text:
Travel update
I'm halfway through my 10-week-long trip and I haven't updated in a month. The only excuse I can offer is that I wanted to include pictures, but my relationship with Flickr has turned out to be strangely complicated lately, and the whole process of uploading them (often via dodgy hotel wifi) has just seemed too hard.
Actually, I'm noticing something new in my picture-taking this trip. Just as, a few years ago, I purged any book from my shelves that was effectively obsoleted by Wikipedia or Project Gutenberg, now I am avoiding taking pictures that would be available by a Creative Commons image search. What's the point of taking a photo of Notre Dame when so many other people have done so already, and undoubtedly better than I could? Sure, a photo of me standing in front of Notre Dame would actually have some individuality, but I'm not that big a fan of photos of myself in random locations, so I haven't been doing that. Instead I've been carrying around a somewhat clunky, heavy camera (not a DSLR or anything, but an Olympus PEN camera) and using it to take pictures of odd, quirky things here and there, which I might as well just use my iPhone for. Ah well.
So, places I have been since my last update, and what I thought of them.
The week in A Coruña for the conference was a mixture of hanging out at the conference venue, sleeping in the university residence where we were staying because I had come down with a fairly nasty cold, and a bit of wandering around the city. I saw the ancient Roman lighthouse, but didn't go inside; I spent more time wandering around the old part of town looking for food than I really wanted to; and I found a pretty good craft/artisan market near the bus stop where I had a awkward (due to language incompatibility) but pleasant conversation with a handweaver and bought a linen and alpaca shawl she'd woven.
On the second-last day, I daytripped to Santiago de Compostela, just 40 minutes away by train. Touristy, but I felt okay about it, somehow, knowing that it was a thousand-year-old pilgrim site and that many of the tourists had walked a long way to be there.
After the conference I took a night train to Madrid (cramped, overheated) and whatever the Spanish equivalent of a TGV is to Cordoba, in the southern part of Spain that had been Islamic during the middle ages. I loved Cordoba, its narrow streets and white-and-ochre houses with their courtyards and fountains. The cathedral-inside-a-mosque (or "mosquedral", as I like to call it) was mindblowing. The city was hot and quiet and empty, as all the locals had gone on holiday, but I spent a few pleasant days wandering around and sitting in parks and eating tapas and drinking cheap wine. I'd love to go back to Andalusia and spend more time exploring its other cities and its architecture and its food.
On to Barcelona, which I hated. Crowded and unpleasant and I spent the whole time worried about people trying to steal my bag. To be fair, the Gothic quarter is pretty cool, and the Barcelona History Museum is amazing, especially the parts of the Roman town that they've dug up and you can walk around in the basement. The bits that fascinated me most were the dyeworks with the stone troughs still stained blue, and the place where they made garum (fermented fish sauce) in enormous round pots. I'm not much into Gaudi, so though I went past some of his works (the Sagrada Familia, etc) I didn't get off the tourist bus to actually go in. I did try to go to Parc Guell, on the recommendation of many friends, but I'd somehow got the impression that it was a park, with, you know, green space. Actually it was a pile more building-sized Gaudi blobs, crammed full of tourists, and it made me angry. I got straight back on the tourist bus, and two stops later found myself at a 13th century convent (Pedralbes) which was operating as a museum, free on Sundays, and had a beautiful courtyard with fountains and grass and trees and no more than a handful of tourists, none drunk. I spent half a day there.
I'd heard that the food in Barcelona was amazing, and it was the best I'd had so far on the trip, but I don't think it was enough to make it worth the unpleasantness of my visit. I suspect I would have enjoyed it more if I had been with friends and we'd been able to sit around and drink and eat and enjoy the nightlife. As it was, I found some delicious tapas that actually contained vegetables, which after a couple of weeks of subsisting on not much else than ham, and not seeing anything greener than an olive, was lovely. I had a wonderful dish of spinach, chickpeas, and some kind of pork that pretty much made my week. At a pinxtos place in El Gotic, I had a tartlet with some kind of sweet fruit paste, goat cheese, and fresh mint, and another where a sort of fish salad was topped with fresh dill and tiny slivers of candied lemon peel. They were delicious. And yet, I have lots of delicious food at home. Coming from Melbourne, it takes a lot to blow my mind, and Barcelona didn't manage it. Sorry.
On to Avignon, which I was using as a stopover and to have a quick minibus tour of Provence because, well, if I'm going to pass through I may as well take the time to look around. It was, as expected, very scenic. I visited a lavender farm where I saw sweat-sheened young men exerting themselves heaving bales of lavender into a still to make lavender oil (they were well aware of their decorativeness, and posed for photos; there was also a tip jar for them by the exit), any number of medieval villages full of gift shops, where I wondered how or indeed whether anyone actually lived there full-time; and the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct, which was pretty awesome — you actually walk across it, or rather across a modern footbridge set up right next to it, close enough to touch. For the most part, though, Provence rubbed me the wrong way. I think I associate it too much with the sort of people who use it as a style of home decoration, and the result was that it all felt terribly twee to me. It didn't help that the place was packed full of gift shops that seemed dead set on promoting that sort of thing: "Provençal" table linens made in China, and whatnot. Ugh.
Then the TGV to Lyon, and then a local train from there to meet Anatsuno who lives in an adorable little village, in a house that's about 500 years old and is right on the village square, next to the bakery. We spent a lot of time sitting around, knitting, and eating cheese. By this point I really needed a few days of downtime, and especially of not walking on cobblestones in barefoot shoes, as bits of me were pretty achey. One day, though, we went to visit the Romanesque church at Anzy-le-Duc, which was gorgeous, and filled with amazing medieval frescos. My last night there, we went into Lyon and stayed over at another friend's house, where there was a cluster of fangirls and pizza and watching Vividcon vids and then, in the morning, a visit to La Droguerie (the famous French button mecca) before the train.
My next stop was Strasbourg, or rather Mutzig, a little town just outside Strasbourg. I stayed with some people from AirBNB, who turned out to be an ex-sysadmin-perl-guy-turned-professional-origamist, and his wife who's a guild-trained painter who does things like restore Medieval churches. They were completely delightful, as was their village. On my first full day I went back into Strasbourg, which was an interesting architectural and cultural change from the more southern areas I'd previously been in: definitely more German, with lots of steep-roofted half-timbered houses and sausages and the like. On the second day, my hosts offered to take me for a drive up into the hills to sample some of the local food and wine, which was utterly delicious. I had some kind of pork thing in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, and spaetzle, and the local pinot noir, Rouge d'Ottrott, which is unusual because Alsace mostly goes for white wines. Anyway. Strasbourg and environs: surprisingly awesome!
After that I went to Paris, but I'll save that for a subsequent blog post. I'm glad to have caught up this far, at least.


text:
Hosts: Randal Schwartz, Jono Bacon, and Leo Laporte
CMake, the cross-platform, open-source family of tools designed to build, test and package software.
Bill Hoffman for CMake.
Here's what's coming up for FLOSS in the future. Think your open source project should be on FLOSS Weekly? Email Randal at email@example.com.
Thanks to Cachefly for providing the bandwidth for this podcast, and Lullabot's Jeff Robbins, web designer and musician, for our theme music.
Running time: 56:50

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Top Insurance Industry Issues in 2015
The insurance industry is facing once-in-a-generation disruption. Top Insurance Industry Issues in 2015 discusses the challenges and opportunities confronting insurers, and provides insight on how to adapt to change.
|Top Insurance Industry Issues in 2014
The need to operate economically and efficiently, comply with new and existing regulations and standards, meet competitive pressures, and take advantage of opportunities to grow are all exerting considerable pressure on insurers. Companies that effectively address these issues will have a competitive advantage over their peers; companies that do not are likely to struggle – perhaps even to survive.
|Ten questions about the International Capital Standard (ICS)
This paper describes the International Capital Standard (ICS) and what this regulation could mean to insurers.
|Group capital standards: Comparing the different proposals
At this time, there are a number of divergent proposals on how to define an international capital standard for insurers. This paper describes and compares the proposals by deconstructing each capital standard calculation into its component parts and describing the alternatives for each of the components that the different proposals present.
|The modeling continuum
Sorting all of the different kinds of models into a framework can help our understanding of both them and model risk management. This paper proposes four categories for this framework, defines seven model attributes, and then compares the different categories across these attributes.
|Leveraging behavioral simulation to enhance the four percent rule
New external data sources and techniques can substantially enhance retirement planning beyond the 4% rule.
|Gateways to growth: Insurance portals that deliver
Insurers that don't adapt to rapidly changing client expectations may be left behind. Portals can help bridge the gap.
|No agent left behind: How insurers can rally support for tech upgrades
Insurers' IT projects can threaten independent agent loyalty. Change management can turn skeptics into believers.
|Significant others: How financial firms can manage third party risk
Using third party service providers can be a risky business. Get fewer headaches by getting on top of the problem.
|Tightening up your core: Powering Group insurance through PAS modernization
The Group insurance industry is facing unprecedented change. How can a PAS transformation support your growth strategy?
|Retirement readiness: Rule of thumb vs. behavioral simulation
It's time to revisit the "80% Rule" as a rule of thumb to evaluate retirement readiness.
|A perspective on intercompany reinsurance
Complex legal structures are inherent in the insurance industry. We think that companies can benefit from investing up front in simplifying their corporate structure. We also believe that there are can be tangible benefits from re-evaluating or implementing intercompany pooling and affiliate reinsurance. This can further streamline the corporate structure, based on pre-determined objectives and supporting parameters.
|Simplifying corporate structures
In light of the need to be nimble while reducing costs, corporate simplification should be at the top of the corporate "to-do" list. A well-managed corporate simplification program provides strategic alignment of entities, reduces costs, and facilitates more efficient use of capital. The companies that execute an effective corporate simplification process and maintain a commitment to simplification over time will succeed in reducing costs and be able to devote their time and attention to value adding activities.
|Stay informed: Financial Services 2014 SEC comment letter trends
Understanding the SEC staff's recent areas of focus and applicable accounting or reporting guidance for financial services registrants.
|Ditch the product pitch: Winning through customer-focused content
Pitches don't sell products—emotional connections do. How to win customers' hearts through personalized content.
|NAIC Spring 2015 National Meeting Notes
This newsletter contains information on activities that occurred in some of the committees, task forces and working groups that met at the NAIC Spring National Meeting and summarizes conference calls before and shortly after it.
|Improving cross-functional market focus for property and casualty insurers
In this paper, we explore managing the dynamics of insurance products via an end-to-end information advantage, illustrate it by way of example, and provide practical recommendations on how to affect it.
|NAIC Meeting Notes, Fall 2014
This newsletter contains information on activities that occurred at the November 16-19 NAIC Fall National Meeting.
|"Best" practices: The elusive benefit
Best practices can help companies gain a competitive advantage. However, the opposite is often true. In this paper, we describe common pitfalls in adopting best practices and ways insurers have overcome challenges to implement them successfully.
|Insurance board of directors' risk responsibilities: Guidance from global regimes
At the present time, no two developments in the insurance sector seem more entwined than risk and regulation, and nowhere is this interaction more evident than in developing regulatory expectations for insurers' boards of directors. While regulators still seem far apart in their search for a single global capital regime, they are much closer to a consensus on terms of governance.
|2015 Connecticut Insurance Market Brief
This Brief includes emerging trends/issues affecting the Connecticut insurance industry and is a companion document to the CT Insurance Market Summit event held on November 4, 2015.
|Are you ready for the Cloud? The case for moving insurance human resources to the Cloud
The Cloud is no longer considered cutting edge. Industries once thought to be too security sensitive are embracing it. Moving to the Cloud is central to technological and functional transformation and can change insurance company human resources departments to be more strategic.
|Actuarial Reserving Function & Business Partnering Effectiveness: Insights from PwC's industry survey
PwC's survey of the the US Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance industry's actuarial reserving practices uncovered challenges and helped to establish benchmarks for the effectiveness of's actuarial reserving functions.
|NAIC Meeting Notes, Summer 2014
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners held its Summer National Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky from August 16 to 19, 2014. This newsletter contains information on activities that occurred in some of the committees, task forces and working groups that met there.
|The case FOAR insurance modernization
A comprehensive, well thought-out, pragmatic and staged plan to modernize FOAR functions and prepare for new requirements can lead to a competitive advantage through revamped products, reduced expenses, and increased efficiencies.
|Claim to Fame: Positioning the claims function for operational excellence
This August 2014 FS Viewpoint describes how improving the customer experience starts with improving the claims process.
|Doing more with more: How P&C insurers are creating an information advantage with 3rd party data
Look at how 3PD is dramatically altering the information management, analytics and decision-making landscape, as well as some leading practices on successfully integrating and exploiting 3PD.
|Continuing Developments in the Taxation of Insurance, 2013 the year in review
The latest edition of Continuing Developments in the Taxation of Insurance Companies from PwC reviews developments affecting the taxation of insurance companies, with a special focus on legislation, tax accounting, and Federal, international, and multi-state taxation developments.
|The ORSA: How prepared are you?
2014 is the time to put in place a strong ERM framework. This paper describes three steps insurers can take to move forward faster.
|Ten practices of effective ceded reinsurance claims and accounting teams
This paper describes practices that ceded reinsurance teams can implement in order to improve the effectiveness of ceded reinsurance programs and associated accounting.
|Adopting an Agile methodology: Requirements-gathering and delivery
In this comprehensive overview of Agile requirements gathering and project delivery, we explore an approach and framework that can drive success through open communication with stakeholders around an active project management framework designed to best fit the organization.
|Effectively using Agile methodology to deliver packaged software solutions
Flawed implementations of Agile can result in a failure to completely realize its full benefits. This can lead to the misperception that the methodology itself is not adequate, when the true failure is the implementation, not the design of the methodology.
|2013 Connecticut Insurance Market Brief
This Brief includes information updates, emerging trends/issues and new executive perspectives since the Report was published and is a companion document to the Connecticut Insurance Market Forecast event held on November 12, 2013.
|Modernizing insurance finance
Implementation efforts and costs related to the proposed IASB-FASB insurance contracts standard could vary significantly depending on product types, systems infrastructure, and resource capabilities. Whether companies apply GAAP, IFRS, or both, there will be at least some change.
|Utilizing service entities as part of your service operating model
As insurers evaluate and re-design their service operating model, they should determine if a separate service company would be advantageous. Insurance companies are particularly well suited to move certain activities away from their insurance legal entities, but the business case for doing so should be compelling.
|Top Insurance Industry Issues in 2013
Top Insurance Industry Issues in 2013 describes in detail the challenges insurers are facing and the strategies they can use to cope with change, manage risk, enhance their operations, and grow.
|Top 2013 Insurance Risks: Insurance Banana Skins US responses
What are the most critical economic, financial, and operational risks facing insurance companies in the US? Insurance company executives shared their responses in the 2013 edition of Insurance Banana Skins, conducted by the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation (CSFI) and sponsored by PwC.
|Wielding Distribution Forces for Global Growth
Distribution channel innovation promotes competitive differentiation for cross-border operations. Effective distribution improves customer acquisition and retention, thereby enabling premium growth, market share gains, and profitability.
|2012 Insurance ERM and ORSA Readiness Survey
PwC recently surveyed 65 US life, P&C and health insurers about their ERM practices and readiness for RMORSA requirements. While some insurers are ahead of the curve, survey results indicate that, for the industry as a whole, there is a potentially significant gap between perceptions of RMORSA preparedness and the actual completeness of underlying risk frameworks.
|How do the final FATCA regulations impact insurers?
PwC released an earlier Newsbrief on January 18, 2013 highlighting many of the distinctions between the proposed regulations and final regulations, which potentially apply to all industries. To supplement the earlier Newsbrief, this Newsbrief describes the most notable differences between the proposed and final FATCA regulations that will impact insurers.
|Game on: How information is changing the rules of insurance
The ability to effectively manage, leverage, and integrate the "data deluge" flooding today's carriers will be a key differentiator in the insurance marketplace of the future.
|Loyalty analytics exposed: What every program manager needs to know
As loyalty programs have grown and matured, various accounting, actuarial, and regulatory models have emerged. Differing views on recognizing and measuring loyalty program benefits and costs have led to diversity in practice. Gaining an understanding of these different perspectives, particularly with respect to point-based loyalty programs, is critical to establishing an effective loyalty program strategy and proper financial reporting.
|Top Insurance Industry Issues in 2012
Top Insurance Industry Issues in 2012 addresses key issues for insurance companies including SSAP 101, regulatory compliance, Dodd-Frank, international expansion, risk and capital management, the low interest rate environment, policy administration, the impact of FATCA, and more.
|Missing the forest for the trees? Adapting underwriting intensity to boost insurance property and casualty sales
A conventional property and casualty insurance underwriting approach is not as effective as a targeted sales-oriented method for improving submission rates and increasing sales. This FS Viewpoint outlines the steps to achieving a targeted approach and describes "underwriting intensity".
|Using a RMORSA to improve risk and reward decision-making
Insurers can leverage the Risk Management Own Risk & Solvency Assessment (RMORSA) to improve risk-to-reward decision-making and insurance business planning. Insurers that re-design their risk management functions and processes will improve regulatory relations to better handle market uncertainty.
|Is your finance function delivering the value you expect?
Considering the demands on finance functions and current opportunities for improvement, this may be the best time for insurers to revisit their finance operating models and better prepare their operations for current and future demands.
|How do the proposed FATCA regulations impact Insurers?
Long-awaited proposed regulations providing guidance on FATCA issued - including specific implementation issues relevant to the insurance industry.
|A brief introduction to insurance underwriting and information advantage
Insurers that use a broad range of underwriting information will have an information advantage over their competitors. The question for insurers to consider is whether their underwriting function will compete at an information advantage or disadvantage.
|G-SIIs vs. G-SIFIs: Lines blur between insurance and banking July - 2012
As a part of a global initiative to help prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis and reduce the threat posed by global systemically important financial institutions, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors has released its proposed assessment methodology for the identification of global systemically important insurers.
|Strategic risk management: Facilitating risk-based insurance decisions
Enterprise risk functions usually do well identifying, modelling and mitigating "knowable" risks, but face a bigger challenge identifying, quantifying and mitigating ambiguous risks. Insurers require a strategic Risk Management (SRM) solution to identify, assesses and manage enterprise-threatening losses over time.
|Can your reporting strategy meet new challenges?
Insurance organizations are examining their reporting strategy as a result of regulatory and accounting changes from the FASB's/IASB's Measurement of Insurance Contracts standards and Solvency II's Pillar 3 disclosures. A flexible reporting environment can accommodate existing and new reporting requirements.
|The Sprint for the Global Footprint: How Insurers can Build a Profitable Growth Strategy through International Expansion
Projected slower growth in developed economies is creating a mandate for insurers to expand internationally. However, no one strategy fits all in terms of where, how, and when to expand. In fact, leading insurers have learned that uniform approaches fall short, and that the key to success is making available information actionable.
|Fire, Ready, Aim: Don't Miss the Point of a Policy Administration Transformation
The frequency and complexity of changing market dynamics have made a modern and flexible PAS platform a necessity for desired growth and profitability, and most insurance carriers are placing policy administration system (PAS) transformation near the top of their to-do lists. Companies that do not adapt risk losing market share while experiencing continually escalating costs.


text:
Oven Basics 2 qt.
- Anchor Hocking clear glass bakeware
- Oven Basics 2 qt. baking dish
- Classic shape
- Bakes evenly
- Comfortable, easy grip handle
- Oversized capacities
- Item# 81936OBL11
Share |
- Oven Safe: Use your Anchor Hocking bakeware in gas and electric ovens up to 425°
- Freezer Safe: Use your Anchor Hocking ware for storing food in refrigerator or freezer, but do not take directly from freezer to oven. Let food thaw before cooking or reheating in oven.
- Dishwasher Safe (Lid top rack)
- Microwave Safe - Gap/vent is required between the cover and glass.
- Anchor Hocking has manufactured high quality glassware in the United States of America since 1905 - we have over 100 years of glass manufacturing experience!
- 5 Year Warranty on Anchor Hocking Glass Bakeware


text:
Any Fa News?????
Any Fa News?????
Yes. Kevin Carter apparently is still sleeping.
I here he just rolled over.Originally Posted by FireWrongstedt
Originally Posted by Megatron
There's drool all over his pillow from what I hear. He's been out for like, 17 hours straight.
Im Being Serious??
Are We Getting Carter Or Not???
Whats Up With Stewart (lb) And Sharper???
Trust me...if theres any news at all....It will be on here in less then a second.
Wow. These updates on Kevin Carter are better than the Surtain for Edge threads. Keep 'em coming.
he got up for a glass of water, drank about half of it, poured the rest down the sink and went back to sleep...Originally Posted by FireWrongstedt
apparently he's dreaming about playing opposite JT, but that is unconfirmed at this moment... I'll have to get in touch with his conscience.
sorry i just got home ive been gone all weekend
And we'll have 300 threads about it too...lolOriginally Posted by Jimi
Ozzy rules!!


text:
iRhythms A-9800 Passive Noise Reducing Ear Bud Headphones
Passive noise reducing ear bud headphones for iPod, white with acrylic finish, 3 sets of custom fit ear sleeves, 1 set of foam fitted ear sleeves, in-line volume control, travel pouch, 9mm neodymium drivers
Jabra VOX Corded Stereo Wired Headsets - Retail Packaging - Black
"The Jabra Vox is Jabra's current flagship IEM. It has impressed me in many ways, but has its shortcomings. But for being only $100 MSRP, these are a definite competitor on the current market. [[SPOILER]] Package - The Vox comes in a hard-plastic container with a yellow silicone stripe down the middle, with the word, 'Vox' written on it. It feels well made, and is aesthetically pleasing to my..." --pro1137


text:
Reviewed By salvador o (NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV) Reviewed for a 1994 BMW 3-Series —5/22/2014 9:27 PM
I had bad connection a on my factory taillights. These lights from anything auto really are awesome and solved my problem.
Reviewed By jodie b (Fort Worth, TX) Reviewed for a 1999 BMW 3-Series —11/1/2011 9:14 PM
I am a female with a 1999 BMW...I needed the corner lights for my bimmer. I found this site after going to several dealer's and getting ridiculous prices for them to install and replace one corner bulb ranging from 99 - 125 dollars. I purchased a pair of corner lights for a total of 49.99 with free shipping..I also installed them myself...it was so simple and easy to accomplish. Hard to believe I almost paid twice that amount for one bulb...so now I'm looking at my next purchase ..just don't know what I want but I think I want to pimp my ride...
Reviewed By John L (Utica, NY) Reviewed for a 1990 BMW 7-Series —9/13/2008 10:21 AM
I am extremely pleased with LED Tail Lights! I found the service to be quick, knowledgeable and courteous, a rare combination in today's business world. The product arrived in two days - fast. High quality product, easy to follow instructions, cinch to install, as close to plug and play as you can get. Install took me @30 min. and I took my time. Looks great! Much brighter and more attractive than OEMs, not too flashy! *****


text:
Biohazard Earbud Design Clip
Budclicks patented the ability to click charms to earbuds. They allow kids, tweens, and adults to style up those bland white earbuds. The Budclick mount works on iPod and iPhone style white earbuds created by Apple. With over 150 million of these earbuds on the market Budclicks have appeal to just about everyone. Budclicks has found the largest audience in music listeners on the go. Whether on...
Arriva cordless iPod Shuffle 2G headphones with ipod-type earbuds, regular white
Listen to your iPod 2G Shuffle with this comfortable, lightweight headphone with iPod type earbuds, supported on the back of the head, easy to use controls, no dangling wires, perfect for runners, skiers, workouts. Also very comfortable under helmets. Shuffle player not included in purchase.


text:
Although I don't mean to brag… I have a really great scarf-hood-combination garment.
I was wearing said awesome scarf in a rather cold apartment during my remote participation in the Learning Creative Learning class.
I would like to think that I said some interesting and insightful things. But if I didn't, I'm glad to hear my scarf — which now has its very own sub-reddit — was able to impress and entertain.
Syndicated 2013-03-18 10:01:40 (Updated 2013-03-18 12:03:55) from copyrighteous


text:
Version 0.30 of Spreadsheet::WriteExcel was released on time. It now includes the facility to write formulas and functions. Despite the fact that this had been one of the most requested features I received only one email in relation to it. A bug report.
The author of the email said that with the inclusion of formulas the module had gone from interesting to useful. A fair observation.
Life (and how to live it)
Blood Simple was on T.V. The Coen brothers first feature. It doesn't contain the humourous undertone of their later films. I haven't seen it in a number of year. It is still really good.


text:
Please Note: This product does NOT contain latex.
Note From Midtown Health's Customer Relations Department: It is important to always contact your physician and or wound specialist before starting any wound care therapy.
Orders over $50 ship for FREE!
Due to the nature of this product and our adherence to strict safety precautions, this product is NOT returnable unless it is unopened and has not been tampered with in any way. View Return Policy.
This item will typically ship via USPS when shipped alone.
While we cannot administer medical advice, our Customer Service Team members are available to assist you with the ordering of your medical supplies. Our toll-free number is 1-866-774-9513 - Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm CST (7:00 am to 3:00 PST / 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST). If you prefer to correspond by email, our address is firstname.lastname@example.com.
Kaltostat is available in onr size: 3" x 4 3/4" rectangle. To meet your personal requirements, Midtown Health offers Kaltostat for purchase by the individual dressing or the box.
Many of our customers have reported excellent results using Puracyn OTC (formerly named Microcyn OTC). Puracyn OTC is an innovative new approach to wound care promoting faster healing time. It is a non-irritating, pH-balanced wound cleanser for minor cuts, burns, irritations, and superficial abrasions of the skin. We recommend high quality Pacific Exam Gloves be worn while cleaning the wound and changing dressings.
Molnlycke's Normlgel is a moisturing wound gel that assists in maintaining a moist environment which is beneficial for the wound healing processing.
After the wound has closed, proven scar treatments such as Cica-Care, Mepiform, or Kelo-Cote will improve the appearance of scars and prevent abnormal or excessive scar formation. Always consult your physician or wound care specialist before starting any wound care treatment program.
We also carry supplies for compression wrapping such as Comprilan, Elastoplast, and Jobst Cover-Roll.


text:
Jan 19, 2016 5:07:52 AM
Dec 3, 2015 1:33:45 AM
Sep 22, 2015 2:09:55 AM
View all articles
UCL Australia
Torrens Building
220 Victoria Square
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Tel: +61 8 8110 9960
Fax: +61 8 8212 3039
Research in the School of Energy and Resources focuses on both the upstream and downstream development of energy and resources, covering a wide range of disciplines - from engineering and economics to environmental science and law.
Read More
The Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) is a world-leading research organisation delivering a broad science programme that is underpinned by a strong capability in space science instrumentation, space-domain engineering, space medicine, systems engineering and project management.
The International Energy Policy Institute (IEPI) was created to address key policy issues in the mineral, energy and resources industries through intensive and innovative research.
Read about all departmental research in the 2014 Annual Report.


text:
Topic: Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Hi Geniuses, I went to lunch today and was shocked to hear that a friend of mine has had PBC for 8 years now. I just looked it up and nothing mentions CC which of course is what came to my mind. It is also rare, and you don't know you have it until later and the only cure is a transplant. Almost the same modus operendi and I was wondering if this in fact could develop in to CC? Anyone ever hear of it? THANX
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.


text:
Ok thank you guys, I hoped there was a more clean solution... A terminal connector and it's short bar will do it. Anyway, it will be hidden in a box
Please enter a valid email to subscribe
We need to confirm your email address.
To complete the subscription, please click the link in the
email we just sent you.
Thank you for subscribing!
via Egeo 16
Torino, 10131


text:
Prada skirt, Hot Topic Leggings (I am in need of the AA ones, these fail), Cutesygirl shoes, Vintage Blouse & Vest
I have decided rather than compose blog posts in my head every day, I'm going to just post designers and non-outfit related stuff for you guys more often. I got out of the habit and there are so many great designers (ahem ahem Antoine Peters ahem ahem. hi dear.) I haven't yet introduced you all to yet.
oh hi mr. van beirendonck, and mr. beard
For now, I'll leave you with Walter van Beirendonck's designs. They amuse me greatly, and I'm quite fond of the sheer pieces in the first look. Maybe if my Anatomy & Physiology teacher wore one of his designs last year, I would have paid more attention....


text:
Audeo Phonak PFE112 Revision II Earphones
" From my point of view these are excellent, both in terms of sound and isolation, plus they look extremely elegant. I am not a 'golden ear' and can't really say much about the harmonics and sound spectrum as I'm really a complete noob here. However even for me I think I'd like a bit more punchy and powerful bass. Nevertheless the sound is basically music to the ears. I..." --iXpertMan
Earbuds with Wind-Up Case
The JB9, a unique set of earbuds, is designed for enhanced audio performance, comfort, style and carrying convenience. Although designed with a sense of fun, the JB9 delivers serious high quality sound from its proprietary custom design and tooling. Enhanced acoustic chambers built into the earbuds improve overall sonic performance and increase bass response for overall clearer sound...


text:
Reality Check: Neumann's Tax Cut, Job Creation Claims
WISC-TV Analysis Found Candidate's Claims Misleading
MADISON, Wis. - As WISC-TV continues with its We the People Wisconsin Fact Finder reports, it's looking at a claim by Republican candidate for governor Mark Neumann about cutting taxes and creating jobs.
Neumann has claimed he would cut taxes 24 percent and create 300,000 jobs.
He has tried to corner the market on business smarts in the gubernatorial campaign. In a recent ad, he explains his business plan for the state.
"I'm a business owner, and my no-gimmicks business plan shows how we will cut taxes 24 percent," Neumann says in the ad.
A WISC-TV analysis found this is misleading.
Neumann would not cut taxes 24 percent in one year. He's proposing a 3 percent cut per year for eight years, at the end of a hypothetical second term, WISC-TV reported.
Plus, he's assuming strong economic growth to do it. He assumes state revenues will grow about 5 percent a year, and he said he'll only increase spending by 2 percent. That leaves him with 3 percent left over in the budget each year, which he said he'd use to cut taxes, WISC-TV reported.
But a WISC-TV analysis found some problems with the scenario.
First, no one can guarantee 5 percent growth. In fact, last year the state saw a 7 percent drop in revenues, although growth is projected at 5.4 percent next year.
Second, this plan doesn't deal with a multibillion dollar structural deficit facing a new governor, WISC-TV reported.
Third, cutting state spending by this amount could cut aid to local governments or school districts, forcing them to drive up property taxes.
Finally, there's a question of whose taxes are getting cut. It won't be the average resident's taxes at first.
Neumann said he'd get rid of the hospital tax and other business taxes first that were passed during Gov. Jim Doyle's administration, then use a committee to decide where other tax cuts could be most helpful.
In short, WISC-TV found it's misleading to say he'll cut taxes 24 percent.
Then, Neumann goes on to say in the ad that he'll, "create 300,000 new jobs, and make sure our kids are the best educated in the world."
A WISC-TV analysis found this needs clarification. Neumann said he believes he can create 300,000 jobs from one concept -- research triangles. It's a program piloted in North Carolina where businesses partner with universities to share ideas, create jobs and bring new businesses to the area. The program there claims it has created 110,000 jobs in five years, and Neumann promises these jobs by 2020.
But can 30,000 jobs be created at each of 10 research parks in the state? Neumann's only proof it can be done is North Carolina, and he is counting "trickle-down" jobs too, like grocery store clerks and construction jobs needed to expand these areas.
As an example in Wisconsin, though, University of Wisconsin-Madison's Research Park has been open for 26 years and employs 3,500 people. There's no estimate for how many other jobs this has brought to the area.
If you have a question for the We the People Fact Finder team, e-mail it to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Latest Political Headlines
- Wisconsin AG: Undercover campaign video probe still alive
- Republican bill would discipline hecklers at UW speeches
- Records show little GOP feedback to state education plan
- Education accountability bill clears panel, prospects dim
- Gov. Walker hopes Trump's tough talk catches Canada's attention
- Bill would let victims, witnesses block body camera releases


text:
1974 VW Thing Custom Buggy - Wild ThingPosted in Features on December 19, 2006 Comment (0)
When you own a vehicle for decades, you can't help but get attached to it. But what if that auto becomes worn and dull from many years of dedicated use? You can certainly revive it, making it better than ever. This is exactly what Gary Yahnke did with a '74 VW Thing he had owned for over 25 years. Gary and the VW had spent many a day traversing dirt roads and desert byways throughout Arizona. So, several years ago he handed it over to the fabricators at Tatum Motor Sports in Peoria, Arizona.
The folks at Tatum started by gutting the vehicle and removing the entire drivetrain, suspension, and steering systems. Given the go-ahead to turn this aged rig from mild to wild, they set out to forever change its appearance and performance. Starting with a 2.2-liter GM Ecotec engine that was mildly modified, the build crew used a Porsche transaxle to transfer the power through custom swingaxle-hung drivelines. King coilover shocks with remote reservoirs handle the rear spring and damping needs. Billet disc brakes stop the transaxle rotation, and all the fluid paths are plumbed in stainless-braid hoses. BFG Mud-Terrains wrapped on aluminum wheels get this rig over a wide variety of terrain, whether that be exploring rocky fire roads or following sandy desert washes.
Up front, Tatum relied on its sand car skills to incorporate a billet aluminum front suspension. This long-travel setup provides a smooth ride over rough terrain with the help of King coilovers and remote reservoirs. With the motivation and suspension covered, it was time to turn attention to safety, comfort, and looks. The original windshield was retained and a rollcage added. Gray Renegade seats allow room for four to ride in comfort, and Crow harnesses hold everyone snug in those seats. Finally, bright-orange paint with gold metalflake was sprayed on to make the VW really pop. The vivid basecoat is further enhanced with the racy graphics on the hood and sides.
Gary now has a revived vehicle that's set up to do the dirt-running and road-exploring he's always loved. Keep your eyes peeled and you just might spot this one cruising Arizona.


text:
The place to be....for the Characters, Places & Things
on Television
Green, a 59-year-old former slave and court clerk, portrayed the original Aunt
Jemima at the Chicago World's Exposition of 1893. On radio, Harriette Widmer
portrayed this fictional advertising spokeswoman.
During the 1950s and '60s the
image of the Aunt Jemima trademark was gradually modernized and in 1988, her
100-year-old image was given an overhaul. She still kept the traditional
attributes of warmth, quality, good taste, heritage and reliability but
discarded the bandanna and kerchief for a simple attractive look including
gray-streaked hair and pearl earrings. Her character now looked more like the
white counter part of Betty Crocker.
The Aunt Jemima character was inspired by
the 19th century song "Aunt Jemima" performed by a vaudeville team of Baker
& Farrell when they visited St. Joseph Missouri.
Chris Rutt, a newspaperman and
the inventor of a first self-rising pancake mix (along with Charles Underwood)
saw their performance and hired an artist to create the image of Aunt Jemima
based on the southern "Mammy" costume of apron and red bandanna worn by Baker in
his act.
In advertising history, there were other black advertising characters.
A black male character dubbed Uncle Mose (from the song "Old Man Mose") was
created to help Quaker Oats sell their premiums for Jemima and Uncle Mose salt
and pepper shakers.
A black woman called Luzianne Mammy (with bandana and beefy
physique similar to Aunt Jemima) was created by Wm. B. Reilly and Company to
sell its Luzianne Coffee.
The Cream of Wheat Company used the image of a smiling
black man called Rastus (based on a real black waiter).
And a pair of black
twins known as the Gold Dust Twins (drawn by famed illustrator W. W. Kemble)
appeared on boxes of Gold Dust Twin scouring powder in the early 20th century.
As of 2004, the Duncan Hines product line is
owned by Pinnacle Foods Corporation (formerly Aurora Foods).
TRIVIA NOTE: On Oct. 31, 1991, New
York City radio station WXRK-FM was fined $600,000 by the F.C.C. when Howard Stern,
the host of their controversial morning talk show said he masturbated
to Aunt Jemima. His exact statement "The closest I came to making love to a
black woman was I, uh, masturbated to a picture of Aunt Jemima on a pancake box.
I did it right on her kerchief" Allegedly, Stern's antics have caused his employers to pay more FCC fines
than any other program in history.
The "New" Aunt Jemima
Back to Top
Back to Top
Back to Top


text:
- Home /
- Purcell and his Time - 17th Century Chamber Music
The Golden Age of English Chamber Music or Knockt on the head. Many chose to fiddle at home than to goe out, and be knockt on the head abroad (Roger North). One man so knockt was William Lawes: In these distracted times Lawes loyalty ingaged him in the war for his Lord and Master and though he was a commissary (such officers being shot-free, as not exposed to danger) yet betrayed by his own adventurousness was casually shot at the Siege of Chester (1645). Hearing of the death of his dear servant, the Kings soul was ingrossed with mourning for him, whom he loved and called the Father of Musick (Fuller, 1662)....
Additional Information
|Main artist
|Purcell, Locke
H. Purcell and His Time
The Ensemble Scaramouche was founded in 1989 by Jaap ter Linden and Andrew Manze, principal cellist and leader of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra. Together with Caroline Balding and Ulrike Wild they created a group, whose aim is to play music of the 18th and especially of the 17th centuries in a lively and entertaining way for a modern audience, using historical instruments and appropriate performance techniques.
"Scaramouche" first appeared as a stock figure of the Commedia dell'Arte in Naples at the turn of the 16th century, characterized by his black costume, long sword and the cowardly insolence traditionally associated with stage servants, such as Don Giovanni's Leporello. The most famous Scaramouche of the 17th century was the actor Tiberio Fiorilli who greatly expanded the role with his seemingly inexhaustible range of theatrical talents. He would accompany his lovely singing on the lute and was known throughout Italy as the "Prince of Facemakers". His fame even took him to France where he enjoyed great popularity at the court of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Scaramouche, the character, died with the man.
(...) this inspired anthology captures the spirit and special power of this music (...)
|Normal PCM CD
|Running time
|Year of release
|Number of cd's
(...) this inspired anthology captures the spirit and special power of this music (...)
(...) The charm of this recording is in the variety of repertory, and the sonic quality is good.
American Record Guide
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Popular Artists
- Alfredo Marcucci
- Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet
- Amsterdam Sinfonietta
- Bart Schneemann
- Charivari Trio
- Dana Zemtsov
- Dejan Lazic
- Ebony Band
- Emily Beynon
- Florilegium
- Frommermann
- Gary Cooper
- Gustavo Núñez
- Hamlet Piano Trio
- Holland Baroque
- Ivan Fischer, Budapest Festival Orchestra
- Jasper de Waal
- Johannette Zomer
- Jörgen van Rijen
- Katona Twins
- Lavinia Meijer
- Magdalena Consort
- Matthew Wadsworth
- Meridian Arts Ensemble
- Mia Chung
- Musica Reale
- Netherlands Bach Society
- New Century Saxophone Quartet
- Nicolas Altstaedt
- Ning Feng
- Paolo Giacometti
- Peter Dijkstra
- Pieter Wispelwey
- Rachel Podger
- Ragazze Quartet
- Reinild Mees
- Rick Stotijn
- Rosanne Philippens
- Serena Wang
- The Gents
- Tulipa Consort
- Wim Van Hasselt


text:
Explore Europe by bicycle! Organized bike tours & Bike&River cruises throughout Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece & beyond! Tours include accommodation, meals, daily luggage transfer, bike rental & more.
Guided and self guided cycling, walking and road bike holday programs all around Europe. Enjoy an inn to inn cycle walking tour with luggage transfer, hotel booking, tour information package, ....
A relaxed 8 day trip following Danube River on level terrain, displaying the rich art, history and architecture of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The route passes through the capital city of Slovakia – Bratislava.
Easy paced, relaxed cycling along the meandering banks of the Danube River, from village to village, on quiet cycling paths - the ideal way to explore the art, history and architecture of the Austrian Empire.
Find exciting Danube Valley, Austria bike tours for your vacation. Hit the pedal to the metal and experience the excitement of our bicycle tours. Our bicycle trips can be guided for beginner riders or self-guided for experienced bikers. Bike trips are a fun physical activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. Go off-road and take your wheels into the woods on our Danube Valley, Austria mountain biking tours. Enjoy speeding down trails and ripping through the forest on our mountain biking trips. Browse our Danube Valley, Austria bike tours and plan your vacation today!


text:
A Few Beginner Questions
|Post Reply
Topic Search Topic Options
Joined: 11 May 2012
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Post Options
Posted: 11 May 2012 at 4:40pm
I've been lurking on this forum for over a year, trying to figure out if RFID implantation is something I'd be interested in. Finially, I've figured out, it is.
From a practical standpoint, my last two jobs required RFID badges to get in and out of "sensitive" areas. Obviously, an RFID implant would alleviate a number of issues when it comes to key fobs and badges. I tend to forget my badge at home, leaving me to depend on my co-workers for assistance. It's hard to save face when you must gingerly ask someone to open a door for you due to your forgetfulness.
Anyway, I have a question or two before I take the big leap...
It sounds pretty noobish, but I can't seem to find much information on RFID implants themselves. Specifically, whether or not cloning an RFID tag is a one time deal. Can you overwrite a previously clone-written implant, or is it a one shot? Are there implants that are infinitely re-writeable? I imagine the answer is "yes", as having to cut out an implant for a different signal seems pretty impractical.
The other question I have is; Can you switch RFID signals on the fly with a device of some kind, or are we limited to software on our computers? I may have a second job soon, of which requires yet another RFID badge for access. I'd like to be able to pull out a device that enables me to switch between signals as I go from one job to the other. Is this a possibility, even just in the near future, or will I have to endure a second implant?
I'm really excited about this. I've never really been all that interested in a tattoo, I've only had an ear piercing (which I allowed to close up), but an RFID implant is actually useful and (maybe) much cooler than the former or the latter! Thanks in advance for the help!
Edited by jaylerms - 11 May 2012 at 4:43pm
Admin Group
Joined: 22 November 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 2143
Post Options
Hi Jay,
In short, you will not be happy with an implant. You cannot do the things you want to do with it. There are a few posts on this forum from people with the same goal. If you need an extended explanation, search around for those posts.
"Obviously, an RFID implant would alleviate a number of issues when it comes to key fobs and badges." - this is not correct.
"Can you overwrite a previously clone-written implant" - this is not accurate for LF/HF passive tags. tags come with a pre-written ID that CANNOT BE CHANGED. some may also have writable memory blocks in addition to their ID, but that's separate.
"Can you switch RFID signals on the fly with a device of some kind" - no. some tags have memory blocks that can be updated/re-written using a reader/writer device, but you cannot change "signals" (frequency, protocol, air interface, unique ID, etc.)
Sorry for the brevity, but this has been covered a few times and I'm getting lazy :)
Edited by amal - 11 May 2012 at 5:24pm
Amal ;)
Joined: 11 May 2012
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Post Options
No, thank you, Amal! I really appreciate it.
In terms of the practicality of an implant, I really just mean it's harder to lose than a key fob or badge. That would be the main draw for me but, as you said, an RFID implant being more or less non re-writeable definitely changes things for me.
I wonder if, in the near future, an option for a truly re-writeable implant will be available to the general consumer. If not, it looks like I might be stuck with my easily misplaced badge. :\
Thanks again for the info, Amal!
Admin Group
Joined: 22 November 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 2143
Post Options
Glad to help.
The issue with an implant being re-writable is that would mean that regular tags would need to be re-writable as well. Some tags are completely re-writable, like Gen2 UHF tags... however these tags are never used for the applications you want an implant for (ID, security, etc.) for obvious reasons. The premise on it's face is flawed because it would mean the ID/security system would not be reliable or secure. That's why you will never see an implant that can be programmed to emulate another systems' tags.
An implant is most useful to a person who can build their own systems. In some cases, an existing access control system you might encounter at work or school could use a tag type that also can be found in a glass capsule configuration that might be implantable - Not all glass tags are implantable. Some use glass that contains lead and other heavy metals. Research should always be done before implanting something in your body... it's your job to research the safety of these objects, no one else's.
As I was saying, the likelihood of encountering these kind of systems is very low. Either the system uses proprietary technology (like HID and Honeywell systems do) and the tag is not available in a glass capsule form factor, the system uses HF 13.56MHz technology which is not as compatible with implantation as LF 125KHz tags are, or the system does use an LF technology that can be found in a safe implantable glass form factor, but you would then need to convince the system operator to add your implant to the system rather than issue you a card... so the likelihood of you being able to use your implant with a work or school access control system pretty much falls to zero.
With all that said, there is one possibility that exists where cloning could work, that that is in the event you get yourself a Philips HITAG 2048 tag and encounter an access control system that uses EM4102 tags. In that case, and that case only, you could program your HITAG to emulate an EM4102 tag, and change that emulated ID on demand... but I don't recommend bothering. Almost no commercial access control systems use EM4102s and to program the HITAG you would need a special reader/writer and software that can be several times more expensive than a simple reader that works with a basic EM4012 implant.
Amal ;)
|Post Reply
| Tweet
|Forum Jump
|Forum Permissions
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


text:
Associations and Organisations (65)Sort by: A-Z Newest
National Ride to Work Day
Join the commuter revolution and register for Ride to Work Day Show your support for riding to work and register for Ride to Work Day, 13 October 2010. Your registration helps improve bike facilities across Australia. Registering is free and will only take 2 minutes, less time than it takes to brush your teeth!
Cycling Resource Centre – CRC
The Cycling Resource Centre is maintained by the Australian Bicycle Council (ABC) in implementing the Australian National Cycling Strategy 2005 – 2010 (NCS). The Centre is a repository for data, information and best practice relating to cycling planning, policy, programs and projects.
Retail Cycle Traders Australia
The Retail Cycle Traders Australia (Inc) is the national association for independent specialist bicycle retailers. As a not for profit association all funds go towards helping members; the guild is governed by an active, elected volunteer board of directors comprised of specialist bicycle retailers, who understand the issues involved in small business and bicycle retailing.


text:
Discontinued Product
4.6 Cu. Ft. Built-In Glass Door Medical Refrigerator
Sorry, the manufacturer is no longer producing this product.
Description & Highlights
American BioTech Supply 4.6 Cu. Ft. Built-In Glass Door Medical Refrigerator
For consistently low temperatures in a space-efficient design, choose the American BioTech Supply 4.6 Cu. Ft. Built-In Glass Door Medical Refrigerator (ABTUCBI0404G). The white powder coated exterior and heavy duty interior shelves provide clean and durable storage space for your temperature-sensitive items. There are two (2) adjustable wire shelves and one (1) fixed shelf. An integrated keyed lock provides increased security of important and valuable contents, while the glass door allows you to see inside. The micropressor temperature controller can set the internal temperature between 0-10° C which reads out on the digital temperature display.
Inside you'll find a single-piece interior liner for a seamless covering that is very easy to clean, and a wire shelf for organizing your contents. As a front breathing unit, it can easily be built-in under a counter but still kept easily accessible. This built-in medical refrigerator will ensure proper storage of important items that require very specific and exceptionally cool temperatures, while keeping them safe and secure.
Capacity:4.6 cu. ft. of internal space offers ample space for supplies to be organized and stored
Temperature Range:The micropressor temperature control can be used to set the internal temperature between 0-10° C
Built-In:Front-breathing ventilation allows the unit to be built-in and is undercounter height for seamless installation
- Model: ABTUCBI0404GAmerican BioTech Supply 4.6 Cu. Ft. Built-In Glass Door Medical Refrigerator
- Brand: American BioTech SupplyADA compliant
- 0-10° CHeavy duty shelves
- Keyed door lockCycle defrost
- Digital temperature displayFront breathing
- Audible and visual temperature alarmsUndercounter
- Glass doorInput voltage: 120 V/60 Hz
- Leveling legsWeight: 97 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years, 5 years compressorDimensions: 33.38" H x 23.75" W x 25.50" D
- Height: 33.38"
- Width: 23.75"
- Depth: 25.50"


text:
Family: Ephippidae, Spadefishes view all from this family
Description The Atlantic spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) is a species of marine fish endemic to the western Atlantic Ocean. They are commonly found in shallow waters off the coast of the southeastern United States and in the Caribbean.
Due to their reputation as strong fighters, they are popular game fish, especially during the summer months when they are most active.
The Atlantic spadefish has a very deep, compressed, disk-shaped body and a blunt snout. The second dorsal and anal fins of adults have long, trailing anterior lobes, giving an "angelfish-like" appearance. The body is silver in color with irregular black vertical bands that fade gradually with age. The mouth is small, with the maxilla of adults ending beneath the nostrils. Specimens commonly weigh from three to ten pounds, although individuals as large as twenty pounds have been recorded. Their maximum length is about 3 feet (0.9 meters).
Habitat Ocean or bay shallows, Estuaries, tidal flats & salt marshes, Tidepools.
Range New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Florida, Texas.


text:
Log In now to add this Gigapan to a group gallery.
Log In now to add this Gigapan to a gallery.
About This GigapanToggle
- Taken by
- Vittorio Ghelfi
- Explore score
- 1
- Size
- 0.44 Gigapixels
- Views
- 4278
- Date added
- Jun 27, 2013
- Date taken
- Categories
- architectural, indoor, travel
- Galleries
- Competitions
- Tags
- Milan_Malpensa, Airport_Hotel_Milan_Malpensa.Hotel_Hilton_Italy, italia, vittorio_ghelfi_gigapan, Photo_Hotel, HHonors, Somma_Lombardo, Varese, Varese_Land_of_Tourism, hilton, Hilton_Garden_Inn
- Description
A Comfortable and Convenient Base near Milan Airport
Enjoy your stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa hotel, conveniently located in Somma Lombardo, just 7 km from the airport. Take advantage of the complimentary airport shuttle service, running 24/7 for your convenience*. Close proximity to the highway ensures easy access to the fashion capital of Milan, nearby businesses, and stunning lakes.
Discover everything you need for work and relaxation at our hotel near Milan Airport. With complimentary WiFi in every room, a 24-hour business center, and 4424 sq. ft. /411 sq. m. of versatile event space it's easy to stay connected throughout your stay. Make yourself comfortable in a contemporary guest room with innovative amenities such as the Garden Sleep System bed®, HDTV, and workspace.


text: Glide effortlessly into the new season in style with key pieces from Matalan's women's clothing range. Make the transition into the warmer season with lightweight jumpers and cardigans to keep the breeze at bay, and add some staple dresses to your wardrobe - perfect for when the sun shines. And for those days when you're looking for stylish yet understated look, explore our range of wardrobe essentials for reliable clothes that you can't live without!


text:
Home » corflower and blackberry
corflower and blackberry by woster
Need a larger size? Contact Us
Purchase this royalty free image
UK VAT at 20.0% is charged if applicable.
The requirement for the licence purchased and the relevant releases is dependent on how you are going to use the image. It is your responsibility to determine whether a release is required for your intended use. You can contact us if you have any queries.
Image Details
Comments on this Image
No Comments on this image.
Royalty free stock image of corflower and blackberry
this picture was taken in autumn the cornflower had flowered in the blackberry head


text:
We live in Delaware. What trainer are you using?
I tried to PM you back but not sure what it did not allow me too. Think it said I needed more posts. Exactly where are you located in Ohio, we are around the Van Wert area. I am seriously thinking about getting him chipped SOON before he goes back to the trainers but not sure what brand or whatever to use. Sorry I did not respond sooner, still learning how to use the forum. And green to the retriever world. Thanks again, Guy Schmersal


text:
learned of a stashed TFU pack (#1/2). PM for location if u need it.
learned of a stashed TFU pack (#1/2). PM for location if u need it.
Today at TRU, I got:
Dark Trooper (very cool - I guess I'll keep one)
Shaak-Ti (also very cool - I'll have to play my FU game and see what it's about)
Utriss M'Toc (nice to have my Bespin Guards complete)
FireFighter Droid (CW) - cool. I wasn't going to get this one. Now I want 3 more.
Captain Rex in snow gear. Yeah!
TFU pack 1
TFU pack 2
As I said, I may offer TFU packs for trade or sale at cost, but now I guess I have to play my game and see what happens when it's full count and there's 2 outs and... - oh wait. Nevermind. Wrong game. What's TFU? I guess it's Star Wars stuff? Alright. I'll "force" myself to take a look.
BAD Pts Need: R5-C7 lf leg (x2), , R4-P44 right leg BAD Pts Offered For Trade: PM me - I have lots of parts now including BG-J38!. New Kyle Katarn is also available.
good score Tycho!! I hope you like TFU, when u become powerful as the game goes on -it can become quite addictive. Don't know what platform u have, but I've beat it on PS3 and it was awesome. I'm now trying to beat it on Wii and I'm on the last board. The previous board was one exclusive to Wii in which you to Bespin and fight a bunch of Mandos among other guys like Talz and K'Krukh species!!! Really cool board. Boss was a b.... Ultracool though!!!!!! Check it out. Shaak Ti is hot!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, my theory as well.However, i'm really crossing my fingers that they'll have EU this sat. Total crapshoot, as with most hunts. Otherwise, i'll make an early prediction -these will be as htf if not harder than TAC wave 5. And that really *(%&#%^% sux. Bigtime.
I keep getting tempted to buy the PS2 version (same as the Wii, minus the waggle controls obviously) but keep reading that the Force powers are all really weak and pointless and take away from the fun of the concept. Is that the case?
Darth Vader is becoming the Mickey Mouse of Star Wars.
Kylo Ren - came from Space Brooklyn, although he moved to Space Williamsburg before it was trendy.
The use of a lightsaber does not make one a Jedi, it is the ability to not use it.
Back from LF TRU where they had quite a few FU sets, both sets. There was a shelf tag and everything! This was 3pm.
Also got a couple figs for 4.99 BOGO 1/2 off. The way the computer takes the sale though, it takes BOGO sale first, 7.49 1st fig, 3.74 second fig, then takes 2.50 off each.
Hopefully this will clear out the pegs. BOGO til tomorrow, but the 4.99 is thorugh July.
Went to Burbank while I was out. Thought about getting 2 Matchstick pilot (CW), but when an employee asked if I needed anything, I obliged and asked if any more Legacy, other than the 1 Yarna. He brought out a case of ESB rev. got 8 figs for $30. Left Stormtrooper, Snowtrooper, and Cody. Maybe they have some EU in the back for tomorrow?
Also got price adjusted for the 8 figs I bought Wed. Got 20 bucks back!
At least if the EU hit more plentifully in the coming weeks, they will still be 4.99!
Personally, I think La Cienega TRU is much better stocked than Los Feliz.
JT, if you still want me to try to stash TFU packs at LF TRU, let me know.
If I were to return the TFU packs I got from TRU.com to the store, they would refund shipping as well, correct?
No thanks, I picked 'em both up there. The minute I saw Toydarian's post, I jumped into the car and busted down there. Thanks for offering though.
$5 figs was a big surprise, seems to have made a dent. I almost bought an extra Luke Jedi, R2, and Chewie to take advantage of the BOGO and get those BG-J38 parts, but then decided to pass since I have all of them already and it's more money down the drain.
La Cienega does seem to be off the scalper trade routes somehow, I guess Big Lou now lives in Culver City TRU and doesn't have time to leave. But they have really bad stocking practices, so it's very hit-or-miss, but I guess everything is.
Darth Vader is becoming the Mickey Mouse of Star Wars.
Kylo Ren - came from Space Brooklyn, although he moved to Space Williamsburg before it was trendy.
The use of a lightsaber does not make one a Jedi, it is the ability to not use it.
The figure deal was great and I got a few extras for custom fodder at that price. I saw no Maul repacks though, which I wanted to get to make a second BG-J38, but I'm sure I'll see him again. I think this sale will do well to clear out old stock, and maybe push a bunch of hidden treasures from the warehouses into stores. I never saw ROTS figures (Utai, Colton, etc) and would love if TRU found some cases of that wave!
Here's one for the record books: I dragged my date to TRU (yes she waited in the car) and I talked to the manager.
They don't have anything to put out tomorrow morning. Unless they get them Fed-Ex'd in - which can happen - there's nothing new.
I still need multiples (don't even have one each yet) of K'Kruhk, and the Solo Twins.
BAD Pts Need: R5-C7 lf leg (x2), , R4-P44 right leg BAD Pts Offered For Trade: PM me - I have lots of parts now including BG-J38!. New Kyle Katarn is also available.
Does anyone have a clone wars 45 darth sidious to spare, hes all im missing to be done till the new packaging comes out and im getting sick of running to stores for 1 fig. Ha. PM me or just write back on here if you do. It would help me alot. Thanks.


text:
Got a cake mix in your cupboard? Mix up great tasting cookies in minutes!
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are easy to make. For each sandwich, place 1 heaping tablespoon slightly softened ice cream between bottoms of 2 cookies and press sandwich in center to spread ice cream. Freeze uncovered on cookie sheet about 1 hour or until firm. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap, and store in freezer in a plastic freezer bag.
In place of the butter, you can use 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
For a softer cookie, use only 1/3 cup butter, softened, and 2 eggs; omit milk.
© 2017 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved


text:
Injury to the kidney and ureter is damage to the organs of the upper urinary tract.
Kidney damage; Toxic injury of the kidney; Kidney injury; Traumatic injury of the kidney; Fractured kidney; Inflammatory injury of the kidney; Bruised kidney; Ureteral injury
The kidneys are located in the flank (back of the upper abdomen at either side of the spinal column). They are deep in the abdomen and are protected by the spine, lower rib cage, and strong muscles of the back. This location protects the kidneys from many outside forces.
The kidneys are well-padded for a reason -- they have a large blood supply. Injury can lead to severe bleeding.
Kidneys may be injured by damage to the blood vessels that supply or drain them, including:
Kidney injuries may also be caused by:
The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Uretral injuries may be caused by:
Acute or emergency symptoms may include:
Long-term (chronic) symptoms may include:
If only one kidney is affected and the other kidney is healthy, you may not have any symptoms.
The doctor or nurse will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. You will be asked about any recent illness and if you have come into contact with toxic substances.
The exam may show:
Tests that may be done include:
The goals are to treat emergency symptoms and prevent or treat complications. You may need to stay in a hospital.
Treatments for a kidney injury may include:
Sometimes, surgery is needed. This may include:
How well you do depends on the the cause and severity of the injury.
Sometimes, the kidney starts working properly again. Sometimes, kidney failure occurs.
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of an injury to the kidney or ureter, especially if you have a history of:
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have decreased urine output after a kidney injury. This may be a symptom of kidney failure.
You can help prevent injury to the kidneys and ureter by following these precautions:
Molitoris BA. Acute kidney injury. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2011: chap 122.
Santucci RA, Doumanian LR. Upper urinary tract injury. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 42.


text:
High blood pressure during pregnancy. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq034.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130314T1318525934. Accessed August 5, 2013.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated May 28, 2013. Accessed August 5, 2013.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-induced-hypertension.html. Updated August 2010. Accessed August 5, 2013.
What is preeclampsia?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/issues/preg/preclamp.htm. Accessed August 5, 2013.
9/30/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Samuels-Kalow ME, Funai EF, Buhimschi C, et al. Prepregnancy body mass index, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and long-term maternal mortality.
Am J Obstet Gynecol
. 2007;197:490.e1-6. Epub 2007 Aug 21.
7/6/2006 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Villar J, Abdel-Aleem H, Merialdi M, et al. World Health Organization randomized trial of calcium supplementation among low calcium intake pregnant women.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194:639-649.
7/6/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Kumar A, Devi SG, Batra S, Singh C, Shukla DK. Calcium supplementation for the prevention of pre-eclampsia.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2009;104:32-36.
8/6/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
: Bujold E, Roberge S, Lacasse Y, et al. Prevention of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction with aspirin started in early pregnancy: a meta-analysis.
Obstet Gynecol.
2010;116(2 Pt 1):402-14.
6/9/2014 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Qin JZ, Pang LH, et al. Obstetric complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2013;11:56
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Canadian Resources
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Women's Health Matters


text:
Focus on Economic Data: The Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy, March 20, 2013
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve System (Fed) meets approximately every six weeks to determine the nation's monetary policy goals and, specifically, to set the target for the federal funds rate (fed funds rate). The fed funds rate is the interest rate at which banks lend their balances at the Federal Reserve to other banks, usually overnight.
The FOMC has maintained the target federal funds rate at a range of zero to 1/4 percent since its December 16, 2008 meeting. The fed funds rate has been kept at this historically low level due to a long period of low and often negative real GDP growth, record numbers of non-farm employment losses, and a persistently high unemployment rate.
This lesson focuses on the March 20, 2013, press release by the Federal Open Market Committee on the current Federal Reserve monetary policy actions and goals.
- Explain the meaning of the March 20, 2013, Federal Open Market Committee decision concerning the target for the federal funds rate.
- Identify the current monetary policy goals of the Federal Reserve and the factors that have recently influenced monetary policy goals.
- Explain the structure and functions of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Reserve Banks, and the Federal Open Market Committee.
- Identify the monetary policy options and other tools available to the Federal Reserve to stimulate or contract the economy.
The old saying goes... "No news is good news."
Perhaps that is all there is to say about the latest monetary policy statement from the Federal Open Market Committee. The FOMC's March 20, 2013, statement echoed other recent statements, quickly setting aside the impact of "weather-related disruptions" in late 2013.
The statement began with an overall look at the health of the U.S. economy, citing economic growth as "moderate" and improving labor markets. It described consumer and business spending as having "advanced" and a "strengthened" housing market. The only negative in the opening was a reference to potential restrictions resulting from fiscal policy (tax and spending) issues.
As for specific monetary policies - nothing really new, this time.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve System (Fed) has maintained its target for the federal funds rate at a range of zero to 1/4 percent since December 16, 2008. This historically low target was intended at the time to provide the liquidity and low interest rates to stimulate the economy at the beginning of the recession and during the banking crisis. The federal funds rate is the interest rate at which member bank loan reserves to other member banks overnight so that banks can meet their reserve requirements.
Since that time, the FOMC has kept the federal funds rate very low and has provided additional stabilization and stimulus through a variety of programs intended to improve the balance sheets of banks and liquidity in credit markets. The Fed has purchased hundreds of billions of dollars of securities through "quantitative easing" programs referred to as "QE." Later, a second round of purchases was enacted, commonly referred to as "QE2." The so-called "operation twist" began in September, 2011. By selling shorter-term bonds and purchasing longer-term bonds, the Fed hoped to drive down the interest rate on 10-year bonds.
At its most recent meeting, the FOMC reiterated its commitment to low interest rates and stimulatory economic policies.
Note: Unless otherwise cited, all quoted material in this lesson is from the March 20, 2013, FOMC "Monetary Policy" statement. www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/monetary/20130320a.htm
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Open Market Committee
Monetary Policy
March 13, 2012
"Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in January suggests a return to moderate economic growth following a pause late last year. Labor market conditions have shown signs of improvement in recent months but the unemployment rate remains elevated. Household spending and business fixed investment advanced, and the housing sector has strengthened further, but fiscal policy has become somewhat more restrictive. Inflation has been running somewhat below the Committee's longer-run objective, apart from temporary variations that largely reflect fluctuations in energy prices. Longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable."
The statement began with FOMC's broad view of the U.S. economy, referring to the events and changes since the last FOMC meeting. In this case, similar to the last announcement, referring to a return to "moderate growth."
The next section of the statement reaffirmed the FOMC's commitment to its Congressional mandate, to maintain a stable price level, economic growth, and full employment. This mandate was first established by a federal law, the "Employment Act of 1946" and then amended by the "Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act" in 1978. The amending act established the goal of "full employment and economic means to do so."
For more information on the Employment Act of 1946, go to: http://research.stlouisfed.org/publications/review/86/11/Employment_Nov1986.pdf
Students: Is "moderate" growth is enough during these times? About 12 million people in the U.S. remain unemployed. Should the Fed and other federal and state agencies take more drastic actions to stimulate economic growth?
"Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. The Committee expects that, with appropriate policy accommodation, economic growth will proceed at a moderate pace and the unemployment rate will gradually decline toward levels the Committee judges consistent with its dual mandate. The Committee continues to see downside risks to the economic outlook. The Committee also anticipates that inflation over the medium term likely will run at or below its 2 percent objective."
As always, the FOMC made it clear that it was ready to counter any inflationary pressures. In this case, the FOMC recognized the recent high energy and food prices, but did not expect long-term and serious impact in the shorter term.
Students: If the FOMC members sense that inflation is a serious threat, what should they do?
Along with the release of the March 20, 2013, FOMC press release, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, held a press conference to comment on the announcement and answer questions. The news conferences are part of the Fed's committment to increased transparency of its processes and decisions. To watch the press conference, click on Figure 2, bwlow, or go to: www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomcpresconf20130320.htm
What will the Fed do?
"To support a stronger economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at the rate most consistent with its dual mandate, the Committee decided to continue purchasing additional agency mortgage-backed securities at a pace of $40 billion per month and longer-term Treasury securities at a pace of $45 billion per month. The Committee is maintaining its existing policy of reinvesting principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities and of rolling over maturing Treasury securities at auction. Taken together, these actions should maintain downward pressure on longer-term interest rates, support mortgage markets, and help to make broader financial conditions more accommodative."
There was no new policy action on the federal funds rate target - maintaining the low rates of the past two years. Again, the recent increases in energy and food prices did not impact Fed policy.
"To support continued progress toward maximum employment and price stability, the Committee expects that a highly accommodative stance of monetary policy will remain appropriate for a considerable time after the asset purchase program ends and the economic recovery strengthens. In particular, the Committee decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and currently anticipates that this exceptionally low range for the federal funds rate will be appropriate at least as long as the unemployment rate remains above 6-1/2 percent, inflation between one and two years ahead is projected to be no more than a half percentage point above the Committee's 2 percent longer-run goal, and longer-term inflation expectations continue to be well anchored."
Students what the Fed should do. Or, what else can they do, since the federal funds rate is so low?
Can the Fed directly help to create jobs? Should the Fed have the power to force banks to make more loans that create jobs?
The Federal Funds Rate
Targeting the federal funds rate has been the primary policy of the FOMC in recent years. Remember, the federal funds target rate is the interest rate at which depository institutions (banks, etc.) lend balances (excess reserves) at the Federal Reserve to other depository institutions overnight. The purpose of these overnight loans is to allow depository institutions to meet their reserve requirements.
Banks use their reserves to generate loans. Loans facilitate investment and consumption. The lower the cost of the loans, the more investment and consumption - in theory. In this recovery, low interest rates have not been enough to generate jobs and growth, so the Fed has turned to more direct actions.
If a bank makes a loan, its reserves decrease. If the bank's reserve ratio drops below the minimum required by the Fed, it must add to its reserves. The bank can borrow reserves from another bank that has a surplus of reserves in its account with the Fed. The interest rate the borrowing bank pays to the lending bank is negotiated between the two banks. The weighted average of all of these negotiated rates is the federal funds effective rate. The FOMC sets a target rate or target range, and uses open market operations to influence bank reserves and the determination of the effective rate.
In this recovery, low interest rates have not been enough to generate sufficient jobs and growth, so the Fed has turned to more direct actions. In recent months, job growth has improved and output may be increaseing after a slight downturn in growht in late 2012. Is "stay the course" the best policy?
Figure 1 below shows the recent history of the target federal funds rate. Note the exceptionally low rate (range of 0-1/4 percent) that has been in effect since December 2008. The up and down fluctuations over time generally mirror the business cycles, as monetary policy is used to promote growth or slow price level increases.
Open Market Operations
Open market operations are the Federal Reserve's primary tool for implementing monetary policy. The Fed web page briefly explains the objective of open market operations. "Open market operations--purchases and sales of U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities--are the Federal Reserve's principal tool for implementing monetary policy. The short-term objective for open market operations is specified by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). This objective can be a desired quantity of reserves or a desired price (the federal funds rate). The federal funds rate is the interest rate at which depository institutions lend balances at the Federal Reserve to other depository institutions overnight."
The Federal Reserve's objective for open market operations has varied over the years. "During the 1980s, the focus gradually shifted toward attaining a specified level of the federal funds rate, a process that was largely complete by the end of the decade. Beginning in 1994, the FOMC began announcing changes in its policy stance, and in 1995 it began to explicitly state its target level for the federal funds rate. Since February 2000, the statement issued by the FOMC shortly after each of its meetings usually has included the Committee's assessment of the risks to the attainment of its long-run goals of price stability and sustainable economic growth." Source: Open Market Operations
With the target range for the federal funds rate currently at such a low level (0 to 1/4 percent) and the real rate exceptionally low, there is not much potential for use of the typical monetary policy tools to stimulate growth. The Fed has made unprecedented efforts to stabilize credit markets, improve liquidity and encourage lending.
The target federal funds rate set by FOMC is maintained through open market operations. The FOMC will increase or decrease the target rate depending on economic conditions and the Fed's overall monetary policy goals. The Fed doesn't actually set the rate, but can influence the rate through open market operations. When a bank buys securities, from the Fed, it then has fewer funds to loan. When a bank sells securities to the Fed, it then has more funds (reserves) to loan.
Students: How important is it that the Federal Reserve has independent power to implement monetary policies to maintain a stable price level, promote employment growth, and stimulate growth in the economy?
Was there more FOMC optimism in March 2013?
In recent times, each FOMC statement has begun with the same line, "Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in (referencing the date of the previous meeting)." This opening provides the basic rationale for the meeting decision. The March 20, 2013, statement began, "Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in January suggests a return to moderate economic growth following a pause late last year." This was, perhaps, one of the more optimistic sounding introduction in recent times.
Here's a recent history of this key FOMC language through the last two years of the economic recovery:
- January 26, 2011: "the economic recovery is continuing, though at a rate that has been insufficient to bring about a significant improvement in labor market conditions."
- March 15, 2011: "the economic recovery is on a firmer footing, and overall conditions in the labor market appear to be improving gradually."
- April 27, 2011: "economic recovery is proceeding at a moderate pace and overall conditions in the labor market are improving gradually."
- June 22, 2011: "at a moderate pace, though somewhat more slowly than the Committee had expected.."
- August 9, 2011: "economic growth so far this year has been considerably slower than the Committee had expected."
- September 21, 2011: "economic growth remains slow."
- November 2, 2011: "economic growth strengthened somewhat in the third quarter, reflecting in part a reversal of the temporary factors that had weighed on growth earlier in the year."
- December 13, 2011: "the economy has been expanding moderately."
- January 25, 2012: "economy has been expanding moderately, notwithstanding some slowing in global growth."
- The March 13, 2012 through June 20, 2012 announcents all referred to growth "expanding moderately."
- August 1, 2012: "economic activity decelerated somewhat over the first half of this year."
- September 13, 2013 through December 12, 2012: agan, "expanding moderstely."
- January 25, 2013: "growth in economic activity paused in recent months, in large part because of weather-related disruptions and other transitory factors."
March 20, 2013: a return to moderate economic growth following a pause late last year
Notice how the language changed slightly from meeting to meeting - mostly a vague assessment. The language from most of the last few meetings has focused on "moderate" growth.
- Students: What the FOMC might have meant by terms like "on a firmer footing" or "moderate growth,"?
- Can you identify some of the economic data the FOMC might have used to make this statement?
The Fed and Banking Regulation – the "Stress Tests"
One of the Federal Reserve's statutory responsibilities is to regulate banks in ways that help to ensure the stability of individual banks and the entire banking system. On March 14, 2013, the Federal Reserve announced the results of the latest "stress tests" of major banks, the "Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) program. The stress test process was designed during the 2008-2009 financial crisis to determine if the major banks will be able to meet "capital adequacy requirements" despite large projected losses in an extremely adverse hypothetical economic scenario.
"The Federal Reserve on Thursday announced it has approved the capital plans of 14 financial institutions in the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR). Two other institutions received conditional approval, while the Federal Reserve objected to the plans of two firms."
"Strong capital levels help ensure that banking organizations have the ability to lend to households and businesses and to continue to meet their financial obligations, even in times of economic difficulty. The Federal Reserve in CCAR evaluates the capital planning processes and capital adequacy of the largest bank holding companies, including the firms' proposed capital actions such as dividend payments and share buybacks and issuances."
Source: Federal Reserve press release, March 14, 2013: www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/bcreg/20130314a.htm
Students: Why is it important for people have faith in the stability of individual banks and the banking system?
Once again, the FOMC announcement on March 20, 2013, cited improvements in labor markets, household spending, investment and housing, and stable prices as positive signs for the economy.
"Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in January suggests a return to moderate economic growth following a pause late last year. Labor market conditions have shown signs of improvement in recent months but the unemployment rate remains elevated. Household spending and business fixed investment advanced, and the housing sector has strengthened further, but fiscal policy has become somewhat more restrictive. Inflation has been running somewhat below the Committee's longer-run objective, apart from temporary variations that largely reflect fluctuations in energy prices. Longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable."
The March 20, 2013, FOMC monetary policy statement confirmed what many economists, analysts and news commentators expected - no change in the federal funds rate target and continuation of programs to improve bank balance sheets and liquidity.
The bottom line: continue the existing policies and keep an eye out for change.
As for inflation, energy prices are the wide card, as oil prices have fluctuated almost month to month. If energy demand and supply disruptions continue, the FOMC may anticipate more broad inflationary pressures. If other prices do not follow energy, the FOMC may not see the need to raise rates. Watch energy prices and the overall rate of inflation (CPI-U) in the coming months.
12 million Americans remain unemployed after the recession. Real GDP growth has been erratic from quarter to quarter. More stability of both measures will be an even better sign for the Fed. Keep an eye in the rate of job growth and output between now and the FOMC's next meeting in May.
Students: Is this FOMC statement good news or not about the U.S. economy?
The Federal Reserve has published an Internet-based educational resource for teachers and students called "Federal Reserve Education
Federal Reserve Education includes sections on the history of the Fed, the structure of the Fed, monetary policy, bank supervision, and financial services.
- The above link will take you to the section on "Monetary Policy." Review the "Basics of Monetary Policy."
- Click on "How does the Fed create money?" to learn how Fed actions can influence the money supply.
- Click on "Economic Indicators" to review the meaning of gross domestic product, consumer price index, unemployment rate and other economic indicators.
This will help you better understand the monetary policy goals and actions of the Fed in the context of economic conditions, such as those discussed at the FOMC meetings.
Federal Reserve Education includes a link to a web page that lists a variety of economic data sources (http://www.forexhound.com/2008/01/08/economic-indicators-by-the-numbers/ , https://www.federalreserveeducation.org/resources/economic-indicators ) and additional links to the current data for each indicator.
To find information about your Federal Reserve System district reserve bank, go to: www.federalreserveeducation.org/about-the-fed/ and click on your region on the map.
[Note to Teachers: Have your students look at the information about their region's Federal Reserve Bank.]


text: If you read your Sunday coupons carefully, you might have found the ad for a free recipe book on the Sun-Maid Raisins or Dried-Fruit Packages coupon ($1.00 off two). If not, the information below will show you the variety of recipe books they offer. One per household only. Enjoy! And please, share with us if you make any of the ...Read More »


text:
Main Content
This item ships within one business day.
$4.99 flat rate shipping and handling. See other shipping options.
Show up to the next party in flawless style with the Marching Band shorts from Quiksilver. It features two front and back pockets along with novelty buttons on the pockets and sides.
- V-notch hem in back
- Two buttoned back pockets
- Quality embroidery
- Imported
- 97% Cotton/3% Spandex
- Size 0 has a 3" inseam
- Two front pockets
- Folded over bottom hem
- Two buttons and zip closure
- Novelty buttons on pockets and sides
- White piping detail
- Made in the USA
- Brand: Quiksilver
Quiksilver Customers also liked:
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
Latest Headlines
After Further Review: Byfuglien Trade
Posted on 26 Jun 2010 by Kevin Thurston.
The Atlanta Thrashers took a major step in rebuilding as General Manager Rick Dudley pulled the trigger on what could be the biggest transaction of the 2010 offseason. Just after the conclusion of the NHL Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas, Dudley made the trade call and the deal was officially announced: The Atlanta Thrashers acquire left-wing Dustin Byfuglien, enforcer Ben Eager, defenseman Brent ...


text:
They don't look that bad. Not all that different from Beats style, which everyone (with poor audio taste) wears.
Now my Audeze LCD-2, that is one can that looks "stupid" on the noggin. The weight and bulk were bad enough, but when I glanced into the mirror, I threw them off in horror!
Back on topic, I threw the Skullcandy Aviators into the comparison mix, and they hung in for a while, then a bit of honky coloration and grainy treble took them out of contention. But the bass was tighter than on the Momentum. Headphones is frustratin'.


text:
I watched the entire hearing via live stream and paid close attention to the testimony of Deputy Comm. Faris Fink who played Spock in the Star Trek video. He was also one of the high ups that spent their Anaheim conference nights in the expensive presidential suites.
I really was blown away by Fink's attitude. He said he was sorry that so much money was spent. He said that making the Star Trek video was made to add humor. He thought it was a good idea at the time and that it broke no IRS rules.
While he was testifying, I felt he holds himself at a distance from the spending and the decision making. He said he was not involved in the planning. I don't believe it. He was a lead character in the Star Trek video so he knew all about it. When questioned further, he admitted that he knew before the conference was held that more than $4 million had been spent on it. But he stopped short of saying that he had approved the expenditures. He said he just knew about it.
In 2010 Fink was the Deputy Commissioner -- the #2 man at that IRS division. He can't speak of what was happening regarding the $4 million spent for the Anaheim conference as if "someone else" and not himself condoned or approved. Apparently now he is the #1 man of that IRS division.
Fink must be held accountable. One story on line says that Fink is on administrative leave. Paid leave.


text:
Used Sprint Cellular Phones Deals from $0.00 to $0.00
You don't have to go to the cell phone store to get your next cell phone. Just browse our thousand of used and refurbished phones sorted by carrier and manufacturer, find the phone that you want, and it will be at your doorstep within a few days. All of our phones are sold with no contract and are guaranteed to activate with your current carrier. We carry Used Sprint Cellular Phones deals from as low as $23.99 up to $54.99 and everything in between. We have the most basic Nokia 6010 all the way up the latest and greatest iPhone. Whether you get an unlocked phone or a phone that will work with Verizon, Sprint, or US Cellular, it's easy to start using your next mobile phone. Select the shipping method of your choice and any of the thousands of accessories that we offer and start using your new device. Everything you need to activate your new phone is included, including an electronic user manual and activation guide. Should you have questions, our friendly customer service agents can assist you in finding a phone or placing your order. All of our products ship in 1 business day or less, so it won't be long until you get your next cell phone.
Related Categories