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Silver Wants All-Star Game In Charlotte Soccer, Boxing Stream On Social Channels NBA Raises Money For Sager Charity Harvard Forum Looks At Tech In Sports Minnesota Sports Facilities Leadership Getting Overhaul Minnesota United Unveils Inaugural Kits NBA All-Star Skills Challenge Underwhelms Front Row Motorsports Lands Two Sponsors Budapest May Withdraw City's '24 Games Bid Werner, Henry Have No Plans To Sell Red Sox
SBD/October 27, 2011/In The StudioPrint All
In The Studio: ESPN's John Wildhack Talks About The Net's Plans With NASCAR
ESPN Exec VP/Programming Acquisitions & Strategy John Wildhack recently stopped by the studio to talk about the sports network. Part one of the discussion focused on NASCAR. Wildhack was in Charlotte for the Sprint Cup Bank of America 400 and shed some light on how NASCAR fits into ESPN's programming mix and what its future with the network looks like.
In The Studio: Max Muhleman Talks NFL's Return To L.A., Likely Relocation Candidates
Part two of SBJ/SBD Exec Editor Abe Madkour's discussion with Private Sports Consulting Principal Max Muhleman has a forward-looking theme. Muhleman discusses the NFL's expected return to L.A., weighing the viability of competing stadium proposals and assessing the most likely candidates for relocation. He also offers some insights into the leadership qualities of team owners and talks about what lies ahead in his career. Click here to see part one of the discussion.


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Durban: Pride not pragmatism will be the watchword when soccer powerhouses Brazil and Portugal meet in a mouthwatering World Cup clash on Friday (1400) to decide the winners of Group G.
Although whoever tops the group could meet Spain in the second round, any suggestion that either side might connive to avoid the European champions has received short shrift.
"In Brazilian national football our duty is to win every game," defender Lucio said on Wednesday. "We play for the honour of the Brazilian shirt and the Brazilian public. We don't pick our opponents."

subset: commoncrawl


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This is a pretty miraculous product. Whether I wear the longsleeve for golf or the vest on the commentary set, it feels like I have armour on - and it is really comfortable too!Les Ferdinand Former England Footballer, Premier League Coach
EQUMEN™ Helix-Mapping™ Technology seamlessly builds in physiotherapy insights to deliver ergonomic results. See more details
medical Testimonials
Kevin Lidlow
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The garments definitely help with postural support as they encourage optimal horizontal extension and retraction of the Scapulae, (upper central key points) giving a Scapulothoracic neutral posture. The value in this for function is to lessen kyphotic stress in the primary curvature which physiologically eases counter-stress in the secondary curvature of the segments. The wearer should therefore be aware of less effort and mechanical stress particularly with prolonged standing or sitting and may, indeed, notice improved ergonomics with upper limb activity.
Michael Zazzali, DSc.PT, OCS
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My patients like the form-fitting nature of the EQUMEN™ shirts and the back/core support they offer, reminding them from a kinesthetic perspective to avoid slouching. Since posture is very cerebral in nature and requires physical corrections, the garment has the potential to be a great motor learning tool for patients, athletes and the general population alike. The technology is very unique, supporting the areas of the body that typically break down from a posture dimension and through repetitive overuse. When worn, the shirt's HELIX MAPPING™ permits somatic feedback directly to promote spinal and soft tissue alignment through virtually subliminal posture corrections.
Dr. Mark Reid
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Wow, I am really impressed! The EQUMEN™ garments are truly phenomenal! They are amazing, powerful and I can see multiple applications for them.


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FictionPress.com https://www.fictionpress.com FictionPress.com: Ye-fei Story feed for writer: Ye-fei 2017-02-26T15:57:56-08:00 tag:fictionpress.com,2017-02-26:/atom/u/754189/ Ye-fei https://www.fictionpress.com/u/754189/Ye-fei 2016-01-04T12:27:12-08:00 2016-01-04T12:27:12-08:00 On the Rocks tag:fictionpress.com,2015-01-11:story.3230398 Author: Ye-fei
Romance
English, Rated: M
Romance/General
Chapters: 9, Words: 19,763, Reviews: 7, Rated: M, In-Progress
Somewhere in a city, there was a small, inconspicuous bar called On the Rocks. Here, I met X. He was 13 and a half years older than me. He was damaged, hurt, and drowning in self-deprecation. I was attracted to the whirlpool. Maybe I will drown with him. Maybe I can pull him out. Or...maybe he will build a fence so I can do neither.


text:
you've got me
falling fast
floating high
and feeling as if
i can fly
Everytime i see you
i get this feeling
deep inside,
that tells me
the only thing i want
is for you to be mine.
your the ONLY one
who can make me
cry hard and smile big
and more than anything,
i want you to know it.
When i hear your name, your voice
or when i'm around you,
my heart beats fast
telling me more than anything,
i want this
to last
I didn't know
my heart could beat so fast
but at the same time,
extremely slow.
so i figure thats proof
that i can't EVER
let you go.
I'd be broken hearted
if you weren't a
part of my life
because your the
only part of me
that makes me
feel alive
your my life.
my shooting star.
without knowing,
in love,
you got me
to fall.
© Copyright 2017 emmauck. All rights reserved.
Status: Finished
Genre: Poetry
this is a very beautiful poem. I love how you can really see the mixed emotions... it really shows the plan confusion and deep love.
very nice. 4 stars.
Xx ash xX
You have captured something that is hard to put to paper if its not recipricated.
These are the same words I hear in my mind.
That is how well you captured this emotion.
I just need to be brave and say them my own way.
Well done, take care
I Just Read a Very Beautiful Poem ever and I never heard before But it Brings me into Happiness
that is a Hell of a Poem that I never Heard
in my Tired life Just Let me Say This
you did a very Hell of a Good job
for Writting This Poem
you Must Wrote very Powerful Poem
I did not know that you Can Write
any Good Poems like that Before
Your Parents Must been Pround of you
Good job keep up the Good work
Poem / Poetry
Poem / Poetry
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This down and feather padded biker-style sweatshirt features top-stitched nylon insets on the shoulders and pockets. Its hood and lining in quilted nylon make it a sportswear piece that can be worn instead of a jacket.
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Sari Schorr Tour dates 2017
Sari Schorr tickets are on sale right now on ConcertPass. ConcertPass is your number one destination for all Sari Schorr concerts tickets as well as concert dates and extensive tour information. On ConcertPass you'll find Sari Schorr tickets at great prices across an excellent range of seating options. We'll let you pick your seats from our interactive maps so you can find the seats that are right for you. All Sari Schorr concerts tickets come with our ticket integrity guarantee, with all tickets guaranteed or your money back. You'll find tickets for thousands of concerts and events on ConcertPass, so please feel free to browse around. Be a part of the action and witness great some performances right now, buy your tickets for Sari Schorr today, so you don't miss out.
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Crunchy, salty, nutritious news & views on B2B marketing for technology companies | Velocity - the B2B marketing acceleration agency for technology companies
delicious b2bmarketing
presented a webinar the other day where I stated that while white papers are still the staple of content marketing, they're getting really stale as a communications vehicle for B2B. A few people were so incensed they contacted me to say I was talking nonsense. So click here to find out whether they changed my mind… Read more… Stan Woods | June 16th, 2009 | one comment The Content Marketing Workbook It's here. The book of the webinar of the movie: The Velocity B2B Content Marketing Workbook. The new B2B marketing is Content Marketing.
Best Social Media Stats and Market Research of 2009
Whether you need data to back up a proposal for investing in social media marketing for CFO, want to understand which online tactics work best for engaging with customers and prospects, or are just an analytics data junky, you'll find a treasure trove of key insights and happy hour trivia in this collection of the best articles and blog posts on social media and other marketing research of the past year. What effect does social media marketing have on revenue? Market Research Findings from Around the Web. Battle of the marketing sexes by iMedia Connection.
Give Old Spice (and P&G) The Credit It Deserves | B2Bbloggers.com.
This is a well planned, coordinated, measured effort to increase revenue. There are a lot of super smart, creative, innovative and intelligent marketers in this world. Market share, and more importantly, MIND share is be gained every day. I'm thinking this was dreamed up in late 2008, early 2009. B2Bbloggers.com is an online magazine for B2B marketers.
Best Email Marketing Tips, Tactics and Metrics of 2010
While social media is the flashy show horse of online marketing, email remains the solid workhorse. According to recent research , 92% of marketers consider email to be one of their "most important marketing tools" and 54% plan increased spending on it in the coming year. How can you grow the size of your email marketing list? Email Marketing Tips and Tactics.


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Subscribe to the Music
Kristin welcomes Strange Angels to join her as stake-holders in ongoing projects – her solo recordings, band recordings, scriptwriting and book publishing. "Bath White" by 50FOOTWAVE, released in May 2016, "Wyatt at the Coyote Palace" by Kristin Hersh, due to be released soon, tours in Australia, Ireland, U.K. and U.S.A. this year are all made possible by you, our Strange Angels. You can subscribe now via the links below.
Strange Angel Level – $30 per quarter Buy
- Your name on the guest list for ONE free ticket, plus ONE guaranteed face-value ticket at ONE live concert performance by Kristin (solo or otherwise). Limited to one free and one face-value ticket to one live concert performance during each 12 month term of your subscription, which must be current ('paid-up') during the calendar quarter of performance, subject to availability. The total number of names on the Strange Angel guest list cannot exceed ten subscribers.
- plus One complimentary CD (yes the real thing!) of the latest album by Kristin (solo or otherwise). Applies to self-released CDs only. Paid-up subscribers will be emailed a link to sign up six to eight weeks prior to the release date.
- plus Exclusive subscriber-only content available through a private portal at kristinhersh.com
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Quick Mayan Adventure: Belize & [briefly] Guatemala
About this blog
This blog is more of a quick recap rather than a full, detailed and documented version of our journey. Basically, these are the highlights of my time in Belize and Guatemala, which mainly include visiting Mayan ruins and lazing it up on the islands.
Trip Start Jan 01, 2014
4Trip End Jul 08, 2014
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track list
Album La Biographie de Luka Philipsen
Label EMI Music Distribution
Released February 05, 2002
This site contains content from artists, fans, and writers from around the internet in it's natural form. Such content is not representative of Viacom Media Networks.
©2017 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. MTV and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.


text:
Lead a group of high school students with a dangerous extracurricular activity: exploring the mysterious tower Tartarus and fighting the sinister Shadows during the Dark Hour, a frozen span of time imperceptible to all but a select few. However, the end of their quest is no longer the end of the story--witness for the first time the aftermath of the final battle and the students' struggle to find meaning in their new lives.
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Gold Coast Small PA Hire
Audio Equipment
Here at Gold Coast Small PA Hire we supply music equipment suited for solo, duo, DJ applications and small conference meetings etc.
We are currently working in the industry as professional musicians and realize there is a need for equipment hire for the budget conscious client or the travelling musician.
Included in all pricings are delivery, pickup, setup and pack down.
Delivery would be inclusive to an approximate 30 km radius or an additional fee.
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The Government is preparing for a major U-turn over £4.4bn cuts to disability benefits, as Conservative backbenchers threatened to rebel against plans that would leave nearly 400,000 disabled people thousands of pounds worse off.
While Downing Street insisted that ministers remained "committed" to the reforms, which will cut support for people deemed to require aids and equipment to help them get dressed or go to the toilet, Treasury sources said it was likely the Government would go into "complete reverse".
The cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which were announced last week and included in George Osborne's Budget statement, have provoked a growing backbench revolt which could see them defeated in the House of Commons.
Senior Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston, chair of the House of Commons Health Committee, told The Independent that voters would be "rightly uncomfortable" with a Budget measure that removed support for disabled people at a time when higher earners have been given a tax break.
"There is a nuanced argument to be had about PIP, but I do think the Government will have to think again about why they are doing this," she said.
"If you can't bring the disability charities with you need to think again about proceeding."
The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has said that the cuts to PIP, which will free up £4.4bn over four years for the Treasury, will leave 370,000 people on average £3,500 a year worse off.
George Osborne 2016 budget at a glance
George Osborne 2016 budget at a glance
1/8 Debt forecasts up, growth forecasts down
The OBR's new forecasts have downgraded growth in all of the next five years to 2020. The watchdog says the economy will only grow by 2 per cent in 2016, as opposed to the anticipated 2.4 per cent. Borrowing and productivity growth are also down – with forecast borrowing in 2018-198 £16 billion higher
2/8 New tax on sugary drinks
The Chancellor announced a new tax on sugary soft drinks, which is projected to raise £520 million. At least some of the money will be spent on doubling funding for school sport, the Chancellor says. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the levy
3/8 Tax cut for higher earners paying the 40p rate
The Chancellor has raised the threshold for paying the higher rate of income tax to £45,000. The higher rate is paid by roughly the richest 15 per cent, currently people earning over £42,386
4/8 Increase in tax-free income tax threshold
The tax-free allowance increase to £11,500 in April 2017 – up from £10,600 now. The Chancellor previously raised the allowance from £6,475 in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The Conservative manifesto pledges to put the allowance up to £12,500 by the end of the Parliament
5/8 New devolution for counties and powers for London and Manchester
The West of England, the East of England and Greater Lincolnshire will all get elected mayor-led combined authorities with new powers. The Chancellor says they are backed by £1 billion new funding. Greater Manchester will get new powers of criminal justice while London will keep its business rates – giving whoever is elected Mayor a lot more spending power
6/8 Fuel duty frozen for sixth year running
The Chancellor had planned to end the fuel duty freeze he had put in place for the whole previous parliament. In the event, he has announced a freeze for another year
7/8 All schools to become academies
As reported yesterday the Chancellor unveiled legislation to turn all schools into academies. He said all schools would either be academies or on their way to being academies by 2020, and that funding had been set aside to fund the change
8/8 Lifetime ISA
The Chancellor announced a new savings account to encourage under-40s to save for retirement – for every £4 saved, the Government will top this up by £1 up to the value of £4,000 a year. Tax-free ISAs will also be increased from £15,000 to £20,000
Disability charities, while advocating reform of PIP to ensure interventions are targeted more appropriately, have opposed the cut.
The Government insists that the overall PIP budget will continue to rise in real terms, but analysis by the IFS indicates that, under current plans, this will not be the case.
Downing Street said that it would be several months before the "proposals" on PIP were brought before Parliament, after the Education Secretary Nicky Morgan described the cuts as merely a "suggestion" on Thursday night.
"The government's position hasn't changed," the spokesperson said. "We remain committed to making these much needed reforms. We have got the time now with the proposals out there, before we bring forward legislative proposals, to explain it to colleagues across the House and to engage with disability groups."
"This is about making sure that we can get PIP back to what it was originally intended to do, which was to target the most vulnerable and the most in need."
But a Treasury source told the Independent that the risk of political damage to the Government, following the announcement of plans to raise the threshold at which people pay the higher band of tax from £43,000 to £45,000, would likely prove too great for the Government to proceed.
"The change is so complicated that the overall narrative is that this is Tories hitting disabled people to lower taxes for the middle classes," the source said.
Any reversal of the cuts would require a recalculation of the Chancellor's budget proposals. Conservative MP Andrew Percy has proposed the Government consider adding "a penny or two" to fuel duty, rather than proceed with the PIP cuts.
Although a Department for Work and Pensions consultation on the reforms has closed, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith this week wrote to MPs insisting that the Government was "continuing to talk to disability groups and colleagues about the best way to do this before bringing forward legislation".
The number of people who qualify for PIP support had tripled in 18 months, he added.
Labour's Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Owen Smith said the Government should "come clean on its intentions" and allow a full vote in the House of Commons on the reforms.
- More about:
- George Osborne
- Conservative Party
- Disability cuts
- Budget 2016


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Black Ops Knife 2, Black Coated 40% Serrated, Stainless Stee
Typically ships within 1 to 2 business days.
The SWBLOP2DS is a strong and sturdy knife. Made with a suprisingly ergonomic, Desert Sand colored, composite body that is extremely dense, this lightweight knife has the performance of a high end, expensive spring assisted knife. It opens with the ambidextrous thumb studs. You give it a start and the spring takes over and snaps the blade open. It is fast and the lock up is tight. And the liner lock knife is easy to close again. The SWBLOP series has a slide safety about halfway down the handle. It comes with a tip up, removable pocket clip that allows the knife to ride fairly deep in your pocket. The blade on the SWBLOP2DS is 4034 stainless steel, black teflon coated, and part serrated. This fantastic spring assist knife will quickly become your new favorite every day carry knife--all at an unbeatable price. Features: - Knife Category: Spring Assist Knife - Blade Style: Drop Point - Action: Spring Assist, Side Open - Blade Length: 3 1/8" - Blade Thickness: 1/8" - Blade Material: 4034 Stainless Steel, Black Teflon Coat, Part Serrated - Open Length: 7 3/4" - Closed Length: 4 1/4" - Weight: 4.4 Ounces - Handle Thickness: 5/8" - Handle Width: 15/16" - Handle Material: Composite, Desert Sand Color - Clip: Tip Up, Removable - Lock Mechanism: Liner Lock - Safety: Slide Safety
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Patricia Daukantas
Scientists have devised a technique for spotting beads with a radius as small as 12.5 nm in solution, and they have improved the signal-to-noise ratio for sensing the influenza A virus by a factor of 10.
Become a member or log in to view the full text of this article.
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Publish Date: 01 July 2011


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After two losses in a row, Duane "Bang" Ludwig needs a win and wants to end his fight against Che Mills with a bang. GroundandPound-TV talked to the Muay Thai-specialist at the media training in Nott watch video >>
TUF 15 semi-finalist Andy Ogle has waited a long time to make his official UFC debut and will finally set foot inside the Octagon to face Akira Corassani at this Saturday's UFC event in Nottingham, E watch video >>
After a devastating loss against Canadian prospect Rory MacDonald, Che Mills needs a fight that suits him. Duane "Bang" Ludwig might very well bring exactly that fight to the Brit. Both fighters like watch video >>
Dangerous UFC heavyweight fighter Stipe Miocic speaks with Fighters Only's John Joe O'Regan about his upcoming main event fight against young UFC veteran Stefan Struve, his croatian heritage and the watch video >>
Top British welterweight John 'The Hitman' Hathaway gives his thoughts on facing a fellow Brit in John Maguire at the UFC's only 2012 UK event this weekend. Hathaway also talks about his teammate Kar watch video >>
UFC light heavyweight Kyle Kingsbury talks about welcoming undefeated Brit Jimi Manuwa into the Octagon this coming Saturday. Kingsbury, who has lost his last two fights, also discusses what he learn watch video >>
TUF 9 finalist DaMarques Johnson speaks with John Joe O'Regan during a tough weight-cut ahead of his short-notice fight against UFC newcomer Gunnar Nelson in Nottingham, England this Saturday. watch video >>
British KO specialist Jimi 'Poster Boy' Manuwa is "excited to fight" for the UFC on Saturday September 29th in the UK. In this interview with John Joe O'Regan, Jimi talks about turning down two previ watch video >>
Former BAMMA middleweight champion and newly signed UFC fighter Tom 'Kong' Watson discusses the monotony of training, boxing, fellow Brit Michael Bisping and more ahead of his UFC debut against Brad watch video >>
MMAPLUS caught up with Duane Bang Ludwig at UFC on Fuel TV 7 where he gave us an update on his knee injury, Tom Watson's UFC on Fuel TV 7 win, corning Danny Castillo and Team Alpha Male and more. CH watch video >>


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Need 25,000 word book about the Kubotan, a self defense martial arts weapon
- Status Closed
- Budget N/A
- Total Bids 11
Project Description
I need to hire a writer to research, compile and rewrite information about the history and use of the martial arts weapon known as a kubotan and form it into well structured book consisting of around 25,000 words. I would prefer to hire someone with martial arts experience who is already somewhat familiar with the kubotan. This book can consist of some general self defense and safety information as long as its worked into the book well. Suggested chapter might be, "Types of Kubotans", "History of Kubotan", "Basics of Kubotan Fighting", "Advanced Kutotan Techniques", "Pressure Points and Holds", "How to Avoid Be Attacked or Victimized." There are many books in print and available online with information about kubotans. Do not simply copy and paste passages from other books. You must rewrite everything in your own words and style. The book will be checked for plagiarism before the project funds will be released. If you need to use illustrations to accompany your text please copy photos or drawings from other works and I will make my own version of that illustration before publication.
I do not need you to typeset the book into a printable format. I just need you to create the chapters and write the text.
Please be fluent in English. I do not want to find grammar and spelling mistakes or inadequate vocabulary.Get free quotes for a project like this
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After I teared up my carpet and pad of the first floor, I found many moister steins on plywood subfloor. This is a 23 years house which I bought 3 years ago. I don't know what happend before. The basement underneath is try. In damp weather, I just turn on dehumidifier occasionally. Maybe the vapour can penetrate the subfloor and trapped by the pad and cause steins. Actually I don't care about the reason much now. I just seriously care in this situation, can I install solid hardwood floor on the first floor? If yes, what kind of underlayment should I use? Still go #15 felt paper or rosin paper?
Sure, I will not turn off dehumidifier in damp weather if solid wood floor is installed. My next 2 questions
are about the level issues. The subfloor is 3/4" plywood T&G. But when the previous owner installed the ceramic tile of hallway, he put another 3/4" plywood on subfloor. So now the surface of hallway tile is 1" higher than the family room subfloor. When the ceramic tile was installed in kitchen, the old vinyl tile wasn't removed. Another 3/4" plywood was put on it then installed ceramic tiles. So the ceramic tile surface of kitchen is more than 1" higher than the family room subfloor. I plan to put a 1/4" or 7/16" OSB on subfloor then nail down the solid hardwood floor. Can I put those kind of thin OSB then nail down hardwood planks? No matter what kind
OSB I choose, I can only eliminate level gap of one end, there is still a small gap at the another end. What's
the minimum gap of level acceptable if I use the T-modeling to cover the expansion gap between tile and hardwood floor?


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Havana Central > Havana Central MenuCuban | West 40s Main Menu
chicharrones de pollo crispy, marinated, deep fried pieces of chicken latin style!
choice of: three handmade empanadas 8 beef picadillo - cubano - chicken sofrito - shrimp sofrito (v) three cheese - (v) spinach and goat cheese
mazorca estilo havana zesty corn-on-the-cob dusted with cheese and cuban spices
papa rellenos two potato croquettes stuffed with picadillo and served with tomato garlic mayo
seleccion de aperitivos clasicos a selection of some of our most popular appetizers and sides: chorizo, tostones, maduros, choice of one empanada, havana zesty corn and chicharrones de pollo
aguacate relleno de langosta half an avocado stuffed with lobster and shrimp salad served with crispy tostones
tostones rellenos four plantain baskets filled with chicken sofrito, ropa vieja, beef picadillo and shrimp sofrito served with tomato-mayo sauce
calamares fritos tender calamari, lightly fried and served with sweet tomato salsa
tamales cubanos two classic cuban style corn tamales filled with your choice of: chicken or pork
mariquitas con salsa de aguacate freshly made plantain chips served with traditional garlic mojo and avocado salsa
queso fundido latin american melted cheese dish with your choice of: chorizo, shredded chicken or ropa vieja
sopa de frijoles negros
asopao de pollo.a classic hearty cuban chicken soup with white rice and garden vegetables
sopa de calabaza. butter nut squash with a hint of coconut milk and topped with goat cheese. served hot or cold
ensalada de casa.simple salad of mixed greens, tomato and thinly sliced onions
ensalada de aguacate.ripe avocado on a bed of mixed greens, garnished with tomato, spanish olives and thinly sliced onions
ensalada de pollo con limon y cana.tender oven-roasted sugarcane-marinated chicken with avocado, red onions, black bean-corn salad, tomato, tossed with our citrus coconut vinaigrette
ensalada de salmon al mango.our signature grilled mango-glazed salmon with mixed greens, hard boiled egg, tomato, spanish olives and red onions tossed with a red wine-garlic vinaigrette
ensalada de circa 1950. ham, swiss, bacon, chorizo, tomatoes and onion served over iceberg lettuce tossed with a mayo vinaigrette
ensalada vegetariana cobbana mixed greens with avocado, chick peas, mango-pineapple slaw, black bean-corn salad, tomatoes, manchego cheese, onions and spanish olives
picadillo.a savory mixture of prime ground beef sauteed with onions, peppers, tomatoes, olives and raisins served on a yuca crisp with fresh avocado
ropa vieja. marinated shredded skirt steak with peppers and onions. the most classic of cuban dishes, made from an old family recipe
rabo encendido. delightful, delicious oxtail stew braised in red wine, chorizo, cuban herbs and spices
vaca frita. simmered pulled beef marinated overnight in lime, ajicito peppers, garlic and onions sauteed until crispy. served with cilantro-flavored rice al caballo (with a fried egg)
churrasco.the most flavorful center-cut skirt steak grilled to perfection. served with a cucumber, mango and radish salad. (comes with our cuban version of chimichurri sauce on the side)
pollo con pina y moro. citrus-marinated chicken breast sauteed in fresh pineapple puree, garlic and olive oil, served with grilled sliced pineapple and moro
pollo al ajillo. chicken breast sauteed with garlic, fresh parsley, olive oil and finished in white wine
pollo asado. an herb-roasted, plump half-chicken glazed with our signature mango-habanero sauce
arroz con pollo. a classic cuban dish of boneless, skinless chicken in savory saffron rice
canasta de camaron de cococon boniatos fritos. extra large, toasted golden brown coconut shrimp. includes our tropical tartar sauce
camarones al ajillo extra large shrimp sauteed in garlic, olive oil and finished in a white wine sauce
arroz con camarones.extra large, shrimp in savory saffron rice
salmon glaseado en salsa de mango. fresh atlantic salmon grilled to perfection, topped with our signature mango salsita
mero de santiagero. fresh grouper marinated in citrus juices and pan seared. served over sauteed fresh spinach and topped with an orange avocado salsita
pimiento relleno. a red bell pepper filled with white rice, vegetables and manchego cheese. served over sauteed garlic spinach with tostones
pollo al ajillo y camarones a la parilla chicken breast sauteed with garlic, fresh parsley finished in olive oil and white wine paired with our jumbo shrimp sauteed in garlic sauce
paella valenciana.an overflowing kettle of chicken, chorizo, fish, clams, mussels and shrimp seafood paella
mofongo con camarones. a wildly popular caribbean dish made with pork and garlic infused mashed plantains filled with shrimp
sandwich cubano clasico. smoked ham, roast pork, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard
sandwich de palomilla. thinly sliced steak with cooked onions, ajicito peppers and a side of garlic mojo
moro.a blend of black beans, white rice, red wine, garlic, bacon and oregano
tostones o maduros
espinaca al ajillo served in our rich garlic sauce
a classic, rich custard topped with a layer of soft caramel
an amazing dessert using 3 types of milk, infused to create the smoothest and creamiest of all cuban cakes
traditional latin dessert served with dipping sauces of dulce de leche and chocolate
a rich, moist 3 layer cake filled with fudge and the perfect amount of rum
sinfully indulgent dark chocolate in a flaky pastry dough served with coconut sorbet
thick, creamy cheesecake with a dulce de leche (caramel) topping
three classic havana central desserts: flan, churros and tres leeches
thick, creamy cheesecake with a dulce de leche (caramel) topping
Disclaimer: Always check with the business for pricing and availability of menu items. SinglePlatform is not responsible for menu or pricing changes, but the information is believed to be accurate when posted. Listing of a menu does not mean that there is any affiliation, endorsement or sponsorship between SinglePlatform and the listed business.


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This month, Money Fund Intelligence speaks with Eric Thole, CEO of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management and President of First American Funds, and Jeff Plotnik, Director of Money Market Fund Management for First American Funds. We look back at the implementation of reforms and changes in 2016, and we discuss the current environment and future of money funds. Our Q&A follows. (This interview is reprinted from the February issue of our flagship Money Fund Intelligence newsletter; e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com to request the full issue.)
MFI: What is your biggest priority? Thole: Our biggest priority today is very similar to what it's been in past years. We continue to diligently work with our shareholders. Money fund reform hit its finish line back in October of last year, but it's certainly the starting line for a new way of thinking about cash management. The operational pieces have been successfully completed. But we continue to see money in motion and our goal is to ensure we have the products to meet our shareholder's needs.
Plotnik: From a management standpoint, we're still adjusting to the new universe. We have more government cash than we once had, so we're really focused on putting that to work. It's harder to add value in that space, so you're always hunting and pecking to find product. We're also adjusting to the new prime environment.... It's early and we're still getting feedback through communications with our shareholders in regards to what's important and what they want to see.
Thole: We're focused on having as many conversations as possible with various shareholders while making sure they understand the new pieces of money fund reform. We do expect, at least over time, shareholders are going to be excited about the yield differential they may pick up in a prime product and may -- at least for a portion of their money -- look to move back into the prime space.
MFI: What's your biggest challenge? Plotnik: We're approaching our 35th anniversary this year. Historically, pre-2009, as a manager my biggest concern was, 'Where can you get that extra basis point for your shareholders?' That was what we focused on ... and that's changed. In today's world, I find the biggest challenge, at least for me, comes from the regulatory and compliance side. As a portfolio manager, it's my job to deliver the best performance I can for our shareholders. But we're also dealing with additional regulatory restrictions from the SEC, from our own internal guidelines, from the rating agencies, etc., like never before and they all come with a heightened sense of scrutiny.
At the same time, we're thinking about the floating NAV, and the perceptions of gates and fees. So a lot goes into each trade. We have the processes that check, double-check, and triple-check all our activities. Even though these processes are very thorough and dependable, when it comes to compliance, seeking perfection is the only outcome that's acceptable. We as managers are ultimately responsible for the portfolios, and all of the regulatory requirements that have been implemented are additions to the job that require an extra layer of diligence.
Thole: We at First American hit the reform deadlines on time, but it wasn't without its complexity. During reform, we were constantly in touch with the board of directors. We still are today, but as we move into 2017, we're talking with the board about growth and shareholder needs from a cash management perspective. So our focus has returned to more forward-looking business considerations and making sure we have the right products that meet our shareholder's needs.
MFI: What are you buying? Plotnik: We obviously buy the most product in the government space. The bigger challenges are getting our government portfolios invested efficiently with large growth assets as a result of money fund reform. There's a larger reliance on the Fed's reverse repurchase program (RRP) as part of your portfolio, especially in the government and Treasury funds. We are buying the same products we have historically purchased in these funds, but finding enough has become the challenge.
In terms of the prime space, we obviously have smaller portfolios to work with now. When considering the institutional fund, we're more sensitive to NAV volatility and the perception of gates and fees, as opposed to the retail fund which just has the gates and fees considerations. Although our liquidity metrics have been consistent, we find it prudent to try and find value in shorter tenor securities, as we are more focused on potential price volatility. We're also more focused on finding value with securities in the three-to-seven month area with really good credit and a clean structure vs. pre-reform when 13-month tenors were much more common.
Getting invested efficiently back in October when floating NAV was being implemented was easier because issuers were really focused on getting funded ahead of reform. But today, only a few months after reform, I am finding that issuers once again are becoming more selective. I think they have adjusted well to the new environment. Nonetheless, we have been able to get invested with the liquidity and credit structure that we're looking for, so the yield opportunity is still there, providing an attractive yield for prime fund investors.
MFI: Are there pros and cons to size now on the Govt fund side? Plotnik: Yes. One of the cons is prior to reform we were able to get nearly the entire portfolio invested in government-sponsored enterprises (GSE) and dealer repos. Today the supply just isn't there to satisfy the size of the universe. I think everyone is struggling to a certain extent to fill those buckets.... The RRP is often our biggest single repo exposure. The sheer demand for the GSE product has forced a yield spread differential of a basis point or two in many cases. On the pro side, government funds are a simple and easy product for institutional investors. They are a great liquidity tool for our shareholders and their increased size allows us to accommodate investors of almost any size.
MFI: Can you touch on the debt ceiling? Plotnik: We've been through a couple of these debt ceiling fire drills before. Typically, we try to avoid those particular notes and bills surrounding key debt ceiling dates. At this point ... there hasn't been a lot of negative impact attributed directly to the upcoming debt ceiling debate, and we don't see any noticeable market stress at this time. I expect that at some point, as we approach the debt ceiling date, it will hit the headlines and there will be some market reaction. But we're not there yet. We are aware of it and are investing around it as best we can.
MFI: What are customers concerned about? Thole: We're hearing about yields <b:>`_. Shareholders and investment professionals tell us they're excited about potential for increased investment yields. There hasn't been a lot of noise around the floating NAV in prime funds. We continue to educate around fees and gates to make sure the shareholders understand how they work. For the most part, shareholders are focused on the utility of money funds as well as the yield. Many of our shareholders are enjoying the increase they received from the latest rate hike. If the trajectory of the market continues -- and we are forecasting multiple rate hikes this year -- the yield pickup for shareholders will continue. It may take more time before significant assets flow back into the prime space.
MFI: What about fee waivers and costs? Thole: Think about institutional prime and the fact that many institutional prime products are striking multiple NAVs per day. The operational costs have gone up in those particular products in general. If you think about the first two rate hikes, they absolutely were important not only from a shareholders perspective, but also from a business perspective. We're not out of the woods yet. Like many in the industry, we need another rate hike from a fee waiver perspective. The shareholders are going to continue to enjoy the benefit of the rising rate environment. This is important for both us and our shareholders; it continues to put a positive tailwind on money funds in general throughout 2017 and into the future.
MFI: What's your outlook for 2017? Plotnik: We expect higher rates this year, so that's certainly going to be attractive to our shareholders.... I would speculate that if you give it time, more NAV history and 40 or 50 basis points in yield spread, those investors that are allowed to will move back from government to prime funds.... I believe there is a sizeable client segment that can move back when they feel the environment is right [and] I believe 2017 is going to be good year. It's going to be a solid future for the money fund industry, as well as investors and managers on the short end of the curve. Thole: Higher rates translate into higher yields for shareholders, and that's a good thing for the money fund industry.
Crane Data released its February Money Fund Portfolio Holdings yesterday, and our latest collection of taxable money market securities, with data as of Jan. 31, 2017, shows declines in Repo and Treasuries, and increases in Agencies and CDs. Money market securities held by Taxable U.S. money funds overall (tracked by Crane Data) increased by $7.2 billion to $2.665 trillion last month, after decreasing by $34.7 billion in Dec., and increasing by $106.5 billion in November and $32.0 billion in Oct. Repo edged out Treasuries as the largest portfolio segment, though both fell following quarter-end. Agencies, which jumped, remained the third largest segment. CDs also rose and were in fourth place, followed by Commercial Paper, Other/Time Deposits and VRDNs. Below, we review our latest Money Fund Portfolio Holdings statistics. (Visit our Content center to download the latest files, or contact us if you'd like to see a sample of our latest Portfolio Holdings Reports.)
Among all taxable money funds, Treasury securities fell $37.8 billion (-4.6%) to $784.8 billion, or 29.5% of holdings, after falling $59.4 billion in Dec. and rising $101.6 billion in November and $112.2 billion in Oct. Repurchase Agreements (repo) dropped $43.6 billion (-5.2%) to $788.8 billion, or 29.6% of holdings, after rising $56.3 billion in Dec. and falling $21.1 billion in Nov. and $65.2 billion in Oct. Government Agency Debt increased $35.3 billion (5.4%) to $687.8 billion, or 25.8% of all holdings, after falling $7.7 billion in Dec., but increasing $20.3 billion in Nov. and $32.3 billion in Oct. Repo, Treasuries and Agencies in total retreated from last month's record levels, but they still represent a massive 84.9% of all taxable holdings. Govt and Treasury MMFs lost assets and Prime MMFs recovered slightly last month.
CDs, CP and Other (Time Deposits) segments all rebounded last month, climbing off of record low levels last month. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) were up $22.4 billion (15.8%) to $170.0 billion, or 6.4% of taxable assets, after declining $0.2 billion in Dec., $1.0 billion in Nov., and $13.6 billion in Oct. Commercial Paper (CP) was up $16.9 billion (13.7%) to $140.6 billion, or 5.3% of holdings (after decreasing $9.5 billion in Dec. and increasing $5.8B in Nov.), while Other holdings, primarily Time Deposits, rose $15.8 billion (35.9%) to $59.8 billion, or 2.2% of holdings. (Time Deposits normally rise after quarter-end as Repo falls.) VRDNs held by taxable funds decreased by $1.8 billion (-5.1%) to $33.1 billion (1.2% of assets).
Prime money fund assets tracked by Crane Data rose to $515 billion (up from $501 billion last month), or 19.3% (up from 18.2%) of taxable money fund holdings' total of $2.665 trillion. Among Prime money funds, CDs represent a third of holdings at 33.0% (up from 29.4% a month ago), followed by Commercial Paper at 27.3% (up from 27.1%). The CP totals are comprised of: Financial Company CP, which makes up 16.3% of total holdings, Asset-Backed CP, which accounts for 5.9%, and Non-Financial Company CP, which makes up 5.1%. Prime funds also hold 2.1% in US Govt Agency Debt, 7.9% in US Treasury Debt, 6.4% in US Treasury Repo, 3% in Other Instruments, 9.2% in Non-Negotiable Time Deposits, 6.3% in Other Repo, 2.1% in US Government Agency Repo, and 4.6% in VRDNs.
Government money fund portfolios totaled $1.517 trillion (56.9% of all MMF assets), down from $1.531 trillion in December, while Treasury money fund assets totaled another $633 billion (23.8%) in January, up from $625 billion the prior month. Government money fund portfolios were made up of 44.8% US Govt Agency Debt, 16.1% US Government Agency Repo, 18.7% US Treasury debt, and 19.5% in US Treasury Repo. Treasury money funds were comprised of 72.7% US Treasury debt, 26.9% in US Treasury Repo, and 0.2% in Government agency repo, Other Instrument, and Investment Company shares. Government and Treasury funds combined now total $2.150 trillion, or over 80% (80.7%) of all taxable money fund assets, down from 81.1% last month.
European-affiliated holdings increased $215.5 billion in January to $473.4 billion among all taxable funds (and including repos); their share of holdings increased to 17.8% from 9.7% the previous month. Eurozone-affiliated holdings increased $152.6 billion to $329.0 billion in Jan.; they now account for 12.4% of overall taxable money fund holdings. Asia & Pacific related holdings increased by $11.8 billion to $171.6 billion (6.4% of the total). Americas related holdings decreased $220.2 billion to $2.020 trillion and now represent 75.8% of holdings.
The overall taxable fund Repo totals were made up of: US Treasury Repurchase Agreements, which decreased $74.7 billion, or 13.0%, to $499.2 billion, or 18.7% of assets; US Government Agency Repurchase Agreements (up $39.4 billion to $256.2 billion, or 9.6% of total holdings), and Other Repurchase Agreements ($33.4 billion, or 1.3% of holdings, down $8.2 billion from last month). The Commercial Paper totals were comprised of Financial Company Commercial Paper (up $16.8 billion to $83.8 billion, or 3.1% of assets), Asset Backed Commercial Paper (down $1.9 billion to $30.2 billion, or 1.1%), and Non-Financial Company Commercial Paper (up $2.0 billion to $26.5 billion, or 1.0%).
The 20 largest Issuers to taxable money market funds as of Jan. 31, 2017, include: the US Treasury ($784.8 billion, or 29.5%), Federal Home Loan Bank ($516.4B, 19.4%), Federal Reserve Bank of New York ($155.7B, 5.8%), BNP Paribas ($103.1B, 3.9%), Federal Farm Credit Bank ($68.7B, 2.6%), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co. ($66.2B, 2.5%), Credit Agricole ($58.4B, 2.2%), Wells Fargo ($53.7B, 2.0%), RBC ($51.9B, 1.9%), Societe Generale ($41.8B, 1.6%), JP Morgan ($39.7B, 1.5%), Nomura ($38.1B, 1.4%), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. ($37.0B, 1.4%), Bank of America ($35.1B, 1.3%), Federal National Mortgage Association ($33.1B, 1.2%), Bank of Nova Scotia ($32.4B, 1.2%), HSBC ($29.5B, 1.1%), Citi ($29.4B, 1.1%), ` Barclays PLC <b:>`_ ($29.2B, 1.1%), and Bank of Montreal ($26.5B, 1.0%).
In the repo space, the 10 largest Repo counterparties (dealers) with the amount of repo outstanding and market share (among the money funds we track) include: Federal Reserve Bank of New York ($155.7B, 19.7%), BNP Paribas ($92.4B, 11.7%), Credit Agricole ($44.1B, 5.6%), Wells Fargo ($41.9B, 5.3%), RBC ($40.4B, 5.3%), Nomura ($38.1B, 4.8%), Societe Generale ($35.3B, 4.5%), JP Morgan ($33.9B, 4.3%), Bank of America ($31.8B, 4.0%), and HSBC ($24.2B, 3.1%). The 10 largest Fed Repo positions among MMFs on 1/31 include: Northern Trust Trs MMkt ($14.8B), Fidelity Cash Central Fund ($12.9B), Federated Gvt Oblg ($9.3B), Vanguard Fed MMkt ($9.1B), JP Morgan US Govt ($8.5B), ` Morgan Stanley Inst Lq Gvt Sec <b:>`_ ($8.5B), Goldman Sachs FS Gvt ($7.0B), Vanguard Market Liquidity Fund ($6.4B), BlackRock Lq FedFund ($5.5B), and ` UBS Select Treas <b:>`_ ($5.4B).
The 10 largest issuers of "credit" -- CDs, CP and Other securities (including Time Deposits and Notes) combined -- include: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. ($16.6B, 5.1%), Credit Agricole ($14.3B, 4.4%), Toronto-Dominion Bank ($12.5B, 3.8%), Wells Fargo ($11.8B, 3.6%), Svenska Handelsbanken ($11.5B, 3.5%), RBC ($11.5B, 3.5%), BNP Paribas ($10.7B, 3.3%), Bank of Montreal ($10.7B, 3.3%), Bank of Nova Scotia ($10.7B, 3.3%), and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Co ($9.6B, 2.9%).
The 10 largest CD issuers include: Toronto-Dominion Bank ($11.7B, 6.9%), Wells Fargo ($11.5B, 6.8%), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. ($11.5B, 6.8%), Bank of Montreal ($10.2B, 6.0%), Svenska Handelsbanken ($8.1B, 4.8%), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Co ($7.9B, 4.6%), RBC ($7.6B, 4.5%), KBC Group NV ($7.0B, 4.1%), Bank of Nova Scotia ($6.2B, 3.7%), and Citi ($5.9B, 3.5%). The 10 largest CP issuers (we include affiliated ABCP programs) include: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ($7.6B, 6.1%), Credit Agricole ($7.0B, 5.6%), Societe Generale ($5.9B, 4.7%), BNP Paribas ($5.1B, 4.1%), Westpac Banking Co ($4.9B, 3.9%), National Australia Bank Ltd ($4.8B, 3.9%), JP Morgan ($4.6B, 3.7%), Bank of Nova Scotia ($4.4B, 3.5%), NRW.Bank ($4.1B, 3.3%), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ($4.0B, 3.2%).
The largest increases among Issuers include: BNP Paribas (up $47.5B to $103.1B), Credit Agricole (up $42.3B to $58.4B), Federal Home Loan Bank (up $33.1B to $516.4B), Barclays PLC (up $21.2B to $29.2B), Societe Generale (up $18.8B to $41.8B), JP Morgan (up $17.5B to $39.7B), Credit Suisse (up $15.7B to $24.3B), Deutsche Bank AG (up $9.0B to $21.0B), HSBC (up $8.2B to $29.5B), and ING Bank (up $7.8B to $21.0B).
The largest decreases among Issuers of money market securities (including Repo) in Dec. were shown by: the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (down $234.2 to $155.7B), the US Treasury (down $37.9B to $784.8B), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (down $3.8B to $13.1B), RBC (down $3.5B to $51.9B), Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (down $2.2B to $7.7B), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co (down $1.6B to $66.2B), Bank of Montreal (down $1.4B to $26.5B), Toronto-Dominion Bank (down $1.0B to $21.8B), Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (down $0.9B to $7.4B), and National Australia Bank Ltd (down $0.3B to $8.6B).
The United States remained the largest segment of country-affiliations; it represents 70.0% of holdings, or $1.866 trillion. France (8.9%, $236.2B) moved up to second place ahead of Canada (5.7%, $152.8B), now in 3rd. Japan (4.8%, $128.4B) stayed in fourth, while the United Kingdom (2.7%, $70.9B) remained in fifth place. Germany (1.7%, $45.3B) moved up to sixth, ahead of The Netherlands (1.4%, $37.2B). Sweden (1.4%, $37.2B) moved into eighth place ahead of Australia (1.3%, $33.9B). Switzerland (1.0%, $26.8B) was tenth. (Note: Crane Data attributes Treasury and Government repo to the dealer's parent country of origin, though money funds themselves "look-through" and consider these U.S. government securities. All money market securities must be U.S. dollar-denominated.)
As of Jan. 31, 2017, Taxable money funds held 29.3% (down from 35.5%) of their assets in securities maturing Overnight, and another 14.2% maturing in 2-7 days (up from 10.0%). Thus, 43.5% in total matures in 1-7 days. Another 19.2% matures in 8-30 days, while 11.5% matures in 31-60 days. Note that almost three-quarters, or 74.3% of securities, mature in 60 days or less (down from last month), the dividing line for use of amortized cost accounting under the new pending SEC regulations. The next bucket, 61-90 days, holds 10.9% of taxable securities, while 10.5% matures in 91-180 days, and just 4.4% matures beyond 180 days.
The preliminary agenda is available and registrations are now being taken for Crane's Money Fund Symposium, which will take place June 21-23, 2017 at The Hyatt Regency Atlanta, in Atlanta, Ga. Money Fund Symposium is the largest gathering of money market fund managers and cash investors in the world. Last summer's event in Philadelphia attracted a record 575 attendees, and we expect another robust turnout for our 9th annual event in Atlanta this June. (Money Fund Symposium participants include money fund managers, marketers and servicers, cash investors, money market securities dealers, issuers, and regulators.) Visit the MF Symposium website at www.moneyfundsymposium.com) for more details. Registration for attendees is $750, and discounted hotel reservations are also now available. We review the agenda and conference details below. (E-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com to request the full brochure, or click here to download.) We also review the rest of Crane Data's 2017 conference calendar, including next month's Bond Fund Symposium.
Our June 21 Opening (afternoon) Agenda kicks off with "Welcome to Money Fund Symposium 2017" from Peter Crane, President & Publisher of Crane Data. Then our keynote talk will feature Invesco President & Chief Executive Officer Martin Flanagan, who will discuss "The Elevation of Money Market Funds." The rest of the Day One agenda includes: "Private Money Funds, SMAs and ETFs," with Deborah Cunningham of Federated Investors, Rich Mejzak of BlackRock, and Andrew Wittkop of PIMCO; "Corporate Investment & Issuance Issues," moderated by Treasury Strategies' Tony Carfang, and featuring Jeff Glenzer of the Association for Financial Professionals, a speaker from Coca-Cola and another Corporate Investor; "Major Money Fund Issues 2017," moderated by Peter Crane and featuring John Donohue of J.P. Morgan AM, Dave Fishman of Goldman Sachs, and Tracy Hopkins of BNY Mellon Cash Investment Strategies. (The opening day's refreshments will be sponsored by Fidelity and the opening evening's reception will be sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.)
Day 2 of Money Fund Symposium 2017 begins with "State of the Money Fund Industry" with Peter Crane and Alex Roever of J.P. Morgan Securities. This is followed by "Senior Portfolio Manager Perspectives" panel, which includes Kevin Gaffney of Fidelity Investments, Jeff Plotnik of First American Funds, and Rob Sabatino of UBS Asset Mgmt; a session on "Government and Treasury Money Fund Issues," featuring Mike Bird of Wells Fargo Funds and another PM to be named later; and, a "Muni & Tax Exempt Money Fund Update" with Justin Schwartz of Vanguard and John Vetter of Fidelity. (Day 2's breakfast is sponsored by BlackRock and the coffee break is sponsored by Wells Fargo.)
The Afternoon of Day 2 (after a Dreyfus-sponsored lunch) features: a "Dealer & Issuer Panel; Looking at Supply," moderated by Laurie Brignac of Invesco and including Stewart Cutler of Barclays, John Kodweis of J.P. Morgan Securities and Jean-Luc Sinniger of Citi Global Markets; a "Ratings Agency Roundtable: Criteria, Risks, NAVs," with Robert Callagy from Moody's Investors Service, Greg Fayvilevich from Fitch Ratings, and Michael Masih from S&P Global Ratings; a segment on "MMFs in Ireland, France & China," with Reyer Kooy of IMMFA, Jonathan Curry of HSBC Global AM, and Alastair Sewell of Fitch Ratings; and a presentation on "Brokerage Sweep Options & Issues" with Ted Hamilton of Promontory Interfinancial and Sunil Kothapalli of Wells Fargo Advisors. (The Day 2 break is sponsored by Invesco and the reception is sponsored by Barclays.)
The third day of Symposium (after a Federated-sponsored breakfast) features the sessions: "Strategists Speak '17: Rising Rates & Fed RRP," presented by Mark Cabana of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Garret Sloan of Wells Fargo Securities, and Rob Zambarano of Guggenheim Securities; a "Treasury & Agency Supply Outlook, with John Dolan of the U.S. Dept. of Treasury and Dave Messerly of the FHLBanks - Office of Finance; and, the "Pros & Cons of Ultra-Short Bond Funds," with Michael Morin of Fidelity Investments and Morten Olsen of Northern Trust AM. (The coffee break is sponsored by First American Funds.) Finally, the last session, entitled, "Money Fund Trading, Technology & Data," is an optional lunch workshop with Peter Crane presenting on the latest money fund information tools, Michael Berkowitz of Citi discussing the portal market, and James Morris of Investortools reviewing Rule 2a-7 compliance and trading software.
We hope you'll join us in Atlanta this June! (We'd also like to encourage attendees, speakers and sponsors to register early and make hotel reservations in coming weeks.) Note that a few of our speakers have yet to confirm their participation, and the agenda is still in the process of being finalized.
In other conference news, final preparations are being made for the inaugural Crane's Bond Fund Symposium, which will be held next month (March 23-24) in Boston. (Click here to see the PDF agenda.) Bond Fund Symposium, the first conference devoted entirely to bond mutual funds, will bring together bond fund managers, marketers, and professionals with fixed-income issuers, investors and service providers. The vast majority of the content will be aimed at the growing ultra-short and conservative ultra-short bond fund marketplace. (As a reminder, please register for BFS and make hotel reservations for BFS soon if you plan on attending!)
Crane Data, which recently celebrated the second anniversary of its Bond Fund Intelligence publication and BFI XLS bond fund information service and benchmarks, continues to expand its fixed income fund offerings with the launch of our first conference in this space. Bond Fund Symposium will offer fixed-income portfolio managers, bond investors, issuers, dealers and service providers a concentrated and affordable educational experience, as well as an excellent and informal networking venue. Registration for Bond Fund Symposium is $500; exhibit space is $2,000 (includes 2 tickets); and sponsorship opportunities are $3K, $4K, $5K and $6K. (Complimentary tickets are available for corporate investors too; contact Pete for details.) Our mission is to deliver the best possible conference content at an affordable price to bond fund professionals and investors.
Finally, Crane's 5th annual "offshore" money fund event, European Money Fund Symposium, will be held in Paris, France, September 25-26, 2017. This website (www.euromfs.com) will be updated with the 2017 information soon. (Contact us to inquire about sponsoring or speaking.) Our next Money Fund University "basic training" event is also tentatively scheduled for Jan. 19-20, 2018, in Providence, RI. Watch www.cranedata.com for more details on these events, and please let us know if you have any questions or feedback on our growing conference business.
The February issue of our flagship Money Fund Intelligence newsletter, which was sent to subscribers Tuesday morning, features the articles: "Time for Prime Comeback Say MMF Managers; Rates Higher," which revisits the $1 trillion question: will investors return to Prime?; "Money Funds First (American) at US Bancorp A.M.," which "profiles" First American Funds' Jeff Plotnik and Eric Thole; and, "MF University Features Big Shift, New Frontiers in '17," which reviews our latest "basic training" conference. We have updated our Money Fund Wisdom database query system with Jan. 31, 2017, performance statistics, and also sent out our MFI XLS spreadsheet Monday a.m. (MFI, MFI XLS and our Crane Index products are all available to subscribers via our Content center.) Our February Money Fund Portfolio Holdings are scheduled to ship Thursday, Feb. 9, and our Feb. Bond Fund Intelligence is scheduled to go out Tuesday, Feb. 14.
MFI's lead "Time for Prime Comeback" article says, "As interest rates continue inching higher on money market mutual funds, and as the spread between Prime and Government money funds continues to widen, money has slowly but surely begun to trickle back to Prime funds. Fund managers are encouraging this trend by publishing papers and attempting to re-educate investors on gates, fees and floating NAVs, and by extolling the benefits of segmenting cash. We revisit the new $1 trillion question: will investors return to Prime? While we're not predicting a Patriots-style comeback, things are looking up."
It adds, "Prime assets increased by $9.0 billion in January, after being flat in December. (We showed Prime up $88.0 billion in December, but this was due to the addition of a number of internal and private money funds to our collection.) Spreads also continued widening, rising from 25 to 28 bps in January (the difference between Prime Inst MMFs and Treasury Inst MMFs), and up from 18 bps in November 2016 (and 11 bps in Dec. 2015)."
Our First American Funds profile reads, "This month, Money Fund Intelligence speaks with Eric Thole, CEO of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management and President of First American Funds, and Jeff Plotnik, Director of Money Market Fund Management for First American Funds. We look back at the implementation of reforms and huge changes of 2016, and we discuss the current environment and outlook for money funds going forward. Our Q&A follows."
MFI asks, "What's your biggest priority?" Thole says, "I would say that our biggest priority today is very similar to what it's been in past years. We continue to diligently work with our shareholders.... Money fund reform hit its finish line back in October of last year, but it's certainly the starting line for a new way of thinking about cash management. So we're busy talking with shareholders, just like we were all of last year. The operational pieces are done. But we're trying to take advantage of the 'money in motion'.... We've had growth in our AUM numbers, and we're looking to continue to take advantage of some of that as the year progresses."
Plotnik adds, "From a management standpoint, we're adjusting to the new universe. We have a lot more 'Govie' cash than we once had, so we're really focused on putting that to work. It's a lot harder, as [there's] a shortage of product, so you're always hunting and pecking there. We're also getting used to the different prime environment...."
Our "MF University '17" article explains, "Crane Data recently hosted its 7th annual Money Fund University, which took place Jan. 19-20 in Jersey City. The 'basic training' event, targeted at those new to the money fund industry, featured primers on interest rates, money market securities, the Federal Reserve, ratings, portfolio management, and money fund regulations. The big themes this year were the massive shift from Prime into Government MMFs, the realization of rising rates and the possible return to Prime, or shift into alternatives, in 2017."
It explains, "Host Peter Crane kicked off the event with a session called, 'History and Current State of Money Funds,' commenting, "The composition of money funds has shifted dramatically over the past year. Right now treasuries, repos and agencies, the main investments for government MMFs, really dominate.... A trillion dollars in 2016 shifted from prime general purpose into government MMFs."
In a sidebar, we discuss, "Invesco: The Case for Prime," saying, "Invesco Fixed Income posted a recent 'Investment Insights,' entitled, "Prime Institutional funds may offer renewed value in a post-ZIRP, post-reform world." Written by Robert Corner, senior client portfolio manager, it says, "Yields of floating net asset value (FNAV) prime institutional money market funds have increased and may now offer an attractive relative value opportunity. Following many years of zero interest rate policy (ZIRP) and recent money market fund reform implementation, we believe the yield advantage of prime institutional funds has increased enough to compensate investors for political fluctuations in FNAVs. And to reduce the risk of being subject to potential liquidity fees and redemption gates (fees and gates), we believe investors should consider segmenting their cash investments."
Our February MFI XLS, with Jan. 31, 2017, data, shows total assets decreased $43.0 billion in January to $2.711 trillion after increasing $107.8 billion in December (this includes the addition of $110.3 billion in new funds), $32.1 billion in November, and decreasing $3.1 billion in October and $48.5 billion in September. Our broad Crane Money Fund Average 7-Day Yield was up 3 bps to 0.29% for the month, while our Crane 100 Money Fund Index (the 100 largest taxable funds) rose 4 bps to 0.47% (7-day).
On a Gross Yield Basis (before expenses were taken out), the Crane MFA rose 0.06% to 0.67% and the Crane 100 rose 5 bps to 0.73%. Charged Expenses averaged 0.39% and 0.26% for the Crane MFA and Crane 100, respectively. The average WAM (weighted average maturity) for the Crane MFA was 37 days (up 1 day from last month) and for the Crane 100 was also 37 days (unchanged). (See our Crane Index or craneindexes.xlsx history file for more on our averages.)


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SportsNation Blog Archives Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson tweets, St. Louis Rams troll him after their OT victory
On Sunday afternoon, Russell Wilson was the latest victim of a little thing we will refer to as the Twitter trap.
You know, that unfortunate thing that happens when you tweet something, and people (or an NFL franchise) uncover said tweet at an inopportune time and use it to mercilessly troll you.
It is hard to tell exactly why the Seahawks quarterback decided to tweet this the day before Seattle's season opener against St Louis.
#GoHawks— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) September 12, 2015
Some might call it a classic case of hubris. Perhaps he was just practicing a sort of winning mantra? Maybe Ciara told him to do it?
But no matter the motivation, the Rams didn't hesitate to call him out for his statement after St. Louis came up with a big overtime win Sunday:
Hey @DangeRussWilson, don't delete this... https://t.co/MJmLa9lUDW— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) September 13, 2015
So there's that. But, just in case Marshawn Lynch getting stuffed on fourth down in overtime to seal their defeat and the Rams clowning him for the world to see wasn't enough ... cue Benny Cunningham:
Listen to @BennyCunningham
"1-0, baby. Retweet that!" pic.twitter.com/0YhASJZU6C— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) September 13, 2015
Yes, you heard him correctly: "1-0, baby. Retweet that!"
This is why football games are played on the field, not on the Internet.
UPDATE: Russell Wilson has answered back with a cheerful message that is undoubtedly a subtweet directed at the Rams:
Our goal is to go 1-0 every week. We fell a little short today, but looking forward to getting back to work! #GoHawks— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) September 13, 2015
Patriots or Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX?
Patriots or Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX?
Super Bowl XLIX is just days away, and so-called "Deflategate" still is dominating the talk surrounding the game. No matter what, though, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will square off Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, with each team attempting to add to its legacy. The Seahawks are aiming for the first NFL repeat since ... New England, which won its second and third titles under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady in 2003 and 2004. Will it happen again, or will the legendary coach/QB combo get its elusive fourth ring?
Russell Wilson to Rangers' spring trainingFebruary 20, 2014Feb20
Russell Wilson, you've just won the Super Bowl. Where are you going? On Thursday, the Seattle Seahawks' quarterback gave his answer via Twitter: Surprise, Ariz., to appear at spring training with the Texas Rangers, who paid $12,000 to acquire him in the Rule 5 draft.
Hey @Rangers fans... See you at "Surprise" Arizona on March 3! #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/ZiaEmtL0nW— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 20, 2014
Wilson played in the Colorado Rockies' organization in 2010 and 2011 before being taken in the NFL draft. Two years into his career, he became a championship QB. As a Class A second baseman, Wilson hit .229 with 5 homers, 19 stolen bases and 118 strikeouts. This time on the diamond, Wilson likely won't be around very long; ESPN.com's Richard Durrett reports that he could participate in drills or just talk with Rangers players.
If he did stick, though, what would we see from Wilson?
QB to 2B?
Could Russell Wilson come close to matching his football success in baseball?


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Ratings based on 29 reviews
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3 out of 5 stars Mommy Makeover
47 Yr Old Mum of 5, Breast Implants, Lipo Abdominoplasty - Plymouth, GB
Not 100% happy with my outcome. I have a double bubble in one breast which James has quoted over £5000 to correct. I also have a swelling above my scar which James has told me is nothing to worry about but to me it doesn't feel right. I spent a lot of money and feel like I'm being fobbed off.
5 out of 5 stars Breast Implants
Breast Augmentation with Mr McDiarmid - Cornwall, GB
Disastrous Surgery - Cheltenham
See above - terrible.
5 out of 5 stars Breast Reduction
50yrs Breast Reduction Never to Late! - United Kingdom
Age 31 | 1 Child | 3.5 Year Old DD's | A Journey of Acceptance and Self-healing | Plymouth, UK
Dr James McDiarmid is a highly skilled professional and a fantastic surgeon. He is patient, intuitive, caring and understanding.
5 out of 5 stars Rhinoplasty
19 Years Old - Rhinoplasty - Plymouth, Devon UK
Dr James McDiarmid is brilliant. I booked the procedure after one consultation, for I knew that he was the surgeon I wanted. Through this entire process I have felt reassured, happy and confident in this decision. I am unbelievably happy with the outcome of the surgery. I finally see me.
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25 Years Old - Septorhinoplasty - United Kingdom, GB
I found James very easy to talk to and he put my mind at ease from the minute I met him. He answered any questions I had and was contactable via email. He came to see me before the op, after the op and in the morning before discharge. I would have liked more post op care but that's my fault for not asking as well :-)
5 out of 5 stars Rhinoplasty
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4 out of 5 stars Tummy Tuck
Finally Did It After 19 Years of Thinking About It and Saving Up! - Plymouth, UK
Would have liked more post operative advice and information.
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Uzair Paracha, a 23-year-old member of Pakistan's elite, was more American than he was Pakistani, his friends said.
He almost always spoke English, not Urdu, the national language. He stayed up late at night in his parents' comfortable Karachi home watching American movies on cable television. He shuttled between Karachi and New York, attending preschool in New York City and managing a gas station there during summer breaks from college in Pakistan.
''I would describe him as everybody would, as an American,'' said a college friend. ''He had thoughts like an American, not a Pakistani.''
His New York roots stemmed from his father, Saifullah Paracha, a Pakistani businessman who was a New York striver throughout the 1970's. After running a travel agency and other small businesses in the city for eight years, he returned to Pakistan in the early 1980's, raised a family and made a small fortune exporting clothes to Kmart and other American stores with an American partner.Continue reading the main story
''He very clearly knew I was Jewish,'' the elder Mr. Paracha's business partner wrote in a recent e-mail message to co-workers that was released by the family. ''We had friendly talks on religion and he never has shown any animosity at all to Jewish people or to America. The opposite -- he spoke very highly of America.''
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan recently charged the younger Mr. Paracha with trying to help an associate of Al Qaeda enter the United States. He has been in custody since March. His father, who one law enforcement official said was the prime suspect in the case, disappeared in July and Pakistani officials and the son's lawyer said he was believed to be in American detention, possibly in Afghanistan, though American officials have not confirmed it.
To American investigators, the father and son represent a dangerous new type of Qaeda sympathizer -- affluent Pakistanis with long histories of shuttling in and out of the United States. To their relatives and friends, the two are victims of a post-Sept. 11 American paranoia that they say alienates moderate Muslims.
''It's a very normal family,'' Farhat Paracha, Saifullah's wife and Uzair's mother, said in an interview. ''There is nothing to hide. We are all as shocked as anyone else.''
The family, she said, has a long history in the United States -- in New York, in particular.
Mrs. Paracha, 49, who is struggling to run the family business and care for her three other children, brightens when she remembers the day she met her husband.
She said she was a graduate student in sociology at New York University in the late 1970's when a friend of her sister's suggested that she apply for a job at a Pakistani-run travel agency in Midtown Manhattan. Her sister later became a doctor and settled in Connecticut.
The elder Mr. Paracha, the owner of the business, refused to hire her, she said, smiling. ''He wouldn't hire me because I was illegal,'' she said, referring to the fact that she had only a student's visa.
Mr. Paracha stayed in contact with her, however, and a romance blossomed. After Mrs. Paracha received her degree in 1979, the couple returned to Pakistan, married and eventually settled in Karachi.
''It was a love marriage,'' Mrs. Paracha said, rather than a traditional arranged one.
Uzair, the first of their four children, was born in Pakistan on Jan. 7, 1980. At the age of 3 weeks, he made his first trip to the United States, where his father still had business, his mother said. He attended the Rainbow Montessori preschool in Queens before the family returned to Karachi.
The family eventually settled in a comfortable two-story home in the Defense Housing Authority area, a wealthy enclave in this impoverished city of 14 million. As a teenager, Uzair attended B.V.S. Parsi High School, an above-average institution, but not one of the city's finest. He had an 81 percent grade average, according to a copy of his résumé provided by his mother.
After high school he talked of starting his own business, his mother and friends said. He enrolled in a business administration program at the Institute of Business Management. The school, created with foreign aid money from the United States in 1955, has a neat, tree-lined campus, an oasis of calm in gritty Karachi.
Its students are also a who's who of the city's elite. Graduates typically go on to run family businesses or work for multinational corporations.
Uzair's friends describe him as ''pretty vocal'' and ''very confident.''
His mother said he wore jeans and Western clothes, loved American music and drove a modest Japanese-built car his parents gave him.
''We don't believe it,'' said Mirza Fahad Beg, one of Uzair's classmates, referring to the charges against him.
He acted in and even directed school skits, collected charity money during an internship and did internships with leading trading and advertising firms in Karachi. He socialized with a circle of friends that included women, something more conservative Pakistani men often avoid.
''He was not very religious,'' said Syed Fazle Hasan, Uzair's professor who teaches managerial accounting. ''I didn't see him run for prayers during prayer breaks.''
After graduating last year, Uzair went to work at his father's clothing company, International Merchandise Group.
His father, as he grew older, became more religious and more involved in charity work, Mrs. Paracha said. He built a hospital in his hometown in Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, near the border with Afghanistan. Twice in the late 1990's he visited Afghanistan while it was under Taliban rule. His wife insists he only engaged in charity work.
Anthony L. Ricco, the lawyer representing the younger Mr. Paracha in New York, has said the elder Mr. Paracha met Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. On Tuesday, Mr. Ricco said the younger Mr. Paracha might have been at a meeting in Pakistan attended by his father and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Al Qaeda's chief of operations, who was captured in March.
Mr. Ricco added that the son never agreed to carry out any tasks for Mr. Mohammed. The lawyer also has suggested that the young man was duped into carrying out the scheme.
Prosecutors have not commented on the elder Mr. Paracha or whom he may have met. They have said only that the younger Mr. Paracha admitted to F.B.I. agents that he knew he was helping an associate of Al Qaeda.
The father's longtime American business partner did not respond to a telephone call requesting comment. But he expressed his feelings in the Aug. 9 e-mail message to one of Mr. Paracha's employees in Pakistan that was released by the family.
''I was shocked and scared by the allegations and find them very hard to believe,'' wrote the businessman. He ended the message by referring to his longtime business partner by his nickname. ''Saif is my friend,'' the American businessman wrote. ''And he knows it.''Continue reading the main story


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This review is from: Transcend 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory Model JM667QSU-2G
Pros: Great boost to my Asus EeePc 1000HE.
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Reagents, Molecular Assay, Gene Anomaly, Mutation, PEO
Definition : Molecular assay reagents intended to identify mutations in the chromosome 10 open reading frame C10orf2 (formerly PEO, PEO1, PEOA3) gene, located at chromosome 10q23.3-q24.3, which encodes for a mitochondrial protein that colocalizes with mtDNA in mitochondrial nucleoids and is thought to be necessary for lifetime maintenance of mtDNA integrity. Mutations at this locus have been identified in patients with progressive external ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of the eye muscles).
Entry Terms : "Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia (PEO) Gene Mutation Reagents" , "PEOA3 Gene Mutation Anomaly Reagents" , "PEO1 Gene Mutation Anomaly Reagents" , "PEO Gene Mutation Detection Reagents"
UMDC code : 24657


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Where to renew your vows: 4 romantic places to rewed
Where to renew your vows: 4 romantic places to rewed
Why wedding vow renewal is special
"Since it's not legally binding, you can renew your vows on any year or in any setting," says certified wedding planner Michele Ann Rowe. "But the 25th anniversary is the most popular year couples choose to do so," says Rowe.
Perhaps you want to renew your vows to celebrate making it through a rough patch in your marriage, or you simply want to be reminded of the promise you made to each other. Whatever the reason, we asked Rowe to share some of her favourite venues for tying the knot all over again.
1. The place you met
Was there a particular restaurant, coffee shop or movie theatre where the two of you first met? "If a specific location is sentimental, it can be a wonderful spot to say 'I do' a second time," says Rowe.
If it's a restaurant, perhaps you can make arrangements for them to serve the same meal that you shared the first time you met. Or if it's a small theatre, maybe they can cue up your wedding video for a private screening before you renew your vows.
Get creative. The best part about a recommitment ceremony is that there's no traditional rules or protocol to get in the way of your wedding anniversary celebration – you can make it whatever you want.
2. Your backyard or garden
There is nothing more meaningful than renewing your wedding vows in your own backyard.
"Many people choose to mark the milestone of years together right in the spot that they have spent them," says Rowe. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just your own small spot of paradise, this can be an inviting setting.
Page 1 of 2 -- Discover more special venues (a ceremony for two or globe-trotting cruise?) to renew your wedding vows on page 2
There are plenty of ways to add personal touches: Hold a bouquet of flowers that are plucked from your garden, for example. Or perhaps you planted a tree together in your backyard when you were first married -- renew your vows under its shade while your family looks on and it's about as special as it gets.
3. An isolated spot, just for two
A twist on renewing your vows is to have a pared-down ceremony with only the two of you. No guests, no officiant, just you and your significant other. Write your own vows, light some candles, toast each other with a glass of champagne and enjoy this intimate moment – after all, you're the only two that matter. "Keeping it simple keeps the focus where it should be – on your love and commitment," says Rowe.
4. A destination renewal
Did you dream of a destination wedding the first time around but just didn't have the time, funds or freedom to plan one? Now is the time to plan a getaway: Ireland, the Caribbean, a safari in Kenya or a cruise to Alaska -- wherever your heart desires.
"The most romantic wedding I ever witnessed was an intimate renewal ceremony on a cruise ship deck, at sea, with a blazing sunset as the backdrop," says Rowe. "A destination wedding often recharges the romance and creates new, loving memories."
If you can't steal away, even a local outdoor setting can feel like a "destination" wedding. "Try a beach, lakeside, a park or a mountain retreat," says Rowe.
Write your vows and include family
No matter where you choose to hold your ceremony, try to write your own vows if possible. And if you want to include any family members such as children or grandchildren, ask them to write a few words to say at the ceremony too -- it will make it a memorable family experience.
Finally, a gift registry is not appropriate at a vow renewal. "It's not an opportunity to upgrade your china," says Rowe. "If your guests insist on a gift, kindly ask them to donate a contribution to your favourite charity."
Page 2 of 2


text: Other Large Gundams In JapanBrian Ashcraft10/07/09 12:00amFiled to: JapanGundamOnly in JapanCulture46EditPromoteShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalinkThe giant Gundam in Tokyo's Odaiba might be long gone, but our memories of it live on and on. Know: It was by no means the first giant Gundam. There have been others, oh yes. In the gallery, there are several big mechas: the totally unofficial 1/3 scale "Zeta III" in Okayama prefecture, some short-term Gundam thing created for a vocational school, a Gundam-ish mecha at an Osaka intersection and some sort of we-don't-know-what-the-fuck found in a schoolyard. Advertisement Advertisement We Hardly Knew Ye, Gundam [AltJapan] Reply46 repliesLeave a reply


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A new massive database has been assembled and released at large by the Center for Neighborhood Technology and the affiliated Center for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The direct link to Dallas is here, we'll see if that works for you, since you have to be a registered user to access it.
Below is a sample where they map all existing and proposed transit stations and with a click will return population, # of jobs, and median income within a 1/2 mile radius. Let's see if you can guess my one issue with it:
Get this far? Well, my one and only problem is inherent to such massive assemblies of data. Each of these TOD zones requires specific attention to detail. This gets at a broader problem preventing TOD planning from becoming smarter, and that is the ubiquitous 1/2-mile walk circle.
The issue with the 1/2-mile circle, intended to simulate a 10-minute walk or a popularly accepted distance to travel by foot to transit stations is that not all 10-minute walks are the same. What is the road network like within that 1/2-mile generic circle? How many roads must be crossed? How direct is the route (yielding a more radial pattern emanating from a center of gravity or attractor - in this case the transit station)? Are there highways to be traversed? How long is the wait to cross at crosswalks, etc. etc.?
This is the type of thing that can really only be field tested and I apologize for not doing that here. Instead, I did a quick estimate based on distances and first-hand experience of riding DART to the CityPlace station and walking to various destinations (Target/West Village) several times. Below is a quick map of that.
Click to get a closer look.
As you can see, what actually constitutes an acceptable walking distance is FAR, FAR smaller than the 1/2-mile circle, because it takes a similar amount of time. In the case of CityPlace station, being 20,000 leagues beneath the sea of traffic on North Central Expressway is its problem as surfacing from the subway station can take at least 5-minutes unless you're in the mood for 2-minute thighs and feel like running up the monumental stairwells that are only missing the monument.
Other areas of the city would actually come far closer to the actual perimeter of this circle. To do so, would require a tightly-knit grid of smaller, easily crossable, pedestrian-oriented streets, preferrably in a more radial pattern than perfectly squared gridiron. The reason for this is that it creates more direct routes based on desire lines (if the transit-station is the most desirable destination in the area). Obviously, this exists only in a perfect world which over time balances the competing desire lines to other destinations.
Example of a "pure" radial grid. Many of the garden cities, which were little more than purely theoretical exercises, exercised in exurban greenfield locations (much like the pop-up "sustainable cities" of the Middle East and China that are super awesome theoretically, just lack a reason for being in the first place besides 'can do?' not 'should do?'), display similar features. Both promised utopia.
While I would never espouse a pure geometric form since no place is perfectly flat or so singular in its hierarchy of desire lines, I do prefer an overlay of radial and gridded much like Paris or DC or Papal Roman Trivia or Broadway, because it creates natural points of convergence and responds to this hierarchy and instills a logical and predictable order unto the real estate market. I should add that I'm also not a rigid adherent to the importance of straight lines and the divergence of road centerline axes leads to decay or reduced value that the Space Syntax crowd preaches. But order created by building form certainly is necessary.
Here is an image of how desire lines and changing demands shape cities over time (Rome during the empire and Rome closer to today) creating a natural order of smaller blocks, system of streets and open spaces.
For more information, see my previous posts on convergence and intersection density analysis:
Monday, October 18, 2010
TOD Galore
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Posted by larchlion at Monday, October 18, 2010
Labels: Actual walking distance, convergence, street grids, Transit Oriented Development, Walkable Urbanism


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Mylar isn't just for balloons anymore. These assorted hard candies are bursting with so much fruit flavor, only Mylar can keep it in! Remember all that fun you had at the end of high-school parties, making your voice all high-pitched with the balloons? Now you can savor these candies, happy to know that those days of taking ridiculous risks are behind you.
These are the type of brilliantly colored fruit candy used by famous conceptual artist Felix Gonzales-Torres in museums around the world. They will look equally good in a your candy dish as they do on display at MOMA.
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