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How much alternation compensation can I receive?
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subset: commoncrawl


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Queen attends funeral in Highclere
Thu, 29 Mar 2018
HEAVY rain has now forced organisers of this year's Lambourn Open Day to cancel opening of all the yards - except champion trainer Nicky Henderon's Seven Barrows.
The afternoon events had already been dropped.
The route to Nicky Henderson's yard will be signposted and the car park will be open from 8.30am and the yard from 9am until 1pm.
Metal tracking will be in place to make sure that cars will manage to get in and out of the car park.
Entrance charge will be £5 per person. If you have prepaid tickets you will be given £5 and a free programme for each ticket already bought.
The Injured Jockeys Fund's Oaksey House (Injured Jockeys) is open in Lambourn all morning, with parking on the tarmac.
Organisers said in a statement: "We are extremely sorry to all those planning a day with us and for all the confusion and updates. We have tried our utmost to save what we could. We are all gutted at being unable to welcome you for a full, fun, sunny day, especially after months of planning. As you will appreciate the weather has been atrocious, and it is simply that all the car parks, except Seven Barrows, are completely unusable.
"If you are unable to come but would like to support our Charity, which works for the welfare of our hard working stable staff, the excellent Silent Auction is available on this site until 1 p.m. on Good Friday. There are some unique items at very reasonable prices.
"Programmes are available for £7, (£5 plus £2 postage). They are full of articles, photographs and have details of all the Trainers and their horses. Please apply with a cheque and your address to: Mark Smyly, Raceyard Cottage, Kingston Lisle, Wantage OX12 9QH"


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Sunday, March 24, 2013
What the Hermit Crabs See
Few children are born into this world ALREADY having pets. But our little Liam came home to THREE pets: a golden retriever (who loves him to pieces) and two baseball-sized hermit crabs (Wilbur and Winfred).
A few weeks ago, I moved the hermit crabs into the nursery. I positioned the tank near a heating vent so that they will stay toasty. I hope little Liam doesn't mind the little nighttime sounds that come from these nocturnal cuties. As the crabs walk, their legs squeak on the glass. Random clunking sounds happen throughout the night as the clumsy Wilbur and Winfred fall off a rock or out of their water dish. Liam seems quite used to their sounds.
Up until very recently, Macy slept in Liam's room, too. During the night, she'd snore, burp, lick her paws, belch, and make other doggie noises. Little Liam didn't seem to mind at all. Incidentally, Macy moved back into our bedroom when Liam turned almost 6 months exactly. (It's as if she knew that the likelihood of SIDS decreases after 6 months and that her breathing presence in the room was no longer needed! What a smart girl.)
Hermit crabs have a much better sense of smell than they do vision. So, to them, we probably appear to be quite blurry. :)
Posted by Lisa at 2:26 PM


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Are recent events such as Donald Trump's phone conservation with his Taiwan counterpart Tsai Ing-wen, his doubts about whether the US should continue to stick to the "One China" policy and Leung Chun-ying's sudden withdrawal from the CE race interrelated?
Well, they could be. As far as I am concerned, these events just didn't happen coincidentally.
To understand the issue, we must first understand some basic facts about Hong Kong's role in the international scene.
First, the reason Hong Kong remains invaluable to Beijing is that the status of our city as China's only internationally recognized trade and financial hub is likely to be irreplaceable in the foreseeable future.
That said, China has every reason to keep our social, financial and economic structures intact.
Second, the rest of the world will never be truly concerned about the state of our democracy and civil rights because all it cares about is whether Hong Kong can continue to fulfill its function as a bridge to the vast China market.
However, some western politicians may still criticize China for denying us true democracy in order to please their voters.
Third, Hong Kong's success lies, to a large extent, in its ability to be flexible and maneuver skillfully in the political grey area.
To put it more precisely, we have prevailed because we have been able to serve the best interests of our suzerain and we have allowed a relatively high degree of freedom for foreign interests to operate in our territory, thereby keeping our city pluralistic, vibrant and unique.
Once our uniqueness is gone (such as our capitalist system and way of life promised by the Basic Law), our distinct advantage of "being part of China but different from China", a quality upon which confidence of foreign investors depends, will also be gone.
So how is our international status going to be affected by a new international environment shaped by the incoming Trump presidency?
Again, firstly, Hong Kong's status as China's only international financial and trade hub that has fully integrated into the global market will be further reinforced once the trade dispute between Beijing and Washington escalates.
If a trade war between the two countries breaks out, Hong Kong will be China's last "economic emergency exit".
Secondly, since Trump is a seasoned businessman, he is likely to conduct his foreign policies the way he runs his business empire, which means he would be eager to use anything as a bargaining chip to strike the best deal with Beijing.
That may include using the the separatist movement in Hong Kong to his advantage.
Lastly, since Hong Kong is a highly polarized and divided society and Beijing is on full alert against foreign infiltration, foreign interests may no longer be allowed the same degree of freedom to operate in our city.
This article appeared in the Hong Kong Economic Journal on Dec. 14
Translation by Alan Lee
[Chinese version 中文版]
– Contact us at [email protected]


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What Regression Really Is: Part II
Let's continue our example. Suppose our regression shows that the probability of a Hate score greater than 5 is 60% for men and 80% for women—for people we have not yet seen: we already know all about the people we have measured. It would be tempting to say, given the data observed and given we're talking about new people who "resemble" the type of people questioned, that "Women have higher Hate scores than men." But this common way of reporting is highly misleading; firstly because not all (future) women will have higher Hate scores than all (future) men, which is what the headline implies. How many more women than men will have high scores?
To clarify, suppose we learn that the probability of a Hate score greater than 5 for men was 60% and 60.1% for women. In that case, the same headline could also be given (and frequently is), but in this case it is even more misleading. How much greater is 60.1% than 60%? Well, just 0.1%, a true but almost certainly trivial difference (to know it was trivial would require knowing what decisions will be made with these predictions). This is why it is always important to accompany any blanket "more" statement with actual numbers. When you don't see them, be wary.
Let me stress two things. First, the demarcation at 5 is arbitrary, and the results will change for other levels. It would be far better to show the distributions of scores (via pictures, say), the probabilities for each possible answer for men and women. I'm only using the level 5 as an example. Second, regression is (or should be) a prediction. If we wanted to know how many more women than men had high scores in the observed data, all we have to do is count. We might say, "In our sample, 40% of the women had higher Hate scores" and be on safe ground, even if we were considering other x's in the model (which in this part of the example we are not). As we'll see, this "counting analysis" is often the fairest statistical method.
What we've really learned (using these numbers) is that if we have two new people before us, a man and a woman, there is a 32% chance (100% x 0.8 x 0.4) the woman will have a high Hate score and the man won't. There's also a 12% chance (100% x 0.2 x 0.6) the man will have a high Hate score and the woman won't. We could do more: there is a 48% chance (100% x 0.8 x 0.6) both the man and woman will have a high score, and an 8% chance (100% x 0.2 x 0.4) they will both have a low score.
So which of these numbers should be reported? Depends on what information you want to convey. The best solution is, as said above, to show probabilities for all possible outcomes. The simplest solution is to show the 60%/80%, but if your audience is interested in calculating (new) numbers of folks who possess high or low scores then the more complete breakdown just given is useful.
These levels of reporting are somewhat less than rarely done, by which I mean I have never seen them, except where the context is explicitly forecasting. Yet every regression is a forecast in the sense that every regression is a prediction of new data that "resembles" the data used to "build the model." Before tackling resembles, a hint on how reporting usually goes: badly and by overstatement and with an emphasis on unobservable "parameters." More on these creatures later.
Now resembles. Every statistical method, assuming no calculation or interpretation errors, which are indeed legion, is valid for the type or kind of data used to build that method. Thus every poll—and polls are surely statistical methods; and predictions, too—is a valid, "scientific" poll for the type of people who answered the poll. Mistakes arise when extrapolating, perhaps only mentally or by indirection or ignorance, the model to that which does not resemble its origins.
But what does resembles mean? How can you tell if your new data is "close" to the old? Very tricky, as we'll see. First consider that teal regressions typically include more than one x and when they do each of them must be present in any results statement. If not, something fishy is going on. For example, suppose we measured sex, age, and education dichotomized at "some college or greater" or "no college". Then we cannot just say that men have a 60% chance of a Hate scale greater than 5. We must also say men of what type, i.e. we must give their age and education—unless that 60% is constant for every combination of age and education, which is unlikely. If it were the case that no age, for instance, changed the probability of y (taking some value) then there is no need for age in the "model". So we must issue statements like "For educated 40-year-old men, the probability of a Hate score greater than 5 was 65%, while for 25-year-old educated men it was 72%."
Now if our sole interest was to learn about the difference between the sexes, we could say something like this: "Controlling for education and age, women have more Hate than men." This means little, however. The phrase "controlling for" is often put in results statements, but all we can take from it is that the x's it lists were in the regression. We still have to say what kind of women compared to what kind of men. For example, "Educated 40-year-old women have more Hate than non-educated 30-year-old men." But we're still missing by how much, so the statement is incomplete. The difference doesn't have to be stated in absolute terms (say "75% versus 60%"), but could be put relatively ("25% more Hate"), but relative terms lose the anchor. I.e., we don't know if we're going from 60% to 75% or from 10% to 12.5%. And, of course, it could be for some other combination of education and age men have a higher probability of Hate. If so, this should be pointed out. Better still, as above, are pictures of distributions of answers. But these grow complex in more than one or two dimensions. Regression is not as easy as commonly thought.
Next time: infinity wrecks resembles.
16 thoughts on "What Regression Really Is: Part II" Leave a comment ›
knowing what decisions with be made will these predictions
I grewed up in a backwater town and wents tp skewl in Pixsburgh so I knows what you means.
So far, so good. I am grateful for this and hope that you are going to draw the distinction between regression and correlation later.
But another point I would like to see discussed is how statistics can demonstrate causative links between parameters, for example this little gem on a subject which I think is close to your heart: http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1814426
S'OK. Only True Anglers are comfortable with Anglish.
I find I keep asking, "Yes, but what if I want to know whether the difference between men and women is real or just an artifact of sampling."
Then I realise that that means I want to say something about the whole population under consideration. Which is a prediction of what would happen if I asked them all.
But somehow it never feels like that first time round.
suppose we measured sex, age, and education dichotomized at "some college or greater†or "no collegeâ€. Then we cannot just say that men have a 60% chance of a Hate scale greater than 5. We must also say men of what type, i.e. we must give their age and education—unless that 60% is constant for every combination of age and education, which is unlikely.
You have to do this simply because you measured it? Why? And why stop there? What if I noticed that some men had more acne than others. Should that be carried over as well?
BTW: I'm not in favor of teal regressions. I favor the azure ones. If I were a sociologist, I would lean toward the crimson ones as they would seem more in line with my politics.
The phrase "controlling for†is often put in results statements, but all we can take from it is that the x's it lists were in the regression.
It would be helpful to elaborate on precisely what people mean when they use this phrase.
A bit off topic, but I came across this today.
You use a regression to model a forecast of demand, and when demand doesn't meet the forecast, you stick to your guns!
Of course, what are the institutional rewards for erring on the side of excessive demand vs. insufficient demand.
By the way, could you consider tackling the GDP vs. Unemployment chart that you have clipped into today's post.
Doug, that was my experience with Regression Analysis, a course in using historical data and regression analysis for business forecasting.
"if we have two new people before us, a man and a woman, there is a 32% chance (100% x 0.8 x 0.4) the woman will have a high Hate score and the man won't"
What does the word "chance" mean here?
Essentially, the thing is we assume that the correlations present in the data will remain in any future data. But future correlations require a data set. Can you really speak of "a man and a woman"? You really need to speak of N man and N woman with N>>1.
David Eyles,
"how statistics can demonstrate causative links between parameters"
Do you mean that pure number-crunching without any theory or model of the mechanism can establish causation?
Doubtful. I think that causation is always a posited thing. We observe correlations and to account for these correlations, a model or a theory is build up. The theory or model is basically what causation is.
Q: Why are the errors squared in "standard" regression? Versus say simply averaged? Is there really a numeric basis for this?
This has always seemed somewhat arbitrary to me. When performing standardized accuracy measurements, the std. dev. can be adversely affected by one or two "bad" points, and a slope can be more a function of the outliars, then the "in-liars". Watching a regression change in real time as you pop out certain data points can be a revealing experience.
Now I know you should toss out the "bad" points first, but this is not always possible with standardized testing. The outliars in engineering tend to be errors in measurement. Quite frankly I would think a "least square roots" would be better tool for a lot of my work.
Q: Why are the errors squared in "standard†regression? Versus say simply averaged? Is there really a numeric basis for this?
First I am going to give the stupid answer.
If you "average the errors" there are a multitude of lines that fit any data set with zero average error. There will be positive errors and negative errors and the errors will average to zero.
So, now you say… No! minimize the absolute error.
slightly less stupid answer, the absolute value function is not a "nice" function. Not nice in the sense that the graph of the function has a pointy bit, and calculus doesn't like pointy bits.
The squared errors are then the "second moment." I think the mathematicians found the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th moments and then decided what they represented.
1st moment is the mean
2nd moment is the variance (spread)
3rd moment is the skew
4th moment is the "kurtosis" (fat tails)
more on squared error.
Squared error puts more emphasis on the outliers than absolute deviation. Depending on what you are doing this is a good thing or a bad thing.
You could say, An outlier is a breakdown of normal behavior and I only care to model normal behavior because there is too much I don't know about what happens when things are abnormal.
But, if you are modeling financial data, you would say that the one day when everything goes to hell makes or breaks my year (or career), and the 1/100 events are what I care most about. The problem is that you have a shortage of 1/100 events to calibrate from, and if you look too far back in history you say, "things were fundamentally different then."
Doug M, Thanks for the response. It clears some things up.
Yeah, I found the "because it makes them all positive" answer a bit unsatisfying. I heard that one before. I obviously meant averaging their absolute values.
I looked on Wikipedia and they had some references to orbital mechanics where I guess it makes sense.
And the "it's application specific" and you need to examine your application to determine whether it is appropriate is a little more satisfying. The financial example is a very good explanation.
But then, how do you know when it's appropriate to use a different error measurement "summation technique", and which one should you use?
Now in my world of engineering, a common use is to take a bunch of measurements, put it through a regression, and then use the equation for prediction. The thing is the most common source of bad points here are errors in measurement. I don't want to calibrate something by maximizing the errors in measurement.
I can tell you that I've met approx. 0 people who understand this. The bulk of tech people think its magic and it just accounts for all errors and out pops the perfect equation. Do not question the innards.
I've seen times when the regression equation woefully fails the eyeball test producing an equation barely passing through the data points (there were 0's in the data set for missing points, not even graphed). Guy accepted the results as "true".
I think if you are looking for "the leastest error, the mostest of the time", a common need for stuff I do, it would be more appropriate to minimize the outliars. Especially noting that in many cases the outliars are not "true" data points.
Hey Matt, wouldn't this particular problem be better treatment by some sort of categorical analysis? That is to say, isn't regression sort of an artificial technique to treat categorical variables? Or am I being naive and non-sociologically insightful?


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Fairfield County Women's Expo will be held on April 26 and April 27, 2014 at the luxurious Stamford Plaza Hotel in the middle of downtown Stamford Connecticut. The event attracts thousands of women that want to shop for the latest products and services in apparel, fashion, beauty, health, wellness, nutrition, fitness, financial planning, careers, education, travel, home décor, cuisine, gifts, automobiles and much more.
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The event is held two weeks before Mother's Day. Stamford Hospital will be providing all attendees with several types of health screenings free of charge. This event features over 220 exhibits.


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Are there cultural differences in customer service?
Rewind to 1998 and it's a scorching hot department store in the Balkans. I'm waiting for a sales assistant to notice me. She's smoking a cigarette and animatedly re-telling the events of last night to a colleague. There's lots of 'I said/she said/I said/she said'. Finally she turns, points at me with her chin and says 'Yes??'
I'm shocked by this level of 'service' and later say this to my local friend who looks surprised: 'Honey, this is Southern Europe! England has spoilt you – we don't do 'nicey-nice' in shops here'.
It's around this same time that BPA delivered its customer service training session to an international Hotel group's call centre in Germany, where advisors were unconvinced about the suggested closing phrase: 'We wouldn't usually say 'thank you for your call' in Germany, it's just not done here'.
Delivering training in the UK ten years later, and soft skills such as wishing the customer a good day at the end of a call, at times received a sceptical 'that's too Americanised. We don't really do that here'.
Roll forward five years, and during a recent trip to the Balkans, I noticed how attentive yet still naturally relaxed sales assistants are now. Gone is smoking in stores, smiles have replaced the chin-point and there is a lot of 'I'm here if you need help'.
In our BPA UK office, 98% of all German calls we evaluate for quality today contain the phrase 'Danke schön für Ihren Anruf' or, 'thank you for your call'.
And you'll be hard-pressed to hear an English call where the agent doesn't wish you a 'good day' or a similar parting pleasantry.
Average is the new Bad
The truth is, good customer service isn't an inherently cultural phenomenon. It's a matter of: The Scale. On one extreme of The Scale, there is the bad service, the kind that is so unexpectedly poor that it shocks you so you tell your friends. On the other extreme is the fantastic service – the kind that is so unexpectedly great that it surprises you and, well, you tell your friends. And somewhere in the middle, shrouded in a cloud of easily-forgettable, not-much-happens-here average, there is the good service. Good = what we expect. The kind of service that happens every day. Good, solid, customer service. Nothing to talk about.
As companies up their stakes and improve service, it increases customer expectations, and therefore what was once perceived as Excellent slips towards the Cloud of Average on The Scale.
For example, had supermarket checkout staff offered to help pack your shopping twelve years ago, you might have been very surprised and rated this as fantastic service! Today, it's the 'done thing' in all UK's supermarkets, and as something we experience every week, it sits comfortably in our Cloud of Average. In fact, when it isn't offered, we notice something is amiss and rate the service as less than good!
Whether a nation's current Cloud of Average is a chin-shaking, cigarette-wielder or not, every customer in the world and at any one time will rate positively an experience where they're greeted with a genuine smile, a warm, personalised and attentive tone and a positive, helpful attitude.
For any customer service provider, seeing cultural differences as a reason to keep on providing the same average service is like saying 'our customers don't expect much more, they don't know any better', all the while their competitors are raising their own service levels and forcing the current perceptions of excellent, well into the new Cloud of Average. And so the old Average becomes the new Bad.
By: Milena Maric', Research Team Trainer and Performance Manager at BPA Quality UK


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Educating for Life on Earth
In this New Zealand school, children are free to roam.
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Why We Must Improve Teacher Diversity, and How to Get it Done
Addressing the unique needs of students from different backgrounds is one of the major challenges facing public education.
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Does Video Feedback Improve Teaching?
Compared to written mark-ups, video grading does more to motivate students and can also save teachers time.
The Hechinger Report | May 23, 2018
Bringing More Minority Teachers into the Classroom
Evidence shows that minority teachers can boost a range of minority student outcomes, yet they are underrepresented in the education system.
Brookings | Mar 21, 2018
Frugal Innovation: Teaching computing without computers
Find out how a Ghanian computer technology teacher educates his students without any computers.
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"I feel stuck in a profession that's making me ill"
"I should be prioritising my pupils. Instead, I have become desperately stressed chasing marking and assessment deadlines"
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What Makes a Good Teacher?
A new study suggests that on average, teachers who are good at raising test scores are worse at keeping students fulfilled.
The Atlantic | Dec 08, 2017
Teaching Young Offenders to Turn Their Lives Around
A teacher in Feltham, a prison in the UK, explains in her own words the impact of education on young people who need to reform their lives.
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Harnessing EdTech to Renew Education Paradigms
Swiss university EPFL hosted 10 EdTech start-ups that are building a future in which traditional methods of teaching are left behind.
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Members of the Teach for All program offer powerful insights based on their experience in the region.
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Why Schools Need to Do What Works
Sir Kevan Collins makes the case for an evidence-based school system.
WISE Words | Oct 09, 2017
Special Focus: Learning to Live and Work Together
How can education be shaped for co-existing and co-creating in a world of dramatic change? 2017 WISE Summit speakers share their views.
WISE Words | Oct 06, 2017
Why Robots Won't Replace Teachers
Machines can't teach values, social skills, how to work in teams or become good citizens, argues Aldwyn Cooper.
Times Higher Education | Sep 25, 2017
To Capture the Benefits of AI, Schools Need to Rethink Their Models
Unleashing the potential of AI in education requires re-examining some of the basic assumptions of school operation.
WISE Words | Sep 21, 2017
Who Moved My Intelligence?
How can education use artificial intelligence to boost human intelligence?
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Acne is the most common skin condition. In fact, nearly 50 million Americans battle acne each year, and 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience breakouts. Since acne is so common, there's a plethora of information out there about pimples, what causes them, and how to get rid of those pesky — sometimes painful — bumps. That's a good thing, right? Well, it can be, but there's also a ton of wrong information out there about acne. We're here to set the record straight.
Let's start with some basic facts: Acne is defined as a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is caused and affected by a myriad of things, including overactive oil glands, hormones, menstruation, stress, medication, genetics, and diet. Breakouts can appear at any age, but most commonly begin at puberty and affect teenagers and young adults. The condition can present as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, or nodules, and is classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
Now, follow our series to learn the truth behind some of the common acne misnomers.


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On this page you will see the Before & After Images captured at Absolique Hair Health Clinic from our Hair Loss Treatment methods used for various types of Hair Loss and Hair Thinning.
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The next session of the WIDC PPPM is TBA.
During the Prep, Production and Post
Production Module (PPPM) held at The Banff Centre, participants receive
coaching and mentorship from seasoned professionals while they explore
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practice casting, rehearsing, leading and communicating through hands-on
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Participants are expected to have a
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however, in the safe learning environment at WIDC, there is room for all
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Each Participant emerges with a DVD of her MAIN SCENE work-in-progress* for personal promotion and analysis and a new network
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*The MAIN SCENES are considered works-in-progress and for the protection of the learning process and the volunteers agreements these works are not for broadcast
or festival screening.
WEEK ONEDirector
participants attend classroom sessions led by program Mentors with the
objectives of determining and filling skills and knowledge gaps and
exploring story-telling styles. Classroom sessions are followed up
with practical hands-on exercises that simulate the professional setting. These exercises are designed to build confidence and
develop working relationships with actors, editors, cinematographers and
designers. Sessions and Exercises include:
Mentor Director's Overview: leadership,
vision, creative style, casting, problem-solving, shot-listing Mentorship Sessions: directors meet with mentors to discuss vision for MAIN Scenes, learning goals and plans for how to work together through the process
Aspects of Working with Actors: eliciting dynamic performances,
communication, scene breakdown
Aspects of Working with the Cinematographer: lenses, lighting, depth
of field, eye-line, blocking for camera, shot-listing
Aspects of Post Production: finessing emotional arcs,
compressing/stretching time, style choices
Aspects of Working with Designers: production, costumes, music and
sound (topics may vary)WEEKS TWO AND THREE Directors and mentors are joined by professional (ACTRA) actors and crews (IATSE, DGC) and volunteers to engage in hands-on exercises leading to the prep, production and post production of eight original short films (the MAIN SCENES) directed by the eight director participants.Sessions and Exercises include:
Blocking For Camera: led by the Mentor Director with the support of the other mentors, participants are led through the elements of blocking a scene, including how the set runs on the day.
Crew Department Mini-workshops:
Casting / Audition Simulation:
Guerrilla Shoot Exercise:
MAIN Scene Exercise:
Camera Assistants Workshop:
Director Mentorship Sessions: Individual meetings with mentors are arranged
to discuss learning goals, director's vision for the MAIN SCENE
Exercise and program exit plans.Landscape for Women Directors: In a group session director participants and mentors explore the current landscape of the film and television industry in Canada. The session includes a discussion of director participant assets, what skills still need to be honed and the identification and commitments towards next steps for participants after the program.
In addition to serving the various productions as cast, Acting Ensemble members
(made up of ACTRA full and apprentice members) have the opportunity to participate in actors work-outs with the
Mentor Actor (Acting Instructor). Information sessions with Mentor Cinematographers
and Editors may also be scheduled.
Professional Crew have the opportunity to apply for upgrade positions
(e.g. 2nd assistant camera to 1st assistant camera). In their
respective crew positions they are expected to offer mentorship and
guidance to their department (e.g. 1st assistant camera coaches and
mentors the 2nd assistant camera). They are expected to conduct
mini-workshops within their respective departments to orient work study
/ volunteer crew to the job as well as on set process and protocols.
Work study / Volunteer Crew members have the opportunity to gain
hands-on practical experience working on set with professional crew.
Senior film studies program students may use this opportunity to fulfill
a practicum requirement. Union Permittees may apply this
opportunity towards their required on-set hours.


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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Last Week In the MTC- 4 Days Until Paraguay!!!
Hola!!! Can you beleive the time has finally come for me to head off to Paraguay!!! Woot woot! It's about time! I am SO READY! Oh and just real fast call Emily and tell her she has to send the package tomorrow and make sure that I'll get it by Saturday or else I won't get it!!! Oh and tell Bobby, Kimmy, Lauren, and Keri HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Oh and also I think you can send me DearElders in Paraguay for free..or that's what I've heard..so you should all probably definitely take advantage of that :) And I got Angela's packet!!! Omg LOVED IT! I loved the pictures!! Gracias!! And I got yalls too!! Thanks for the cookies!! Love them!! And cards and Christmas presents! Ah I just love packages :) And tell Sister Andersen thanks for her cuteness! Oh and send me everyone's phone numbers so I can call all yall...or tell me what the plan is. Are yall all going to be home or what?! If not send me Angela's, Alisa's, and Dad's. Ok and guess what?!! Our progressive investigator, Gabriel got baptized last Saturday!! haha it was sooo cool! It made me super excited. And it was cool because it was one of the teachers in our zone and he actually served in Paraguay so he was acting like a Paraguayan! Love it! Anyways oh my goodness! Can you believe I will be in Paraguay in 5 days!!! Ha I still can't! I'm so excited!!! Life is so good. I have been so blessed! It's going to be sad leaving the resort but shoot now I'm going to the celestial resort. RIght?! Well it's about to come that way anyways. I don't know a lick of Spanish but it will come! Ha it's going to be sooo cool! My life is going to be so different next week, I can't wait. I can't wait to be humbled..again lol. A mission is the best thing in the world! So we watched a fireside by Elder Bednar and he said, "Become a missonary, do not merely go on a mission." I love that. Become a missionary. And then he said, "when it's time to leave the mission-return to your home but do not leave the mission field" ha that is so going to be me!!! I had a revelation this week...I now want to come home weird! haha but I'm serious! How can you come home after serving the Lord with all your heart, soul and energy and teaching with the Spirit everyday and then come back and not feel weird listening to certain music or watching certain movies, etc. I know for me it's going to be like..wait a second..I finally just got the hang of Spanish and teaching good and now I have to go home? What in the world?! Yeah I'm definitely going to be weird. But I'm excited!! I want to continue being a missionary my whole life!! Elder Oaks' wife was here for Relief Society on Sunday and she said, "When we come to understand the basics of our religion, we begin to understand ourselves" and then she said this, "this church is not just a nice way to live, it is the reason we live." Wow I love that. This gospel is the reason we live. We live for this gospel. Dad said, "for a year and a half you have nothing to worry about other than proclaiming Christ and his restored gospel." Am I blessed or what?! It doesn't get any better than that!!!Ok and guess what?! Sheri Dew came on Sunday night!!! Talk about AN AMAZING WOMAN! I don't even know what to say. I wish I could just send you my notes. Inspirational. She helped put things into such a clearer perspective for me. She talked a little bit about the Atonement. The Atonement is something that has always been so INCREDIBLE to me. Christ died for me. For me. For me and for you and for everyone! And why? In order for us to be able to become clean and return to our Heavenly Father. What hope. The Savior's Atonement is so personal. So personal. He knows us. He knows us individually. He knows our weaknesses and our stregnths. He knows the pain and hurt we feel. He knows when we're discouraged and frustrated or when we suffer from heartbreak or sorrow. He knows what it's like to feel devestated. But he also knows our joy. He knows the joy of a family. Of a baby. Of a rainbow. He knows what makes us happy. He knows how to bless. He knows how to HELP US. He is who we can turn to when the going gets rough. Because HE KNOWS. Oh what joy the sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that my Redeemer lives. And that is the message I will share for the remainder of my days. I truly stand all amazed at the love Jesus has for me. Presiding Bishop, Brother Edgley came Tuesday night and said something that really helped me. He said, "once we receive a calling from the Lord, the Lord qualifies us for the work." Ha I love it because I am so not qualified for this great work, but I know that the Lord will qualify me so I can share the message of the restored gospel with EVERYONE! Ha I can't wait to speak the limited Spanish I know and just bear testimony to EVERYONE! I'm SO EXCITED!! I love yall so so much! Keep the love coming! Next weeks email is going to be awesome! Ha what is it going to be like?! I don't even know. The anticipation is killing me! I'll be in Paraguay!! Ah I know I will just love it! I love yall and thanks so much for your testimonies. Please pray for the people of Paraguay and for my new companion! Ha she definitely needs your prayers..I would be tough ;) Have a great Thanksgiving and eat lots of pie for me because I won't have it for 16 months! Woot woot! Love yall :) Hermanita Nelson
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On Saturday, we headed to the Hurricane Cafe for breakfast with Lauren and Ian. Afterward, we made our towards Broadway to check out the shop where Lauren works, Panache.
All throughout the city, they have these charming brass dancing feet embedded in the sidewalk showing the steps to various dances. Here is a picture of Lauren doing the Mambo!
We made reservations for Saturday night at The Can Can, a cabaret dinner theater near Pike's Market. The show that evening was Aerobotron, and if you haven't seen it, I would highly recommend it. The dancers were amazing! Surprisingly, the food was excellent also. We chose the 4 course fixed price menu which included pumpkin soup, spinach salad, choice of chicken, buffalo meatball, or mac & cheese. YUM! They also served creme brulee for dessert but I was too full to partake.
After the show, we went to Julia's on Broadway for the 10:30pm drag show, La Faux (I know, I stayed up that late, amazing right?). Here are a few pictures of us with Tina Turner, Tammy Wynot (ssh...she's actually a woman) and Cher.
On Sunday morning, we went out for brunch at the Cafe Presse and then Ian dropped of us off at the airport for our flight home. We had a terrific time in Seattle. Lauren is a fabulous weekend adventure planner. I'm already scouring the paper and web looking for fun things to do when she is home next month. She's set the bar pretty darn high, though.


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Heart disease is on the rise in the Lisburn area, though on the upside there's been a marked fall in the associated death rate.
The news emerged following the recent publication of a constituency profile showing the average annual death rate for circulatory illnesses in Lagan Valley stood at 336 per 100,000 people.
Flagging up the statistics, the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association's Public Health Director, Fidelma Carter, said that while it was good to see statistics on circulatory deaths highlighted, it was disappointing that they were higher than deaths from cancer or respiratory illnesses.
"Within the Lisburn area," she said, "there is good news and bad news regarding heart disease.
"The good news is that the death rate from heart disease decreased by a very encouraging 32% from 2011 to 2014.
"However, the bad news is that the number of people on the Coronary Heart Disease Register, ie people living with a heart condition, increased, though only slightly, to 3,811."
Lagan Valley MLA and former Stormont Health Minister Edwin Poots said the health service was clearly succeeding in keeping more people alive but too many were failing to heed lifestyle warnings. "What I would take from that," he said, " is that clinical expertise has continued to increase and, with the availability of 24/7 cath' labs and better medication, the health service is better at keeping people with heart conditions alive, but, on the negative side, more people who could potentially avoid having heart conditions are failing to heed the public health messages, to stop smoking - a big contributor to heart disease - and the the other main factor is around obesity.
"People need to ensure their intake of food and alcohol are in reasonable quantities if they wish to avoid many of the conditions that will seriously impact their quality of life ."
Ms Carter, meanwhile, said NICHSA's vision was one of a Northern Ireland free of chest, heart and stroke illnesses.
"Despite the death rate decreasing," she said, "we still want to ensure everyone is aware of the symptoms of a heart attack, as time is of the essence to give the person the best chance of survival possible. There are 12 heart attacks in Northern Ireland every day, with three people sadly dying."
A newly launched NICHSA campaign aims to make people aware of the symptoms of a heart attack by way of the acronym STOP (S for Something's not right – symptoms can start slowly; T for Tightness or pain in the chest, pain in the arm, neck or jaw; O for Other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea or sweating and P for Phone 999 immediately – the ambulance crew will do an ECG).
"Of course, prevention is better than a cure," said Ms Carter, "so it is also very important to understand what we can do to reduce our chances of having a heart attack in the first case.
"There are some factors that you can't control which mean you have a higher risk of heart disease; our age and whether you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol are some of the most important ones to think about.
"However, there are also some things over which you have more control - whether or not you smoke, your weight, the amount of physical activity you do, your diet, how much alcohol you drink, stress and how much sleep you get."
More information about heart disease and how to prevent is available on NICHSA's website: www.nichs.org.uk/heart.


text: STUDOCU: Amsterdam-based StuDocu has raised seed funding of €1.35 million (approximately $1.4 million) to scale its platform allowing students to share their study materials with one another. The funding round was led by Peak Capital and Point Nine Capital. According to their site, StuDocu is used by over 500,000 users who share over 293,000 documents across 11,301 universities. In addition to sharing documents, StuDocu allows users to message one another and buy/sell textbooks.


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We are exhibiting our stunning range of our tartan gifts and accessories, as well as our locally produced tartan and tweed fabrics, perfect for home accessories and your latest crafting project. Don't forget to Speak to Anna and Ali about our bespoke made to order service, they are on hand to help you create a unique outfit or home accessory in your favourite tartan or tweed.The Country Living Spring Fair is not only an exclusive shopping experience. There are lots to opportunities to do and try, from the Craft rooms to the Champagne Bar! In the two dedicated craft rooms the excellent programme of crafting activities including Block printing and Kite Making will have you creating in no time. We love the Green and Black's tasting experience which offers a chance to taste some delicious flavored chocolate as well as the incredibly cute lambs from Real Farm Holidays who will be joining the show on Wednesday giving you the opportunity to feed the charming orphaned lambs throughout the day. If you're more the relax with a glass of fizz type than a lover of hustle and bustle, the Gala Evening is perfect for you. This late night event takes place on Thursday 19th March and offers you the opportunity to visit us whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of wine. Islington and the surrounding area is also home to some great restaurants so why not join us after work with some friends and make an evening of it! ∎
This week we are very excited to be exhibiting at Country Living Magazine Spring Fair held at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The exhibition began earlier today and runs until Sunday 22nd March. We can be found at found at Stand M46 on the Mezzanine floor. The Fair is all about simple pleasures: things to make, cakes to bake, talents to nurture and gardens to grow.


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Visit our blog for more on-line help and support
The linking of sub contract orders to jobs is an integral part of the AMS32 system which allows close tracking of all out work contracted for aircraft and components on a job. The 'SubCon' window W513 has now
been upgraded to further enhance the management of outwork orders.
Add a subcon to an existing job by opening the subcon window from 'Transactions - Subcontract'. Press 'Exit' from the search box. To add a new sub
con order press the blue page on the button bar. This will add a new order and increment the order number. The window 'W513' will have opened with the
'Description' tab in view. Enter the defect to be rectified. Remember that the printed order and delivery note have a limited length memo field. Keep the
description brief. Remember to add the component description, part number & serial number. This data will be shown on the delivery note to aid traceability.
Use additional sub cons for freight etc to establish separation for accounting. As a rule of thumb if it will raise a separate invoice it probably needs a
separate order. If it is known, add the link to the CRMA type in this tab.
Press the 'Link' tab to link the sub con to a job and a supplier. Press the 'Supplier' button and select the supplier from the drop down list. If the job
number is known, enter the number. It is possible to search for the job number by pressing the 'J' button in the W909 'Subcontract Link' window. Enter the
registration (or company code) in the W901 'Job Search' window and press 'Load'. A list of open jobs linked to the registration will be displayed. Double
click the desired job and this number will be added to the subcon link. Press 'OK' in the W909 'Subcontract Link' window.
Searching of subcons may be done by using the arrow button in the button bar. For selective searching use the 'Filter' system in the 'Link' window. By default
the buttons will search by next order numerically. Select the 'Current Supplier' filter box to search orders linked to the current supplier. Select the 'Current
Job' filter box to search orders linked to the current Job number
To print and order at this stage press the printer icon in the button bar. Either preview the document or sent it directly to the printer. Should the user wish to
only print an order (exclude a delivery note), preview the printout and select the printer. Select 'Print Range - Pages - From 2 to 2' This will only print the second page (order)
Press the Costing tab to add or edit cost associated to the order. When a suppliers invoice arrives, enter the rectification info. In the 'Costing' window ,
add the invoice number and value to the relevant fields. A warning is generated if a value is added without a rectification being added. This ensures
correct data capture. The current date will be added but this may be edited to the invoice date if desired. Selling price is then automatically calculated in
accordance with the markup set in 'Preferences'. (See Flyer 2 - New Install)
Changes, corrections or editing to the costing is allowed on the day of capture but requires an audited adjustment (with reason for change) as soon as the
system date changes. Adjustments are not permitted if the job is closed.
A new feature to the subcon system is the addition of component tracking. Press the 'Handling' tab. It is now possible to enter and store the outgoing
freight company, its waybill and date of shipment. When the part is returned the incoming freight company, its waybill and date of receipt can be stored.
The user capturing the incoming data is recorded. In addition the present location of the part can be entered. This is especially useful in indicating if the
part was delivered directly to the aircraft or placed in storage pending fitting.
Aviation Databases develops and supports this application and other dedicated solutions for the
aviation industry.


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We are receiving massive amount of submission from authors. We are grateful to you all for such massive response. However, it is creating some practical problems in handling the manuscripts. That is why we have created a new submission portal at HERE>>.
- Authors will need to register first and then make the submission. This will also allow the authors to check the progress of their manuscripts. Authors have now also the option for expressing their interest in reviewing articles by mentioning their fields of specialization.
- Scholars can register as reviewer.
- Readers can register for new announcements.
We sincerely hope that you will like the arrangement. Please share your feedback with us.
Best wishes


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Crimes against women have been soaring at an alarming rate and we as Indians, feel ashamed to be helpless about it. Cases of brutal rape, abuse and harassment have been a part of the daily mayhem in the country as the safety of women remains a distant dream.
However, one city which has seen a significant increase in such cases is the 'City of Joy', Kolkata. It was just last month when an aged man masturbated openly at two young girls in a bus. It was followed by a news which highlighted the merciless torture of a woman on her mother-in-law for the sole reason of picking flowers.
And now we put forth yet another pathetic and disgusting incident that took place in the city.
A certain incident that took place at the Chuchura Handlum Mela, first ground in Kolkata, a pervert man was filmed brushing his pants against the back of a young girl, who was there enjoying the sight of a ride with her mother.
The incident occurred on the 6th of June and the man can be seen wearing a white shirt and a black trouser.
In the video that has gone viral on social media, the man can be seen standing right behind the girl and he can also be seen repeatedly bending so as to rub himself against the girl. On realizing that whatever he was doing was being filmed, he took no time to quickly turn his face away from the camera.
When the mother realised that the man was up to something suspicious, she switched places with her daughter and then, the man walked away.
One of the people present in the crowd saw the disturbing act and made it a point to record it on his phone. The videos and screenshots were shared on Facebook and a lot of people came forward and raised their voices against this filthy act.
This entire incident was informed to the Kolkata police by a number of users on Facebook Facebook and the Police made it a point to respond immediately.
The Kolkata Police are sure doing a great job lately. But well, we sincerely hope that justice is served to the victim.


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These are the questions we get from customers exploring geothermal as an alternative to conventional HVAC. There is a great deal of information here. Please scroll to scan all the FAQs.
What government-based incentives are available for geothermal heat pump installation?
A growing number of loan and grant programs is making it easier to invest in a geothermal system for your home or business. The following is a list of programs that further reinforce the national and international movement towards adopting more efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective energy alternatives for heating and cooling your home or business.
United States Government: As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)There is an uncapped 30-percent tax credit for residential investments in geothermal heat pump systems through 2016. REHAU's RAUGEO PEXa geothermal ground loop heat exchange system qualifies under this program. For more information, contact Public Information at the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov or by phone at 1.800.829.1040.
State-by-State (U.S.): The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. For more information, visit www.dsireusa.org.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
What is a geothermal heat pump?
A geothermal heat pump is an electrically-powered device that uses the natural heat exchange ability of the earth and/or the earth's groundwater to heat and cool your home or building.
How does it work?
Like any type of heat pump, it simply "pumps" or moves heat energy from one place to another. Your refrigerator works using the same principle and type of equipment, on a smaller scale. By using the refrigeration process, geothermal heat pumps remove heat energy stored in the ground and/or the earth's groundwater and transfer it indoors in the winter and back outdoors in the summer.
How is heat transferred between the earth and the home or building?
The ground has the ability to absorb and store heat energy. To use that stored energy, heat is extracted from the ground through a liquid medium (groundwater or an environmentally friendly anti-freeze solution) and is circulated to the heat pump or heat exchanger. There, the heat is used to heat the building through traditional warm air distribution or - even better - through radiant floor heating. In summer, the process is reversed and indoor heat is extracted from the air and transferred to the ground through the liquid. Certain commercial buildings also utilize the radiant piping network to collect heat from the building and reject it to the earth.
Does a heat pump generate both hot and cool air?
One of the things that makes a heat pump so versatile is its ability to be a heating and cooling system. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick of a switch on your indoor thermostat, or automatically with the right intelligent thermostat. In the cooling mode, a geothermal heat pump takes heat from indoors and transfers it to the cooler ground through either groundwater or an underground piping loop system. in some systems, it is possible to do simultaneous heating and cooling within the building, transferring heat from one section to another.
Do I need separate ground loops for heating and cooling?
No. The same ground loop works for both operations or modes. All that happens when changing from heating to cooling, or vice versa, is that the flow of heat is reversed automatically.
What types of ground loop configurations are available?
There are two main configurations of ground loops: open and closed.
Does the underground loop system really work?
YES, from Alaska to Miami and all throughout Canada (extremes of ground temperatures) geothermal earth exchange systems can be designed and installed to meet demanding building loads, either full peak loads or partial loads, according to the customer and designer intentions.
What are the components of a geothermal heat pump system?
The three main parts are the heat pump, the ground loop (open or closed piping loop and the fluid within), and the heating/cooling distribution systems - either air-based or fluid-based.
Are all geothermal heat pumps alike?
No. There are different kinds of geothermal heat pumps designed for specific applications. Many geothermal heat pumps are intended for use only with higher temperature ground water encountered in open-loop systems. Others will operate at entering ground water temperatures as low as 28°F (-2°C) which are possible in closed-loop systems.
Most geothermal heat pumps provide summer air conditioning, but a few units are designed only for winter heating. Sometimes these heating-only systems incorporate a groundwater cooled coil that can provide cooling in moderate climates.
Geothermal heat pumps can also differ in the way they are designed. Self contained units combine the blower, compressor, heat exchanger and coil in a single cabinet. Split systems allow the coil to be added to a forced-air furnace and utilize the existing blower.
Will I have to add insulation to my home if I install one of these systems?
Geothermal heat pumps will reduce your heating and cooling costs regardless of how well your home is insulated. However, upgrading insulation and building efficiency will reduce peak heating and cooling demands, allowing the designer and installer to supply a smaller, less expensive system.
Can a geothermal heat pump also heat domestic water?
Sometimes. Using an extra heat exchange coil (sometimes called a "desuperheater") within the heat pump unit, some types of geothermal heat pumps can save you up to 50 percent on your water-heating bill by preheating the incoming cold water. Desuperheaters are standard on some units, optional on others. Some heat pump units can provide all of the domestic hot water needs during cooling cycles, using heat from the indoor air.
Is a geothermal heat pump difficult to install?
The indoor heat pump units are compact and easily installed by an experienced contractor. They can be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion, thus, no need to vent exhaust gases or provide fuel piping or combustion air. The outdoor piping is installed by contractors who specialize in that type of work, whether it be for open- or closed-loop systems.
Can a geothermal heat pump be added to my fossil fuel furnace?
Partial-load of split systems can easily be added to existing furnaces for those wishing to have a dual-fuel heating system. Dual-fuel systems use the heat pump as the main heating source and a fossil fuel furnace as a supplement in extremely cold weather if additional heat is needed.
I have forced-air heating (ductwork), but will it work with this system?
In all probability, yes. Your installing contractor should be able to determine ductwork requirements and any modifications if needed.
Do I need to increase the size of my electric service?
Geothermal heat pumps don't use large amounts of resistance heat, so your existing service may be adequate. Generally, a 200-amp service will have enough capacity, and smaller amp services may be large enough in some cases. Your electric utility or contractor can determine your service needs.
Should I buy a heat pump large enough to heat with no supplemental heat?
Your contractor should provide a heating and cooling load calculation (heat loss, heat gain) to guide your equipment selection. Depending upon your geographical location, it may be most cost-effective to size the ground source heat pump system for 80-100 percent of the peak heating load. Sizing the heat pump to handle the entire heating load may impractically increase costs due to the requirement of a larger heat pump unit and outdoor ground loops. Also, an over-sized unit can cause dehumidification problems in the cooling mode, resulting in a loss of summer comfort.
Do geothermal heat pumps have outdoor units?
The buried piping loop is the only part of the system which is outdoors. The heat pump equipment goes inside the building, usually in the basement, garage, crawl space, or mechanical room. Because it's indoors, the life spans of the compressor and major components are greatly extended, most having a life span of 20 years or more.
Geothermal Systems
How does a ground source earth energy or geothermal system work?
Unlike outdoor temperatures that fluctuate with the changing seasons, the temperature of the soil four to six feet beneath the ground remains relatively consistent year-round for a given location. A ground source or earth energy geothermal system taps into earth's natural heating and cooling properties through an underground loop heat exchanger system connected to an electric heat pump within in your home or business.
In the winter, a fluid with antifreeze and water circulating through the ground loop system absorbs stored heat from the ground and carries it indoors. The heat pump, using the same refrigeration principle as your refrigerator, then compresses the heat to a higher temperature for distribution throughout the building. In the summer, the heat pump works in reverse, drawing heat from the building and carrying it through the loop system for rejection back into the earth.
What makes a geothermal system different from conventional heating and cooling systems?
A ground source or earth energy geothermal system uses solar energy from the sun, which is stored in the ground, to heat homes and buildings and to help generate domestic hot water. In warm weather, heat pumps quietly and efficiently collect heat from the building and "pump" it into the earth, which is much cooler than the air in summertime.
Unlike conventional systems, geothermal systems don't burn fossil fuels (i.e. natural gas, oil, propane) to generate heat. They simply exchange heat to and from the ground, depending on the conditions. Electricity is used to operate the heat pump's compressor, a circulating pump for the fluid in the ground loops and the electronics. According to the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, ground source heat pumps can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% when compared to conventional systems.
How efficient is a geothermal system?
In heating mode, a geothermal system can be three-to-four-times as efficient as the most efficient conventional system. Because geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuel (i.e. gas, oil, propane) to make heat, they provide three to four units of energy for every one unit used to power the system through electricity. In cooling mode, geothermal systems can be two-to-three-times more efficient than traditional air conditioners or air-to-air heat pumps. This improved efficiency translates directly to reduced operating costs.
What does geothermal mean to the environment?
Because geothermal systems work with nature, not against it, they minimize the threats of acid rain, air pollution and the greenhouse effect. An environmentally friendly fluid called "Geo-Therm" is used in the closed, continuous loop.
Do geothermal systems require much maintenance?
Closed-loop geothermal systems are practically maintenance free. When installed properly, the buried ground loop of crosslinked polyethylene piping will last for generations. And the other half of the operation--the heat pump's compressor and circulating pump--is housed indoors, protected from the harsh weather conditions. Usually, periodic checks and air filter changes (for forced air distribution) are the only required maintenance.
With open-loop systems, the water quality may impact the condition of the heat pump's indoor heat exchanger. Periodic cleaning or replacement of the indoor heat exchanger may be required.
The Heat Pump Process
Anyone who has a refrigerator or an air conditioner has witnessed the operation of a heat pump, even though the term heat pump may be unfamiliar. All of these machines, rather than making heat, take existing heat and move it from a lower temperature location to a higher temperature location. Refrigerators and air conditioners are heat pumps which remove heat from colder interior spaces to warmer exterior spaces for cooling purposes. Heat pumps also move heat from a low-temperature source to a high-temperature space for heating.
An air-source heat pump, for example, extracts heat from outdoor air and pumps it indoors. A geothermal heat pump works the same way, except that its heat source is the warmth of the earth.
The process of elevating low-temperature heat to over 100°F and transferring it indoors involves a cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion. A refrigerant, like Freon, is used as the heat-transfer medium which circulates within the heat pump.
The cycle starts as the cold, liquid refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger (evaporator) and absorbs heat from the low-temperature source (liquid from the ground loop). The refrigerant evaporates into a gas as heat is absorbed. The gaseous refrigerant then passes through a compressor where the refrigerant is pressurized, raising its temperature to over 180°F. The hot gas then circulates through a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger where heat is removed and pumped into the building at about 100°F. When it loses the heat, the refrigerant changes back to a liquid. The liquid is cooled as it passes through an expansion valve and begins the process again. To become an air conditioner, the flow is reversed.
Geothermal Loop Systems – Closed
What is a closed-loop system?
The term "closed-loop" is used to describe a geothermal heat pump system that uses a continuous loop of special buried plastic pipe as a heat exchanger. The pipe is connected to the indoor heat pump to form a sealed, underground loop through which an antifreeze solution is circulated. Unlike an open-loop system that consumes water from a well, a closed-loop system recirculates its heat-transferring solution in pressurized pipe.
Where can this loop be located?
That depends on land availability and terrain. Some closed-loops are installed horizontally in trenches near the home or building. Many closed-loops are installed vertically through deep "boreholes". Drilled with special equipment, these are typically 300 feet or more deep and 5 to 6 inches in diameter.
How deep and long will my trenches be?
Trenches are normally four to six feet deep and up to 400 feet long, depending on how many pipes are in a trench. One of the advantages of a horizontal loop system is being able to lay the flexible pipes according to the shape of the land.
How many pipes are in a trench?
Normally, a run of pipe is laid at five feet then looped back over itself at three feet once the bottom pipe is covered with soil. This allows more length of pipe to be put in one trench and has no adverse affect on system efficiency. Other loop designs use four or six pipes and allow for shorter trenches if land area is limited.
What if I don't have enough room for a horizontal loop?
Closed-loop systems are often vertical. Vertical boreholes are drilled from 200 to 400 feet deep. U-shaped loops of approved pipe are dropped in the holes. The holes are then backfilled with a grouting mixture to create contact between the pipes and the earth surrounding the borehole.
How long will the loop pipe last?
Properly installed, approved pipes (PE and PEXa) will last for many decades. They are inert to chemicals normally found in soil and have good heat conducting properties. PVC pipe should not be used under any circumstances.
Will an earth loop affect my lawn or landscape?
No. Research has proven that loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees, or shrubs. The buried pipe loops will be invisible and reliable.
Can I reclaim heat from my septic system disposal field?
No. An earth loop will reach temperatures below freezing during extreme conditions and may freeze your septic system. Such usage is banned in many areas.
Can I install an earth loop myself?
It's not recommended. In addition to the special equipment and certification required, good earth-to-coil contact is very important for successful loop operation. Nonprofessional installations may result in less than optimum system performance.
I have a pond nearby. Can I put a loop in it?
Sometimes, if it's deep enough and large enough. A minimum of six feet in depth at its lowest level during the year is needed for a pond to be considered. The amount of surface area required depends on the heating and cooling load of the structure.
Geothermal Loop Systems – Open
What is an open-loop system?
The term "open-loop" is commonly used to describe a geothermal heat pump system that uses groundwater from a conventional well as a heat source. The groundwater is pumped into the heat pump unit where heat is extracted, then the water is disposed of in an appropriate manner. Since groundwater is a relatively constant temperature year-round, it is an excellent heat source.
What do I do with the discharge water?
There are a number of ways to dispose of water after it has passed through the heat pump. The open discharge method is the easiest and least expensive. Open discharge simply involves releasing the water into a stream, river, lake, pond, ditch, or drainage tile. Obviously, one of these alternatives must be readily available and must possess the capacity to accept the amount of water used by the heat pump before open discharge is feasible.
A second means of water discharge is the return well. A return well is a second well bore that returns the water to the ground aquifer. A return well must have enough capacity to dispose of the water passed through the heat pump. A new return well should be installed by a qualified well driller. Likewise, a professional should test the capacity of an existing well before it is used as a return.
How much groundwater does an open-loop system need?
Geothermal heat pumps used in open-loop systems need differing amounts of water depending on the size of the unit and the manufacturer's specifications. The water requirement of a specific model is usually expressed in gallons per minute (g.p.m.) and is listed in the specifications for that unit. Your heating contractor should be able to provide this information. Generally, the average system will use 1.5 g.p.m. per ton of capacity while operating.
Your well and pump combination should be large enough to supply the water needed by the heat pump in addition to your domestic water requirements. You will probably need to enlarge your pressure tank or modify your plumbing to supply adequate water to the heat pump.
What problems can be caused by poor water quality?
Poor water quality can cause serious problems in open-loop systems. Your water should be tested for hardness, acidity and iron content before a heat pump is installed. Your contractor or equipment manufacturer can tell you what level of water is acceptable.
Mineral deposits can build up inside the heat pump's heat exchanger. Sometimes a periodic cleaning with a mild acid solution is all that's needed to remove the build-up.
Impurities, particularly iron, can eventually clog a return well. If your water has a high iron content you, should be sure that the discharge water is not aerated before it's injected into a return well.
Finally, you should opt against using water from a spring, pond, lake or river as a source for your heat pump system unless it's proven to be free of excessive particles and organic matter. They can clog a heat pump system and make it inoperable in a short time.
Does an open-loop system cause environmental damage?
No. They are pollution free. The heat pump merely removes or adds heat to the water. No pollutants are added whatsoever. The only change in the water returned to the environment is a slight increase or decrease in temperature. Some people are concerned that open-loop systems contribute to the depletion of our ground water resources. This issue is not critical in some parts of North America because of abundant supplies of ground water.
Are there any laws that apply to open-loop installations?
In some localities, all or parts of the installation may be subject to local ordinances, codes, covenants or licensing requirements. Check with local authorities to determine if any restrictions apply in your area.
|Selecting the Right System
Is the efficiency rating actual or just a manufacturer's average?
All types of heating and cooling systems have a rated efficiency according to industry-regulated test methods and third-party testing. Fossil fuel furnaces have a percentage efficiency rating. Natural gas, propane and fuel oil furnaces have efficiency ratings based on laboratory test conditions. To get an accurate installed efficiency rating, factors such as flue gas heat losses, cycling losses caused by oversizing, blower fan electrical usage, etc., must be included.
Geothermal heat pumps, as well as all other types of heat pumps, have efficiency ratings according to their coefficient of performance or COP. It's a standardized scientific way of determining how much energy the system produces versus how much it uses.
Most geothermal heat pump systems have COPs of 3.0 - 4.0, and some are even better. That means for every one unit of energy used to power the system, three to four units are supplied as heat. Where a fossil fuel furnace may be 80-90 percent efficient (80-90% of the energy is delivered as heat to the building), these geothermal heat pumps are 300 to 400 percent efficient. Some geothermal heat pump manufacturers and electric utilities use computers to accurately determine the operating efficiency of a system for your home or building.
How do I know a dealer or loop installer is qualified?
Always ask for references. A reputable dealer won't hesitate to give you names and contact numbers so you can confirm his capabilities. The same applies to the loop installer. In the US, certification for installers from International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is available and often required by local regulations. In Canada, certification for installers from the Canadian Geoexchange Coalition (CGC) is available and often required by local regulations.
How long is the payback period (ROI) for a geothermal heat pump system?
To figure this accurately, you must know how much per year you'll save in energy costs with a geothermal system and the difference in costs between it and the alternative heating system and central air conditioner. To calculate your return on investment (payback in number of years), divide the annual savings into the additional cost. When you install a geothermal system in a new home, the monthly savings in operating costs will generally offset the additional monthly cost in the mortgage, resulting in a monthly positive cash flow immediately. Keep in mind that energy savings is only one of the many benefits of a geothermal system. Many heat pump manufacturers have so-called "payback calculator" tools available on their websites.
If a home has ceiling cable heat or baseboard heat, do air ducts need to be installed?
Not always. It may be desirable to install geothermal heat pump room units. For some small homes, one room unit would provide most of the heating and cooling needs. Ceiling cable or baseboard units could then be used for supplemental heat.


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PUNE, India update: Doctors & Volunteers for Tsunami Relief
Asish, my friend from Pune, sent me this information he saw on Tsunami Help blog:
1. The S.M.Joshi memorial foundation's Arogya Sena is planning to send a team of medical experts and volunteers to Tamil Nadu and other affected places to assist in the relief operations. Those wishing to join the effort may contact Dr Abhijit Vaidya on Pune mobile no.98505 88008 (prefix 0 while dialling from outside Pune).
2. Rotary club of Pune Riverside is sending a team of Rorarians with relief material for Tamil Nadu, Andamans, Andhra and Kerala. The team is leaving Pune on 1st Jan.2005. Relief material like packaged food, vessels, biscuits and blankets can be handed over to them. For details contact, Rohit Jerajani on Pune Ph.26134686.
3. On behalf of Women's Collective based in Chennai, NGO Maitri is accepting the following: Rice (in sealed bags of 1 kg.), bed sheets and funds. A collection centre is being opened at Padale Palace, off Karve Road, Pune (Ph.25446511).
For any details regarding material to be sent to local Red Cross office at M.G.Road,Pune OR contributions to be made, please call me at Pune cell no.98220 04752 or write in at email@example.com.
(Source Tsunami Help blog. Thanks Asish.)
The Red Cross is looking for dry food (non perishables), prepackaged food, Clothes, Rubber slippers (chappals), blankets. Call Vijaya at 98220 04752 to pass on your relief materials.
Facing problems in publishing info? Mail to suman[at]sumankumar[dot]com Translate This Post:


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Why did you choose Texas A&M Chemistry?
I chose Texas A&M because it had one of the top inorganic chemistry programs in the world, and to do research with a global leader in magnetism.
How has your Texas A&M education influenced your personal growth and professional success?
The highly engaged faculty taught me how to understand what excellence actually is. This was critical to my success in a highly competitive world where it can be challenging to be distinctive.


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Aleshia Barr, Scarborough Sixth Form
Aleshia Barr, a student at Scarborough Sixth Form, recently attended the York Experience Summer School (YESS), a five day residential event for students in Year 12.
Designed by the University of York, YESS aims to give a unique insight into the average week of an undergraduate student, both academically and socially. Experiences from the event help students start to think about what and where they could study, and what they need to do to get there.
Aleisha told us "I'm doing Sociology, English Literature, English Language and Media at the moment - I don't really know what I want to do at University… I went to a politics session today and found it so interesting. I'd like to do journalism I think, but I could always do politics and then become a journalist maybe – I'm really still deciding."
The Summer School is a good opportunity for students to discover the array of subjects on offer at university, what these entail and how it might feel to be in Higher Education. Whether they want to develop existing knowledge or study something new, the support on offer at YESS gives students like Aleshia the opportunity to 'trial' progression into higher education.
At YESS, students take part in lectures and seminars that are designed to be a true representation of degree level study. Other sessions that YESS provide are information about finance, accommodation, and how to write and submit an application form. As it is a residential event, Aleshia also had the chance to stay in university accommodation; she remarked that she "was surprised by how nice the accommodation was!"
YESS includes some social activities, as one of the messages from the event is that maintaining a good work-life balance is important. "We had some free time as well to see the city on our own and experience it – we made friends with a girl from Wales and showed her around. We went for a meal together which was really nice."


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Sony can present this brand brand-new 32 inch excellent description in February of the year. This really is a fresh addition to the Sony Bravia assortment of High description TVs and it happens to be a thirty-two inch screen which occurs to be a excellent size for several room.
This Sony Bravia KDL-32BX320 LCD HDTV Main attributes are:
Amazing High Definition 720p pic standard – You may able to appreciate clean, detailed and colourful pictures in 720p pic standard when viewing your prevalent films, sports escapades, together with prime time HD tv shows on your screen ( Screen size measures 31 1/2 diagonally).
5 HD Inputs to connect several HD equipment – You usually have ideal flexibility with all the five HD inputs with connection choices, including 2 HDMI? inputs, 2 HD component inputs add the capability of HD connectivity, and PC input that may allow you to employ your HDTV as a computer monitor.
Share pictures, music and videos utilizing the USB Input – You are able to see all your images found on the big screen or hear to your favorite music. You are able to merely connect your digital camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device straight to your TV's USB input.
Customized pic and sound settings – You can manage all your settings for the number one HDTV experience with "Scene Select". This allows you to select from five different packages each with pre-configured pic and sound settings, including Sports, Photo, Game, Cinema and Music.
Automatic pic change based on area light – Enjoy customized pic brightness and conserve power without lifting a finger. The built-in Light Sensor automatically changes the pic brightness based found on the amount of light in the area.
This new Sony KDL-22BX320 with its 32″ inch show is an great value. You are able to appreciate the 720p pic standard on this size set without the much high price as the standard can stay fantastic with this some what more compact size show screen. If you buy about the forty inch show or bigger, and appreciate viewing any quick action sports or programs, you ought to then consider the 1080p models.


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HONG KONG — We read about famous people, such as French film star Gerard Depardieu, who moved to Belgium to avoid a 75 percent income tax on millionaires proposed by France's Socialist government (a measure rejected last week by a French council, though French leadership has vowed to resubmit a similar proposal). Then there is Eduardo Saverin, who took the extreme step of giving up his U.S. citizenship and could see a savings of $39 million on his Facebook investment, according to the research firm Wealth-X. He says business reasons, rather than high taxes, were his primary motivation.
I had read about financially motivated expatriates, but never knew one who had taken the ultimate step until I visited with my longtime friend "Sam" (I'm withholding his real name to protect his current employment). Sam works for a large investment firm. He has lived here for the last 25 years.
He says that five years ago, he began thinking he could no longer "afford to be an American." Contributing to his decision was the cost of sending his five children to college. Even though he and his wife pay taxes on a home in California, the state has denied them in-state college tuition, meaning it could cost them $50,000 per child. While there is a $95,100 earned U.S. income tax exclusion, Sam says it isn't enough to substantially reduce his U.S. taxes and still cover his costs.


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/ Urban Outfitters blazer + heels / Forever 21 sweater + pants / 3.1 Philip Lim for Target purse / David Yurman ring / Revlon Lipstick /
While I have worked backstage at a few fashion shows in New York, I had never ventured over to Lincoln Center to spot all of the stylish editors, show-goers, bloggers, and photographers before. I admit, I was intimidated and unsure of how the whole thing worked. So, when London Fashion Week began here in London about three weeks ago, I made sure that my confidence got up to the same level as my excitement, grabbed a close friend and my camera, and headed over to Somerset House to see it all happen live. There is nothing like it, and I had the absolute best time that Saturday. Even got my photo taken a couple of times.
Now, about the outfit. Knowing that everyone goes big for the shows, I knew that I had to really put on my best, but I was still a bit unsure of how it went down, so this felt like a good start for branching a bit out of my comfort zone, while still being comfortable enough. With the sun shining for once, it was warm enough to go with this sweater and a light blazer (that I have re-found my love for). Since we got up fairly early to head down to Somerset, these silky floral Forever 21 pants felt like I was in my loungewear, but the chicest ones at that.
Stay tuned for a few photos from London Fashion Week and Weekend coming up later this week!
Hope you all had a nice first start to March!
Photo Credit: Indradevi Nuon
Photo Credit: Indradevi Nuon


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Web 2.0 : Doodledays
Site Name : Doodledays
URL : http://www.doodledays.com
Description : doodledays is designed for parents with young children (less than 5 years old) residing in the US. doodledays members can select, track and review the quality of childcare services based on their own personal criteria. Members can also use the site to communicate with their daycare provider. Members can post their views, opinions, ratings and personal buy/sell/exchange/donate advertisements.
See more : Web 2.0 Sites Logos Index
System Drivers: Is your PC running slow? Speed up your system with the latest System Drivers.
Clean Registry: Is your PC running slow? Speed up your system with a Clean Registry.
Web Hosting: Are you paying too much for web hosting? Compare prices in long list of Web Hosting providers.
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- Web 2.0 : Zazzle
- Web 2.0 : Wizlite
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- Web 2.0 : vozMe
- Web 2.0 : Vizu
- Web 2.0 : Tezaa
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In many western european cultures, the woman's surname is dropped in favor of her new husband's when they marry. This can drive the genealogist crazy. Fortunately for those of us looking for female ancestors in Scotland, Scottish records often show the woman's name.
Below is a list of helpful advise on finding the maiden names of your ancestor's wives. All of the following method probably won't work on the same person; it depends on the time, place, and where the person lived. Try for three proofs, but get at least two. You'll find that it is not as difficult as you many think.
1. Ladies death certificates -- within last 100
2. All children's death certificates, living into the 20th century
3. Copy of her obituary (Check to see if father or any brother survived her; one out of five obituaries give clear indication of her maiden name.
4. Marriage record; also check children's marriage certificates
5. Printed Church records or printed marriage records. (These may be called OPRs or Old Parish Records or Old Parochial Records in Scotland.)
6. Unpublished Church record of marriage (The Church of Latter Day Saints or commonly called the Mormon Church) - has many on microfilm.
7. International; Genealogical Index (IGI)
8. Divorce papers.
9. Newspapers indexes (especially ion burned counties)
10. County Histories.
11. Widows Military Pension.
12. Locate a family genealogy of spouse. (New York Public Library estimates 25% of their Family Genealogies are the only copies)
14. Wills and Probate records.
15. Queries
The number 13 was omitted in original - superstitions?!
Last Updated 11March2006 dms (c)2000-2006 Clan Scott Society, Inc.


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LHS (LHS) Class of 1978 Alumni List
Help us Update the LHS 1978 Class List by adding any names missing from the list below:
Registered Alumni
1978 Class List
- Cora Adaway
- Cindi Cyr
- Cindy Cyr
- Christina Harrington
- Debra Holler
- Jerry Lynch
- Ronnie Mayo
- Lynne Smith Oler
- Lynn Smith
- Natalie Smith
- Michele Strickland
- Johnnie Tyler
- Sandy Cobb Welch
Know LHS Class of 1978 graduates that are NOT on this List? Help us Update the 1978 Class List by adding missing names.
Grease was the top movie in theaters in 1978, with a lifetime gross of over $181,813,770. Among TV shows in 1978, Laverne & Shirley was the most popular of the year.
Hit Songs From 1978
CopacabanaBarry Manilow
Blue BayouLinda Ronstadt
Running On EmptyJackson Browne
Get OffFoxy
ShameEvelyn "Champagne" King
You're In My HeartRod Stewart
You're The One That I WantJohn Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
The Name Of The GameABBA
Don't It Make My Brown Eyes BlueCrystal Gayle
You Belong To MeCarly Simon
Hit Movies From 1978
Hit TV Shows From 1978
Reunions and Leesville High School News
More 1978 alumni from Leesville HS have posted profiles on Classmates.com®. Click here to register for free at Classmates.com® and view other 1978 alumni.
Alumni from the Leesville High School class of 1978 that have been added to this alumni directory are shown on this page. All of the people on this page graduated in '78 from LHS. You can register for free to add your name to the LHS alumni directory.
Don't forget to upload your Leesville High School pictures and check on the latest info about any Leesville High School reunion.


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"We Attract What We Are Prepared To Receive" – Charles F. Glassman
Markets Mixed
The Toronto stock market was lower on a fresh reading on American consumer confidence. The S&P/TSX composite index dropped 48.58 points to 14,540.31. The Canadian dollar was down 0.02 of a cent at 91.92 cents US.
New York's U.S. indexes were mainly higher as the Dow Jones industrials rose 8.57 points to 16,455.38.The Nasdaq fell 7.66 points to 4,061.63 while the S&P 500 index added 0.74 of a point to 1,871.59. Markets headed for a negative week after data showed the economic recovery in Europe is slower than thought while retail giant and economic barometer Wal-Mart Stores delivered a disappointing outlook for the second quarter. The University of Michigan's latest consumer sentiment index also offered a glum reading. The index registered 81.8 for this month, well below the 85 level that was expected and lower than the 84.1 reading in April. Wes Mills, chief investment officer Scotia Private Client Group says " you add into that it's been a long great recovery, and so you hit a key level like 1,900 on the S&P, and some asset allocation models kick in and people start buying bonds and selling equities." Mills thinks this situation portends a market that is likely in for a good deal of sideways action along with a fair bit of volatility as traders look for direction.
Canadian Banks Are Safe Havens
New reports suggest the stability of the Canadian banking sector is paying off in a variety of ways for clients, investors, the Canadian economy as a whole. A Bank of Canada report released this week proves what many have known for some time: When it comes to surviving global economic volatility, there is no safer place to be than the Canadian big banks. "After the financial crisis the world realized that not all large financial institutions are created equal. The collapse, or near collapse, of some of the biggest names in finance made investors taker a deeper look at the institution where their wealth was held," says Adam Doering, vice president, Waterfront Group, CIBC Wood Gundy
The latest Bank of Canada Review contains a report suggesting Canadian dollar-denominated bonds are being bought up by foreign central bank reserves in greater amounts than ever. That is, central banks around the world are recognizing the stability of the Canadian financial system and investing assets in Canadian dollar-denominated assets. According to the Bank of Canada, foreign central banks now hold about US$200 billion worth of Canadian dollar debt; this amount represents 1.8 per cent of official foreign reserves.
Market Update as of May 16 2014
The TSX closed at 14515, down -19.060 points or -0.13% over the past week. YTD the TSX is up 6.56%.
The DOW closed at 16491, down -92.34 points or -0.56% over the past week. YTD the DOW is down -0.52%.
The S&P closed at 1878, down -0.48 points or -0.03% over the past week. YTD the S&P is up 1.62%.
The Nasdaq closed at 4091, up 19.13 points or 0.47% over the past week. YTD the Nasdaq is down -2.06%.
Gold closed at 1293, up 3.10 points or 0.24% over the past week. YTD gold is up 7.39%.
Oil closed at 102.05, up 2.02 points or 2.02% over the past week. YTD oil is up 3.49%.
The USD/CAD closed at 1.085927, down -0.0043 points or -0.40% over the past week. YTD the USD/CAD is up 2.14%.
Sources: Bloomberg; advisor.ca; Investment Executive