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Skip to comments.Are we experiencing an off-the-books boom? (Something fishy is going on in consumers wallets.)
Posted on 03/19/2013 10:23:36 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Wages are down. Jobs are stagnant. The economy hasnt generated the kind of growth that should fuel consumer spending. Yet we are seeing consumer confidence and spending numbers that belie the normal metrics that measure economic health. According to US News Rick Newman, economists suspect that an underground economy has begun to bypass the normal channels of commerce:
Something fishy is going on in consumers wallets.
Household spending has held up surprisingly well in recent months, even though new taxes have reduced paychecks and other problems are holding back the economy. Incomes havent risen by nearly enough to explain the entire boost in spending. Nor has the use of credit cards.
When your teenager starts wearing expensive clothes and flashing bling he couldnt possibly afford through his part-time job, you start to wonder where the money is coming from. Some economists are asking the same question about consumers who seem more flush than they ought to be. The answer may lie in the large underground economy that doesnt show up in official statistics.
There are always some businesses and individuals operating on a cash basis to dodge taxes, evade regulations or conceal illegal activity. Economists now speculate that the underground economy may have swelled during the last few years, given all the people who cant find full-time work at decent pay.
Severe recessions have historically driven jobless Americans into the shadow economy, writes Bernard Baumohl of the Economic Outlook Group. We suspect the destructive nature of the last downturn and the prolonged weak recovery pushed a record number of people into that murky world of cash transactions.
First, it should be noted that a black market economy is not a healthy sign, even if it provides an alternative boost to a stalled overall economy. Its not safe for any of its participants, for while it avoids irrational regulation, it also avoids rational regulation as well. The cash economy might make it easier for some of the chronically unemployed to find ways to make ends meet, it represents no investment in either direction in future health and growth of the markets involved. Further, its not healthy for the government that creates or amplifies such a market, if for no other reason than it cannot extract rational revenues from its participants, putting more of a burden on legal commerce.
If this is indeed the reality of the current American economy, we should ask ourselves how we arrived at this situation. Because of everything I described in the preceding paragraph, its usually more risky than lucrative to engage in underground commerce, and often more costly in various ways. Only when government expands regulation (and especially irrational regulation) enough does that imbalance tip toward taking the riskier route. We have spent the past five years since the financial crisis making regular hiring more expensive via ObamaCare especially, but also through Dodd-Frank, too.
Thanks to these new costs, the value of the regular hire has declined dramatically. Its not terribly surprising, then, that were seeing less of that kind of employment. Our labor-force participation rate has dropped to 63.5%, a 34-year low, and those who have been out of work the longest have the least value now in the above-ground labor market. It costs too much now for companies to create open positions that carry the costs of mandated health insurance. Instead, more employers appear to be paying cash for what used to be called piece work in a bygone era.
As long as this remains the case, the regular economy will never right itself, and we will lose the opportunity for positive investment and long-term economic health until we correct these issues.
If the government here is going to tax Americans at Greek rates, then one can expect Greek levels of tax compliance.
If it weren't for black market dealins, I'd be screwed.
We're experiencing a 'cook-the-books' boom........
Here's what I think: People haven't bought much for five years. Our patio umbrellas are finally shot, our cars are held together with coat hanger wire, we haven't vacationed, we buy the cheap beer — you know, living an austere (but fair!) lifestyle that the morons voted for five years ago.
Over these five years, we've slowly paid down our credit cards and feel like we've been down long enough. We're starting to buy stuff again out of necessity. And we have these pretty much clean credit cards sitting there.
Screw it! I'm actually thinking about a little trip to Bermuda after going absolutely nowhere for five years. Mmmmmmmm. Bermuda.
I'm looking for a deal on capsized canoes.
nothing better than supplementing your government support -welfare, unemployment, disability, etc. - with a cash paying job that will not jeopardize your benefits.
I don't do the black market, but I do avoid commerce whenever possible. I'll do my own repairs rather than work for income that can be used to hire a professional for the same repair work. I have no desire to contribute to an economy that will support Obama's agenda. I'll reenter the economy if we restore freedom and democracy in 2016.
One area where I have changed is that I no longer look down on those who cheat the system. That now strikes me as a rational and legitimate choice, both in terms of taxes and in terms of courts. Telling the truth creatively to get on a jury and nullify bad laws is a civic duty in these times when government is no longer of the people, by the people, or for the people. Similarly, bartering when possible to avoid any records of taxable income may be the best possible option for protecting our country from those in power.
Simple: When you need to buy relatively the same amount of food to feed your family every week, but the price of that food doubles, you spend more.
I used to go grocery shopping at a local morket and spend about $200 each trip.
Since Odumbass took office I rarely get out of there spending less than $300 and have twice crossed $400.
This is with the same general purchasing patterns.
So while my 'spending' is up, that is NOT a measure of 'consumer confidence'
The most pernicious aspect of the cash or underground economy is the resentment it breeds in the people. If you are playing by the rules, but others are not or do not, then the taxes you pay are not equally born by all.
Such a circumstance is not sustainable, it some think they are getting the short end of the deal, then they will find a way to even up the playing field.
This issue is especially pervasive in the small construction business. More regulation/regulators just makes it worse.
Americans are buying freeze dried foods, medical supplies, warm clothes, firearms and ammunition in record numbers.
That doesn't reflect any "faith" in the American economy or in the current administration; quite the opposite.
It just means everyone wants to be well-stocked before the SHTF.
My observation is that it is not just one thing.
I am buying things now because price will go up and may not be available.
I run into cash deals very often. Underground economy is going to be growing for a variety of reasons.
The attitude of screw the govt, they don't care about me and I don't care about them is valid.
Business may be buying to avoid taxes, especially farmers.
I would add one more thing. I might as well spend my money NOW before the govt destroys everything.
A little on the "eat drink and be merry" line of thinking.
By the way there are two versions of that:
1) for tomorrow we die
2) and enjoy what God has given us.
Ed Morrissey still thinks our government is benevolent, and follows all of its own laws.
Barbadoes is pretty cool, too.
In addition to what you are saying, I think people are buying larger ticket items before they are hit further by inflation.
I'm heading for Tampa to go fishing. I'm paying 25% less for cash, told where to sell my fish for a profit, will use that to take a second trip out and eventually go home. Life might get good, without these government turds.
I had a Davis-Bacon wage job come up recently- needed a few guys for 6 weeks, at a wage well over the prevailing rate here- talked to several guys of a contractor who I knew had been laid off and were on unemployment. Not one of them would take the job. Too lucrative to be on unemplyment- it's very close to your regular rate, its steadier than actual work, and you become eligible for all sorts of other benefits, too.
Consumers are loading up the plastic again. The next wave of bankruptcies will take place later this year.
How much of America's consumerism is tied to maxed out credit cards living paycheck to paycheck?
Spending money that you don't have (just like Big Daddy Sam).
But here is what's happening to me.
I have spent the last 5 years paying down debts and have finally started making some serious headway to becoming completely debt free. So even though I am making about the same amount of money, I have more disposable income because it's not all going to interest on various loans I used to have.
I recently paid a plumber $120 to crawl under my house and change out three drains. He works for a plumbing company but came over and did it on his day off. (Got him by word-of-mouth. Theres no way I would have had somebody do this job at the price the plumbing company wanted.) I know a roofer and a carpenter who will do one heck of a job, for cash. I think they are otherwise unemployed. I know a woman who will hook up your air conditioner and get it running. Shell tell you what to buy on the internet and how to get it shipped and help you install it. No warranty, but its 1/3 the cost of having a company do it. These people are pretty busy.
Now, having had a company, Im annoyed. But unemployed people cant afford paying the freight to have any of these jobs done with insured, bonded, licensed workers. As an employer, once you add the mandatory requirements for health insurance, unemployment tax, social security, and other freight, you must charge $100/hour and $250 to send a truck out. So a simple, minor job, done by the book, costs the client $500-1,000. When the client has no income, they simply put off doing these things or they trade for them or they buy them off-book for cash. And, no, this isnt healthy for the economy. In the Soviet Union, everybody had their day job where they pretended to work and the government pretended to pay them; then, they had their real work. Theyd stand on street corners with a toolbox and fix cars, or do plumbing, or make illegal alcohol. Thats what the government is driving us to; an unregulated, off-book economy. And, heres the thing. Once the bulk of the economy has converted to off-book, it wont convert back.
Lots of cash day work here in California going on.
Our millions of California illegals paid thus.
Saves those hiring big bucks.
Allows the cash-payment workers to claim lower income so to get the govt freebies too.
Before the existence of the IRS, one could argue the entire economy was "black market". I believe the entire article is based on a false premise, though I agree that when a lot of people go galt (it would fit within the author's definition of "black market") it does mean we have a problem.
The current Administration picks and chooses which laws they will or will not obey.
No surprise if ordinary folks notice and figure that what is good for the gander is good for the goose.
I'm looking for a deal on scuba gear; you know how many unfortunate boating accidents there have been with innocent guns on board?
It's why we got chickens, a garden and a couple of steers. We're splitting the steers with another guy and our chickens produce six eggs a day in winter. We can from the garden.
A friend who is an electrician does most of his work for cash. But they don't need much cash because they also sell "shares" in their dairy cattle, allowing "shareholders" to legally consume the non-pasteurized milk they sell. They sell their eggs too. They get a lot more than us.
They pay no income tax. They are below the "poverty level".
Good point, and it's also the preppers stocking up.
>>> Further, its not healthy for the government that creates or amplifies such a market, if for no other reason than it cannot extract rational revenues from its participants, putting more of a burden on legal commerce.
Ed Morrissey still thinks our government is benevolent, and follows all of its own laws.
I haven't heard a thing but I do know how to get rust off stuff.
Tax cheating
Lack of income reporting
Black market usage (food stamps for cash, etc.)
ObamaLand is a terrible place, and people react.
That's why the government would like nothing better than to eliminate cash. If all transactions are done digitally they can trace it and tax the hell out of it. Right down to sales tax at a garage sale.
Comming soon. Due to the extreme cost of paper money the Government will be going to the credit system. All electronic.
I've been wondering about this for some time. The economic numbers don't add up to what I see with my own eyes. During the election campaign, a black man called local talk radio. He was defending Obama and the unemployment figures. He said unemployment wasn't as bad as everyone was saying. He said he personally knew about 50 people who were collecting unemployment compensation and working somewhere for cash under the table. Add in the underground economy of the illegals. That's the Obama economy.
And that is more or less exactly what it is. The whole dam country is on food stamps. If I didn't have to spend $300-400 a month on food I could sure buy alot of crap.
Was talking to a friend about this the other day when she was out shopping as cheaply as she could and she noticed everyone elses baskets were full.
Your not kidding, screw them!
My wife done some minor damage to her vehicle this winter. Not enough to turn in on insurance which would have killed my rates. The guy at the body shop says $300 to repair it. I said how about straight cash? $250. He does the repair I hand over the cash and we both say screw you to the feds and the KY revenue cabinet.
Food stamps artificially inflate food costs for those not using them. We not only pay for them, but get screwed by them.
>>>Due to the extreme cost of paper money the Government will be going to the credit system. All electronic.<<<
Barter has never really disappeared - it's the natural default human economic system. If it comes down to it, I'll trade cabbages and tomatoes for someone to come over and dig a trench for the new septic system. I would imagine that somewhere along the line some form of informal money would also emerge - perhaps along the form of paper checks. Ensuring that both parties are satisfied, however, could be a real problem, since it'll be operating outside the law. However, people could also self-construct parallel government systems, too - sort of like the mob, maybe, or maybe paying people to be a private police force or army. I would bet there would be rough frontier justice sometimes, too.
It'll be like feudalism all over again.
God help us.
Wonder how much 'increased consumer spending' is fueled by under-the-table cash sales of counterfeit ethanol RINS and bogus "carbon credit" certs?
Wonder how much scrapping out somebody else's copper church roof or air conditioners "contributes"?
I understand there's also a cash market for used school buses in Chicagoland, too, that would certainly boost spending, if the cops would just keep their interfering noses out of the business of the scrap business.
My experience is that a lot of these off the books skilled workers are on disability. Ticks me off...
You're doing the only thing left to reign in the statists - starve the beast. Deny it's fuel to grow ever larger and controlling.
Inflation is killing us but it isn't being reported:
A half gallon of ice cream is now 1.5 quarts. Products are shrinking but prices remain the same or are higher. Bugs the heck out of me.
The list, Ping
Let me know if you would like to be on or off the ping list
I've seen no evidence of the thesis for this article. I think the writer is blowing smoke.
the way to achieve this without suspicion would be to gradually go off credit cards and onto only cash...
No. The "boom" is afigment in the imagination of the obama worshiping media. Its purpose is to pacify the sheep and apparently it is working. The media wil go to the pits of hell and back to cover for their god; obama.
I'm in that camp.
Well put.
Davis-Bacon was my worst nightmare as the manager of a small construction company.
On one fairly small job (under 25k), I had TWO D-B compliance people up to my chin because I wasn't charging the taxpayer enough.
Davis-Bacon is nothing more than forcing the honest businessman to over-charge as to be competitive with union douchnozzles. And then we get to pay for the douchnozzle oversight people's salaries (who otherwise couldn't make change at the local 7-11)
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Neal Spencer, British Museum
After a few days preparing the house and all our equipment for the coming weeks of excavation, three of us took the boat journey to site on 2 January for the first time this season.
Michaela Binder walked the ground in cemetery D, where excavation will begin this week, but I spent most of my time supervising the erection of our site tents. One houses the policemen who guard the site, while the other is for our equipment. The tents also offer a welcome respite from the howling winds (like today) or biting flies, depending on the climate.
Once the tents were up, we started excavating in one of the houses (E13.8) under the supervision of Shadia Abdu Rabo. The upper deposit of mudbrick rubble has already yielded fragments with impressions of wooden poles, matting and foliage, indicating the space was once covered with a substantial roof.
Alongside pottery, fragments of ostrich eggshell, stone tools, carnelian and jasper jewellery have already come to light – perhaps this space will prove as intriguing as the other back rooms in this block of houses?
Filed under: Amara West, Archaeology


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Margaritaville North Shore Boat Shoe
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
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Item # 273575
The North Shore from Margaritaville is the perfect boat shoe for all seasons. With its timeless style, this classic shoe is great for casual outings and goes with just about everything!
- Leather and mesh upper
- Perforated side panels for breathability
- 360º leather lacing system
- 2 eyelet lace-up
- Padded collar and tongue
- Round moc toe
- Removable comfort cushioned insole
- Siped rubber sole for excellent dry/wet traction
- Imported
- View more Men's Margaritaville Shoes
By: SRSmom
Location: NJ
September 26, 2013
Nice looking shoe
"I bought these for my husband, he really likes them but they seem to run small. He wears a 12 but these are too small and tight. Will have to return and maybe try the size 13."
By: Renee89
Location: Yonkers, NY
August 06, 2013
He won't take them off!
"We purchased these shoes for my dad as a casual-run errands kind of shoe. Now, we can't even get him to take his feet out of them! The day they arrived he tried them on and the rest was history! He even ate dinner in them :-) A Perfect shoe and a happy dad. I'd say it's a win-win kind of situation. I'd definitely purchase them again. I just wish they came in my size."
By: apropo73
Location: Rockville, MD
July 30, 2013
Great shoes!
"Very comfy and stylish! Would recommend to everyone who appreciate a combination of style, beauty and comfort!"
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Wind power accounts for about 6% of total U.S. capacity and 3.5% of generated energy.
Face it, wind generation is not a good fit with the legacy power grid, and the entrepreneurial wind industry is not a natural culture match with electric utilities. But that has not stopped the power industry from consistently taking the initiative to resolve technical roadblocks, either through cooperative funding or the efforts of individual utilities. Over time, wind advocates, grid operators and regulators have developed an effective, though somewhat wary, partnership. The results of ...
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Product Description
Manufacturer: XEROX
Type: OEM
Part No.: 6R359
Category: Toner Cartridge
No. of pages: Up to 4,000 pages at 5% Coverage Learn more...
Compatiblity with this product
|Xerox 5009, 5009RE, 5307, 5308, 5309, 5310
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Swarovski Elements Ring£8 instead of £38 (from Evoked Design) for an 18-carat white gold plated Swarovski Elements ring in a choice of colours - save 79%
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|Posted by MikeZ on March 13, 2004 at 17:40:42:
|In response to Re: Toto Drake - Complete flush?
Terry, Thanks for the reply, I guess I am used to the old toilets. I was just amazed at how fast this thing flushes. Never thought I would be this excited over a toilet purchase. Great site, great advice.
: Mike,
: : Based on advice from this forum, I have purchased and installed a Toto drake toilet. The one thing I am not used to is the flush. I have seen it described here as unique in that the water seems to drop as opposed to the swirling action I we are used to.
: : When I flush it takes about 2 seconds and it's done. With the tank lid off, and watching the flapper when I flush, It opens by the action of the trip lever, but it then closes right away. With other toilets I am familiar with, when the flapper opens, it stays open for 5 seconds at least until the bowl empties. With the Drake, I can get more of the bowl to drain, but it requires me to hold down the trip lever and this keeps the flapper open a few seconds to completely drain the tank. Is something wrong? Is there a reason for the seemingly incomplete flush?
: : There used to be toilets that I read about that had a dual flush trip lever.
|Replies to this post
|There are none.


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European Company Law Experts' Response to the European Commission's Green Paper 'The EU Corporate Governance Framework'
Paul L. Davies
University of Oxford- Faculty of Law
Klaus J. Hopt
Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law; European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)
Guido Ferrarini
University of Genoa - Law School; European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)
Alain Pietrancosta
Sorbonne Law School
Rolf Skog
Göteborg University - Department of Law
Stanislaw Soltysinski
Komisja Kodyfikacyjna Prawa Cywilnego; Sołtysiński Kawecki & Szlęzak, Legal Advisors
Jaap W. Winter
University of Amsterdam; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Eddy Wymeersch
Ghent University - Financial Law Institute; ECGI
July 22, 2011
This paper constitutes the European Company Law Experts' response to the European Commission's Green Paper "The EU Corporate Governance Framework". The paper contains responses to the individual questions put forward by the Commission as well as an introductory statement. In this statement we first set out briefly the rationale for having rules on corporate governance, whether those rules are determined at national or EU level and whether they are contained in hard or soft law. We then consider the rationale for taking action at EU level. Thirdly, we make a suggestion as to how the choice between hard and soft law should be made. Fourth, we consider the overall implications of the previous arguments for the division of rule-making between the EU and Member States.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 24
Keywords: corporate governance, European company law, boards, shareholder activism, corporate governance codes, comply or explain
JEL Classification: G34, K20, K22
Date posted: August 20, 2011
Suggested Citation
Contact Information


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Caruso ProTraveler 14 Molecular Steam Hairsetter
- Overview
- Features
- Compact design - easy to store and great for travel and office use.
- 14 rollers: 2 petite, 3 small, 4 medium, 3 large, 2 jumbo
- Cool water reservoir. Water is heated internally so water in the reservoir is always cool and safe to the touch.
- Removable reservoir. Water reservoir is easily removed from steamer to fill with water conveniently and safely.
- Quiet. New quiet system.
- Curl intensifying shields make curls that last for days!
- Great for all types and lengths of hair - permed, color treated, chemically relaxed, short hair, hair extensions and wigs. Best styling tool for long hair.
- Creates perfect styles, spiral curls, waves and body in minutes.
- No chemicals necessary to create curls that look like a perm.
- No salt required.
- Dual Voltage - Can be used on foreign currents.
- 1 year limited warranty.
- Always unplug immediately after using.
- Do not use while bathing.
- Do not place or store where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink.
- Do not place in or drop into water or other liquid.
- Do not attempt to improve if it has fallen into water. Unplug immediately before reaching into the water.
- About the brand
Compact design. The ultimate set to create today's polished hair styles with non damaging - steam conditions your hair as it curls.
The Caruso Professional Molecular Hairsetter was invented to finally give women the results that they longed for - long lasting curls and volume while keeping hair healthy, shiny and in great condition. The Caruso Professional Molecular system is a revolutionary process, tiny molecules of steam penetrate the hair shaft reforming the chain bonds to create healthy, strong beautiful curls.This hair-setter has been customized give you the styling power to accommodate any and all of today's most popular hair styles. The compact size also makes it ideal for home use.
Model#: 97956 / SKU: A8329
Warnings & Precautions:
Read all instructions before using. To reduce the risk of electrocution:
Wish you had natural curls? Fake it with Caruso's tools, the most versatile curling systems available. Caruso rollers and setters combine ionic technology, steam and a unique design to set curls with a molecular hold, bonded until your next washing. With the patented Caruso Molecular Ion Steam Technology, you'll have soft, conditioned curls in no time.
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An innovative, effective curling iron that features high power, instant heat for consistent, dependable results on any type of hair. Available in a variety of barrel sizes.New Price:
My Favorite Friend!!I also have been using caruso rollers since day one and wouldnt trade it for the world! I lucked out by catching a store going out of business and bought 2 of them, that was about 20 years ago and Im still using them. I love old salty and hope they will last forever. I have bought new rollers just to get more and they are still working. I need new covers as mine are stretched out..lol but considering how long they last whats another $10 bucks! Thanks for the tip though some of my rollers are getting a little "spungy",no pun intended, I will try out those pink rollers. I usually purchase mine at "Sallys".Jun 18, 2004Dory / Florida
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Thanks For The TipHey everyone. Thanks for the tip to replace just the foam part of the rollers with the store find sponge rollers. I was just searching the internet for discount places to buy replacement rollers. I agree they are expensive. Thanks so much. SuzanneJun 14, 2004Suzanne
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I've Had Mine At Least 10 YearsI LOVE IT. IT WORKS GREAT... BUT I NEED TO REPLACE THE FOAMS AS THEY HAVE DRIED OUT.May 12, 2004Debbie S Guldenschuh / ORIGINALLY NEW YORK NOW FLORIDA
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Old "salty" & Replacement FoamsIve been using the Caruso steam system pretty much since it came on the market. My hair is extremely straight with no natural body to speak of, but the Caruso handles it nicely, with curls that stay even after sleeping on them. Miraculous! There is no doubt, however, that "old salty" resulted in a firmer curl than the new no-salt model. Just purchased one of the new ion setters and the curls seem looser and not as "confirmed."I also completely agree with other reviewers that the foam curler covers should indeed be sold separately. I LOVE the tip that those cheapie pink rollers from the drug store will work; wish Id thought of it years ago and I intend to give it a try. Certainly would have saved me a lot of money in replacement curlers. Nevertheless, I am a confirmed Caruso Steam Hairsetter user. I wouldnt think of using anything else.Mar 23, 2004Jan / Modesto, California
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No Split Ends!!the unit I have finally quit working after 15-20 years of use! So Ill get another! These are the best curlers ever....long lasting curls and no split ends, ever! Theres just nothing else like it.Mar 12, 2004Jennifer Boone / Virginia Beach
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Liked The Old One Better, Why Not Make Foam Replacements?Caruso steam hairsetter works great on baby fine hair. Been using this type for 5 years. NOTHING IT. But, why cant Caruso sell the replacement foam? I did find out that the "old-timie" foam rollers work as replacements. I had an original setter and the ends did not come off, but I got a new one (just to get the foam replacements) and the ends do come off and I can now replace the foam. We have real hard water here in Texas and the steamer goes out about every 1.5 years. I have tried using only distilled water, but it only added a couple of weeks to the longevity. I really like the result using steam, just wish someone could tell me how to clean the steamer.Nov 29, 2003Jamie Harmon
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Cheaper Sponge Replacements!I love this hairsetter! I wore out dozens of the foam rollers and had to pay exhorbitant prices for new ones until I discovered a cheaper way to replace my shredded foam: you know the sponge rollers you can buy in packages almost anywhere? They come in a variety of sizes and colors and are pretty inexpensive--maybe a couple of dollars for about 24. I just take the sponge off the plastic clip and put the sponge on my old Caruso roller. Theyre a little thicker than the original Caruso ones but work great.Aug 27, 2003Jamie Harmon
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If It Works---don't Fix It.Been using this fantastic hairsetter since the mid-80s. The older (5 stars) model ("old salty") worked better and lasted much longer (9 years!). Ive gone through three of the newer models in six years. Also, Caruso used to sell the sponges separately but these are not available from the new owner (Helen of Troy). What do we do with all those old plastic roller frames, Helen of Troy?? Just add them to the environmental trash heap?Oct 23, 2002Jamie Harmon
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Amazing Product - But Prefer Older Salt Req'd ModelThe new models in my opinion dont work as well as the old models that required salt. With my old Caruso hairsetter, my curls were stronger and lasted longer. I didnt mind having to add salt for the superior results. But, no retailer as far as I can tell is still selling any of those models *** and Ive been looking. Send me mail if you have an old one in good condition that you want to sell - Thanks. Finally, the salt argument aside -Caruso steam setters are still my preferred method of curling my hair as it is less damaging than heated curling irons/rollers and the curl lasts longer.Mar 18, 2002Jamie Harmon
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Great Product Except For One Thing...Ive been using this system ever since you had to use salt and could only buy it off of TV. I advise to use end papers so you you wont damage your hair on the sponge roller.The only complaint that I have is that when the sponge roller wears out-you have to order complete replacement rollers w/plastic attachment. The replacement rollers used to be sold in the store but no longer. I did call Helene of Troy and suggest that they can seal the sponges ONLY because the plastic insert is still intact....but the rep seem disinterested.Oct 29, 2001Jamie Harmon
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Canada looks to maintain pace in World League second roundCBC and Sportsnet One to broadcast more matches
''We've had a couple of training sessions since arriving Wednesday and the guys are very focused,'' said Canada Gavin Schmitt of Saskatoon, currently third in World League scoring with 65 points, on Thursday ''We'd love to come out of here with another two wins and especially be more aggressive against Poland.''
The Poles sit atop the Group B standings with six points,
Gord Perrin of Creston, B.C., is 10th in scoring at 45-points and is
''We showed in
Group B teams are the only ones in action this weekend in World League play.
Now in its 23rd year, the World League is a 16-country intercontinental tournament that takes place every summer, reaching all corners of the planet, offering worldwide TV coverage and the biggest cash prizes in the sport.
Friday's Canada-Poland match will be streamed live on-line at http://www.laola1.tv/
Fri, June 1 match CAN vs POL 17:30
Sat, June 9 match CAN vs BRA Sao Bernardo Campo. Will air Sat, Jun 9 from Eastern on CBC Sports
Sun, June 17 match CAN vs FIN
Canadian team roster for Group B second round in World League men's volleyball June 1-3 in
Players: Dan Lewis,
Head coach: Glenn Hoag,
Assistant coach: Vincent Pichette, Gatineau, Que.
For more information: www.volleyball.ca and www.fivb.org


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How It Works
Get your disc of wedding pictures and decide which album you'll use to showcase your favorites. Your photos. Your album. Your way.
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Well....about ichigo getting zangetsu without an asauchi....didn't anyone think that this is exactly why his bankai can't be stolen? It's a thing that makes him all different from the others and this is a feature he shares with kenpachi (the other war potential). Only students at the academy are gien asauchi, but kenpachi already had his sword in shikai when he found yachiru, an back then he was no shinigami nor student.
I bet there is another, hard way of developing one's zanpakuto.


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Sparta Butterfest Festival JUNE 9TH – 12TH, 2011 – Sparta, WI
June 9-12, 2011 – Sparta, WI VISIT US ONLINE! http://www.spartabutterfest.com/ and on Facebook. Butterfest is excited to bring you so many events: The greatest fest food, Exciting Rides & Games, Art/Craft/Flea market, Spartafest Poker Run/Ride, Lumberjack Shows, Great Entertainment and … Continue reading


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By GARY ARRINGTONsports writer
The Green River Pirates played some of their best basketball of the season in the just concluded 1-A Utah State basketball tournament held at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield. Green River finished seventh in the four day affair after losing Saturday afternoon to Piute 70-60.
The Pirates played Tintic on Wednesday and defeated the Miners 63-41 in a game that was never close. Green River led 15-2 after the first quarter and 32-13 at the half. Tintic did not have the players to compete against the Pirates.
TJ Hughes was the leading scorer in the game for Green River with 21 points and in fact TJ led the team in scoring in all four games played. Besides scoring, TJ had 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the game.
Also scoring in the Tintic game were Jon Mendez with 14 points, Spencer Marshall, Nick Corrigan and Tyrell Shumway with 7 points each, Corbin Mecham with 3 points and Chance Pfander and Jovani Flores with 2 points. Mecham probably had the most unique haircut of any player in the tournament.
After the easy victory, Green River was pitted against the second ranked Panguitch team, a team that had lost only one game the entire season. With a 22-1 record, Panguitch was clearly the favorite by everyone except the players on the Green River team.
Green River, despite having a lot of fouls called on them in that first quarter of play, were leading after the first quarter 16-14. Hughes and Pfander had each scored 5 points in the period. With players in foul trouble early on, Shumway got a lot of playing time and made the most of it in the second period. Shumway had a pair of three-pointers plus hit four straight free throws as his 10 points were needed. The Pirates led 34-29 at the half.
In the third quarter Green River got up 43-35 before Panguitch closed out the quarter on a 15-1 run to now lead 50-44. It appeared right here that any upset was out the window because most Pirates were in foul trouble and Panguitch had the lead.
Green River battled back behind the scoring of Hughes 8 points early in the quarter and the Pirates actually took the lead at 58-57 with 1:49 left in the game but the Pirates failed to score again and the upset was not to be.
Marshall, Hughes, Corrigan and Mendez all fouled out of the game and Mecham and Cox each had four fouls on them. This was not an evenly officiated ball game. Panguitch won this game at the free throw line where they shot 45 of those shots and made 27 of them. Green River on the other hand only attempted 11 free throws in the game. No team should go to the line 34 more times than their opponent.
Hughes led the team with 14 points and Pfander and Shumway each scored 12 points. Corrigan and Mecham each scored 7 points and Marshall scored 4 with Mendez scoring 2 points.
On Friday, Green River defeated Monument Valley in the consolation bracket 55-43 after leading 35-15 at the half. Hughes led with 19 points and Mendez added 12 points. Pfander and Marshall each scored 6 points and Mecham and Corrigan each scored 4 points in the win.
On Saturday, Piute and Green River played evenly through three periods of play before Piute outscored the Pirates 24-14 to win by 10 points at 70-60. Hughes led the team by scoring 12 points but Corrigan, Pfander and Mendez were right behind with 11 points each. Marshall scored 9 points and Mecham scored 6 points. Mendez had 13 rebounds in the loss and Hughes had 9.
Green River finished the season with a 17-6 record and a seventh place finish in the state tournament. They led Panguitch by one with 1:49 left in a game they should have won except for the fouls. They played well.
Monticello went on to win the 1A boys championship with a 34-31 win over Panguitch.


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Home > A. Molecular pathology > MUM1
Monday 10 December 2012
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma can be classified into two prognostically distinct subgroups with germinal center B-cell-like (CG) and activated B-cell-like (post-CG) characteristics, based on CD10, BCL-6, and MUM1 expression.
In primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphomas with homogeneous clinical characteristics, response to initial chemotherapy and MUM1 expression are associated with prognosis. (21623692)
Prognostic impact of MUM1 expression by immunohistochemistry on primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. De Mello CA, De Andrade VP, De Lima VC, Carvalho AL, Soares FA. Leuk Lymphoma. 2011 Aug;52(8):1495-503. PMID: 21623692


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Henry Simpkins, PhD, MD
Chairman, Department of
Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Professor of Pathology, Hofstra University School of Medicine
Investigator, Feinstein Institute, NS-LIJ Health System
Phone: (718) 226-4133
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
An experienced clinician, researcher and educator, Dr. Simpkins served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Temple University Medical School and Pathologist-in-Chief at Temple University Hospital for 14 years. He was also director of the residency program for seven years and the hematopathology fellowship program for eleven years. His prior academic appointments include the University of Colorado Medical School, the University of California at Irvine and the State University of New York-Health Science Center in Brooklyn (where he was also director of pathology at SIUH).
Dr. Simpkins has held grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Milheim Foundation and the Department of Defense, the last being a 5-year NIH $1.1 million grant entitled "Dihydrodiol Dehydrogenase Mediates Cisplatin Resistance."He has published over 90 articles in peer reviewed journals. His research interests include investigating candidate genes producing resistance to platinum and taxol-based chemotherapy.
Dr. Simpkins graduated with his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Miami Medical School and then completed a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Colorado Medical Center. Prior to medical school and residency training, he received a doctorate degree in biophysics at King's College in London, England, where he completed a predoctoral fellowship under the tutelage of M.H.F. Wilkins FRS (Nobel laureate) and he went on to complete post-doctoral fellowship training in S.J. Singer's laboratory at the University of California at San Diego.
Dr. Simpkins is board certified in pathology and is a team leader for systems inspections for the College of American Pathologists.
Thomas Neglia
Vice President, Laboratory Services
Phone: (718) 226-4690
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Mr. Neglia has over 25 years of laboratory experience, including the integration of multi-laboratory systems and the development of outreach laboratory services. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science from Richmond College SI Community College in 1975 and a Master of Health Administration from Seton Hall University in 2002.
He is currently an adjunct teacher at the College of Staten Island (CUNY) in Hematology and Chemistry.
Lynne Opitz, MD
Associate Chairman of
Pathology/Surgical Pathology
Phone: (718) 226-4037
Education: email@example.com
Dr. Opitz received her MD from New York University in 1986. This was followed by an internship in Pediatrics at Schneider Children's Hospital, Long Island Jewish-Hillside Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY from 1986 - 1987. She then returned to New York University Medical Center to complete a four-year residency in Anatomic and Clinical pathology from 1987-1991.From 1991-1992, she was a fellow in Oncologic Surgical Pathology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center under the direction of Dr. Juan Rosai.
Dr. Opitz worked at Staten Island University Hospital from July 1992 - July 2002 as a general surgical pathologist with a special interest in hematopathology and flow cytometry. From 2002 -2007 she was a general surgical pathologist at Bayonne Medical Center, Bayonne, NJ .She returned to Staten Island University Hospital in 2008 as Associate Chairman of Pathology. Her current research interests lie in the area of curcumin based creams to treat HPV related disease.
Dr. Opitz was board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology in 1992.
Kameelah Broadway, MD
Cytopathology/Surgical Pathology
Phone: (718) 226-6039
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Broadway obtained her M.D. degree at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 2006. This was followed by a residency at Albert Einstein in anatomic and clinical pathology, which was completed in 2010, followed by a fellowship in cytopathology at Albert Einstein, which was completed in 2011.
She is boarded in Anatomic, Clinical and Cytopathology.
Jianli Chen PhD, BM
Director of Molecular Pathology Laboratory
Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate School of Medicine
Phone: (718) 226-4069
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Chen graduated with his Doctor of Medicine degree from Shandong University Medical School in 1994 and completed his residency in Ob/Gyn in 1999 (Ph.D.).He then completed post-doctoral fellowship training in the Ob/Gyn department at Fudan University (Shanghai) in 2001 and was appointed associate professor and laboratory director in the Ob/Gyn department at the Shanghai First People's Hospital.
He joined Dr. Simpkins' research team as a research associate at Temple University Hospital (Philadelphia) in 2004.
His research interests have been focused on the molecular mechanisms of chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer employing RT-PCR/Real-time PCR, western blotting, enzyme activity, cytotoxicity, ROS measurements and molecular cloning, etc. He was a principal investigator for four grants in China and he has published 14 articles on drug resistance in peer-reviewed journals.
Robert Guarino, MD
Surgical Pathology/Breast Pathology
Phone: (718) 226-5753
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Guarino obtained his M.D. degree at UMDMJ Medical School in Newark, NJ in 2000. He completed a residency in pathology at St. Barnabas Medical Center in 2010, followed by surgical and breast pathology fellowships at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - these were completed in 2012.
His research interests are in breast pathology and involves developing new methods of estimating HER-2 expression in breast cancers and analyzing prediction factors for the recurrence of breast carcinoma.
He is board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.
Matthew T. Hurford, MD
Director of Hematopathology and
Coagulation Laboratories
Clinical Associate Professor, SUNY Downstate School of Medicine
Phone: (718) 226-4127
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Hurford graduated with an MD from Indiana University. He completed his residency in anatomic and clinical Pathology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in 2000 and followed this by a fellowship in hematopathology at Hartford Hospital. Dr. Hurford has published 14 articles in peer reviewed journals. He is also an associate editor for The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology.
Dr. Hurford served as Associate Professor and Director of the Hematopathology laboratory at Temple University Medical Center.He was appointed the Director of the Residency Program Temple University Hospital and the Medical Director at Episcopal Hospital in 2006. He joined the faculty at Staten Island University Hospital in 2010. Dr Hurford's research interests involve studying mechanisms of congenital platelet disorders.
Dr. Hurford is board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and Hematology.
Edahn Isaak, MD
Director of Transfusion Medicine Services
Clinical Associate Professor, SUNY Downstate School of Medicine
Phone: (718) 226-6488
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Isaak received his medical degree from the University of South Florida, in 1991 and then pursued a residency in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery for four years at Downstate (SUNY) Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He then trained in anatomic and clinical pathology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (completed in 1999), and then served as a fellow in the Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine program at the New York Blood Center.
In 2001, he joined the faculty at Emory in Atlanta, Georgia as Assistant Professor of Pathology, where he held the position of Director of Transfusion Medicine at Grady Memorial Hospital. He then became the Chief Medical Officer in 2003 for the Missouri/Illinois Region of the American Red Cross and concurrently functioned as the Medical Director of the National Testing Lab in Saint Louis. During this time he served on the Clinical Faculty at both the University of Saint Louis and the University of Missouri. He joined the Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services in Dayton, Ohio in 2007, where he was Medical Director of the Immunohematology Laboratory, the Microbiology Laboratory, the Donor Testing Laboratory and the Stem Cell Laboratory. At this time he held an academic appointment as Associate Professor of Pathology at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
Dr. Isaak has authored peer reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, and abstracts on a variety of subjects in Transfusion Medicine, including cytopheresis, sickle-cell disease, drug-induced hemolytic anemia, blood component storage lesions and massive transfusion protocols. While at Emory Medical School, he served on the National Blood Safety and Availability Committee and was awarded a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. He was a co-investigator on a study of blood storage funded by the Department of Defense and on a study of sickle cell disease funded by the National Institutes of Health. He was also the principal investigator for a study on the transplantation of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells at the Community Blood Center / Community Tissue Services. His current interests are directed at investigating mechanisms which produce thrombocytopenia.
He is board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology as well as in Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine.
Fanyi (Frank) Kong, MD
Surgical Pathology
Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate School of Medicine
Phone: (718) 226-4125
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Kong received his MD degree from Anhui Medical University in China in 1982 and then in 1985 completed anatomic pathology residency training at Jinan University Medical College Guangzhou, China. He obtained a M.S. in Pathology in 1988 and was appointed to the faculty. In 2000, he completed a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at New York University Medical Center and this was followed by a fellowship in Oncologic Surgical Pathology. In 2006, he obtained a master's degree (MPA) in health care management at Baruch College of CUNY.
Dr. Kong worked at Lincoln Medical Center in New York City from 2002-2008 as a general surgical pathologist with a special interest in breast and genitourinary pathology. In 2008, he joined Staten Island University Hospital 's Department of Pathology.
Dr. Kong has been board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology since 2002.
Kokila M. Mody, MD
Surgical and Pediatric Pathology
Phone: (718) 226-4128
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Mody graduated with her MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) degree from G.S. Medical College , Bombay , India in 1965 and completed her residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at Methodist Hospital of Brooklyn, NY in 1973. This was followed by a fellowship in pediatric pathology at the Babies Hospital, New York in 1974.
She has been an attending pathologist at Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island since 1976 and served as the Blood Bank Director from 1985 - 1988.
Dr. Mody is board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology with a special interest in Pediatric Pathology.
Jumoke Oladipo, MD, MSc, DABCC
Director of Clinical Chemistry Laboratory
Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate School of Medicine
Phone: (718) 226-4065
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Dr. Jumoke Oladipo received her medical education at the Ahmadu Bello University in Northern Nigeria and graduated in 1991 with M.B. and B.S. degrees. This was followed by her residency training in Chemical Pathology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. She was admitted as a fellow of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) and the National postgraduate College of Nigeria (FMCPath) in 1999. She also received a Masters degree in Clinical Pathology from the University of Lagos in 1998.
She then trained in Clinical Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, MO between 2008 and 2010 (with clinical research rotations at the St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO ). In addition, she had visiting fellowships at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX. Her research activities are primarily in pediatric clinical chemistry – inborn errors of amino acid metabolism. She has published over 15 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
She is board certified in Clinical Chemistry by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry.
Visitacion (Betsy) H. Pabicon, MD
Surgical and Cytopathology
Phone: (718) 226-4124
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Dr. Pabicon graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Southwestern University, Philippines in 1982.She finished her medicine residency at St. Joseph's Hospital, Neg. Occ. Philippines in 1988 and completed her residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1998. This was followed by a fellowship in Surgical Pathology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and Cytopathology fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital, Michigan.
Dr. Pabicon is board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and Cytopathology.
Marina Rozenberg, MD
Associate Director of
Transfusion Medicine Services
Phone: (718) 226-6491
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Rozenberg received her medical degree from the Moscow First Medical School in 1986 and started practicing at the Central Reference Laboratory in Moscow, Russia, focusing primarily on tropical diseases, (primarily Malaria.)
She completed a residency in clinical pathology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York which was followed by a fellowship in blood banking and transfusion medicine in 1997. Then she completed an additional year in transfusion medicine at Stony Brook University Medical Center , NY . She joined St. Joseph's Hospital, New Jersey in 1998. and moved to Staten Island University Hospital as Associate Director of the Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine in 2002.
She is board certified in Clinical Pathology and Transfusion Medicine.
Zvika Jacob Schreiber, MD
Surgical Pathology/GI Pathology
Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate School of Medicine
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Schreiber obtained his M.D. degree at Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2006. This was followed by residency training in pathology at Stony Brook Medical Center (SUNY), New York, which was completed in 2010 and them a fellowship in surgical pathology, (specializing in GI pathology) at Columbia University Medical Center, which was completed in 2011. His research involves primarily inflammatory diseases of the bowel, including celiac disease and other enteropathies.
He is boarded in both Clinical and Anatomic Pathology and specializes in GI pathology.
Guo-Xia Tong, MD, PhD
Director of Cytopathology
Phone: (718) 226-4082
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Dr. Tong obtained a Bachelor of Medicine degree in 1986 from Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang and a Master of Medical Science (1989) and a Ph.D. from Harbin Medical University in 1992.
He trained in the USA as a post-doctoral fellow in the Population Council Center at the Rockefeller Institute 1992 – 95 and then as a research fellow in immunology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering (1995 – 97) and in biochemistry at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School at Dallas, Texas (1997 – 99). He commenced his residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at New York Medical School in 1999 followed by a cytopathology fellowship, which was completed in 2004.
He was appointed interim director of the Division of Cytopathology at Columbia University Medical Center in 2007 and was an Assistant Professor in the medical school from 2004 to 2011. He moved to Staten Island University Hospital in 2012 and is Director of Cytopathology. His clinical expertise is in thyroid cancer and FNAs.
His research involves the development of diagnostic and prognostic markers in urogenital cancers (primarily ovarian) and he has published 26 peer reviewed publications.
He is boarded in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology as well as Cytopathology.
Jocelyn Villanueva, MD
Surgical and Cytopathology,
Director of South Site Laboratory
Phone: (718) 226-2350
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Villanueva received her medical degree in 1990 at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines and then trained for one year in internal medicine at St. Michael's Medical Center , Newark , New Jersey . She completed her residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in 1997. She then completed fellowships in surgical pathology at Columbia University/ New York Presbyterian Medical Center and Cytopathology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.
She worked as a staff pathologist for five years at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island prior to joining Staten Island University Hospital in 2008.
Dr. Villanueva is board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology as well as Cytopathology.
Monika A. Wrzolek, MD, PhD
Surgical and Neuropathology
Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate School of Medicine
Phone: (718) 226-4122
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Wrzolek graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of Gdansk, Poland in 1978. This was followed by research training and she obtained Ph.D. degree in 1983 for work investigating vitamin D-induced cardiac necrosis.
Dr. Wrzolek completed residency training in anatomic pathology and fellowships in neuropathology and surgical pathology at Kings County Hospital/SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn, NY in 1992.
Prior to her 1995 appointment at Staten Island University Hospital, Dr. Wrzolek worked as a part-time Attending Neuropathologist at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, and part-time Research Scientist at the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR), Staten Island, NY. At IBR, she participated in research projects on Alzheimer's disease and the neuropathology of pediatric AIDS. Dr. Wrzolek also served as a Neuropathology Consultant at Brooklyn VA Hospital from 1995 to 1999. She is an author of 16 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Wrzolek is board certified in Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology.


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Sole traders potentially affected by a requirement to claim GST on their holiday homes can breathe a sigh of relief this summer, knowing that claiming and returning GST on rented holiday homes may soon be optional.
The change is said to be one in favour of the taxpayer, addressing an unexpected outcome. I would agree that having the option to claim or not to claim gives the taxpayer flexibility.
But is there then a continuing unfair advantage to those sole traders who are GST registered?
Claiming GST on a property gives a substantial one-off GST refund. Enthusiastic tax refund-seekers will see a one-off benefit to a GST claim, but usually do not see the consequences down the track of having to pay the GST back later when they want to sell the property or change its use.
What about the cost to the customer?
An extra 15 per cent on your nightly or weekly accommodation charge might sway them to the competition down the road. Consider carefully your soon-to-be choice.
The unintentional law change is due to the redefinition of dwellings and commercial dwellings in the act.
A person making taxable supplies of a commercial dwelling (renting a holiday home to the public) is allowed to claim GST on it.
To stop people claiming large GST refunds, you are allowed to claim the GST on your holiday home only if you meet the compulsory GST registration requirement.
This means your business must be making sales of more than $60,000 a year.
Most of those people who offer their holiday homes to the public would not meet that criteria, meaning they cannot claim GST on the bach.
The concern is where someone has a separate business operating in their personal name that meets the compulsory requirement ($60,000 in sales) for GST registration. The holiday home is then unintentionally drawn into the GST net as well.
The intended changes mean you will have the option to include the holiday home in your GST return if you are already registered for GST and the holiday home returns less than $60,000 a year in sales.
To save confusion, it may have been better to say no GST claims on holiday homes returning less than $60,000 a year, effectively drawing a line in the sand, but maybe that change will come later.


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Department of Primatology
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Deutscher Platz 6
04103 Leipzig
phone: +49 (341) 3550 - 200
fax: +49 (341) 3550 - 299
Nutrition and energy status
Diet composition is often regarded to constitute a species specific trait with certain food types being dominant over others. In the context of human evolution, the change from a plant based diet (herbivory) to a mixed diet combining several types of food (omnivory) is regarded a prime mover paving the way for other developments such as cooperation, food sharing, and technologies of food processing. Evolutionary models associate the emergence of these traits with relatively dry habitats, pronounced seasonality, and shortage of fruit bearing trees which implies that these traits would not have evolved in high productivity forest habitats. Some traits of bonobo feeding behaviour, namely the absence of tool use, the relatively low investment in food processing, and the lower frequency of meat eating seem to support such models. This work is combined this with data on the nutritional status and energy supply, using stable isotopes and other nutritional markers that can be extracted from non-invasive samples such as urine and faeces. In conjunction with this work experimental studies are conducted to explore the efficiency of digestion of certain macronutrients such as fat, starch, and structural carbohydrates to evaluate the capacity of bonobos and other Great apes to utilize macronutrients under changing environmental conditions.
This work is conducted in collaboration with Sylvia Ortmann, Leibnitz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin.


text:
Sign in for member information and resources.
As part of this year's National Teacher Day celebration held in May, the National Education Association conducted an online poll, asking teachers, "What do you want for National Teacher Day?"
Nearly 1,000 educators participated in the poll. Poll responses indicate that teachers still appreciate thank you cards, flowers and drawings from their students, but teachers also expressed growing concern and frustration with high stakes testing and the lack of classroom autonomy.
According to those participating in the online poll, the best "thank you" would be to:


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It looks like Christmas here. This morning a nice, crispy -30C, plenty of snow on the ground and hoar frost on the trees.
for all: Live long and prosper!
Here in Netherlands we have rain @ 10C
We've had rain too; summer thunderstorm at about 30C.
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Publications Tagged: Russian Nonproliferation Policy
- Added January 25, 2007
- Russian Nonproliferation Policy and the Korean Peninsula. Authored by Dr. Yong-Chool Ha, Dr. Beom-Shik Shin.
- Efforts to resolve the threat posed to Northeast Asia's security by North Korea's nuclear proliferation through six-party negotiations are proceeding with great difficulty. As in any multilateral process, a major problem is understanding the goals and perspectives of each of the participants.


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Virgin Blue Holdings Limited Full Year Results17/05/2004
Exceeds Prospectus Forecast
Cost Base Lowest in Country and Declining
Targeting Further Profitable Growth
Virgin Blue Holdings Limited today announced a 47% increase in net profit after tax to $159 million for the full year ended 31 March 2004, exceeding prospectus forecasts of $150 million.
The summary financial results for the year were:
|49% to $1,362 million
|43% to $409 million
|margin 30.1%
|49% to $218 million
|margin 16.0%
|Profit before Tax (PBT)
|45% to $226 million
|PBT margin
|Net Profit after Tax
|47% to $159 million
|Basic earnings per share
|17.3 cents
As stated in the prospectus, no dividend has been declared for the year ended 31 March 2004.
Virgin Blue continues to demonstrate strong growth and profitability despite increasing domestic competition.
Virgin Blue's EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and aircraft rentals) and PBT margins at 30.1% and 16.6% respectively are among the highest of airlines in the world. Virgin Blue's cost per Available Seat Kilometre (ASK) for the full year to March 2004 was 8.16 cents, with a cost per ASK for the 6 months to March 2004 of 7.73 cents.
"Our cost base is the lowest in the country and declining," said Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey. "We are committed to keeping our cost base low and are continually working on ways to reduce costs further. Low costs mean we can continue to offer not just the lowest fares but many more of them across the network."
Capacity (as measured by ASKs) increased by 55% during the year, as 15 new aircraft were added to the fleet. Frequencies were increased on existing routes and new business and leisure services were introduced both in Australia and internationally. Virgin Blue's 44 aircraft now fly 43 routes to 21 destinations around the country and we are the only low cost carrier in the world with national coverage. As at March 2004, Virgin Blue had over 33% of the Australian domestic market and its market share continues to exceed capacity share.
These increased frequencies have allowed Virgin Blue to continue to make inroads into the business market. The company now has more than 1,000 corporate accounts, including an increasing share of ASX Top 50 companies. In support, Virgin Blue has introduced a whole range of value-added user pays services including Blue Room lounges, Blue Zone seating, in-flight catering and valet parking.
Virgin Blue has stepped up to provide additional services to those cities which have been downgraded by Qantas' decision to replace the full-service Qantas product with the no-frills Jetstar product. In particular, services to Rockhampton, Hobart, Townsville and the Gold Coast have all been increased to better service the local business communities. Virgin Blue believes significant opportunities exist to increase market share in these important regional markets.
Total revenue increased by 49% to $1,362 million. Scheduled revenue was up 47%, while other revenue (including freight) was up 117%.
Virgin Blue carried over 10 million passengers during the year, up 53% from the previous year. Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) were 11,584 million and ASKs were 14,024 million, up 61% and 55% respectively from the 2003 financial year. Load factor remained strong, increasing 3.4 pts to 82.6%.
Yields fell 7.5% during the year driven by the introduction of 10 new aircraft during the 3 months from August 2003 (representing a 30% capacity increase), as well as increasing capacity on longer haul sectors.
Total costs were $1,144 million, up 49% from the previous year. Cost per ASK fell 0.30 cents to 8.16 cents for the full year, largely driven by scale and productivity. Management's focus remains on reducing costs as evidenced by the further reduction in the company's cost per ASK to 7.73 cents for the 6 months to March 2004.
Main expense increases were in fuel, airport related and staff costs and were essentially driven by increased production.
Fuel prices increased by more than 28% during the year, although the Company was substantially hedged for the financial year at below US$30 per barrel. In line with other carriers around the world, Virgin Blue has announced a fuel surcharge to cover the increased cost to the business from the rising fuel prices. This surcharge will come into effect from 12.01am on Tuesday 18 May 2004.
Airport related costs included the higher terminal charges relating to the move into Terminal 2 at Sydney airport, as well as the unilateral decision by Sydney Airport to change the method of charging landing fees from a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) basis to a per passenger basis. Virgin Blue is currently appealing this decision. Airport charges are largely an uncontrollable cost imposed by airport operators and therefore remain a real concern for both the company and the industry.
Staff related cost increases were in line with production and agreed EBA increases but were offset by continuing productivity efficiencies.
Some 35% of the company's costs are in US dollars. As the company hedged the majority of its 2004 financial year exposure, it did not fully benefit from the appreciation in the exchange rate during the year. In recent months, Virgin Blue eliminated downside risk arising from currency depreciation for the 2005 financial year.
Balance sheet and cash flow
Cash balances increased from $127 million to $469 million during the year, giving Virgin Blue 150 days operating cash reserves as at 31 March 2004. This demonstrates continuing strong cash flow growth from operations, together with proceeds from the IPO.
Key capital expenditure items included the acquisition of eight aircraft from Boeing and the flight simulator facility which recently opened in Brisbane. Finance for the aircraft has been fixed at current low interest rates for the term of the facility.
The company's net debt to net debt plus equity ratio, adjusted for off balance sheet aircraft leases, was 66%, down from 83% as at 31 March 2003.
"We are continuing to enhance our product for both the business market and leisure passengers by offering more frequencies, more services and more destinations at lower prices than our competitors," said Brett Godfrey.
The domestic environment continues to remain intensely competitive and the launch of Jetstar is expected to provide ongoing pressure on yields. Virgin Blue, through its ongoing commitment to manage and lower its cost base, will offer the lowest fares in the market and will continue to remain price competitive with all competitors throughout the network.
"We will continue to grow our business aggressively," said Brett Godfrey, "however, we will focus on profitable growth, not simply greater domestic market share." The company will add a further net 5 aircraft to the fleet during the year. As a result, capacity (as measured in ASKs) will still increase by 44%, providing the airline with significant opportunities to increase its profitability through additional frequencies and the introduction of new domestic and international services.
Virgin Blue intends to expand international services under the Pacific Blue brand with 4 aircraft expected to operate international routes by March 2005. The airline has already announced intentions to commence flying to Fiji and Vanuatu in September and expects to announce other destinations shortly.
"Our focus has been and always will be on making profitable returns - our margins prove that. Our cost base is the lowest in Australia and we will continue to work to reduce it even further. Qantas has claimed Jetstar will have a cost base of 8.25 cents per ASK when it launches. Our cost per ASK for the last financial year was 8.16 cents, and 7.73 cents for the most recent half year to March 2004. We are focused on cost control and expect our costs to remain at the sub 8 cent level for the 2005 financial year."
Virgin Blue offers a better product and greater value for money than Qantas and is a superior product to Qantas' no frills Jetstar offering, which will compete against Virgin Blue on only around 20% of our business. "Even if they match our prices, we offer considerably more legroom, assigned seating, a fully connecting national network, high frequencies (including on key business routes) and numerous other service enhancements," said Brett Godfrey.
"We continue to increase market share and penetrate the higher-yielding business customers. With three Blue Room lounges now up and running in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, we expect to see greater use of our product by business guests. Our on-time performance continues to be exceptional and we believe the increased frequencies on key business routes are continuing to attract corporate customers seeking to minimise their travel costs, whilst maintaining a higher quality standard of travel."
Virgin Blue believes that while the domestic Australian market continues to demonstrate strong growth, it is also exploring other opportunities in pursuit of long-term growth. "With a population of not much more than 25 million, Australia and the Pacific region does not have the market potential offered by the North American, European and Asian markets," said Brett Godfrey. "However we believe significant growth opportunities exist for us in various aviation-related areas both in Australia and around the region."
The Company is committed to ensuring its senior management team remains focused on running Virgin Blue and its Business Development Team is considering these growth opportunities. "This will ensure that the day-to-day focus is not shifted away from the core business – Virgin Blue Airlines," concluded Brett Godfrey.


text:
Library Calendar
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Find and use images legally in your research
SpeakerSarah Christensen, Visual Resources Curator, email@example.com and Mark Wardecker, Reference Librarian, firstname.lastname@example.com
Date Jan 28, 2013
Time 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm
Location Main Library - Library 314
Cost Free
Sponsor University Library
Contact Merinda Hensley
Event type Conference/Workshop
Views 1220
Originating Calendar Savvy Researcher Workshops - University Library
You know that there are millions of images available on the internet, but how do you find the one you need for your lecture, presentation, research, or paper? Which ones are available to use without copyright restrictions? This workshop will introduce you to several resources for finding images across disciplines, as well as help to clarify copyright issues related to digital images. By the end of the workshop, you will be comfortable finding the images you need and determining if and how you can or can't use them.For more information, please visit:http://uiuc.libguides.com/images