text:
Ancient Grains: Cooking with Traditional Cereals
From the banks of the Tigris and the Euphrates, to the coast of the Mediterranean and down into Egypt stretches the Fertile Crescent. Aptly known as the "cradle of civilization," this land bore witness to many of the earliest human settlements. Historians have documented the development of basic architecture, tools, weapons, agriculture and a reliance upon the foods grown in cultivated fields to as far back as 9,000 B.C.E. Cereals, grasses and grains were among the first crops to be harvested and prepared, usually by grinding them into meal and cooking them over a fire. Grains were also ground into flour for bread, or fermented and brewed into beer.
Recently, high-end restaurants have begun to experiment with ancient grains, garnering media attention and interest. Their rich, complex flavors, coupled with the health benefits of cooking with whole grains has also led to increased interest in the home kitchen, but not without reluctance and some misconceptions. When researching for this post, however, I was fortunate to be able to avail of a wonderful local authority, Liz L'Etoile of Four Star Farms – she and I spent a long time on the phone chatting about grains, harvesting and sustainability. Her experience and knowledge gave color to the realities of farming ancient grains in the modern world. We source barley, wheatberries, spelt and cornmeal from Four Star Farms, a wonderful local farm at the forefront of efforts to reintroduce traditional grains locally. If you are interested in pursuing the topic further, I also recommend the book Ancient Grains for Modern Meals. Written by Cambridge-based, Maria Speck, it was selected as a Top 10 Cookbook of 2011 by The Washington Post and a Notable Cookbook of 2011 by The New York Times. Known for her clarity and insight into the world of ancient grains, Ms. Speck's book is a great resource. In her opinion, whole grains are not just punitive health food but savory and luscious, easy to prepare and enjoy daily!
What is a grain?
By definition, a grain is the edible seed of a cereal grass. Also known as "berries" or "kernels," they are comprised of four basic elements: the hull, bran, endosperm and germ. The hull refers to the outermost layers of the grain, most of which is removed after harvesting. Next is the bran, which is dense in nutrients such as fiber, fatty acids, protein and vitamins. The bran must be intact for a grain to be considered whole. The endosperm is the starchy tissue surrounding the seed, or germ. The germ itself is the reproductive part of the grain and is a concentrated source of nutrients, including vitamin E, folic acid, zinc and magnesium, among others.
Barley is a self-pollinating member of the grass family. When speaking of domesticated varieties, barley is split into two-row and six-row categories – the difference between them relating to the placement of the fertile spikelet (a small or secondary spike of grass on the stalk). In two-row barley, only the central spikelet is fertile. Six-row barley is characterized by fertile lateral spikelets and a higher protein content. Most barley found on the shelves of grocery stores are two-row, as the higher protein content of six-row makes the grain less palatable for human consumption and more suitable for animal feed.
At Formaggio Kitchen, we offer both pearled and hulled two-row barley. Pearled barley is barley that has been polished to remove the hull and bran of the grain. In contrast, the hulled barley grain is intact, with only the tough outer hulls being removed. This difference is similar to the difference between white rice and brown rice. While less nutrient dense and lower in fiber and protein, pearled barley is often preferred as it takes a shorter amount of time to cook. It is easily substituted for rice in risotto and fluffs up nicely as a pilaf. Hulled barley, while slightly more labor intensive, offers the full health benefits of a whole grain and has a more complex, earthy flavor. This grain is hearty, versatile and excellent in salads, soups, and stews. A Moroccan lamb tagine with barley is the perfect meal to serve alongside early spring vegetables and crusty bread for dipping.
Emmer wheat is a type of hard red wheat.* An ancient grain that has nourished Europe and Asia for thousands of years, Emmer wheat is often known as farro, especially in Italy. However, the word "farro" was used indefinitely across regions, sometimes meaning different things. Some regions used the word farro to specifically refer to Emmer wheat, while other cultures used "farro" as an all-encompassing word for grains like spelt or even barley. The products we stock at Formaggio Kitchen are labeled farro and those are the true berries of Emmer wheat. Botany and linguistics aside, Emmer wheat yields a full-bodied grain, rich and deliciously chewy. It pairs wonderfully with robust foods such as wild mushrooms, game meat, tomatoes and red wine.
*Varieties of wheat are categorized based on protein content, nutrient density, performance and time of harvest. Wheat can either be harvested in the winter or in the spring. Winter wheat contains about 12% protein, whereas spring wheat contains a bit more, about 14-15%. Two major groupings within these harvests are hard wheats and soft wheats. Hard varieties are the most common and versatile, with a high gluten content perfect for breads and pastas. Soft varieties are lower in protein and are best for pastries or brioche. Within hard and soft wheats, there are red and white varieties. Red wheats lend a rustic, earthy flavor while white wheats are milder and usually fall within the soft wheat spectrum due to their lower protein content.
Similar to a hard winter wheat, spelt is an ancient grain with a deep, nutty flavor. Many believe it is one of the oldest ancient grains, preceded only by Einkorn and Emmer. Despite its long history, spelt was only introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, by Swiss immigrants who settled mostly in eastern Ohio. Consequently, most spelt is grown in the Buckeye state, although many farms across the nation have begun to cultivate this crop as well. Sammey spelt is a non-GMO spelt, meaning it is a species or variety that is grown without using a genetically modified seed. Spelt can be ground into flour for breads and pastas but is also available hulled, similar to barley.
Unlike barley, spelt and wheat, maize is an ancient grain that was solely cultivated in the Americas. A descendant of a wild grass known as Teosinte, its origins can be traced to prehistoric times. Domesticated by the indigenous peoples of Central America, maize was dietary staple in Olmec, Mayan and Aztec civilizations, cooked whole or ground into meal or flour for bread. With the arrival of European settlers, this versatile grain soon expanded north and became one of the most widely grown crops in the United States. At Formaggio Kitchen, we source hominy, grits, and coarse and fine cornmeal from small, sustainable growers. A grain that is delicious and true to its prehistoric origins, these products are the antithesis of low grade, genetically modified corn that is grown in much of the country. From hot johnnycakes, to polenta, maize is a summertime favorite best washed down with a light saison or pale ale.
The world of ancient grains is vast and complex. Here at the shop, our shelves are absolutely bursting with interesting grains and flours – each with its own story, flavor and characteristics. We're always excited to discuss and deliberate over their uses and best ways to prepare them!
Emily Shannon is a cooking enthusiast and works in the produce department and as a cheesemonger at Formaggio Kitchen Cambridge.


text:
Ralph Trickey - Install and Register For Visual Studio Achievements
Install the add-in and register with Channel9. You are up and running!
Completed Sep 06, 2012 at 8:53PM (UTC-07:00).
Visual Studio Achievements
Earn achievements while you code! With Visual Studio Achievements, you will unlock various achievements based on your activity.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hahahha, personally I can't stand Melo or CB. But nonetheless, it's funny how bad CB's image has been tarnished. Karma's a biatch eh.
PS- did anyone else notice that in the 4th qtr vs Miami, when CB1 was stapled to the bench, it looked like he was gonna cry? Literally his eyes were all welled up. When LBJ and Dwade dunked the rest of the team got up and cheered, and CB stayed on the bench looking teary eyed! Maybe he had an epiphany and realized he's a c*cksucker!


text:
This is the crystal snowman that celebrates The New York Jets with a body that contains a three-dimensional village and a moving train that encircles his base. The limited-edition figurine is crafted from multifaceted crystal that sparkles like fresh snow. Inside, a festive town displays its love of Gang Green with intricate models of a restaurant, train station, and stadium entrance all decorated with Jets pennants and billboards. A stand sells team memorabilia, awnings are painted blue and red, and three gleeful supporters hold a banner proclaiming "We're #1." Snow-capped evergreens, wreaths, and a freshly cut tree lashed to a car roof add holiday details. The scene lights up at the flip of a switch, which also sends the three-car train chugging around the track. The snowman himself waves a team flag, holds a football, and wears a scarf and mittens in the official colors, and his top hat bears a badge with the team logo. A plaque on the wood-colored base says "Jets." Comes with Certificate of Authenticity. Plugs into AC with included adapter or works with two AA batteries (required). 11" H x 8" Diam. (5 lbs.)
California Proposition 65 WARNING for lead crystal:
To enhance optical clarity, the crystal in this product contains lead, a chemical substance known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Lifetime Guarantee
The New York Jets Crystal Snowman with Model Train comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at email@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
May we recommend:
COPYRIGHT © 2018 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W109147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


text:
Coverking Genuine Leather Seat Covers CSC1L3SR7004
- Our Price: $489.99
- Shipping:FREE SHIPPING
- Part Number: CSC1L3SR7004
- Rating: (19)
Front Row Leather Seat Covers
- Part #: CSC1L3SR7004
- 50/50 Bucket Seat, with See-Through Headrests, with Loops on Headrest
- Gray
$489.99Free Shipping
Select your vehicle details above to ensure item compatibility.
- Coverking Genuine Leather Car Seat Covers are made from OEM quality top grade leather
- Available for virtually all cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs - all at a surprisingly competitive price
- Genuine Leather is used for the sitting surface, with Leatherette vinyl covering for the rest of the seat
- Custom-crafted to your exact vehicle for a perfect fit and upholstered looks
- Computer-assisted CAD/CAM designs ensure a flawless, tight fit
- Available in Beige, Black, and Grey
- Manufactured with pride by skilled craftspeople in the USA
- 2-Year Warranty
Add the luxury of leather to your ride's interior. Coverking Genuine Leather Seat Covers are crafted from real leather for a luxurious seating surface and Leatherette vinyl on the rest of the cover to keep it economical. They're fully custom-designed and made for your exact vehicle for a fit so precise your passengers will think you just made a trip to the upholstery shop.
Torn and stained seat fabric can ruin the look of your interior. Luckily there are Coverking Genuine Leather Car Seat Covers to cover up those old blemishes. Their OEM quality materials may even look better than your stock seats when they were new. Their tight fit prevents slipping and potential seam damage and hold their fresh looks.
Your set is crafted to order in a state-of-the-art facility in California, utilizing advanced technology and skilled craftspeople who take pride in their work. Coverking stands by their products and backs your Genuine Leather Custom Car Seat Covers with a 2-Year Warranty.
Note: Due to variations in computer monitor settings, colors viewed on the web may not display as intended. If you have questions about the color of a particular seat cover, please call and we will be happy to assist you.
Coverking CSC1L3SR7004 fits:
- 2003-2004 Saturn Ion
More Like This
There are no reviews for this application.
See All Coverking Genuine Leather Seat Covers Reviews.


text:
Leather Wedge Tassle Ruched Ankle BootsT02/8570
M&S says
Our Footglove™ shoes are made with exceedingly soft bodies, underfoot padding and durable soles to give all day comfort. Ankle boots add a certain Parisian chic to any ensemble.
Product Details
Item details
- Heel Height for Ladies Size 4 Shoe: 44mm
- Product Style: Ankle boots
- Fit: Regular fit
- Fastening: Side zip
- Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes
Care and Composition
- Upper: Leather
- Lining and Sock: Textile & other materials
- Outsole: Other materials
Returns & Refunds
FREE returns through a Collect+ location - just use the pre-paid label that came with your order. To find your nearest Collect+ location, visit www.collectplus.co.uk.
FREE 24/7 returns through any InPost locker - over 1000 locations across the UK. Click here to get your free InPost returns label and to locate your nearest InPost locker.
International returns - full details on how to return.
Returns and refunds exclusions:
Some items like bedding, lingerie and swimwear can't be returned once the original packaging, tags and hygiene seals have been removed. This does not affect your right to return faulty goods.
Tell me more about the M&S refunds and returns policy >
Contact us for more details >
Delivery Options
Standard Delivery: FREE over 45 € (normally 3,95 €); 4-6 working days
Tracked Express Delivery: FREE over 75 € (normally 5,95 €); 3-4 working days


text:
LucasArts and BioWare officially announced the development of a new massively multiplayer online pc game called Star Wars: The Old Republic. The game will be story-driven and set during the timeframe of past hit Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Star Wars: The Old Republic, is being developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts.
Star Wars: The Old Republic, is set thousands of years before Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, when war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire raged. Players can choose to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other classic Star Wars roles. Similar to other MMOs, players will be able to define their personal story and decide whether to follow the light or dark side of the Force. Players will be able to choose to team up with friends to battle enemies and overcome huge challenges as a group.
LucasArts president Darrell Rodriguez's discussed how their goal was to return to the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic franchise stating, "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is the most critically acclaimed Star Wars game in LucasArts history and a preeminent example of our company's interactive storytelling heritage, For a long time, we've long wanted to return to the franchise in a grand way, and we felt that the best setting for it was an online world that would allow millions of people to participate in the experience together. We knew that the developer capable of working with us to deliver an engrossing story with a fully-realized online world was BioWare."
The game will explore a time frame 300 years after the events of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. This area of Star Wars chronology has been relatively unexplored when compared to the Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker era.
According to Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder and General Manager/CEO of BioWare, storytelling will help to differentiate this MMO from the rest. He states, "In Star Wars: The Old Republic, we're fusing BioWare's heritage of critically-acclaimed storytelling with the amazing pedigree of Lucasfilm and LucasArts"
Similar to Muzyka, Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder and Vice President Development Operations of BioWare discussed how this MMO will emphasize innovative story and character development, saying, "BioWare has been able to add to the Star Wars history in developing the game's story and has created an overarching narrative that players can enjoy, regardless of their play style. Our goal is to offer players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development."
Additional details for Star Wars: The Old Republic such as features, gameplay and release date will be announced at a later time.


text:
town of Farragut, Tennessee created quite a stir when
it decided [PDF]
back in 2006 to look at adopting an automated system to "watch"
its town's drivers and automatically give them tickets for running
red lights. The system was finally
contracted in 2009 to Redflex INC. The system was
completed in August 2009 with three cameras, and a fourth camera went
online this summer.The early statistics have been
released by the town and they're either a staggering
statement to how blatantly the town's population violates the law or
how automated traffic enforcement systems may be much more active
than expected.In the first and second quarters, 7,168 and
7,213 incidents respectively were recorded by the cameras. In
total, 3,515 and 3,873 citations respectively were issued in the two
quarters. That's about 45 citations a day, or roughly 14 per
camera per day (before the fourth camera came online).To give
a further breakdown, for the second quarter, 2,673 of the 7,213
incidents were rejected after review by an officer. Another 662
incidents were not processed "due to technical issues or lack of
information." And the remaining incidents, as mentioned
resulted in citationsCitizens have found it increasingly hard
to argue their innocence in the face of glaring video evidence.
This is especially true in the case of rolling stops (slowing, but
not fully stopping when turning at a red light). Some citizens
insisted their innocence, but when showed the video gave up their
claims, according to the cops.Perhaps the good thing for
citizens is that the citation is merely a non-moving violation, which
carries no points and thus does not raise drivers' insurance.
It weighs in at $50 USD per ticket. The perhaps interesting
part is that the language used by various towns in the state indicate
that there's a lower
standard of Constitutional protections with such systems.
Lawyers for the towns of Chattanooga and Red Bank (where a similar
system is deployed) write, "[Drivers] are not entitled to a
trial by jury, a presumption of innocence or a heightened burden of
proof."That's typical for civil offenses, which bear a
lower burden of proof. But its atypical for traffic violations,
which often carry a presumption of innocence and allow citizens to
request a trial by jury. The shift is likely due to the light
penalty associated with the ticket, but it's worrisome because that
penalty could be bumped at some point to a full moving
violation.Two $10M USD suits about the system are pending.
However, these suits, which will be heard in court on September 20,
seem unlikely to succeed. After all, the Tennessee Court of
Appeals recently denied complaints about Knoxville, Tennessee's
similar camera system.Another concern is the reliability
of such systems. Students in 2008 in Montgomery
County, Maryland used fake license plates to spoof similar
systems which gave speeding tickets. The result was multiple
people they pranked receiving traffic fines.


text:
Halt badger culls, minister urged
A new plea has been made to Environment Secretary Liz Truss to stop the latest badger culls and save hundreds of animals from "potentially unnecessary and inhumane deaths".
The call came from the Badger Trust after it lost an 11th-hour High Court legal battle arising from the Government go-ahead for a second year of "controlled shooting" of free-roaming badgers in Gloucestershire and Somerset.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is using the two pilot schemes to test whether the shooting method can be rolled out to other parts of England to tackle tuberculosis in cattle.
An independent expert panel (IEP) monitored the first year of the four-year pilot programme. It reported that controlled shooting could not deliver the level of culling needed to bring about a reduction in bovine TB and was not humane.
Defra decided to continue the programme this year without an IEP in place, leading to accusations by the Badger Trust of an unlawful breach of a "legitimate expectation" that the IEP would monitor the entire pilot cull.
David Wolfe QC, appearing for the Trust, argued at London's High Court that Defra had not simply "moved the goalposts" but was "sacking the referee".
Rejecting the accusation, Mr Justice Kenneth Parker ruled today that there were "no plausible grounds" to support the legitimate expectation claim.
The judge accepted Defra's argument that it had always been intended that the IEP would only be in place for the first culling period.
He said the Environment Secretary believed the IEP report had shown "a clear way forward".
Ms Truss had taken steps to implement its recommendations, and she was legally entitled to conclude further participation by the IEP was "not necessary or proportionate".
The judge refused the Trust permission to appeal and ordered it to pay £10,000 towards Defra's legal costs. The Trust can still ask the appeal court to hear the case.
The Government and farmers insist that culling is necessary to tackle TB in livestock, which saw more than 26,000 cattle slaughtered in England last year and multimillion-pound losses.
But opponents say culling is inhumane and ineffective and alternatives such as vaccination should be pursued.
Broadcaster and naturalist Bill Oddie was among those backing the legal challenge.
Trust member Nigel Tolley, from Stourbridge, West Midlands, said IEP reports showed that last year badgers had taken a "completely unacceptable" 10 minutes to die.
The Trust says bovine TB has been reduced by 50% in five years in Wales without a cull, relying on farming measures and the annual testing of cattle.
The Trust accuses the National Farmers' Union in England of refusing to do annual testing because of the cost, while millions are spent on killing badgers.
Trust chief executive Dominic Dyer said an appeal against the High Court ruling was under consideration. He also called on the Environment Secretary to halt the culls - or reinstate the IEP.
Mr Dyer said the ruling "does not detract from the serious public concerns over the continuation of the cull, including the most recent leaks regarding potentially unlawful and unsafe activity undertaken by culling contractors during the 2013 culls".
He said: "Given the indisputable failure of the 2013 culls, the still unresolved issues regarding safety and the significant uncertainty over the numbers of badgers to be killed in 2014, the only sensible option for the Secretary of State is to call a halt to these pilots, and the potentially unnecessary and inhumane deaths of hundreds of badgers.
"Whatever happens during the second year of the culls, in the absence of the IEP, it will be impossible to trust any findings supporting a wider roll-out, not least because this is already clearly the preferred option of the Secretary of State."
A Defra spokeswoman said: "We are pleased that the judge has found in our favour, as we have always been clear that the independent expert panel's role was to oversee the six-week pilots in the first year of the culls only.
"This year we have made changes to monitor effectiveness and humaneness and the culls will be independently audited.
"We have a comprehensive strategy to make England TB-free, including strict cattle movement controls and badger vaccination, but overseas experience shows that we will not beat the disease without also culling badgers where the disease is rife."
She added in a statement: "The policy approach in Wales covers only 1.5% of the country, too small an area to draw meaningful conclusions from.
"Overseas evidence shows multi-faceted approaches work best. A comprehensive strategy including culling was key in Australia, where TB has been eradicated; and in Ireland and New Zealand where it has been significantly reduced."
Earlier this week it was announced that Natural England has authorised the latest round of culling.
The authorisation letters require companies carrying out the licensed culls to kill a minimum number of badgers - some 615 in Gloucestershire and 316 in Somerset.
The maximum number has been set at 1,091 in Gloucestershire and 785 in Somerset.
Six weeks of culling between June 1 and January 31 each year are allowed under the licences, with those carrying out the cull deciding on the start date.
The judge said in his ruling that the incidence of bTB in cattle herds had increased significantly since the 1980s and the annual public cost was about £100 million, with estimated multimillion-pound annual costs to farmers.
It had spread extensively northwards and eastwards from infected pockets in the South West of England and Wales, and the incidence of new herd breakdowns was now doubling every nine years.
The judge said: "This incidence of bTB is the highest in Europe."


text:
Thank you very much for all your help
Thank you very much for all your help. It is a birthday present and the timing worked out perfectly. Thank you again for reading the special notes,...
Looking for a particular song or artist? Start your search here!
WebbyShop offers the most comprehensive selection of
Magic Singproducts from Enter Tech. Ranging from Magic Sing Song Chips, (English or foreign) and Magic Sing microphones to accessories such as song book, recording pack and adaptor, we are indeed, a great and trusted online store for all your magic sing needs.
We carry the latest Magic Sing microphones - the ET-Series which include the limited edtion, Magic Sing ET-19K-BT Tagalog, ET-28KH English which is also available in ET-28KH Spanish and ET-28KH Tagalog versions and compatible to 20-Pins song chips only. Please feel free to browse our products page to find the best suitable microphone for you and your family.
Occasionally, we are having magic sing sale to give you savings when you buy one of the most popular entertainment gadgets for your party and gatherings. Do a regular visit on our Magic Sing Promo, Discount and Coupon page to learn more!
Magic Sing Pop 14 Christmas Song Chip
Here is the complete list of English Magic Sing song chips that you can avail at practical prices. These chips include variety of timely and exquisite songs that you love to sing. We offer alternative/modern song chips that are especially designed to please singers. In addition, we also have song chips that's filled with rock songs from the 60's, 70's and 80's. This chip is definitely a big hit to you groovy oldies back at home. Chips that will surely give you the grandest party right at the comfort of your home are those that comprises the best and latest dance and disco hits.
Surely, you'll find here the kind of song chips that will give you the absolute pleasure of unstoppable music with your best singing buddies.
Displaying 1 to 20 (of 44 products)
Displaying 1 to 20 (of 44 products)
Home About Privacy Notice Sitemap Comparison Chart Downloads Magic Sing Songs Quick Guides Contact Us FAQ Promo


text:
Chambers Pest SolutionsPest Control Pest Control Contractors & Services
5 Greenmount Heights, Hillarys, WA 6025
Servicing Inglewood (more than 200 km from Dumbleyung), Kallaroo, Padbury and 42 other suburb(s)
This business can travel to you.
This business offers products or services online.
Unfortunately, every summer I encountered the same problem with all the ants around our home. I don't know what I should exactly do. Last week, it was quite embarrassing when few of my friends came to my home and they found the ants in every corner of the home. However, a friend of mine recommended CHAMBERS PEST SOLUTIONS. The kind of methods they used was extremely effective. The ants suddenly got disappeared. Great value for money.
I totally recommend Chambers Pest Solutions if you are looking for a reliable pest control company, very happy with the service i received from them.They really looked after my pest control needs at a reasonable price.


text:
Tech CU's $15 Million CRE Loans Builds Bay Area Presence
The recent funding of two large commercial real estate loans has helped Technology Credit Union further establish its presence in the Bay Area.
The $1.7 billon Tech CU in San Jose, Calif., said it closed nearly $15 million in CRE loans in December 2012, including a $9.5 million loan to support the refinancing of a multi-tenant property that is located in downtown Mountain View and counts Google Inc. as one of its tenants.
The credit union also approved a $5.14 million loan to support the purchase of an historic South of Market, commonly known as SOMA, office building in San Francisco.
Tech CU said it also ended 2012 with strong loan growth in residential mortgages, closing 676 single-family member loans totaling nearly $219 million.
With a focus on diversifying and growing its real estate loan portfolio in 2013, Tech CU said it has also approved higher limits on residential mortgages up to $8 million and home equity lines of credit up to $1 million.
"We're constantly evaluating our products, considering how well they satisfy members' needs in this market," said Tech CU Chief Banking Officer Joe Anzalone.


text:
Growing up, investment advisors may have been warned by their parents to avoid hanging out with the wrong crowd. The same advice applies to RIAs recommending sub-advisors and third-party advisors.
At some advisory firms that utilize sub-advisors, due diligence is overdue or non-existent. "Due diligence" is the level of investigation expected of a prudent RIA to determine whether an investment or business arrangement makes sense. In view of the Bernard Madoff scandal and the current regulatory environment, the duty to conduct due diligence is more important than ever. RIAs should conduct an extremely thorough investigation before utilizing sub-advisors, and should disclose situations where they utilize sub-advisors and third-party advisors in their Form ADV Part 2 disclosure brochures.
It is important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all process for due diligence of unaffiliated advisors. It is also important to distinguish between sub-advisory and third-party advisory relationships, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. For our purposes, we view the sub-advisory relationship as an agreement between the sub-advisor and the RIA. In contrast, the third-party advisory relationship is between the third-party advisor and the client. The RIA usually recommends the third-party advisor and monitors that entity's performance.
A rigorous due diligence process is necessary when utilizing sub-advisors and third-party advisors. In all circumstances, an RIA should take into account the nature of the relationship with the client and the services it has agreed to provide.
Avoiding Sub-Par Due Diligence of Sub-Advisors
The due diligence process goes far beyond investigating whether a sub-advisor is in good standing with securities regulators. Furthermore, RIAs should not rely on a sub-advisor's marketing materials and reputation in lieu of conducting their own due diligence. According to Ric Edelman's article in the February 1, 2009 online edition of InvestmentNews, Madoff's website boasted, "clients know that Bernard Madoff has a personal interest in maintaining the unblemished record of value, fair dealing, and high ethical standards that has always been the firm's hallmark." Needless to say, Madoff's record is now officially blemished.
While conducting due diligence, RIAs should sort through all available information to choose the right sub-advisor to handle their clients' funds. As we will see below, RIAs should review the sub-advisor's Form ADV, as well as its compliance policies and procedures. The sub-advisor's investment strategy should be transparent and logical. Additionally, RIAs should evaluate the performance returns supplied by the sub-advisor.
An RIA should review documentation such as the sub-advisor's:
- code of ethics;
- organizational charts and history of the firm;
- policies and procedures including insider trading policy;
- copies of correspondence with securities regulators and SROs; and
- complaints and litigation.
Due diligence does not end after the RIA engages the sub-advisor. RIAs must continually evaluate the sub-advisor making certain it still meets or exceeds the high standard that led to its selection. As events and situations change, RIAs should evaluate all of the information at their disposal to determine if the sub-advisor selected continues to be the best choice for their clients.
Authority to Hire and Fire Sub-Advisors
Typically, RIAs select a sub-advisor to manage a client's account or some portion thereof. Generally, the sub-advisor only communicates with the RIA and does not have direct contact with the RIA's clients. Although the RIA may not have investment discretion or trading authority over the account, the firm retains the authority to hire and fire the sub-advisor. As a general rule, the RIA is also authorized to reallocate the client's assets to other sub-advisors if this action is deemed to be in the best interest of the client.
Discretionary authority to hire and fire managers should be clearly described in the advisory agreement. Form ADV should also fully disclose that the RIA is authorized to hire and fire sub-advisors. With this authority comes an obligation on the part of the RIA to conduct due diligence of the sub-advisor at the inception and throughout the sub-advisory relationship.
Duty to Conduct Due Diligence of Sub-Advisors
Before entering into a relationship, RIAs should conduct a thorough review of the sub-advisor's qualifications, expertise, and fees. These fees should be reasonable in view of the potential value brought to the client's account.
RIAs should clearly understand a sub-advisor's strategies for investing money. A sub-advisor's approach to investing should be transparent and clearly defined. In contrast, Bernard Madoff was quite secretive about his investment strategy that purportedly relied upon a proprietary trading model that provided buy-and-sell signals. According to published reports, Madoff was able to conceal reportedly fraudulent activities, because he operated his business in secrecy. Some RIAs severed their relationship with Madoff before his Ponzi scheme became public knowledge, because they could not verify how he achieved consistently high returns year after year.
Due diligence is a far more arduous process than just investigating a sub-advisor's performance track record. An RIA should examine the underlying factors, which led to those performance results, and determine whether they are likely to continue. The RIA should also be certain that the sub-advisor is not taking excessive risks to achieve those returns.
The sub-advisor's portfolio management strategies should be suitable in view of each client's time horizon, risk tolerance, and investment objectives. Throughout the relationship, RIAs should look out for signs of style drift—when sub-advisors drift away from the investment strategies that led to their being hired.
Before turning over funds, RIAs must review compliance controls in place for the sub-advisor, ensuring that the firm will meet the fiduciary duties owed to clients. For example, RIAs should make certain controls are in place governing the sub-advisor's cash movement and accounting practices. Controls designed to ensure the accuracy of the sub-advisor's pricing and valuations should be reviewed by RIAs, along with trading policies and procedures.
RIAs should review the sub-advisor's Form ADV to learn more about actual and potential conflicts of interest. In addition, RIAs can examine a sub-advisor's internal or external compliance audit reports for recent years. If these reports indicate that compliance policies and procedures are weak or deficiencies have not been corrected, the RIA should consider another sub-advisor. If there are unanswered questions, RIAs should meet with the sub-advisor's compliance personnel, either in person or by phone.
The duty to conduct due diligence does not end after the contract is signed. An RIA has a continuing obligation to monitor the sub-advisor's performance and business practices. The firm must investigate any complaints from clients about the sub-advisor, and RIAs should routinely review the sub-advisor's compliance audit reports or conduct their own investigation.
Due Diligence of Custodians
Due diligence involves much more effort than just investigating the sub-advisor. RIAs should also investigate the sub-advisor's custodial relationship, and should be certain that the sub-advisor uses an independent custodian who is financially secure, experienced, customer-oriented, and well regarded in the investment community. It is imperative that custodians possess adequate insurance, and utilize a suitable sweep money market fund that bolsters clients' returns.
RIAs need to review the types of reports and statements generated by the sub-advisor's custodian, which should be clear and easy to understand. The custodian should be able to produce timely and accurate performance reports, as well as tax statements.
Policies and Procedures as They Relate to Sub-advisors
An advisory firm's policies and procedures articulate the manner in which the RIA conducts due diligence of sub-advisors. Due diligence should occur before hiring a sub-advisor and must continue on an ongoing basis. As part of this process, RIAs should consider taking the following steps:
- Thoroughly review a sub-advisor's current Form ADV brochure and brochure supplements
- Require the sub-advisor to forward its Form ADV whenever it is amended
- Interview key personnel at the sub-advisor and make onsite visits where it is appropriate to do so
- Request the results of regulatory examinations and corrective actions to remedy deficiencies
- Require notification of any relevant litigation, including client complaints
- Require the sub-advisor to certify annually that the firm complies with all of its policies and procedures, as well as federal securities laws
- Conduct periodic meetings with compliance personnel of the sub-advisor
- Review client account statements and reports to ensure their accuracy
- Monitor performance results in relation to established benchmarks
- Mandate that the sub-advisor notify the RIA if there are changes in its portfolio management team or investment strategies
A higher level of due diligence may become necessary if a key member of the sub-advisor's team leaves the firm. On an ongoing basis, RIAs must examine whether the reasons for choosing the sub-advisor still exist. Due diligence should be increased if there are material changes in market conditions, regulatory developments, or any other event likely to have a significant impact on the sub-advisor's operations.
If an advisory firm does not use sub-advisors, its compliance manual should not contain any of these policies and procedures. Extraneous policies and procedures that do not apply to their business model should be eliminated.
The Big Picture
Engaging in due diligence of sub-advisors isn't just a recommended best practice—it is part of fiduciary obligation to a client. An RIA should be extremely reluctant to enter a relationship with a sub-advisor who claims the firm's strategy is proprietary. Without a general understanding of the strategy utilized, an RIA does not have enough information with which to evaluate the sub-advisor.
Just as portfolios must be well diversified, RIAs might use the same approach when choosing sub-advisors for their clients. It may make sense to diversify clients' assets among several sub-advisors—not just one whose performance might not meet or exceed expectations. This gives RIAs the opportunity to compare sub-advisors over a period of time. A client might also need sub-advisors that specialize in particular asset classes, such as fixed-income investments.
Exercising the highest level of due diligence is meaningless unless RIAs document their process. It should be clear from the firm's internal memorandum that the RIA used a thorough and well-researched process before selecting a sub-advisor. A document should be created that explains the data affecting this decision and why a particular sub-advisor was chosen or not. There should also be detailed records, as well as policies and procedures, demonstrating that the due diligence process is ongoing and did not come to a halt after the sub-advisor was selected. Moreover, if RIAs have not created and retained formal documentation to show that they are conducting due diligence of sub-advisors, it is long overdue.


text:
Pool villa for 8 people along the northern coast of Crete.1/9Ideal views
Crete | These holiday apartments and houses offer with direct sea view ideal conditions for your next Greece vacation.
Per week from USD 408show 353 offers
Pool villa for up to 12 people on the north coast of Crete.2/9Unwind and relax
Crete | The beach is too full or too far away? These holiday houses all have an own pool and guarantee you an abundance of bathing fun.
Per week from USD 571show 477 offers
Holiday complex consisting of stone houses with beautiful apartments in the south of Cyprus3/9Holiday in a natural stone house
Cyprus | Holiday homes of natural stone not only lend your holiday accommodation a certain charm, but are also the ideal place to retreat if the summer heat gets too much.
Per week from USD 506show 11 offers
This holiday home on Sithonia lies directly by the sea and was awarded an average of 4.8 out of 5 possible points.4/9The best properties in Greece
We hereby present you with the best-rated holiday homes in Greece: On Crete, in Chalkidiki, on the Peloponnes or the islands in the Ionian Sea.
Per week from USD 395show 221 offers
Superbly furnished holiday home for up to ten people on the island of Sifnos.5/9White houses
Greece | A particular style of architecture has developed in Greece's island world. You'll find traditional whitewashed houses here – often adorned with characteristic blue door and window frames.
Per week from USD 359show 39 offers
You'll find a beautiful holiday apartment above this little beach in Kiveri on the Peloponnese.6/9The beach in front of the doorstep
Greece | A vacation in Greece is always the best if the next beach is not too far away. Whether on one of the many islands or on the mainland these holiday houses are only 100 metres away from the sea.
Per week from USD 349show 667 offers
An atraveo customer wrote "This holiday home is beautiful." about this house for 5 people on Corfu.7/9Affordable quality
Greek | Great holiday for not much money? No problem. Here we offer you a selection of holiday apartments and houses that are not expensive and at the same time have been rated very good by other travellers.
Per week from USD 354show 9 offers
An infinity pool with a sea view awaits you at this villa for up to 8 people on Corfu.8/9Swim into the horizon
Greece | The low edge of the infinity pool makes it seem as though you can swim directly into the landscape.
Per week from USD 1,106show 32 offers
Crete | Sea view
353 offers
Crete | Holiday houses with pool
477 offers
Cyprus | Holiday in a natural stone house
11 offers
The best properties in Greece
221 offers
Greece | Traditional white houses
39 offers
Greece | The Mediterranean in front of the doorstep
667 offers
Greek | Good and cheap
9 offers
Greece | Villas with infinity pools
32 offers
Where Zeus used to bathe
Crete | Crete is the most popular holiday destination for those people who want to spend their holiday in Greece. Due to the diverse countryside the biggest island in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea provides the holiday maker with many alternatives and options. Regardless whether you are seeking a holiday on the beach (more than 1000 kilometers of coastline), want to undertake a hiking tour to the mystic places related to the Greek Gods or just would like to take a stroll through one of the many attractive towns every holidaymaker will find this island an absolute paradise. Crete also welcomes families with children with open arms. The beaches offer the smallest family members a lot of space to play and explore. Those interested in exploring the sea world further down will find a selection of scuba diving schools where you can make your diving license. A popular daytrip is the under nature conservation protected Palm Beach of Vai which can be found on the east side of the island. It is referred to as the Caribbean beach of Europe as its characteristics are a fine white sandy beach surrounded by old palm trees. One of the most beautiful and longest beaches Crete offers can be found in Rethymnon. This is a tourist town with many fish taverns in a Venetian port and numerous small souvenir shops.
One of the main attractions of Crete is the Samaria Gorge on the south side of the island which is the longest in Europe. Those who dare may take a hike along the cliffs. In the Diktaean Cave, that is one of 3000 mountain caves to be found on Crete, you can experience the starting point of Greek Mythology. A legend has it that Zeus was born and raised in the cave of Psycho which is located in Lasithi in Eastern Greece not far away from Heraklion. Another popular tourist attraction is the palace of Knosso which is one of the most well known archeological excavation sites in the world.
When paying a visit to the town of Heraklion you must plan to visit the archaeological museum as it is regarded as one of the most spectacular of its kind with unique artifacts. To round off a lovely day you should also plan to look up one of the many taverns. Here you can take in and be enchanted by the Greek folklore with Mediterranean flair until late into the night.
Neighbouring holiday resorts Agia Marina
Property no. 690121
from USD 1,141for 1 week
Agia Marina, Crete
Holiday apartment for max. 8 personsApprox. 140 m², 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, pets are allowed (max. 1), satellite TV, Complete WLAN coverage, washing machine, sandy beach approx. 150 m, pool, sea/lake view
Property no. 690135
from USD 570for 1 week
Agia Marina, Crete
Holiday apartment for max. 4 adults + 1 childApprox. 70 m², 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, pets are allowed (max. 1), satellite TV, Complete WLAN coverage, washing machine, sandy beach approx. 150 m, sea/lake view
Property no. 1325528
+ 2 morefrom USD 779for 1 week
Agia Marina, Crete
Holiday apartment for max. 2 personsApprox. 48 m², 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, pets are allowed (max. 1), satellite TV, WLAN, washing machine, beach approx. 100 m, sea viewThere are 2 further property types with 2 accommodations for this complex
- from USD 907/week Holiday apartment for max. 4 persons, approx. 75 m², 2 bedrooms, property no. 1325529 Preview
- from USD 1,349/week Holiday apartment for max. 6 persons, approx. 129 m², 2 bedrooms, property no. 1325530 Preview
Property no. 1310530
from USD 2,909for 1 week
Agia Marina, Crete
Holiday home for max. 8 personsApprox. 265 m², 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, pets not allowed, satellite TV, WLAN, washing machine, dishwasher, non-smoking property, beach approx. 100 m, sauna, pool, sea view
Property no. 1310523
from USD 814for 1 week
Agia Marina, Crete
Holiday home for max. 6 personsApprox. 110 m², 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, pets not allowed, satellite TV, WLAN, washing machine, beach approx. 200 m, pool
Property no. 1325527
from USD 849for 1 week
Agia Marina, Crete
Holiday home for max. 3 personsApprox. 60 m², 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, pets not allowed, satellite TV, WLAN, beach approx. 1 km, pool