: Over-Saving," (Forbes, January 14, 2016)
"Do-it-yourself retirement planning for the self-employed," (CNBC, January 18, 2016)
"How to Navigate Social Security and Optimize Your Benefits," (US News, January 18, 2016)
"Saving for retirement? What to watch out for in 2016," (MarketWatch, January 19, 2016)
"Retired, But Working," (Wealth Management, January 19, 2016)
"6 retirement-planning mistakes to avoid," (MarketWatch, January 19, 2016)
"A new approach to do-it-yourself retirement planning," (CBS News, January 19, 2016)
"How Can Retirees Thrive During Volatility? Patience is Key," (Forbes, January 20, 2016)
"9 Money Apps to Keep Your Retirement Planning on Track," (US News, January 20, 2016)
"Why Retirees Need To Stop Writing Checks To Charities," (Forbes, January 20, 2016)
"How to get guaranteed retirement income for life," (CNN, January 20, 2016)
"Inheriting a Roth IRA isn't always best news," (USA Today, January 20, 2016)
"Finally, A Reliable Path For Retirees to Donate to Charity," (Wealth Management, January 21, 2016)
Wisdom from Some of Our Favorite Blogs:
Proskauer's ERISA Practice Center Blog: Defined Benefit Plan Participant's Action Mooted by ERISA Plan's Improved Financial Condition |
Scholarly Financial Planner: Part 8, Equity Indexed Annuity Due Diligence and Compensation Practices ("Who Moved My Cheese" Series – The Future of Financial Advice) |
Business of Benefits: Tax Code Will Permit Merger of 403(b) and 401(a) Church Plans |
Squared Away Blog: Empty-Nesters Aren't Saving Enough |
RetirementRevised: Retired, but working? How it impacts your financial plan |
Proskauer's ERISA Practice Center Blog: Eighth Circuit Holds Service Provider Is Not A Plan Fiduciary In Excessive Fee Case |
Scholarly Financial Planner: 11 Questions from Readers on the Implications of Fiduciary for Firms & Advisers ("Who Moved My Cheese" Series) |
Behavior Gap: Learn How to Say No So You Can Say a Bigger Yes |
Scholarly Financial Planner: Part 9: Fiduciary's Duty of Care for QRP Rollovers to IRAs ("Who Moved My Cheese" Series) |
Hot Tips from Popular Web Resources:
Kiplinger: Protection for Fixed Annuities |
NAPA Net: ARA Comments on DOL's Proposal on State-Run Savings Plans |
NAPA Net: 7 New Year's Resolutions for Plan Sponsors |
NAPA Net: DB Shift to DC: A Game of Whack-a-Mole? |
The Motley Fool: How to Find Previous 401k Accounts |
NAPA Net: Revenue-Sharing Suit Alleges Much, Specifies Little |
NAPA Net: What's Had the Biggest Impact on DC Plan Management? |
NAPA Net: The Where's and Why's of Retirement Plan Access |
Morningstar: Break These Financial Habits in 2016 |
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NAPA Net: What's Ahead for DC Asset Management? |
NAPA Net: Is This the Year Health and Retirement Converge? |
NAPA Net: Do Proprietary Funds Create a Fiduciary Dilemma? |
NAPA Net: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom on Retirement Benefits |
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TL;DR – If you end up with an invalid filename on Windows, you can manipulate the file using the secret DOS name.
There's a folder on my Windows 7 machine that I can't delete! It's called
Goldberg Variations BWV 988 and was created when I backed up a CD with Media Player.
Why can't it be deleted? Doing so gives an error saying it doesn't exist:
And yet there it is. Does it have any funny permissions? Nope. In fact it doesn't seem to have any permissions at all:
Hrm. Is it corrupted? Chkdsk doesn't seem to think so.
Let's try deleting it from the command prompt:
E:\incoming\Bach>dir Volume in drive E is enormous Volume Serial Number is 7081-2770 Directory of E:\incoming\Bach 05/07/2012 08:23 p.m. <DIR> . 05/07/2012 08:23 p.m. <DIR> .. 16/01/2012 01:07 p.m. <DIR> Goldberg Variations BWV 988 E:\incoming\Bach>rmdr "Goldberg Variations BWV 988 " The system cannot find the file specified.
Um, what's that space doing there? (I tab-completed the name.) Let's try a few tricks:
E:\incoming\Bach>rmdir "Goldberg Variations BWV 988?" The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. E:\incoming\Bach>rmdir "Goldberg Variations BWV 988*" The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.
Nope. Windows Media Player has somehow created a file with a name that isn't valid, and hence can't be removed by anything.
But wait, ancient lore from the 90s might have something to say. Being the layer-upon-crufty-layer of bloatware that it is, Windows contains a lot of legacy functionality. Including full "support" for the fixed 11 character filenames of DOS. Almost every single file on a modern Winodws 7 NTFS drive from 2012 has a secret DOS name, too. Just in case an app written in 1983 wants to open it.
The DOS names are not hard links. They are alternative names for the real links. (So if you create a hardlink, you get a DOS name for the new hardlink, too.) They are created, by default, on NTFS volumes for files whose real names do not fit within the original 8.3 DOS scheme.
E:\incoming\Bach>dir/? Displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory. ... /X This displays the short names generated for non-8dot3 file names. The format is that of /N with the short name inserted before the long name. If no short name is present, blanks are displayed in its place. ... E:\incoming\Bach>dir /x 16/01/2012 01:07 p.m. <DIR> GOLDBE~1 Goldberg Variations BWV 988
GOLDBE~1, eh? I would never have guessed.
E:\incoming\Bach>rmdir goldbe~1
E:\incoming\Bach>dir /x Volume in drive E is enormous Volume Serial Number is 7081-2770 Directory of E:\incoming\Bach 06/07/2012 10:00 p.m. <DIR> . 06/07/2012 10:00 p.m. <DIR> .. 0 File(s) 0 bytes 2 Dir(s) 151,020,306,432 bytes free
Gone. Some of that bloaty legacy code is useful, after all.


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The question is: what is the impact of the data breach and how do you react to it? Besides, what does this do with your company's reputation? After all, times are changing and customers are starting to care more and more about how businesses react to a data breach. And eventually, their perspective on your company defines your reputation.
Take Uber. The company concealed a data breach of 57M users for more than a year. It even paid the hackers 100,000,- dollars to keep the breach quiet. The compromised information included names, email addresses and phone numbers of 50 million users, the personal information of 7 million Uber drivers, and the drivers' license numbers of 600,000- Americans.
Now Uber is a massive company with great impact. But really it does not matter how big or small the data breach is. The question remains: What would you do? How important is your reputation and what decisions do you make when the inevitable data breach occurs?
As an example, this is how Imgur handled their data breach: https://blog.imgur.com/2017/11/24/notice-of-data-breach/
About the author


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The Professional: Part 3 - Kresley Cole
Are you ready to play?
Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy's reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest - and most forbidden - fantasies can come true…
Evertrue - Brodi Ashton
Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she's begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.
Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki's fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn't the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki's treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?
In this stunning conclusion to the Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and the indomitable power of true love.
Betting on You - Sydney Landon
Living the life of a rich socialite was never in Mia's plans, much to the chagrin of her wealthy parents.
She's made her own way, studying computer science at Brown and snagging a coveted position with Danvers International after graduation. Her plan to avoid parental involvement seems to be going well until her mother buys her a date at a charity auction—with the hot resort owner who she's been eyeing on her latest work project.
Seth never mixes business with pleasure, but something about Mia drives him to distraction. Giving into his desires for just one night will hopefully clear his head enough to keep his hands off her during office hours.
But when one mind-blowing night turns into weeks of flirtation, frustration, and companionship, Mia realizes that their workplace fling may be developing into more—and that Seth might be the perfect man she's been waiting for…
Dirty Magic - Jaye Wells
The last thing patrol cop Kate Prospero expected to find on her nightly rounds was a werewolf covered in the blood of his latest victim. But then, she also didn't expect that shooting him would land her in the crosshairs of a Magic Enforcement Agency task force, who wants to know why she killed their lead snitch.
The more Prospero learns about the dangerous new potion the MEA is investigating, the more she's convinced that earning a spot on their task force is the career break she's been wanting. But getting the assignment proves much easier than solving the case. Especially once the investigation reveals their lead suspect is the man she walked away from ten years earlier—on the same day she swore she'd never use dirty magic again.
Kate Prospero's about to learn the hard way that crossing a wizard will always get you burned, and that when it comes to magic, you should be never say never.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
New Releases 01/21/14
1 comment:
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The J-hook hive tool has a J-shaped frame which gives beekeepers more leverage when prying frames out of their beehives for inspection or extraction.
In stock
The J-hook hive tool is characterized by its J-shaped frame that has a longer, curved side on one end for prying when maximum leverage is needed and a curved, box-like side on the opposite end for getting into tighter spaces. The flat end is also great for scraping beeswax off of frames when needed.
The J-hook hive tool also acts as a great backup tool to the standard hive tool if it happens to get lost or is rendered unusable while on a job.
The following items are included with the J-Hook Hive Tool:
Beekeepers need to check their beehives on a regular basis to ensure that their bees are producing wax and honey. Beekeepers also need to check their hives to ensure that the queen is laying eggs.
When checking frames inside the hive, it is often necessary to pry them free from the propolis the bees have built up. Hive tools are designed specifically to enable beekeepers to remove frames from their beehives (though it has many other uses as well).
All beekeeping suits and tools are eligible for shipping or local pickup. Shipping prices are determined by distance + package weight and dimensions. For accurate shipping prices, please refer to the shipping calculator at the end of the checkout process.
For additional information on shipping and pickups, please Contact us.
|0.60 lbs
|16.00 × 10.50 × 1.50 in
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A comprehensive list of competitors and best alternatives to Jumplead
ActiveCampaign is designed by combining the all-around abilities of marketing automation, email marketing and Customer Relationship Management automation. It is suitable for any business size. With the phenomenal drag-and-drop interface, you can send beautiful newsletters, build and design email... read more
SharpSpring is a Marketing Automation tool used to drive more leads and optimize sales. Build a visual workflow. Engage leads, and score them, page tracking, fit and more. The software integrates with Salesforce, SurveyMonkey, Shopify, Zapier, and more.
Marketo software is a Marketing Software platform to businesses of all sizes. Marketo Engage is a part of Adobe Experience Cloud solution for lead management and B2B marketers to optimize customer experiences. Build automated marketing campaigns across channels that engage your customers in a... read more
Pardot offers a B2B marketing automation tool built on Salesforce. Its features include Lead Management, Smarter Lead Generation, Email Marketing, Sales Alignment, ROI Reporting, and Artificial Intelligence capabilities. It allows users to build intelligent, data-driven programs for the exact... read more
A cloud-based marketing platform designed for small and midsize businesses as well as entrepreneurs. It provides skillful professional marketing services to the businesses and enables to manage and optimize advertising campaigns, run search engine optimization programs and analyze online marketing... read more
Engagebay is a software for growing businesses to streamline their marketing, sales, and services under one roof. It offers powerful email marketing which lets businesses create fully customisable email marketing communications and send it to their target audience. By using Engagebay's popular... read more
This simple yet intuitive drag-and-drop interface of InfusionSoft enables you to seamlessly create your own marketing campaign. It automatically sends personalized emails and messages to each and every contact of yours increasing the chances of converting them into potential leads. You can also get... read more
WebEngage is a cloud-based marketing application that boasts enterprise-grade capabilities and improves user retention. The software has target messaging capability and data personalization, by which it delivers only relevant messages to customers. In addition to this, it has journey designer... read more
Omnisend is an eCommerce marketing automation tool that helps you to improve sales by combining several channels into your marketing strategy. It allows the user to integrate various channels within the same automation workflow. Boost your email marketing campaigns with the help of email blasts,... read more
Act-On enables you to take control of your marketing campaign instead of relying on developers with its easy to use landing pages and forms. Its lead scoring and lead nurturing tools help you convert leads into prospective customers. Conduct A/B testing between your messaging strategies and get to... read more


text: Virtual High School Advanced Courses While Indiana Connections Career Academy (INCC) focuses specifically on workforce preparation, our students have access to advanced college preparatory courses as well. These courses not only strengthen a student's transcript when applying to colleges or trade schools, but also offer a greater challenge environment for students who are advanced in certain subjects. Students have access to advanced coursework in just a few areas of interest or in all subjects. These challenging options include: Honors courses—These courses fulfill basic graduation requirements in English, history, math, and science. Students in our online high school. Honors courses can expect to work harder and commit more time to their studies. They will explore concepts in depth, engage in independent research, and sharpen their critical thinking skills. Advanced Placement®* courses—Courses prepare students to take the College Board's national AP® exams: High scores on these tests could enable students to earn early college credit or placement in advanced college courses. * AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.


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Accommodation in Marquelia
Find a place to stay
Find out more about Marquelia
Where to stay in Marquelia
What's Marquelia like?
If you're looking to discover somewhere new, look no further than Marquelia. Whether you're planning to stay for a night or for the week, the area around Marquelia has accommodations to fit every need. Search for hotels in Marquelia with Hotels.com by checking our online map. Our map displays the areas and neighborhoods around all Marquelia hotels so you can see how close you are from landmarks and attractions, and then refine your search within the larger area. The best Marquelia hotel deals are here with our lowest price guarantee.
Where are the best places to stay in Marquelia?
The top hotel in Marquelia:
Cabañas papalote ecológico2-star cabin
- • Free parking • Restaurant • Bar • Outdoor pool • Terrace
When is the best time to visit Marquelia?
- • Hottest months: August, June, September, May (average 91°F)
- • Coldest months: March, January, February, December (average 72°F)
- • Rainiest months: June, September, August, and July (average 12.34 inches of rainfall)


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The Kids Calendar is about you!
We are a community resource designed to connect local organizations with parents and families. And we're so thankful to get to work with all of these fabulous organizations!
Want to get listed here?
Amber Capps
Iowa City Publisher
Hi! I'm Amber, the publisher of the Kids Calendar. I'm a native of Iowa City, left for college and career and moved back seven years ago. My husband and I have two daughters. I'm always looking for fun activities in the Iowa City area and love to share information with others!
Want to advertise or have questions?


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MG | Triumph | Austin Healey | Mini | Morris | Jaguar | Mazda | Save More Sale
The complete original specification, which most enthusiasts demand, can be difficult to determine, to the extent that few restored cars are truly authentic in every detail.But help is at hand for owners, restorers and enthusiasts in these 'Original' series books. Taking information from factory records, parts lists and catalogues, as well as the accumulated knowledge of respected restorers and dedicated enthusiasts, these books provide the most comprehensive survey on these cars ever published.Accompanying the informative text are hundreds of colour photographs showing every permutation and specification of these cars in remarkable detail.These books are the definitive guides to some of Britain's best-loved sports cars, the 'Original' series books are indispensable for all owners, restorers, buyers and enthusiasts.
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March 6, 2012
bunny bump: week 13
7 comments:
Did you really do a high-kick? I love it! :)ReplyDelete
So happy you are not feeling sick anymore! Hooray!!!! Bunny girl or boy??? can't wait!ReplyDelete
Say what?!? You'll have to tell me all about this science shizz at Five Guys. That's awesome dude. Too bad I wasn't pregnant...I could use a little shopping spree. Wait, what?ReplyDelete
They can tell from your blood whether it's a boy or girl? That is so awesome! Can't wait to find out :-)ReplyDelete
Aww the little baby bump is adorbs!! And I too am shocked I never knew they can determin the gender by blood alone?! Craziness.. exciting though!!ReplyDelete
Yay! You look so darn cute! And I have that iPhone case. Ha.ReplyDelete
eeeks, hello little bunny! I give baby Q new nicknames every week, haha. I can't wait to hear the blood results. so awesome you got to do that (and get paid for it!) so early. also, congrats on kissing morning sickness goodbye. I bet Easton is super excited about being a big brother.ReplyDelete


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The Music Production Diploma will be invaluable in your journey to becoming the best music producer you can be. Like Point Blank's famous Diploma classes in London, this online course will benefit you whether you are a Logic or Ableton user, a more experienced producer or just starting out. If you enjoy a creative, hands on approach to music production, this course will enable you to make the kind of music you have been dreaming about. You'll create plenty of tracks during these classes to a professional level. The content is from the BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree so you will experience the highest quality learning available in this subject area. To find out more, check out the module contents below.
|6 Months or 1 Years
|Available start dates
|$2,420 paid in full
|$200 reg fee + $555 per term
|$200 reg fee + $190 per month
|See details during the enrolment process.
Studying with Point Blank online is a completely unique experience and unlike any other online course. You are personally guided by a professional producer and provided with regular opportunities to discuss and submit your work to get expert feedback and analysis on your music:
Throughout your course you will be instructored and supported by our expert team of professional music producers. You will be able to contact them 24/7 via the student forum and raise any issues that you may encounter on your course. All of the instructors are highly experienced in making music and/or have in depth knowledge of the music business and will be able to offer valuable advice and guidance. You will also be able to participate in a weekly online masterclass where you can raise specific questions related to the module you are currently taking.
Yes. If you would like to get a closer look at Point Blank online study then you can try out a free sample course.
No. There are no academic requirements for this course. This course or programme is practical, and therefore aimed at those who wish to develop their skills to a professional standard.
Yes. The course caters for students who have little or no prior knowledge. Students with production experience can also greatly benefit from Point Blank's world renowned courses.
Mac Users
PC Users
We can send you your free software once you have paid the full course fees upon enrolment, or the registration fee and first instalment. The first instalment is due one week before the start of your course. You can make the payment for your first instalment earlier if you'd like to receive the software in advance. Just contact our Student Services team once the payment has been made.
Please bear in mind if you withdraw from your course before the course starts, the cost of the software will be taken into account when calculating a refund (if you are eligible for one).If you are receiving funding for a higher education course from Student Finance, you can receive the free software at the start of the course once your attendance has been confirmed.
Please note that students residing in California are not eligible to enroll on our online programs. For further information please get in touch here.
If you have further questions, don't be shy, please contact a Course Advisor who will be happy to help.
After graduating, Felix went to #1 in 11 countries with 'Cheerleader'. He says: "PB enabled me to network with other young artists & learn from each other. I'm still working with some of them!"
Award winning Sound Designer for Game of Thrones, Lost & Tropic Thunder. Took multiple online courses at PB and says: "The courses put me way outside my comfort zone - and that's a good thing!"
Lewis & Ryan have released on Kerri Chandler's Madtech & Defected, had their tracks played by Jamie Jones, Maya Jane Coles & Visionquest. Pete Tong hailed them as Future Stars on Radio 1!
Interscope Records A&R Dave is a powerful man in EDM. He signed acts like Nero & Zedd to the label. He was recently named as one of the three most powerful people in America's EDM scene in Billboard.
Played keys for K-Creative, Galliano, Raw Stylus. Remixer/producer/writer for Incognito, Joey Negro, Valerie Etienne, Two Banks Of Four, The Bays. Albums on Sony, BBE & Primaudial Records.
Ben Medcalf is DJ/Producer 'The Rogue Element' and he's won 'Best Album' at Breakspoll awards. His singles and remixes have won support from James Zabiela, Meat Katie, Etienne de Crecy and Deadmau5.
Branded an 'alchemist' by Brian Eno, Kevin has worked with Bjork, Gwen Stefani, Eurythmics, Kylie & Sting among others and composes for movies/TV for Paramount, BBC, Warner Bros, Sony & Universal.
As Craggz & Parallel, Doug's been playlisted by Zane Lowe & Annie Mac. The release 'Northern Soul' for Dillinja gained critical acclaim and secured an invitation to play live at BBC Maida Vale.


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Acclaimed fashion designer, Erdem Moralioglu has partnered with NARS for a limited edition beauty collection. The Strange Flowers Collection features 13 gorgeous pieces for eyes, lips and cheeks, adorned with three dreamy floral prints Erdem created especially for the collaboration.
I don't know about you, but as I sit here waiting for another major snow storm, I'm ready for spring flowers. So if they have to come via my makeup bag, I'm OK with that. The stunning packaging on the Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Collection is decked out with beautiful sprays of flowers. Inside, you'll find jewel-toned shades, lush pink and purples and a variety of finishes. And while you'd expect that this collection would cost a pretty penny, no piece is over $50!
The Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Collection includes:
Lipstick in six shades: Bloodflower, Carnal Carnation, Larkspur, Moon Orchid, Voodoo Lily and Wild Flower ($28 each)
Fleur Fatale Eyeshadow Palette, $49
Night Garden Eyeshadow Palette, $49
Poison Rose Lip Powder Palette, $49
Blush in Loves Me and Loves Me Not, $30 each
Multi-Use Highlighting Pencil in White Phlox
Mattifying Botting Papers, $30
The Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Collection is available now at NARS Boutiques and narscosmetics.com, and select products will be available at Sephora on April 30th. Is this collection on your radar? My guess is that this one will sell out quickly!


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Why Choose Dr. Andan
Dr. Gordon Andan is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. He focuses not only on decreasing overall breast size, but also improving the contours of the breast for a flattering, proportionate final result.
All our cosmetic surgery procedures are performed in our AAAHC accredited operating facility, so you can feel confident about our commitment to your quality of care.
The first step in achieving your ideal look is to talk one-on-one with Dr. Andan. Contact us today or call 516-746-0155 to request your consultation.
Candidates for Breast Reduction
The most common candidates for breast reduction surgery are women who wish to achieve smaller breasts for either improved physical comfort or for an improved body image.
Large breasts may interfere with a woman's ability to adequately participate in athletic activities. Another frustration is the inability of these women to find properly fitting clothes. For others, the size of their breasts makes them self-conscious. The common theme for most of these women is to have a breast size that matches their frame.
Breast reduction surgery can also be combined with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck. Many women also include breast reduction in their mommy makeovers to fine-tune and turn back time on their post-pregnancy bodies.
Your Breast Reduction Procedure
Choosing to have breast reduction is a personal decision. Dr. Andan ensures that each woman interested in breast reduction fully understands the benefits and options involved. During your consultation, he will take the time to answer any questions you may have and discuss with you the results you can expect from your breast reduction.
During your breast reduction surgery, Dr. Andan may perform liposuction on the breasts or the sides of the breasts (when indicated) so as to improve the breast contours and that of the surrounding areas. He would then proceed to take out the excess pre-determined amount of breast tissue and skin and then reposition the nipple areolar complex in the new pre-determined position, creating smaller, rounder and more youthful and natural-looking breasts.
Dr. Andan will close the incisions using dissolvable sutures that encourage optimal healing. He will follow up with you during your recovery process about how to achieve the ideal scar as your incisions continue to heal. Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis and you can go home once your procedure is complete.
Your Recovery & Results
The night immediately following your breast reduction, you can expect a phone call from our office to make sure you are feeling okay and answer any questions you might have.
Most women take about a week away from their normal routine following a breast reduction. While it's important to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks following your procedure, you may resume light exercise after the first 2 weeks.
You should notice a difference in your breast size, contours and weight right after your procedure. However, your final results continue to evolve gradually over a couple of months due to post-surgical swelling and bruising. Once your swelling has fully subsided, you should have lighter, more proportionate breasts that allow you to enjoy a wider range of clothing and activities. You should also notice a difference in your back and shoulder comfort. Many women significantly improve their posture and overall quality of life after having a breast reduction.
Your Next Step
Take the next step by requesting your consultation with Dr. Andan. Contact us online to schedule your consultation, or call us today at 516-746-0155 to get started.
Telephone No.516-746-0155


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TomTom navigation coming to iPhone
TomTom announced on Tuesday that it would be making it's navigation software and some hardware pieces available specifically for use with Apple's iPhone sometime in the not too distant future. TomTom will be offering the navigation software through the iTunes App Store and will also provide some type of charging dock and speakers for use on the go.
The navigation company did say the software would be available for the iPhone 3G but did not specify if it would be available for the newly announced iPhone 3G S version, however logic tells us it will.
TomTom is currently the only provider of navigation products to team up with Apple's iPhone to date, and it looks to be a good move for the company who stands with a 1.5 billion dollar debt. There were no details given to the exact date the TomTom software and hardware would be available for the the iPhone, nor was there pricing any pricing info at this time. However, based on the standard pricing for TomTom products we would have to guess that it would be slightly more than your average app from the iTunes App Store.


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University Federal Credit Union gift to support scholarships, programs
Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
September 26, 2014
Texas State University has received a $625,000 gift from University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) to help support student scholarships and programs on campus.
The gift will be paid in $125,000 installments over five years. Approximately 40 percent of UFCU's gift will go directly to student scholarships, with the remainder supporting student and alumni programs.
"We are very pleased that University Federal Credit Union has entered into a strategic partnership with Texas State to support our students and programs," said Vice President for University Advancement Barbara Breier. "We look forward to strengthening our partnership with them over the next five years."
The gift will help relieve some of the financial stress that students have about paying for college and will allow campus organizations and programs to grow and provide resources and activities that enrich campus life. Additionally. UFCU will provide financial literacy workshops to help promote campus-wide financial well-being among faculty, staff and students.
UFCU has recently installed several ATM's serving Texas State faculty, staff, students and visitors. There are currently four serving Bobcat Stadium, two serving the Strahan Coliseum, with two additional campus locations coming to the Student Recreation Center and the Alkek Library. They have also placed an ATM on the Round Rock campus.
For more information about UFCU, visit www.ufcu.org.


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Creating 3D computer graphics of any kind requires an application to suit, and they don't come cheap. 3ds Max and Maya are the two most obvious and popular packages, but they can cost multiple thousands of dollars. While companies can afford to buy multiple licenses and give their staff such tools to work with, for individuals and independents the costs can be crippling.
Much like OpenOffice.org has offered a free alternative to Microsoft Office, there is a free package that hopes to give the paid competition a run for its money in the creation of 3D assets and animation. That package is Blender.
As a way of promoting what Blender can do, the Blender Foundation has created an independent short film called Sintel. It's described as:
A means to further improve and validate the free/open source 3D creation suite Blender. With initial funding provided by 1000s of donations via the Internet community, it has again proven to be a viable development model for both open 3D technology as for independent animation film.
And that it certainly does. The 15-minute short has had a team of artists and developers working together at the Amsterdam Blender Institute. The final animation is quite stunning, but at the same time has realized a number of technical and creative targets. Such targets will be fed back to the community using Blender and be used to make the software better.
If you don't produce 3D art and animation you can just sit back and enjoy the film. If you do, then I'm sure you'll agree Blender is certainly coming into its own as a completely free solution for creating professional-level 3D assets and animation.
Read more at Sintel


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Bread is called the "staff of life." It is certainly a staple in most of our diets. We depend on it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, what if you run out of bread and can't get to the store. What if because of extreme weather you can't even get out of the house! Or, perhaps extreme weather is expected so everyone runs to the store and buys up essentials, like bread and when you get there the shelves are bare?
What to do? If you have a freezer and make it a habit to buy bread on sale and freeze it, no problem. If you make your own bread, no problem—unless you're without power for a day or two. Better have some homemade bread in the freezer, too.
There are some foods you can keep in your pantry or fridge to help you through a short-term shortage of bread. Here are a few alternatives:
Tortillas: I haven't quite mastered the art of making tortillas yet, but I'm determined. I think having a tortilla press would make it a little easier until I get the hang of it. (Available at most Latino markets.) Fresh tortillas are delicious and are a great substitute for bread, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Google "tortilla recipes" for recipes and videos showing you how to make corn or flour tortillas. Our book also has simple recipes for both kinds of tortillas.
Even if you don't make your own tortillas, store-bought tortillas last a long time if kept refrigerated. They are good well past the "best if used by" date. Test it out for yourself: buy a package of 12 flour tortillas and begin testing them a week after the "best by" date is past. Then, check them out again a week later. Continue doing this each week to find out how long tortillas really last.
Biscuits: Biscuits are a great substitute for bread and can be used for any meal. If you keep a biscuit mix on hand, it's even simpler and you'll have hot biscuits in about 20 minutes, or you can just make sure you have a few cans of biscuits in your fridge.
Crackers: If you don't have any bread or tortillas and don't have the means to make them or the time to bake biscuits, consider crackers of any kind. Soda crackers are probably the most versatile. least expensive and easy to store. In a pinch you can make cracker sandwiches with a variety of fillings. You'll just have to eat more of them! Soda crackers taste fine a few months after the "best by" date, but if kept too long, they will definitely taste stale.
Muffins: Muffins can be sweet or savory and take only a few minutes to put together and bake. You can also make muffin dough and keep it refrigerated for up to two weeks and just bake as many as you need for breakfast or any other meal. You can also make a muffin mix to which you just add eggs and liquid and whatever mix-ins you want. Google "muffins" for some great recipes. We also have delicious muffin recipes in our book.
Savory muffins can be served as a side dish for dinner instead of bread or potatoes. Examples of a savory muffin are corn muffins, or muffins containing savory herbs such as basil or oregano rather than sugar.
Finally, since bread is an "essential" for most of us, plan ahead for the unexpected. Keep a few loaves in the freezer, or learn how to bake bread (also keep some in the freezer), or use one of the alternatives above. We just don't know what tomorrow will bring. Best to always be prepared.


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Facebook is perhaps the most popular social media tool right now. It is a platform that supports many kinds of media and frameworks that enrich the social interaction in the digital scene. One of the popular features of Facebook is the Group.
Listed below are three of the best non-partisan astronomy groups:
Listed below are three of the best non-partisan astronomy groups:
*Note: Groups only (not pages) that are run by Filipinos
Group Description: "The ultimate source of information on astronomical discussions on astronomical equipment, observations, events, astrophotography, space programs, astrophysics, astro product reviews, etc. Anyone can join regardless of sex, race, astro affiliation, experience and skill level as long as topic on astronomy and its like are discussed and shared."
This originally started as a yahoo group led by members of the Astronomical League of the Philippines which eventually moved on to the popular FB group format. This is a popular FB group for sharing and discussing photos both by local and foreign astrophotographers. It also serves as an avenue for discussing and selling of equipment. At the time of writing there are 1757 members.
Group Description: "This page is intended for Filipino astronomy and space science enthusiasts and professionals. I hope this will bring us closer together by providing a medium for astronomy development for the country. This may be a subset of a larger existing Filipino Astro group but we want to start from a small circle so that members here can easily belong and participate. We will appreciate if you initiate discussions and share your own experiences to motivate others. We will also update you with relevant opportunities locally and abroad."
This group is more academic and technical in nature with posts usually revolving around research and academic practices in astronomy and space science. Popular post topics include the Philippine Microsatellite program, data processing, as well as conferences and workshops. There are occasional astrophotography posts, most of which are quite recent.
Group Description: Post, review, discuss, buy/sell your astronomy equipment here
This is a buy and sell group for astronomy equipment. It is also frequented by those looking for recommendations for their first telescopes. It also contains some astrophotography content.


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Circle of Friends
The Scripps Director's Circle includes individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations that have made donations or commitments to Scripps totaling $100,000 or more. Scripps holds an event for Director's Circle members each year in appreciation of their ongoing interest and support.
Thanks to the generous support of Director's Circle members, the Scripps legacy continues.


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[LISTEN] New Music: Touch Me-Teyana Taylor
So…Teyana Taylor has released a new mixtape titled The Cassette Tape 94. The mixtape is inspired by 90's music as TaylorRead more
So…Teyana Taylor has released a new mixtape titled The Cassette Tape 94. The mixtape is inspired by 90's music as TaylorRead more
I am firm believer in the fact that ratchet music saves lives, jobs, and sanity. While you make think itRead more
The Song the Week is Get Right Back To My Baby by Vivian Green. The song samples Before I LetRead more
The Sunday Inspirational song is Put A Praise On It by Tasha Cobbs featuring Kierra Sheard. The song is fromRead more
Since the MTV Video Music Awards are coming on this evening I figured I'd count down my Top 5 VMARead more
Kinfolks! It's Friday!! I've decided to change Foxy Brown Appreciation Day to Friday, it's only fitting! Y'all know I loveRead more
"The Emancipation of JoJo," from the shackles of Blackground Records has been the best thing ever because she has beenRead more
So…I know I am late with this review seeing as how this album was released a few weeks ago, butRead more
Now y'all know I have to show love for my fellow Detroiter's musical endeavors. The Song of the Week isRead more
Jazmine Sullivan has to be one of my favorite singers, she is right up there with Lalah Hathaway, Fantasia, andRead more


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The changing economic world is demanding leaders who are innovative and unique. Companies can tap the right leaders from different learning institutions. However, at times their options are limited because low-income students who are talented in different ways do not graduate. This means that they cannot be hired to work in any company as leaders. Keith Mann is closing this gap by introducing scholarships to low-income students. The intention is to help them, not just attend college, but also graduate with great grades and end up successful.
Partnering with Uncommon Schools
Keith and Keely Mann Scholarships have been rolled out in partnership with the Uncommon Schools that helps low-income students earn a college degree. The scholarship has boosted the closing of the achievement gap. Students can thus exploit their abilities in schools and finally get companies to work with.
Learning Practical Skills
One of the main aims of Keith Mann is to help students learn practical skills. This will help them succeed in school and still prosper in the job market. While working in the search market, Keith knows the importance of finding the right person to fill a certain vacancy. Therefore, the partnership will boost what students learn in schools. This is because the focus will be beyond college to help students prosper in the job market.
Next Generation Leaders
The business world is changing every day and posing new challenges to different companies. Future leaders therefore, will have to get the right skills to enable them manage a changing environment. This means that students have to position themselves in the right way. Keith Mann is focusing to see innovative leaders who will unlock new problems.
Keith Mann Innovative Ideas
Keith is the founder of Dynamic Search Partners. He is passionate about placing experts whose skills match the job requirements in the alternative investment companies. Every year, he fills over 200 client mandates across different continents including United States of America, Europe and Asia. He established the firm as a premier executive search company in 2009 after realizing the hedge fund industry was being underserved. Keith helps hire professionals in marketing plus strategies about internal processes of a company.
Additional Links:


text: It doesn't matter what one twin has, the other will want it. Tears, tantrums, moaning, shouts and occasional hair pulling and biting can follow if it's not kept under control. An empty ketchup bottle which Zachary got his hands on was the source of tonight's dinner time battle. Much mediation was required.


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Tire Rating: 5 Stars
Tires: MICHELIN® Scorcher®
Motorcycle: Harley-Davidson® FLHTK
Annual Mileage: 10,000+
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I always used Dunlaps tires, and decided to try out MICHELIN Scorchers, and I was impressed and convinced that I was getting more tire for the money spent. Not only do I have 16000 miles on the tires, the tread wear appears as if I can go another 10000 miles before replacement. I was at my local HD dealership who was interested in selling me a set set of tires, ended up asking me what did I do to keep the tires lasting so long. I maintain proper tire pressure on every vehicle I operate but never have I gotten this kind of miles out of a motorcycle tire. I found the tire to be very quiet, and handles very well during turns and fast braking.
What I am most impressed with is the handling in the rain. I have been caught in many rain falls from very light rain that makes the pavement more slippery to downpours that obscured my vision. Not once did these tire make me feel insecure. They really gripped the road. I have to friends who thought I was crazy for running 70mph during a downpour of rain but when I told them how the Michelin Scorcher felt as if they become glued to the road, stop very well, and allowed the same amount of torque to the rear end, they both purchased the same tires and are still thanking me. I will continue to pack miles on these tires and after the season is over, if the treads are still looking this good Daytona Beach here I come. These tires allowed me to increase my lean angle when going into curves, I completed The Tail of the Dragon in 20 on a full dresser, I impressed myself thanks to having solid tires. When I replace these tire, I will be getting the same make and model tires.


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Welcome to the Fallout - Big Ten edition.
|Bret Bielema? What's he doing here?
I've got a little list. I've got a little list.
Pat Forde places first-year Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh at the top of his list of "College football's most intriguing coaches of 2015." Ohio State's Urban Meyer comes in at second. Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, Nebraska's Mike Riley, Wisconsin's Paul Chryst, and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio also make the list. (Dr. Saturday)
I Ain't Ever Satisfied.
Mike Griffith profiles Michigan St. head coach Mark Dantonio, whom despite the Spartans' going 11-2 last season, beating Baylor in the Cotton Bowl, and beating Michigan for the sixth time out of seven years, is still not satisfied with the Spartans' level of success. (mLive.com)
Jack Attack!
Bill Landis profiles Michigan St. offensive tackle Jack Conklin. (cleveland.com)
Life is just a cocktail party.
Off Tackle Empire kicks off its Michigan St. week with the traditional Michigan State Cocktail Party.
Full Nelson.
Marc Morehouse profiles Iowa defensive end Matt Nelson. (The Cedar Rapids Gazette)
To Hate Like This is to Be Happy Forever.
Scott Dochterman profiles Minnesota players who have their own personal reasons to hate Iowa. (The Cedar Rapids Gazette)
It's the Little things that kill.
Pete Volk profiles Maryland freshman outside linebacker Gus Little. (Testudo Times)
So we're told this is the Golden Age.
Tom Dienhart ponders whether The Big Ten is on the brink of a new "Golden Age." (Big Ten Network)
There's a possibility, but no chance.
Patrick Vint takes a tweet about a meeting between Arkansas head coach (and Iowa alumni) Bret Bielema and legendary former Iowa head coach Haden Fry, and speculates that Bielema coaching Iowa someday (presumably when Kirk Ferentz is an ex-Hawkeye head coach) isn't out of the question. (Black Heart Gold Pants)


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Wedding Luxury
What we do at Michelle Norwood Wedding is exceptionally unique. We curate multiple disciplines and bring them under one roof. Traditionally, an event designer and an event coordinator are two very different companies. But we provide both services for our clients at different service levels to fit your planning needs: conceptual design and conceptual planning. You might need both, or just planning, we will talk through all our options and find the perfect fit for you.
We pride ourselves on ALWAYS putting YOU first by being exceptional listeners, communicators, collaborators, and fun partners. We take the time to get to know you, so we can tailor our process to your unique vision and style. We need to understand you and your choices first; they are essential in guiding us toward creating your event. Then there are vision boards and floor plans and renderings and exquisite vessels and perfect lighting and magic to design the experience.
We also coordinate all of your event details—the planning process—from selecting the perfect venue, choosing the right entertainment, to creating a menu that delights all the senses— everything will be effortlessly orchestrated AND clearly communicated with online task lists, vendor schedules, guest lists and budgets so you are always in the loop, so you can enjoy every single second. After all, this is more than your event; it's months and weeks leading up to your day, and they should be filled with spectacular moments—from that first meeting with your planner to those first steps into your WOW event.
We believe in honesty in the way we work. We work for you and want you to TRUST we will always have your best interests at heart. We are proud to say we have spent the last 25 years developing the best relationships in Chicago and all around the country which means we pass those benefits and savings directly to you. Our wedding planning approach is collaborative and extremely EFFICIENT. Each Bliss client shares their own unique story and together we make their vision a reality.


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Durum declineKeith Deutsch knows that part of his job is promoting his crop. He knows he needs to be realistic, too. "It just doesn't look too good for this spring," says Deutsch. a Plaza, N.D., farmer and president of the U.S. Durum Growers Association. "It may sound strange for someone from the association to be saying that." But Deutsch and other area durum boosters say they have to acknowledge the obvious.
By: Jonathan Knutson, Agweek
Keith Deutsch knows that part of his job is promoting his crop. He knows he needs to be realistic, too.
"It just doesn't look too good for this spring," says Deutsch. a Plaza, N.D., farmer and president of the U.S. Durum Growers Association. "It may sound strange for someone from the association to be saying that."
But Deutsch and other area durum boosters say they have to acknowledge the obvious.
"It's a critical time for durum right now," says Jim Peterson, marketing
director for the North Dakota Wheat Commission, which promotes durum and other wheat grown in the state.
Durum, used to make pasta, has deep roots in North Dakota. The state typically accounts for more than half of the nation's production.
But durum acreage in North Dakota and northeastern Montana, the nation's second-leading durum producing area, has been declining for years because of adverse weather and rising competition from other crops. The trend is expected to continue this year, with attractive prices for competing crops causing farmers to plant less durum.
If durum acreage falls too much more, the state will be hard-pressed to maintain the infrastructure needed for a "vibrant" durum industry, Peterson says.
To be sure, durum has had acreage rebounds from year to year. But the overall trend is clearly down.
North Dakota farmers planted 4.4 million acres of durum in 1980, 3.1 million acres in 1990, 3.25 million in 2000 and 1.8 million in 2010. They planted only 750,000 acres in 2011, although that reflects the exceptionally wet spring a year ago.
Unofficial estimates peg this year's durum acreage in the state at 1.2 million to 1.6 million. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue its official prediction of durum acreage on March 30.
Of course, the actual number of durum acres in the state won't be determined until spring planting is completed.
Weather will be a factor in the final number, as will the so-called "battle for acres." Enough acres must be allocated to all the crops grown in the region so that production of each crop will meet demand for it. If the market senses that acreage for a crop might come up short, the price of that crop rises to make it more attractive to potential growers.
"We need a price that will get us to plant it," Deutsch says of durum.
Durum prices are down
Currently, durum is fetching $8.45 per bushel at area elevators surveyed weekly by Agweek, compared with an average of $9.05 at the elevators a year ago.
Area farmers can lock in a price for new-crop durum, or durum harvested this fall, that's varied from $7.25 to $7.75 per bushel, officials say.
It's not just the attractive prices of competing crops that have worked against durum. The region's long wet cycle has hurt the crop, too. Durum does best with cool summer nights, long warm days, adequate but not excessive rain and a dry harvest, according to the North Dakota Wheat Commission.
Too much moisture hurts durum's quality and typically leads to big discounts, or price reductions. That happened in 2010, when harvest rains plagued many area durum farmers.
Because durum is susceptible to big discounts, it's considered a riskier crop to grow than spring wheat, which is used to make bread. North Dakota also is the nation's leading producer of spring wheat.
To offset the higher risk of producing durum, area farmers typically want a higher price for it. Unless farmers get that higher price, or premium, they may plant less-risky spring wheat.
Currently, spring what is fetching about $8.26 per bushel at area elevators surveyed weekly by Agweek. That's about 20 cents per bushel more than durum, which some area farmers say isn't sufficient to offset durum's higher risk.
Here's one more set of numbers to consider.
Spaghetti and macaroni sold for an average of $1.317 per pound at supermarkets nationwide in January, according to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That trails only the record $1.328 per pound in November 2011. The national per-pound spaghetti and macaroni price has been trending higher since May 2011, when wet weather cut into durum acreage.
Canadian Wheat Board
Another factor that could work against U.S. durum acreage, at least in the short run:
A new Canadian law that goes into effect on Aug. 1 will end the Canadian Wheat Board's monopoly to market wheat and barley for milling or export. Canada is the world's leading durum exporter, and the end of the monopoly could bring more Canadian durum into the United States.
Several grain companies in the United States already have signed contracts with Canadian farmers to buy grain for delivery after the monopoly ends, according to a report from Reuters.
CHS, the largest grain cooperative in the United States, has purchased durum from grain handlers in Western Canada and eventually will move it to CHS elevators in the United States, according to the report.
"This is phenomenal. (Ending the monopoly) is huge to the world," Tom DeSmet, vice president of marketing for CHS, told Reuters. "The durum world, the grain world, has got their eyes on Canada big-time."
Some U.S. durum boosters say it's too early to predict what impact the end of the monopoly will have on their crop.
"We have more questions than answers at this point," says Jim Peterson, with the North Dakota Wheat Commission.
One of the uncertainties is how much durum Canadian farmers will plant this year. Some reports indicate canola acreage in Canada could rise sharply, with much of the increase coming at the expense of durum.
In the long run, the end of the Canadian wheat monopoly could be good for U.S. durum, says Vince Peterson, vice president of overseas operations for Arlington, Va.-based U.S. Wheat Associates, which promotes U.S. wheat exports.
The Canadian Wheat Board has sold durum for export at prices below those of U.S. durum. The board's demise could lead to more equitable export prices and more export opportunities for U.S. durum, he says.
More attractive options
Numbers from the North Dakota State University Extension Service's 2012 Projected Crop Budget illustrate that durum doesn't stack up well financially against some other crops grown in the region.
In north-central North Dakota, where durum is a popular crop, durum is projected to bring a return to labor and management of $63.46 per acre.
The projections also call for a return to labor and management of $198.29 per acre for dry beans, $117.23 for malting barley, $86.34 for corn and $80.98 for soybeans.
It's the same story in northwestern North Dakota, where durum is particularly common.
The per-acre projected return to labor and management is $38.28 for durum, $115.02 for malting barley, $108.08 for corn, $88.42 for lentils and $52.43 for flax.
Andy Swenson, an NDSU Extension Service farm management specialist who worked on the projected crop budgets, says it's impossible to predict how durum acreage and prices will fare in coming years.
A return to drier conditions in northwestern North Dakota would boost durum's prospects, Swenson says.
But given current prices and weather conditions, durum isn't as attractive as some other crops, making farmers more reluctant to grow it, he says.
2011 'an aberration'
Durum farmers on the Northern Plains are frustrated by what they see as pasta companies' lack of concern that durum prices aren't competitive and that durum acres have been declining.
Pasta companies see things a little differently.
North Dakota's 2011 durum acreage was "an aberration" because of the exceptionally wet spring, says Jim Kulp, Philadelphia-based purchaser for Minot (N.D.) Milling, a division of Philadelphia Macaroni Co.
"There's not a decline, necessarily," he says.
Durum acreage in the state has fluctuated in the past five years — for instance, a little more durum was planted in 2010 than in 2009. Nonetheless, the long-term trend is down.
Dakota Growers Pasta Co. in Carrington, N.D., is a subsidiary of Viterra Global, a big Canadian agricultural company.
Questions for the companies were referred to Holly Gibney, manager of media relations for Viterra in Calgary, Alberta.
"Viterra is firmly committed to durum production in North America and we are working closely with producers and the commercial trade to supply our Carrington pasta plant," she says.
The Washington, D.C.-based National Pasta Association, the trade association for the pasta industry, was asked for comment by Agweek. An association spokeswoman told Agweek that none of its staff was qualified to comment. She also said she would find a representative from a member company willing to comment and contact Agweek if she located one. That didn't happen.
'Desert durum'
Though North Dakota and Montana dominate U.S. durum production, the crop is grown in South Dakota and Idaho, too. Production in those states sometimes is known as "northern tier" durum.
Durum also is grown under irrigation in the desert valleys and lowlands of Arizona and California. This so-called "desert durum" is planted from December through February and harvested in May and June. Durum on the Northern Plains is planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.
The big drop in Northern Plains' durum production last year benefitted desert durum, says Michael Edgar, general manager and vice president of Barkley Seed in Yuma, Ariz., which is involved with desert durum.
"We took advantage of it (production problems in North Dakota)," he says.
To offset the production problems on the Northern Plains, companies that buy and use durum began contracting to buy desert durum that will be harvested this spring.
Desert durum is grown under "greenhouse conditions" and faces far fewer weather variables than northern tier durum, Edgar says.
Farmers who grow durum in Arizona and California can raise other crops, too. The options, which vary from state to state and even within each state, include alfalfa, cotton and produce. Durum growers in the region raise more of the alternative crops, and less durum, when prices of the competing crops are more attractive, Edgar says.
Farmers on the Northern Plains, many of whom once had few alternatives to durum, now have more crop options, too, he notes.
Big-picture outlook
Durum prices shot as high as $12 per bushel last year, reflecting the small North Dakota harvest. However, the price jump didn't help farmers who couldn't plant their durum because of wet fields.
Since then, relatively plentiful durum supplies elsewhere in the world have dampened prices, says Vince Peterson with the U.S. Wheat Associates.
Not surprisingly, given reduced U.S. durum production last year, the United States has been importing more durum and exporting less of it.
The United States imported 3.8 million bushels of durum grain, flour and products in December 2011, up from 2.5 million in December 2010 and 2.8 million bushels in December 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
America exported 2.6 million bushels of durum grain, flour and products in December 2011, down from 4.6 million in December 2010 and 4.1 million in December 2009, according to the Commerce Department.
U.S. durum has at least two things going in its favor, says Peterson, with the North Dakota Wheat Commission.
Consumers like pasta, and that doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon, he says.
Also, no other countries around the world are beginning to grow durum in a big way, which means no new big competitors for U.S. durum, Peterson says.
Vince Peterson says the population of some countries that eat a lot of durum is growing rapidly and that those countries don't have the capacity to greatly increase their own durum production.
That bodes well for the U.S. durum industry over the next 10 and 20 years, he says.
Two farmers' views
Two U.S. durum farmers say they're not giving up on the crop, even though its outlook this year isn't bright.
Gordon Stoner, who raises durum in Outlook, Mont., says durum fits well into his operation and that he doesn't have a great alternative to it.
Spring wheat can be hit with price discounts, too, he notes.
Through the years, many durum farmers on the Northern Plains have learned to adjust to price swings, he says.
"When we get the price, we plant a little more. When we don't get the price, we plant a little less," Stoner says.
Mark Birdsall, a Berthold, N.D., farmer and seed dealer, says durum fits well into the climate in some parts of the region.
Even though its price isn't attractive, "Durum is going to be a viable crop in certain areas," he says.
But he and other area farmers say durum prices need to improve for acreage to stabilize.
"If we don't get the price, acres are going to keep going down," says Deutsch, the Plaza, N.D., farmer and U.S. Durum Growers Association president.
Tags: u.s. durum growers association, north dakota wheat commission, north dakota, spring wheat, canadian wheat board, u.s. wheat associates, north dakota state university extension service, dry beans, malting barley, national pasta association, desert durum, montana, markets, crops, updates, durum, wheat, farmers, growers, agriculture, acres, production, harvest, pasta, canola, exports, soybeans, barley, corn, lentils, flax, grain, flour


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Product Description
Replacement Coil / Atomizer Head for Aspire Cleito
The Aspire Cleito uses a revolutionary new coil design that frees up even more restriction in the airflow by eliminating the need for a static chimney within the tank itself. The Aspire Cleito uses clapton style kanthal coils. This results in an expanded flavor profile and increased vapor production.
With an all new atomizer design that replaces the standard chimney similar to a cartomizer allows the atomizer head to deliver maximized airflow and vapor production.
Two Coil Types:
0.2 Ω (Suitable for 55w – 70w)
0.27 Ω (Suitable for 40w – 55w)
0.4 Ω (Suitable for 40w – 60w)
SS316L 0.4 Ω (55w – 65w / 450F - 530F)
Package Contents:
1 x 5 Pack of Aspire Cleito Replacement Coils
Product Reviews
0.4 in EXO tank
Posted by L.Holden on
I bought the 0.4 coils to use in my Aspire EXO tank and they work a treat,not as greedy as the EXO coils plus it gives more room for juice capacity. The flavour is great and clouds are pretty decent too if that's your thing. I'm very pleased with these coils and the price here at Vapingman is excellent too. Recommended.
Real deal not fakes
Posted by Unknown on
I have been trying to source these for months but have had nothing but fakes. Vaping man has been a god send, you pay a bit more but it is the real thing. They last longer and smoke better. 5satrs :)
Custom product tab
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