text: Earlier this year, Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Indian e-commerce site Snapdeal.com, projected that revenues would cross $200 million by 2014. Bahl has now revised his outlook. He is looking to reach $1 billion by 2015. "We didn't expect our growth trajectory to take off as much as it has, hence we have upped the ante and should get there comfortably," he says.Bahl is not alone among Indian online retailers (otherwise known as "e-tailers") in setting aggressive targets. Sudhir Sethi, founder-chairman and managing director of venture capital firm IDG Ventures India, points out that according to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAIMA), the Indian online retail market has grown from $250 million in 2008 to $300 million in 2009, $400 million in 2010 and $600 million in 2011. "This year [2012] it is expected to more than double to $1.3 billion and by 2015 to $6.7 billion," he adds. "If foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail is permitted, then this $6.7 billion could well become $10 to $12 billion."Praveen Bhadada, director of market expansion at Bangalore-based management consulting firm Zinnov, expects online retail to outpace online travel in the coming years and account for more than 50% of total e-commerce in the country by 2015. It currently accounts for around 22%. "We expect e-commerce in India to be at around $23 billion by 2016 from $6.3 billion in 2011. Of this, $11.8 billion will come from online retail," he says.The Indian e-tail market is one of the fastest growing across the world. According to comScore, the U.S. online retail market (excluding travel) was worth $162 billion in 2011, a 14% increase over the previous year. In the first quarter of 2012, the sector grew 17%. The Chinese market was $124 billion in 2011, a 53.7% increase from 2010. China's e-commerce sector is expected to triple to over $360 billion by 2015. Industry observers point out that in China, online retail exploded when the country's Internet user based touch 120 million.In India, there are multiple factors driving the explosive growth in e-commerce: India's base of unique Internet users has grown rapidly, reaching 120 million today and expected to expand to more than 350 million by 2015. India's mobile subscriber base is more than 900 million, of which 600 million are unique individuals. In the next few years, over 100 million mobile users will gain access to 3G and 4G connectivity and more than 200 million are expected to become active on social media, up from the current 51 million. Technology platforms are becoming cheaper and more robust. The ecosystem of logistics players and payment gateways is strengthening. E-commerce players themselves are introducing innovative features like cash-on-delivery to cater to the unique characteristics of the Indian consumers.Investors have also played a key role by supporting the category. According to Venture Intelligence, a research service focused on private equity and mergers and acquisitions, while in 2010 there were six deals in the e-commerce space totaling $43 million, in 2011 this jumped to 34 deals totaling $282 million. In 2012, there have been around 24 deals so far totaling around $275 million. The country's demographics are also encouraging. India has one of the world's youngest Internet populations: More than 75% are below 35 years of age. A report by Avendus Capital estimates that at present, there are around 10 million people transacting online in India. This is expected to increase to 39 million by 2015.Gearing up for GrowthMany e-tail players are gearing up to grab a piece of this growing pie. Snapdeal, which started as an online group discounting site in 2010, transformed itself into a marketplace a few months ago. It now offers more than 3,000 brands, which are shipped to over 4,000 towns and cities in India. "We never saw ourselves [merely] as a discount site," Bahl says. "We started as a marketplace for local merchants to acquire customers and over a period of time, expanded the marketplace to include brands and merchants selling products as well."Flipkart.com, the county's leading online retailing site started with selling books in 2007. The site now offers a wide range of products, including mobile phones, computers, movies, music, baby products and stationary. The company has its own warehouses in seven cities, has partnered with 2,000 suppliers across the country, has a customer base of four million and ships out more than 50,000 items a day. According to co-founder Sachin Bansal, Flipkart has grown tenfold in the past year. "For the year ended March 2012, we crossed revenues of $100 million," Bansal notes. "By March 2013, we expect to reach revenues of $500 million."At Bangalore-based Myntra.com, revenues have been doubling every four to five months over the past year-and-a-half. Myntra started life as an online personalized gift-giving portal in 2007. In mid-2010, the site shifted gears and became an online fashion and lifestyle retailer. Co-founder Mukesh Bansal expects to reach revenues of Rs. 500 crore (around $90 million) for the financial year 2012-2013. "We are targeting Rs. 1,200 crore ($220 million) for the next year," he says.The e-tail space in India is estimated to have hundreds of players currently. While some like Flipkart and Snapdeal are horizontals, others like Zivame (lingerie), BigBasket (groceries and food items) and FirstCry (baby products) are operating in verticals. All of these players are arming themselves to compete not just against each other, but are also preparing to face the inevitable competition from the global e-commerce sites if the Indian government loosens restrictions on FDI in the space. The companies are making investments in various aspects, including logistics, technology, people and product portfolio, and striving to offer a rich customer experience.At present, India permits 100% FDI in cash and carry and wholesale trading (which is business-to-business) and also in single-brand stores (like Ikea and Apple). In November, the Union Cabinet cleared 51% FDI in multi-brand retail, but this has been put on hold due to opposition from various political quarters. However, it is widely expected that sooner or later, the government will push through the measure. (E-commerce companies in India are governed by the same FDI regulations as brick-and-mortar retail firms.) Once FDI is opened up, global players are expected to rush into not just the physical retail space in the country, but also in the fast-growing e-tailing sector."FDI in multi-brand retail will certainly give a boost to online retail," notes IDG's Sethi. S. Ramesh Kumar, professor of marketing at the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore adds that "global online retailers who build an effective supply chain and collaborate with well-known brands are likely to have an impact on the Indian scenario."Global Players, Indian MovesSome have already started making their moves despite the restrictions. For instance, earlier this year, Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, entered the India market through Junglee.com, a comparison site it bought more than a decade ago. According to its website, Junglee is "an online shopping service by Amazon" and directs customers to both online and offline vendors. Amazon has also launched its seller services program in India, under which retailers can advertise and list their products on Junglee.com. In addition, Amazon has secured government approvals to set up large warehouses across the country for stocking third-party merchandise and to also set up a logistics arm to ship products. Industry observers point out that these are clear indications that Amazon is gearing up for a full-fledged entry once FDI in multi-brand retail is permitted.Meanwhile, eBay, which entered India in a small way in 2004 with the acquisition of Baazee.com, is busy signing up with new merchants. At present, the company is estimated to have over three million registered users and over 25,000 sellers in the country. eBay does not stock the products, but provides a platform for third-party merchants to sell to registered users. The firm recently also launched its own shipping service, PowerShip, which enables sellers to deliver their products to the buyers. In an interview with Reuters earlier this year, eBay India country manager B. Muralikrishnan noted that "most of the new business models are just waiting to implode. We have chosen the cautious route, unlike a lot of Indian businesses who are blindly investing money without having an eye on sustainability or profitability."Another foreign firm that has entered India is LuxeYard from the U.S. Known for flash sales — heavy discounts on items that are available for limited periods — LuxeYard has partnered with serial entrepreneur Sashi Chimala, who will launch a local venture that LuxeYard plans to buy after two years. According to Steve Beauregard, chief operating officer of LuxeYard, this reverse-acquisition model "eliminates the risk and uncertainty of expansion into a new market." Speaking to business daily Economic Times, Beauregard pointed out: "By partnering with Sashi's team, we get to eliminate the learning curve and enter the market immediately."Changing the LandscapeWhat will the coming of the global e-tailers mean for the sector in India? Bansal of Myntra believes it will be a positive move. "We are still in the category-building phase, so the entry of players who have in-depth knowledge will be good for the industry. It will force the existing players to ramp up their game."Bahl of Snapdeal adds: "If the large global players set up operations here and make significant investments, it will validate the model and create awareness and credibility of online retailing among Indian consumers." Bahl points out that in India, only 0.2% of retail is online; in the U.S. this figure is at around 10%, while in China it is around 5%. "So it's not a question of market shares as yet. The market has tremendous headroom for growth," Bahl says.According to Sethi, global players have systems and processes that have been tried and tested over the past 20 years and on a much larger scale. "They will also have the advantage of their international relationships and offer a better range of products at better prices," he adds.The entry of the global powerhouses is likely to have another impact: a shake-out in the industry. "The capital requirements of the Indian players will increase in order to compete with the deep pockets of the global firms," notes Akhilesh Tuteja, a partner at KPMG India. "And with money invariably moving toward the more successful players, the smaller ones may find it hard to raise the next round of funding. They will have to either shut down or sell out. Only players with deep pockets and scalable businesses will survive."The big question, though, is that with the government dragging its feet on permitting FDI in multi-brand retail, have the global e-tail players missed the bus in India? Have the Indian firms gained a formidable lead? Kedar Gavane, director at comScore and head of India operations, does not think so. "It is early days yet for the industry," he says. Gavane points out that even though Amazon.com does not have a full presence here, it is the most visited site from India. "If they were to enter India [with complete operations] it will not take them long to grow the numbers."Pragya Singh, associate director of retail & consumer products at research and consultancy firm Technopak Advisors, adds: "While Indian players have got some head start, most of them are new to online retailing and still learning the rules of the game and fine-tuning their business models as consumers, as well as their businesses, evolve. Global e-tailers, on the other hand, come with deep understanding of e-tailing processes and systems, as well as deep pockets."According to Myntra's Bansal, if the global players can come within the next 12 to 18 months, they wouldn't miss much. But this is not to say that they will have a smooth sailing. Industry observers point out that despite their experience and expertise, global players could find it tough to deal with the unique nature of the India market. Challenges AheadTake the payment mechanism, for instance. In mature, developed markets, online payment is the norm. In India, on the other hand, more than 80% of payments are made as cash-on-delivery, in line with the traditional Indian consumer behavior of paying for goods only after receiving them. But the cash-on-delivery model has its own issues: cash gets blocked, inventories are high and returns have to be managed.This model is contrary to the typical e-commerce model, and global players will find it challenging. Flipkart's Bansal suggests that this model is here to stay. Pointing out that even in offline retail, over 90% of transactions are by cash, he says: "It is important for online players in India to embrace cash. This may be contrary to how it happens in the U.S., but we don't have to follow the same measures here."Then there is the problem of delivery. Global players typically use third-party logistics. But in India, this sector is not adequately developed. Take last mile delivery — of the over 100,000 pin-codes in the country, only 10,000 are connected by courier services. What makes this even more significant is that, at present, around 60% of online sales are from tier two to tier 10 cities. In order to circumvent this hurdle, some Indian players like Flipkart have invested heavily in their own logistics operations.There are other differences, too. Global players tend to deal with a few large suppliers. In India, e-tail firms have relationships with thousands of suppliers of all sizes. And unlike in the West, where ticket sizes are fairly large, India is a market of a large number of people looking to make numerous small-value transactions. "Global players will need to tweak their business models to suit the Indian environment," says Bhadada.There are challenges even for the Indian players in the current environment. In addition to inadequate logistics infrastructure, there are also regulatory and taxation hurdles with respect to movement of goods from one state to another. Local language content has been slow to take off. Mobile payment is in a nascent stage. Customer acquisitions costs are high. All players are currently in the investment mode and very few have turned profitable. Some venture-funded players — like Taggle.com, which started operations in June 2010 — shut down last year. Investors are in a wait-and-watch mode.According to Singh, it is not surprising that most e-tailers in India have yet to make money in their ventures. "The frenzy to attain the critical mass of customers where they can start to make money is leading to customer acquisition by heavy discounting and mass media advertising." Adds Tuteja: "There is lack of innovation and lack of service levels. Online retail firms are differentiating only on price and that is very expensive and unsustainable. Quality and customer experience comes with learning and failing a few times. Each player has to create their own magic formula and that takes time."IIMB's Kumar points out that online retailers should not just create an online experience: They should create a total buying experience that has been missing in the Indian context. "How many consumers are advised appropriately at a sales outlet when they go to buy a washing machine for their needs?" he asks. "Online customized assistance backed up by offline service and association with good brand names may even open up markets for durable categories that have been conventionally associated with the 'touch and feel' buying cycle.""The Indian online retail industry is at an inflexion point," adds Zinnov's Bhadada. "The companies that are able to ride this wave — whether Indian or global — will take the lead." Related Items


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Where do you buy Burda World of Fashion?
I order directly from from GLPNews. I'm also unable to loan any magazines out. It's too stressful.
Why do you only sew from Burda?
Well, not *only*. I pay $80 a year for my subscription and want to get my money's worth. Plus, they are always here when I'm ready to sew. Instant sewification.
How did you learn to sew?
Self taught from books and much improved with the internet.
Where can I find that notion/book?
Etsy and Ebay baby. There's hardly a notion I have that didn't come from there! Unfortunatly, I'm not willing to part with any of my vintage books, magazines, or foreign notions.
What do you do IRL?
Currently I'm a freelance consultant. But, I've been a TV reporter/anchor, speechwriter, press secretary and personal assistant.
My earlier posts were point and shoot digital cameras with face recognition. I now shoot on a Nikon DSLR and have a prosumer Pentax for when I travel. I used a tripod and remote to take photos of myself and invested in an external flash. My skin is dark, I need light.

subset: commoncrawl


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|SG-1 Season 4
|Season 3
|Season 5
"Crossroads" is the fourth episode of the fourth season of Stargate SG-1.
Shan'auc, one of Teal'c's old flames and priestess of Chulak claims to have taught her symbiote to despise the Goa'uld. The Tok'ra seem convinced of this, but there is still a reasonable amount of doubt from the others.
An old acquaintance of Teal'c's comes to Earth claiming to be able to communicate with her larval Goa'uld and even influence it to the cause of the Tok'ra and Tau'ri. Though Stargate Command wants to believe Shan'auc, Teal'c is not convinced. Shan'auc is offended and is about to leave, but she collapses, apparently because the Goa'uld inside her is fully grown and ready to take a host. She recovers somewhat, but will soon die for lack of a larval symbiote to sustain her immune system.
Teal'c determines to try to reproduce her method of communication with the symbiote, which involves entering a deep meditative state. While meditating, he sees a vision of Cronus killing his father Ronac, thereby verifying Shan'auc's claim. The vision which the symbiote chose indicates to him that the symbiote hates its host greatly, even while being beholden to it for its life.
Anise of the Tok'ra is summoned, as the symbiote apparently wishes to join the ranks of the Tok'ra. She offers to take the matter before the Tok'ra High Council. The next morning, word comes that the Tok'ra have accepted Shan'auc's offer to trade the fully grown symbiote for a new larval Goa'uld. They meet Hebron, who has volunteered to be the host for the symbiote, but Shan'auc collapses, and the symbiote is forced to jump from her body to his. The Goa'uld successfully melds with its new host, but Shan'auc is unconscious, and near death.
The Goa'uld which has taken up residence in Hebron reveals its name to be Tanith, and Hebron is apparently alive and well also. Shan'auc remains very weak, but the symbiote they have given her seems to be healing her. However, Colonel Jack O'Neill is somewhat doubtful of the entire process, and is not convinced that it is really Hebron speaking. He is also annoyed by the Tok'ra's apparent unwillingness to give the Tau'ri all of the genetic knowledge which Tanith possesses. O'Neill decides that SG-1 will return to Earth immediately, as apparently there is no use in arguing the point with the Tok'ra. Teal'c is a step behind as they leave, and reveals to Shan'auc that he intends to leave the SGC, and return with her to Chulak when she is healthy, so that they can teach others to commune with their own symbiotes. Shan'auc confirms a suspicion voiced earlier by O'Neill, calling Teal'c, "my love."
Later that night, Shan'auc goes to see Tanith/Hebron, hoping to talk to him. He reveals that he is not what she thought, and that he did not have a change of heart as she had thought. Instead he used her as a means of getting close enough to the Tok'ra to destroy them. He tells her that now she will receive her "reward."
Back on Earth, Teal'c informs the SGC of his intent to return to Chulak for good. However, after saying this, the Stargate is activated from off-world by the Tok'ra, interrupting the discussion. Anise arrives with the body of Shan'auc, whose larva appears to have died of natural causes, apparently as a result of the delay in getting her a new larva. In mourning, Teal'c attempts to commune with his larval Goa'uld again. He sees the same vision as before, but realizes how it was that his father was killed by Cronos - Cronos crushed the larva in order to introduce its blood directly into the bloodstream of its host; this is apparently the slowest and most painful death a Jaffa can endure. He comes out of the meditative state, and declares to O'Neill that Shan'auc was murdered.
SG-1 immediately return to the planet where the Tok'ra are currently staying, and reveal that their autopsy on Shan'auc has confirmed Teal'c revelation. Anise correctly deduces that Teal'c has returned for revenge, and though she tells him that it will not be possible, he immediately goes in search of Tanith, allowing no one to bar his path. It eventually takes five or six Tok'ra to restrain him.
Anise explains that they have decided to allow Tanith to believe he has succeeded in infiltrating their ranks, and by controlling the information he receives, they hope to deceive the Goa'uld, while hopefully gaining further intelligence at some point from Tanith. O'Neill realizes that they had already suspected the truth when Shan'auc was found dead. Anise further defends the Tok'ra's actions, saying that Hebron was well aware of the risks, and that they will attempt to remove Tanith from him once he is no longer deceived.
Teal'c meets Tanith face-to-face before leaving the Tok'ra base, and though barely able to contain himself, manages to say (half-truthfully) to Tanith, "[I wanted] to look upon you, and know Shan'auc's sacrifice will not be in vain." Tanith promises that it will not, and expresses a desire to someday see Teal'c again. Teal'c promises in return that they will certainly meet again someday.
|Appearances for Crossroads
Sentient Species
Notable QuotesEdit
(Shan'auc has just arrived through the Gate after everyone expected Bra'tac)
Shan'auc: I mean you no harm.
O'Neill: Bra'tac... you've done something with your hair.
(The conversation between O'Neill and Shan'auc shortly after her arrival)
Shan'auc: Bra'tac has told me much of the Tau'ri. You are O'Neill... Teal'c's apprentice.
O'Neill: Yea... apprentice?
Shan'auc: Also a warrior of great skill and cunning.
O'Neill: Apprentice?
(Brief pause, General Hammond enters)
Shan'auc: Hammond of Texas! A great and strong leader among humans.
Shan'auc: My symbiote has assured me that this will not happen again.
O'Neill: Oh, well, if the snake says so then... who are we?
O'Neill: (about Teal'c and Shaun'ac) I'm thinking they got history.
Carter: History?
O'Neill: Oh yeah.
Jackson: She's a temple priestess.
O'Neill: So?
Jackson: So they don't do a lot of dating.
O'Neill: Maybe not, but there was some serious sparkage when she arrived.
Teal'c: O'Neill.
O'Neill: Master Teal'c.
Teal'c: I am in need of your assistance.
O'Neill: I'm here to serve.
(The Tok'ra Anise tells SG-1 about the Tok'ra Queen)
Anise: The great Queen Egeria, she broke from the Goa'uld over 2000 years ago, her offspring became the Tok'ra.
Jackson: Egeria, Roman goddess of fountains?
O'Neill: Fountains?
Jackson: Also childbirth.
O'Neill: How do those two go together?
Freya: Egeria came to the Tau'ri to stop the Goa'uld from taking humans through the Stargate as slaves. Ra found her and killed her, but not before she spawned our movement.
Carter: Literally.
Freya: Yes.
O'Neill: Thanks for that image.
(At the Tok'ra base)
Anise: Shan'auc of the Red Hills, welcome to Vorash.
Shan'auc: It is a great honor to meet the Tok'ra.
O'Neill: They're all right... if you like the type.
Anise: It is an equal pleasure to see you, Colonel O'Neill. (to Major Carter) Your father asked that I shake your hand, and give Colonel O'Neill a big kiss from him.
Carter: That might have been the other way around.
O'Neill: Maybe.
Shau'nac: I could not wait to speak with you.
Tanith: Yes. We must speak of your audacity.
Shau'nac: I do not understand.
Tanith: How dare a priestess touch the mind of one who would be her god!
Shau'nac: You despise the Goa'uld!
Tanith: I am the Goa'uld! (Tanith grabs her).
Walter: Incoming traveller, sir. It's the Tok'ra.
O'Neill: Here to share squat with us, no doubt.
- With Tanith's introduction, this episode sets into motion the long chain of events that would eventually lead to the arrival of Anubis.
- In this episode it states that allowing a symbiote's blood to enter the Jaffa's bloodstream is an immensely painful way to die. This is also mentioned in Season 1's cliffhanger, where Apophis says that removal of a Jaffa's Prim'ta is the most painful way to die.
- Director Peter DeLuise cameos as the first Tok'ra that Teal'c knocks down.
- Peter Wingfield (Hebron/Tanith) is best known for playing Dr. James Watson on Sanctuary and Methos on Highlander: The Series.
- Moments after Tanith breaks through Shan'auc's dress, at the very next shot of her, the dress is intact. It is entirely plausible that the break in her dress is not as easily seen considering the design of the dress.
- When the group arrives on Vorash, all five figures emerging from the Stargate wear trousers. In the next (non-CGI) scene Shan'auc wears a dress. This is most likely the reuse of the scene from "Jolinar's Memories" in which the fifth person was Martouf/Lantash.
In other languagesEdit
- French: Destins Croisés (Crossed Destinies)
- Italian: Crocevia (Crossroads)
- Spanish: Encrucijada (Crossroads)
- Czech: Na rozcestí (At Crossroads)
- Hungarian: Keresztutak (Crossroads)
- German: Shan'aucs Opfer (Shan'auc's Sacrifice)
- Russian: На распутье (At crossroads)
External LinksEdit
- Crossroads on GateWorld. (backup link)
- Stargate SG-1 Solutions' article on Crossroads in The StargateWiki
|This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Crossroads (Stargate SG-1). The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with SGCommand, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


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Manipulate your wrists, elbows and shoulders to get the arrow to the bow, draw it, aim and fire! Probably Archery gives the player more control over the minutia of their joint movements with tons of crazy scenarios to conquer, multiplayer battles to fight and brutal target challenges to dominate. With controls inspired by games like QWOP and Surgeon Simulator 2013, you must overcome a series of ridiculous challenges like shooting a hangman's rope, exterminating flying eggs in a china shop and stopping an apple-headed warrior in space.
Release DatesReport Date / Submit Product
Report Date / Submit Product
Probably Archery was released on PC 2375d ago in the US and the UK.
February 6, 2014Confirmed
February 6, 2014Confirmed


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Lawmakers to work through the weekend on budget
State leaders attempt to avoid government shutdown
Lawmakers in Maine will work through the weekend to work on budget negotiations in an effort to avoid a government shutdown.
Gov. Paul LePage says his office has a contingency plan to keep the state's government running past June 30. LePage said the plan is in place to keep state government running in the event that lawmakers can't reach a budget deal on time.
"There's no reason to shut it down," LePage said. "The only possible way there would be a shutdown in the state of Maine is if the Democrats refuse to stay in working and they decide to vote against a continuing resolution. Then we would be forced to shut down. But I can assure you that, to the man and lady, every Republican is going to vote for one."
Democrats say the plan won't fly.
Attorney General Janet Mills says anything short of a balanced budget over the fiscal year is illegal.
"The governor has been told that before, so it's like a lot of things. The governor is told no. He gets a legal opinion that says no, and then he goes and does whatever he wants," said House Majority Leader Rep. Jeff McCabe, a Democrat. "At this point in time, there's a path forward. There's a budget that's been voted on by appropriations. The governor's budget was rejected. There's a bipartisan majority budget out there and it's probably time to bring that up and vote on it."


text:
Bani Suwayf(redirected from Banî Suwayf)
Bani Suwayf:see Beni SuefBeni Suef
or Bani Suwayf
, city (1986 pop. 152,476), capital of Beni Suef governorate, N central Egypt, on the Nile River. Situated in an intensely cultivated farming region, Beni Suef has cotton mills and sugar refineries. Alabaster is quarried near the city.
..... Click the link for more information. , Egypt.


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My last post was about Dave Brubeck, a major inspiration in my life. And here's another prolific, creative, talented "DB" who has influenced me mightily — David Byrne.
I'm just taking some time this summer to think about (and share with you) a few men who have been muses for me in my own baby steps in writing and creating.
David Byrne is prolific in so many genres. His website has links for his Journal (a brilliant blog), Art and Books (he creates! he designs! he writes!), Music, Film and Theater, and Sound & Video to just start the list.
Byrne is known for his band Talking Heads but he has also collaborated with Fat Boy Slim and Brian Eno. His concert, Ride, Rise, Roar, is my favorite I've ever been to.
And he created one of my favorite movies, True Stories, about tabloid stories come to life…epic! It includes Swoosie Kurtz, John Goodman, Spalding Gray, and Byrne himself, as well as an astro turf fashion show and more bizarre scenes than you've likely seen in one place. Here's a smattering of clips and an interview.
A favorite line from the movie: "I really enjoy forgetting. When I first come to a place, I notice all the little details. I notice the way the sky looks. The color of white paper. The way people walk. Doorknobs. Everything. Then I get used to the place and I don't notice those things anymore. So only by forgetting can I see the place again as it really is."
Byrne designs bicycle racks, has written about his travels by bicycle in cities in which he tours and visits, and also has a shocking number of art exhibits and installations to his credit.
I once read an article in which Byrne credited his parents' allowing him to have a room of his own to totally mess around in creatively as one of the elements that accounted for his creativity. He wasn't stifled, it sounds like. That inspired my parenting enormously way back when.
Because he works in so many directions, with such output, with evident enjoyment of the process, I am inspired by David Byrne.
Does the man sleep?


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THE ward at the centre of an outbreak of Clostridium Difficile at the Royal Victoria Hospital is the same one whose persistent issues with hygiene were highlighted by The Detail five weeks ago.
Belfast Trust today (Wednesday) announced it was restricting admissions to Ward 4F because of two cases of the superbug there.
In October The Detail revealed how the healthcare watchdog, the Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority, had issued one of its most damning reports after a probe into the ward two years earlier but that the ward which was supposed to be running the same hygiene standards as an operating theatre, was in fact barely making the mark in hygiene scores.
The latest health scare raises questions about hygiene enforcement in our hospitals, which currently takes the form of internal hospital hygiene reports and external inspections by the RQIA .
In June 2009 it was revealed that following an unannounced RQIA inspection at Ward 4F the Belfast Trust had been forced to close the ward for refurbishment.
Nine neurosurgery beds at the west Belfast site were closed as a result.
RQIA did not reinspect Ward 4F before it was reopened in January 2010.
It did not inspect the ward until May 2010, a full 12 months after its first damning report into the ward's hygiene.
At that time RQIA claimed that the vast majority of the risk factors identified by the previous inspection had been fully addressed, stating:
"The follow up inspection evidenced a move from an overall minimal compliance level in both areas to a compliance level in Ward 4F and a partially compliant level in the Accident & Emergency department.
"It is notable that Ward 4F has increased compliance from having six minimally compliant areas to compliant in all areas.
"The vast majority of the risk factors identified at the previous inspection had been addressed in Ward 4F."
However health experts now fear that the ward may now have to close once again to deal with the latest `C' Diff outbreak.
RQIA's 2009 findings was widely reported in the media as one of the worst the regulatory body had ever seen with 122 hygiene failures.
But behind these figures was a personal campaign by Gerry Bond. It took eight months for the RQIA to respond to Gerry Bond's complaints about ward hygiene at 4F after his grandson almost died of an infection and it led to one of its most damning report.
Mr Bond first made RQIA aware of hygiene failings at the RVH in October 2008 but it failed to carry out an inspection until May 2009.
The Belfast Trust confirmed that the ward had suffered five C Diff cases during the eight month delay.
In October The Detail revealed how Ward 4F was still falling short of expected hygiene standards.
Between January 2010 and July 2011 there were four more C Diff and one MRSA cases on Ward 4F .
Reacting to the latest C Diff outbreaks on Ward 4 F, Mr Bond told The Detail:
"I'm not surpised, but given what my grandson has been through as a result of a lack of hygiene in this particular ward I can't help but be angry and extremely disheartened.
"This could have happened on any ward.
"But this ward has an appaling history and because of that its hygiene auditing had been increased to operating theatre level as a very high risk category.
"You have to wonder what have the previous changes and refurbishment really achieved?
In 2008, following the outbreak of other C Diff cases in the Northern Trust area, RQIA was tasked with conducting infection prevention/hygiene inspections at hospitals across Northern Ireland.
Even if RQIA identifies concerns through inspections – it can only make recommendations for improvement to the relevant trust or health board.
It is only in exceptional circumstances that the RQIA can refer a report directly to a chief executive of a health board or trust.
RQIA can also refer a report directly to Health Minister Edwin Poots.
In a statement to The Detail, the RQIA said:
"As part of its programme of infection prevention and hygiene, RQIA conducts a programme of inspection at a range of health and social care facilities in Northern Ireland. Where issues of concern are identified, RQIA may conduct additional inspections to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users.
"To date, RQIA has inspected Ward 4F at the Royal Victoria Hospital on two occasions. In 2009 significant issues were identified during the inspection. The ward was re-inspected in May 2010 following a refurbishment conducted by the Belfast HSC Trust. At the time of this inspection all areas were compliant with infection prevention/hygiene standards."
However, Gerry Bond hopes the latest revelations about Ward 4F will prompt serious action.
"I think it's now time that there is an in-depth look at what has been happening at this ward," he said.
"Questions have to be asked about the money and time that was taken to refurbish this ward.
"RQIA went in before and it was subsequently closed, but bare in mind they didn't go back again before it was reopened.
"Maybe it is time that they go in again and take more serious measures and if they don't have the power to do that, then they need to be given the power to do so, or history will repeat itself once again."


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Prince's estate said near deal to stream hit records
The estate of Prince Rogers Nelson, one of the few musicians unavailable on most streaming services, is closing in on deals that will pave the way for the artist's music to play at major outlets like Spotify and Apple Music, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
Representatives of Prince, who died in April at age 57, have all but finished a deal for songslike "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry" to be played in public, said the person, who asked not to be named because the talks are private. The estate is also nearing a deal with a record label, the person said, without being more specific. Both are preludes to streaming agreements.
The estate is trying to close those deals quickly and clinch streaming accords ahead of the Grammy Awards in February, according to three people. The ceremony is a great promotional opportunity and is bound to include a tribute to the late entertainer. The estate won't license the catalog until it has all the rights represented, and talks could fall apart at any time, the people said, especially given the number of parties involved.
Universal Music Group's publishing division recently won an auction to represent the rights to songs written by Prince in a deal with the Bremer Trust, the court-appointed administrator of Prince's estate. Warner Music Group represents many of his biggest recordings, but not the entire catalog. Tidal already has some streaming rights.
If the labels, the estate and the services can reach a deal, they would restore Prince's music to most streaming apps almost two years after the artist yanked them off. His departure from streaming services was reminiscent of when he broke ranks with his record label in a compensation dispute.
Music Rights
Prince was a prolific and idiosyncratic genius, with sales exceeding 100 million albums. He constantly challenged fans and business associates by changing his name, appearance and contracts — all with an eye toward controlling his works.
In doing so, he inspired other artists to demand more from their labels, though few would go so far as to release music independently. In recent years, top artists Taylor Swift and Thom Yorke have assailed streaming services for using the popularity of their work to amass large customer bases without sufficiently compensating musicians.
In recent years Pandora Media Inc. and Spotify Ltd. have worked to improve their relationship with the music industry, and artists in particular. Pandora, which can play Prince music on its web radio service, is also seeking rights for a forthcoming on-demand streaming service, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
Label Relations
Record labels have warmed to paid streaming services because they've exploded in the past couple years and helped the industry recover. The U.S. music industry has grown two years in a row for the first time in almost two decades.
The popularity of streaming has all but forced artists to make deals. The Beatles licensed their music to streaming services in time for Christmas in 2015, while Neil Young and The Black Keys have made more of their songs available for streaming in recent months.
"After five years of struggling with this we agreed to put the keys songs on Spotify," Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney tweeted Dec. 19. "I'd rather people hear our music than not."
To contact the reporter on this story: Lucas Shaw in Los Angeles at email@example.com.


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- 8Shares
Do your kids love science… do you find them excited to take out their science textbooks at the end of the day to study it more? No? Well, you're not alone. To get your kids into science, you have to make it hands on… you have to make it FUN! These science kits for kids are the perfect balance of educational and entertaining!
Science Kits for Kids – Educational and Fun!
I'll admit now that I'm a huge science nerd. It was my favorite subject in middle and high school and, yes, even my major in college (biology… minored in chemistry). And although I could read science textbooks and journals for hours, I know that not everyone feels the same way. Okay, most people don't feel the same way, including my little kiddo.
While he loves a good experiment, he's not always down for learning the scientific principles behind it. That's where these science kits for kids can come in handy… They're not only fun, but they're helpful in breaking down the why behind the experiment in simple terms, even for younger kids.
So if you want to show your kids just how interesting science (and in particular chemistry) can be, try a few of these. You may learn something new yourself — I know I have! 🙂
1. Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit
3. Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit
4. Scientific Explorer Disgusting Science Kit
5. SmartLab Toys Extreme Secret Formula Lab
6. Scientific Explorer Tasty Science Kit
7. Scientific Explorer My First Science Kit
8. The Magic School Bus – Chemistry Lab
10. Glow-in-the-Dark Crystal Growing Kit
11. Scientific Explorer My First Fizzy Foamy Science Kit
12. Glow in the Dark Slime Science Kit
14. SmartLab Toys All-Natural Soaps Science Kit
15. Kids First Kids First Science Laboratory Kit
17. Thames and Kosmos Kids First Chemistry Set Science Kit
18. Scientific Explorer Bubble Gum Factory Kit
19. Scientific Explorer Backyard Kit
20. Scientific Explorer Ultimate Crystal Growing Kit
21. Scientific Explorer Spa'mazing Kit
22. Scientific Explorer My First Chemistry Kit
23. Geode Explorer Science Kit
24. Kids First Physics Lab Kit
25. Thames & Kosmos Magnetic Science
For more fizzy, bubbly and slimy science fun, check out the lists of science experiments below. Just click the image to go to the posts!


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Asthma and weather
The weather and the environment plays an important role in asthma attacks. Though, there is no one single best weather climate for people with asthma and asthmatic symptoms and conditions, certain type of weather may induce asthmatic symptoms earlier. There has been considerable research done in this field in several Universities like Harvard, in conclusions it had been found that temperature influences asthma more than any other enivironmental or weather factor, though other factors like pollens and seasons had an effect on the severity of asthmatic symptoms.
According to the research, in many cases the dry air, stormy weather, thunderstorms, pollen grains can all act as the trigger for asthma conditions. Some weather situations like extremely hot or cold temperatures, changes in barometric pressure or humidity, air quality and wind can trigger your asthma. In general it has also been found that damp weather conditions also have effect on asthma and trigger your asthma symptoms.
It has been also suggested that there are links between asthma attacks and levels of air pollution, particularly ozone, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which is affected by the weather, though the association is controversial. Yet, we recommend that as an asthmatic you should avoid or risk less exposure to the fumes from the petrol and diesel vehicles, and smoke, particulary during weather and climate changes. If you are having a pet, weather conditions and change in weather can affect them and in turn worsen your asthmatic conditions, like in the case of dogs or cats, which shed more hair in certain weather seasons.
Thunderstorms and Asthma
In large parts of UK and Australia especially, there had been an increase in asthma attacks with thunderstorms. A number of studies, which have been since then conducted have suggested that in late spring, thunderstorms or a drop in temperature is followed by an increase in attendance at hospitals with asthma. But, further research has suggested that this was related to rye grass pollen. Normally too large to reach the lungs, these grains get broken up by raindrops releasing hundreds of tiny allergen-containing particles from each grain. These grains then are able to penetrate the lungs and worsen asthmatc conditions.
Asthma and Winter
Winter season is the time to be particularly careful if you are suffering from asthma. In winter time make sure you are wearing your gloves, scarves, hats and whatever else you can to keep yourself warm. During the winter season also ensure you don't have damp floors or are wearing damp clothes. A scarf is highly recommended because it will prevent the dry air in the cold weather from entering your nose and mouth. If you are indoors avoid using stoves and fireplaces, which produce smoke. An influenza vaccine is also a good idea during the winter seasons and the cold weather. Also, make sure you have your asthma medications handy. During this time it's also a good idea to follow a few of our natural remedies for asthma.


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IntraVis Vision Systems have announced the appointment of HBM Packaging & Plastics Technologies as their sales and service partner in Australia and New Zealand for their range of in-line vision inspection systems. IntraVis Vision Systems installed a high speed, five camera system at a plastic container manufacturer.
IntraVis supply video inspection systems for monitoring quality in the plastics and packaging industries. The vision machines/video inspection systems are designed to perform in-line inspection of plastic, glass or metal packaging and components. These inspection systems find or eject defects ranging from the shape, colour, contamination, or dimensional variances.
Itravis Vision Systems supply the following standard quality inspection systems:
- Bottlewatcher for shape and neck finishes, label placement and cap verification
- Spotwatcher for contamination of plastic/glass containers or plastic parts
- Colorwatcher for colour deviation and intensity
- Capwatcher for pin holes, short shot, cavity number, colour, ovality including metal closures
- Labelwatcher for wrinkles, bubbles, positioning, print quality and correct label type
- PETwatcher for PET bottle neck finishes, contamination and gate position
- Prewatcher for PET preform un-melts, neck finish, wall section, gate vestige/position and polarity
- Printwatcher for print quality, registration, missing print and blemishes
- Snipwatcher for mono and coex bottles for contamination, inner bottle and trim quality
- Intrawatcher for ensuring laser engraving integrity
Using the Intravis Vision Systems' in-house developed software, the equipment can inspect (and eject) individual parts at a rate of up to 40 parts per second depending on the application. Set-up can be achieved in minutes with the user friendly set-up features and SQC functions. Easy to use variable parameter settings, RFID operator access can ensure integrity for in-line inspection. Data/history storage capability is standard.


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It is not news that Oracle bought out Sun. The light was waning for the bright star in the firmament for some time. It finally fell prey to the soothsayer who had been quietly espying the heavens for auguries. The signs said "Buy Sun" and that is what Oracle did. What the omens did not say was that there was going to a mess.
I started noticing a problem with the Sun Java some months back. First, it was my Windows box. Then it spread to my Mac box. The very last problem was with OsX Mail.
The darn programme told me that there was a plug-in missing. I finally found out how to resolve the issue.
It is this:
a) Open the Utilities Folder under Applications.
b) Go to the Java icon and activate it.
You will then set Java to default.
Here is what it looks like


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|Newly Professed Sr Joanna with members of Hand in Hand
Sr Joanna was previously a parishioner of St Joseph's in Brighton and was very involved with the 'Hand-in-hand' group. Many of her family and friends join her for the celebrations of her solemn profession. The celebrations began on Friday morning after Mass, when Jo's guests who were treated to a tour of the Abbey and grounds and a talk on the community life.
The present-day Cistercian Community at Holy Cross Abbey seeks to live the Cistercian charism in a life of prayer, daily manual work and lectio divina. The Community earns its living making altar breads, and have a small monastic guest-house, where retreatants and those coming for a "quiet day" are welcomed. They maintain flower gardens for guests and are expanding their market garden of fruit and vegetables for their own use and for sale.
The Mass was concelebrated by Dom Joseph Delargy, Abbot of Mount Saint Bernard Abbey and Dom John Moakler, the chaplain to the community. Mother Christine, the Abbess, received her vows and Sister Joanna was clothed in the Cistercian cowl. She then sung the verse from Psalm 118 "Suscipe me, Domine, secundum eloquium tuum et vivam; et non confundas me ab expectatione mea" (Sustain me, Lord by your word and I shall live; let my hope not be in vain).
Hand in Hand danced during the Offertory Hymn, 'Take, O Take me as I am', as Jo's sisters Maire and Beth and niece Jennifer, presented the gifts. After communion Hand in Hand, joined by Sister Jo and Sister Edith, signed to the hymn Christ Has No Body Now But Yours, which moved everyone to tears. The Mass was followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The entire weekend was one of celebration and absolute joy as those privileged enough to share those days with Sr. Joanna will surely testify!"
Story and picture by Elaine Soudain


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Edgar Martinez: The Hall of Famer in our hearts
A fan looks back on her favorite Mariner
There comes a point when you realize you can't idolize an athlete.
They have annoying opinions. They get into weird beefs with each other or the media. They're arrogant or hot heads or they beat up intimate partners.
Or they join the Yankees or something.
Regardless, a player becomes all too human. You learn how the sausage is made in corporate athletics and it becomes hard to throw such blind, unyielding support behind a team or a coach or an individual. Alliances shift as players are swapped. We come to write off one athlete, love another. Maybe merely tolerate a player because he's on the home team, for now.
Edgar was different.
We never had to toss an Edgar Martinez jersey in disgust or take down his poster from the bedroom wall. Most of us probably didn't have an Edgar poster because he wasn't a flashy guy like Ken Griffey Jr. or Alex Rodriguez. He didn't have the intimidating persona of Randy Johnson.
But perhaps he is more emblematic of the '90s Mariners we grew to love than any of those guys.
Edgar is the kind of player whose likes we may never see again. While A-Rod shattered our hearts with his big sell-out, Griffey went back home and Randy was shipped off, Edgar remained. He was quiet and consistent. Off the field, he was humble and didn't display any braggadocio or contempt for his fans. He was among the greatest hitters of his era in the steroid age without cheating and all while staying with the same team throughout his career.
Basically, besides getting struck out, he never disappointed us.
During the Kingdome days, my brother and I would wait outside after the game with our friends, hoping to catch some players and rack up more autographs on our baseballs and T-shirts.
RELATED: Mariners celebrate fan favorite during 'Edgar Martinez Weekend'
There were players you knew you couldn't count on. Griffey was an untouchable -- he'd speed out of the parking lot in a Mercedes. My brother chased after Norm Charlton through Pioneer Square and caused him to get nabbed by the cops for running a red light. Randy was a long shot. I did get A-Rod to stop for me in the Kingdome parking lot, but he told me to hurry it up, and then he took my pen cap. (That signature is perhaps devalued by its proximity to Rich Amaral and Bobby Cuellar on the same baseball.)
Edgar stopped. He was often the last one to emerge, so you had to wait. Maybe he didn't display the open magnanimity of Dan Wilson, but he stopped. He'd sign from the comfort of his gold BMW. He was one we were always excited to snag. (Yes, we were greedy and caught him several times.)
Edgar was the first big player to sign an autograph for my brother. Afterward, he turned to our family and said he was his favorite player. Edgar smiled, nodded and waved.
Edgar, my mom forgives you for catching her hand in your power window, signed ball in her clutches.
Maybe it was because you knew so little about him -- because he was so quiet -- that allowed you to love him. Hell, for awhile, Russell Wilson's self-imposed abstinence occupied a few too many headlines. But even what he did show was compelling -- his relentless work ethic, his consistency and his mentorship of younger players. As a hero, he didn't disappoint.
RELATED: Mariners to retire Edgar Martinez' jersey No. 11
Of course, some of the Mariners' best moments were brought to us by Edgar. The Game 4 "grand salami" in 1995. The Game 5 "double." Those moments were so magical, joyous and unbelievable, yet you weren't a bit surprised that Edgar came through. OK, Yankees, you have your Jack McDowell and John Wetteland. We have Edgar.
I was actually quite defensive of Edgar's role in winning Game 5. Everyone remembers Griffey hustling around third base, sliding into the plate and occupying the beaming bottom of the celebratory pile that ensued.
"Edgar did that," I would think to myself. "He made that happen, Griffey."
We never had to break up with Edgar, as we did with other players. We could love him through the years as he remained loyal to our team and our city. And we know that should he be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, he'll go in as a Mariner. (Love you, Randy, mean it.)
It's only right that Safeco Field stands at the corner named after two of the most unassailable Mariners, Edgar and Dave Niehaus. It's only right that he retired a Mariner, and returned to mold the next generation of flagging Mariners hitters into something productive. It's unquestionable that we should retire his number, enshrining it along with Junior's. Edgar was always a faithful steward for our team, which at times is almost impossible for even us, his most ardent fans, to love. He was the great Mariners mensch.
Now let's get him into the Hall.


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(RCI) - Two federal prison institutions in Canada will begin a needle exchange programme for drug users.
While diabetics in prison have had access to needles for diabetic inmates needing insulin, and for others needing EpiPens, this is the first time needles will be available for drug users.
The pilot programme involves a men's prison in New Brunswick, and a prison for women in Ontario.
The reason for the programme is to reduce the rate of disease infection. Drug addicts in prison usually use needles smuggled in, or even makeshift needles out of pens. Sometimes now contraband drugs and needles are being dropped into prisons by drones. The needles are often then shared many times resulting in the spreading of disease. This has led to rates of HiV among prisoners up to 200 times higher that of the Canadian population, and over 250 times higher for Hepatitis C.
An HIV-Aids activist applauds the decision but also criticises government for taking so long. Sandra Ka Hon Chu is with the HIV-AIDS legal action network which launced a lawsuit in 2012 against the correctional service saying lack of clean needles to inject drugs violates a prisoner's right to health.
Prison guards are very concerned about the potential use of needles as weapons, and the added potential of the needles being infected with disease.
They say the programme also puts guards in a difficult position as they are supposed to stop drug use in prison.
Quoted by the CBC, Jason Godin who is the president of the guards union said, "This program represents a dangerous turning point. Correctional Service Canada has decided to close its eyes to drug trafficking in our institutions. It has chosen to encourage criminal activity inside the walls instead of investing in the care and treatment of inmates who are drug addicts or carriers of infectious disease".Read More . . . .


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Dinner Tonight: Mussels with Black Pepper Recipe
Healthy and delicious recipes from Serious Eats
I've only had mussels, oh, a few dozen times in the past year, but for some reason I had always thought that the key to success was a better liquid for them to cook in. Chorizo and champagne worked well, as did a simple onion, celery, butter, and vermouth mixture. So imagine my surprise when I found this recipe from Mark Bittman, who wants absolutely nothing at all.
This takes the emphasis off the ingredients and places it on the technique. Bittman suggests cooking the mussels in a cast iron skillet over really, really high heat. Add a few cracks of pepper and a pinch of salt—and that's it. No butter, no onions, and no wine. He explains that the high heat gives the mussels a distinctly smoky aroma, almost like what you'd expect if they had been cooked over a wood. I'd have to agree. It's weird, illogical, and a slight bit mysterious. But it works unbelievably well.
What's New On Serious Eats
- Mussels
- Pepper and salt
Place a cast iron skillet over high heat for at least 5 minutes. Rinse off the mussels, discard the open ones, and debeard, if need be. Add mussels to skillet, cook until they have all opened; discard any that do not open. Crack the pepper and pinch the salt.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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© 2014 - 2020 tisserande
"How, how could it be
That a love carved out of caring
Fashioned by fate
Could suffer so hard?"
– Something About You by the Cary Brothers
I've been rereading the Fruits Basket manga that I read back when I was maybe 13, and I just love love love it. The art, the characters, the story, it's all just fantastic. I heard this song played on TV recently and the first stanza suits Tohru to a T.
I'm trying to ease my way back into a habit of making art after the huge break I took from it once my senior exhibition was over.
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Verities and Vagaries, the Internet's premier web log, is an online concern started way back in 2010 (with a substantial hiatus between 2012 and 2014). Our goal has been to explore unconventional wisdom about food, sports, faith, culture, politics, music and whiskey.
We are: J Reed (twitter), rockemily, bretkupfer and wahurd (twitter). We are legion.
Somehow we still have a Flickr pool.


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We're up to Part III of John's breakdown of the books of the financial crisis. Click here for Part I, and here for Part II.
Reckless Endangerment: How Outsized Ambition, Greed, And Corruption Led to Economic Armageddon
by Gretchen Morgenson and Joshua Rosner, 2010
Reckless Endangerment is one of a specific subgenre of financial crisis literature, which might be called the "Blame X" genre. Human nature being what it is, there is a lot of demand for books that find someone or something to blame for the whole ordeal.
Reckless Endangerment's targets are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored entities (GSEs hereafter) designed to aid the housing market, and specifically Jim A. Johnson, the CEO who brought Fannie Mae to new heights (or depths, depending on your perspective). Morgenson and Rosner lay almost all the blame for the financial crisis on Johnson's reckless efforts to expand Fannie's market share: "A Pied Piper of the financial sector, Johnson led both the private and public sectors down a path that led directly to the eventual crisis of 2008."
The GSEs are frequent targets of this kind of criticism, and for good reason: The bailouts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac created by far the biggest losses of all the government bailouts of 2008-09: The costs have already exceeded $180 billion and could reach $363 billion (conversely, Treasury claims to have actually profited on TARP*). And they were terribly run companies before that: In 2004, they were charged with massive accounting irregularities that led to the resignation of their CEO, and several executives were implicated in the "Friends of Angelo" bribery scandal.
*Though those claims should be taken with a grain of salt, as we'll see later.
Morgenson's book does a thorough job of portraying the extent and nature of corruption that was almost inherent to the GSEs. Particularly appalling is the incestuous relationship between the companies and the government. The entire concept of a "government-sponsored enterprise" sounds almost Orwellian: The institutions were created as government agencies* during the New Deal, but Lyndon Johnson partially privatized them, in what was essentially an accounting gimmick, when costs related to the Vietnam War made government expenditures look bad. Continue reading


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A delicious and easy recipe for Spaghetti and Meatballs which your family will love! No need to fry the meatballs first – simmer the meatballs gently in the sauce for tender meatballs and maximum flavour! Spaghetti and Meatballs Minced beef (or ground beef) happens to be a popular ingredient at this point in time. When the pandemic was first announced, it appears that toilet paper and minced beef flew off the supermarket shelves
A simple and delicious Spinach Lasagna using a homemade béchamel sauce and marinara sauce. This vegetarian lasagna will be a hit even with the meatlovers! Spinach Lasagna I love a good lasagna and it's a satisfying dish to make when you have time to potter about in the kitchen. With spring having finally arrived in Zurich and warmer weather slowly creeping into the forecast, I wanted to make a baked pasta dish, but
A quick and easy marinara sauce (tomato pasta sauce) which you can serve simply with pasta or use in a variety of recipes. Recipe with step-by-step photos. Easy Marinara Sauce If there is one recipe which I make most often, it is probably this easy marinara sauce. I have lost count of the number of meals I have made with just this basic tomato sauce and how thankful I am each time for
Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Red Wine Sauce, served with a fresh gremolata. The lamb shanks are deliciously tender and the rich, full-flavoured sauce is perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, polenta or pasta. Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks It's no secret that I love slow-cooking. With two young children to entertain, I find it easiest to do the sort of cooking that requires a leave-it-and-forget-it approach. But I hardly need the children as an
A traditional Spaghetti Bolognese recipe which is rich, meaty and full of flavour. This traditional bolognese sauce requires slow cooking to develop the rich and meaty flavours, and uses fresh and good quality ingredients for an authentic taste. Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Growing up, my mother never really cooked Italian food. I think our closest encounter with Italian cuisine was Pizza Hut, and I loved it! When she did attempt any Italian food, it
Follow this easy and straight-forward recipe for golden and crispy Fried Lambs' Brains. When the folks at Cathay Pacific asked me to cook, style and photograph fried lambs' brains for an upcoming edition of Discovery, their in-flight magazine, I was somewhat nervous. And that was before they disclosed that the accompanying article would be written by Umberto Bombana, the head chef at 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, the only Italian restaurant outside
This Spaghetti with Tuna, Chilli, Rocket & Lemon takes only 20 mins from start to finish! I have been a long-time admirer and follower of Donna Hay's cookbooks, even as early back when she was the food editor of the Marie Claire cookbooks in Australia. Her clean and refined approach to food styling is what normally attracts the attention of readers in the first instance; food which looks so stunningly beautiful on the


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Cemex Recognized for Sustainability Efforts
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 30 March 2017 18:26
- Written by Cement Americas News
Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. announced the company's inclusion in the RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook 2017, as one of the top-scoring companies in the industry. The company received the RobecoSAM Bronze Class ranking and the RobecoSAM Industry Mover Sustainability Award 2017 for its sustainability efforts.


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PAHOA, Hawaii — Big Island residents whose homes have been destroyed and neighborhoods filled with lava face a long road to recovery that can't begin until the volcano cools off.
The lava leaking from Kilauea has forced the evacuation of nearly 2,000 people and destroyed at least 36 structures, including 26 homes in the rural Leilani Estates neighborhood area about 35 miles from Hilo, the island's largest city.
Two weeks after a series of cracks began opening beneath the area, the lava is showing no sign of stopping. Wednesday afternoon, open pits or "vents" of lava roared and threw cinder-like ash into the surrounding jungle, igniting smoldering forest fires.
More from USA Today:
Hawaii volcano: Another cruise ship skips Big Island call due to Kilauea eruption
Before and after: Satellite images show devastation of the Leilani Estates neighborhood from Hawaii volcanoThere's a code red for Hawaii volcano because falling ash, vog could harm humans, aircraft
Anxious residents eager to return to their homes have instead built a tent city at the community center's parking lots and playing fields. Authorities allow them to check on their homes daily, an anxious process as they line up each morning and trickle back out in the evening.
There's no estimate for when the lava flows will slow or Kilauea will return to its normal low level of activity, but county officials appear to be preparing for a months-long event.
"We've made a home away from home," said evacuee Dennis Gillespie, 58, as he lounged on a cot in the tent equipped with a propane fireplace, a big-screen TV and a generator for charging cell phones. "We accept where we are now, but we are looking forward to getting home."
No one has been reported injured by the slow-moving flows, but their inexorable march across the area demonstrates just how powerless humans are when Mother Nature reshapes the landscape.
Recovery can only truly begin once the lava cools and hardens to a relatively soft basaltic rock. Those who can afford it will hire contractors with heavy equipment to clear the hardened lava from their land, after county officials clear the roads and replace dozens of burned power poles.
Just how many roads will be cleared and repaired remains uncertain. In 1990, a similar lava flow engulfed the nearby town of Kalapana, destroying nearly 200 homes and covering the roads leading to them.
Today, some residents of the area have scratched bumpy tracks across the lava flow to reach their homes but most never rebuilt. Instead, it's become a tourist destination where visitors can hike out to watch small lava outbreaks ooze across older flows.
In Leilani Estates, few of the homes are elaborate, although all are beloved. Most are single-story structures fitted with solar panels and rain-catchment systems since there's no municipal water supply in the area.
Tiny homes are popular, especially because clearing larger lots is such a backbreaking process: Aside from having to gouge out holes for septic systems, homeowners must constantly battle back the jungle that closes in, fire ants in tow.
"I think they know and understand ... that Madame Pele decides who will be impacted," Gov. David Ige said, referring to the Hawaiian volcano goddess. "Obviously it's very different when you actually have it happen."
Longtime area resident Jeno Enocencio, 67, said people who live in the area choose to take that risk. Many do because land is so cheap. A small lot can be purchased for just $8,000 if you're willing to put in the effort to clear it and understand the risk that comes with living on the side of an active volcano.
Because the community sits in a zone deemed by the U.S. Geological Survey to have a high risk of lava, few insurance companies will issues policies there. And those policies that are available cost thousands of dollars a year, a hefty cost many residents simply forgo. According to the Census Bureau, the median family income in Pahoa is about $30,000 annually.
"They knew what they were getting into," Enocencio said, adding at one point he had 15 evacuees staying at his home.
That's little consolation to the people who have lost their homes. County officials are trying to ease that burden by reminding them that houses destroyed by the lava won't be taxed, and there's a system for decreasing or eliminating taxes on homes no longer accessible by road.
That's Dana Donovan's big fear. While her land and house are paid off, and the lava so far has flown in a different direction, she worries the roads will be blocked for weeks.
In the heart of the Leilani Estates, the lava has flowed over streets at depths up to 20 feet. In other areas, huge gullies and chasms have split roads painstakingly cut through the thick jungle. Contractors with experience removing lava flows said it can take months for the lava to harden and cool enough to remove safely.
"I just planted flowers," Donovan said, throwing her arms into the air.
Like many evacuees who had time, Donovan emptied her home of valuables, including her solar system and backup batteries.
April Buxton has also removed most of her valuables, although she refuses to empty her house entirely. That, she said, would be inviting trouble from the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele.
Buxton, who is semi-retired, said most of her money is sunk into the house. She's used much of her savings to buy supplies to make the Pahoa tent city more comfortable for her and her neighbors, from the pop-up shelters to the food they prefer to what the Red Cross offers.
"I'm not giving up my house to Pele. In my mind, if I empty it, she'll take it," Buxton said. "And if it goes, I'll lose everything."


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Outpatient Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Now at Delaware County Memorial Hospital
Crozer-Keystone Health System's Outpatient Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center has moved from the Barclay Square Shopping Center in Upper Darby to a new facility in the Medical Office Building at Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) in Drexel Hill.
The new facility features a modernized treatment space and offers free garage parking with validation, as well as convenient evening hours. Valet parking service is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The DCMH-based location is more centrally located for residents of Northern Delaware County as well as those who receive other healthcare services at DCMH.
The center features three full-time physical therapists and one part-time therapy assistant. The physical therapists are certified in the Graston technique and active release technique, and are also trained in the McKenzie Method, a specialized type of back treatment. All major physical therapy services are offered, such as sports and orthopedic rehab as well as TMJ, TMD and vestibular rehab.
In addition to offering fall prevention services, the center offers outpatient stroke recovery services as well as help for patients recovering from joint replacement. With highly trained and experienced therapists and low patient-to-therapist ratios, patients also benefit from the expertise of our physicians on staff as well as close proximity to hospital services.
Outpatient Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at DCMH accepts most insurance plans and will assist you in determining your coverage requirements and limitations. The facility is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 610-284-8460 or visit crozerkeystone.org to fill out a secure online form.


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…Hello, The Multitasking Woman!
Gotcha, didn't I?
No, I'm not going anywhere, this blog is part of who I am, but I am making some big changes.
So that's why, in the next week (I hope, if it all runs smoothly) this here blog will change from The Multitasking Mummy to The Multitasking Woman with a focus on stress-free living for the multitasking woman.
The reality is that we all wear many hats in our lives, and my focus for the blog is to consider those hats and share content that may spark some inspiration to help you stress less and enjoy life more, appreciating the little things. I hope to include categories such as work, living (home, ideas, DIY, recipes), family (I'll still share some parenting posts) and most importantly, a category focused on YOU and being the best YOU!
The rebrand is not only about accommodating a wider audience, it's a reflection of where I am in my life, the things I love and how I like to live my life. It's something I really want to share.
As part of the change I will be introducing a brand new monthly challenge called 'Thrifty Under $30' where I will invite a number of bloggers to share their thrift project based on a monthly challenge I set.
I also hope to introduce a 'How To' series where different bloggers share their expertise on 'how to' do something in particular.
Lastly, (yes, I know there's heaps happening) I hope to introduce an interview series whereby I interview some inspirational bloggers and share what it is that makes them tick.
If you're a blogger and keen in participating in the 'How To' series or the interview series, please let me know, I'd love to have you!
So, keep your eyes peeled, the new blog will launch shortly along with all the new logos!!!!
- Printable Acts of Kindness Cards To Bring Joy In Tough Times - August 13, 2020
- When Is The Best Time To Drink Coffee? - August 4, 2020
- Home Office Ideas to Stop Procrastination - June 22, 2020


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Quick Info
"DKB-Cash" is the recommended bank account for foreigners and expats in Germany.
- Click here to open a DKB account. (Free bank account. No fees. Free Visa Credit Card.)
- Read below for help on filling out the bank account form.
- 1 Who benefits from having a bank account in Germany?
- 2 Which type of account should I open in Germany?
- 3 What types of banks are there in Germany?
- 4 How can I open a bank account in Germany?
- 5 Residence registration in Germany
- 6 The process of proving your identity
- 7 How can I deposit money on my new German account?
- 8 Bank details and SEPA
Safety is a strong reason to open a bank account in Germany, but there are additional benefits. For example, in a modern and developed country like Germany, banks usually offer state-of-the-art services including a large network of 24/7 operated bank machines, save online banking and an increasing variety of extra features.
The opening and maintaining costs are usually very little and there are many options for entirely free bank accounts both of savings and custody accounts. In many cases you can even get a free credit card, mostly MasterCard or Visa Card. Some banks even offer a credit card which you can you to withdraw money for free worldwide. Of course, you can also withdraw for free from bank machines within Germany. Not every bank gives you free cash if your account is with another bank but there is a well-developed network of bank machines in Germany and you can usually find your own bank or a partner bank within a short distance, especially in urban areas.
Also with regards to the service, German banks will offer a great deal of convenience. It helps to know some German but it is not required as in most cases it will not be a problem to talk to an English speaking operator. Also other languages are quite often offered as a medium of communication when in contact with bank staff, mostly Spanish, French, Turkish, Polish and Russian. Many banks also offer a call back service if requested. The hotline can often be called free of charge and it operates 24/7.
A special advantage, if you are interested in a bank account in Germany, is that in some cases you don't even have to be in the country to open the account. You can enjoy the convenience of staying in your home country and still get a safe and useful bank account in Germany.
For people who live in Germany as expats (or plan to live), the benefits of a local bank account are even more obvious. You can use the service of your local German bank, withdraw and deposit cash for free, use online banking to wire money free of charge or check if funds have arrived. If you work in Germany, it may even be required to maintain a German bank account if you want to receive a salary.
Who benefits from having a bank account in Germany?
Having a German bank account is particularly useful for certain groups of people. Firstly, there are people who travel for business reasons to Germany. If you spend a decent amount of time in the country you will definitely benefit on enjoying the services of a local bank. Hotel costs may add up and in many cases you may lower your expenses by renting an apartment. Usually you need to pay your rent from a local bank account which is why we recommend to open one in advance.
Also people who travel for pleasure can benefit on a German bank account. Being located in the country of travel world champions, the German banks offer accounts with extraordinary advantages for frequent travellers. Within the Euro zone it is possible to withdraw euros from any German account. The benefits of a German bank account don't stop within this area though. There are German banks who offer accounts with a credit card that can be used to withdraw money for free anywhere in the world.
For people outside the euro zone it will be useful to have an account that is managed in Euro from the country with the biggest national economy in Europe. It is expected that the Euro will continue growing stronger and increasing its value in comparison to other currencies. Especially for people from countries with higher inflation, it can be very useful to open a Euro account in Germany. What comes in handy is that German banks usually don't charge for currency exchange. Therefore even larger amounts of funds can be brought to Germany without a loss but most likely rather an increasing value. Not only the low inflation in the euro zone strengthens the currency but also the huge value of bonds in that currency.
Also, the deposit insurance system in Germany works significantly better than in many other region in Europe. Not only people from countries outside the euro zone benefit on an account in Germany but also people from euro zone countries that face financial problems. Many people from Cyprus and Greece, for instance, transferred their funds to Germany to be sure their money is safe.
People with a bank account at home and one in Germany can also benefit by monitoring the exchange rate. Many people from the US and Canada, for example, like to transfer their dollars to their German bank account when the exchange rate is advantageous and vice versa.
Also many private investors like to use their German account effectively. German stocks and bonds are considered very stable and interesting for investors worldwide. Using a German bank account significantly lowers the costs of purchasing them, especially for small private investors. People who are not resident in Germany have to pay no taxes in Germany at all. For residents there are ways to pay very little or no taxes. If the amount of investment earnings remains below a certain amount (which is relatively high for an individual investor), no taxes have to be paid.
Which type of account should I open in Germany?
There are quite a few types of accounts which may make your life easier both as an expat resident in Germany and as an investor living abroad. The typical types of accounts offered in Germany consist of the following.
- Girokonto (Current account / checking account)
- Tagesgeldkonto (Call money account) Sparbuch (Account book)
- Aktiendepot (Custody account)
Girokonto (Current account / checking account)
The vast majority of people who work in Germany hold a personal current account (checking account). It is the account which is usually used to receive income from employment or payment from invoices for self-employed work. The account is also used to transfer funds to other accounts, withdraw or cash in money, paying standing orders, for example for the monthly rent, or for direct debits. Some accounts can overdrawn up to a certain amount (Dispositionskredit) but this should only be used in emergency cases hence the interest rate is relatively high.
Banks usually give out a banking card "EC card" which can be used for the services at bank machines. Usually, a credit card is offered to the account holder for an extra fee. Sometimes those cards are combined in one.
Many accounts of this type provide online banking and other features such as a 24/7 customer services hotline or a time chart of your balance. Some banks offer different versions of this type of account depending on the personal needs of the customers. The fees usually vary from free to a few euros per month depending on the selected account. Direct banks that don't operate branch offices, like DKB, usually offer accounts with lower fees and or no fees at all while still providing a good service. Additionally, some banks even offer a free credit card for their account holders.
Withdrawing money and depositing
If you use a bank machine of your German bank in Germany, there will be no charges for the transaction. The same applies for deposits. When using another bank, there will be a fee of a few euros for each transaction. Doing this regularly may add up to cost you big money. Many banks, however, are organised in groups which don't take fees from any other bank within the collaboration.
Cash Group
The Cash Group consists of some major German banks and theirs subsidiaries including Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Comdirect Bank, UniCredit Bank / HypoVereinsbank, Deutsche Postbank, Bankhaus Neelmeyer und Norisbank. Together they operate around 9,000 bank machines in Germany. Additionally, customers can use around 1,300 Shell petrol stations to withdraw money for free. The nearest bank machine can be found using the tool on http://www.cashgroup.de/geldautomatensuche.html.
Another cooperation is Cashpool. It is run by like Degussa Bank, Netbank, Santander, Sparda, Targobank, Wüstenrot Bank and many smaller banks. Together they operate more than 2,900 bank machines. Their tool to find the nearest one can be found here: http://www.cashpool.de/Presentation/Cashpool/Home.
BankCard ServiceNetz
The bank machine cooperation provided by the Volksbanken und Raiffeisenbanken services group operates 19,200 Geldautomaten. Some other banks cooperate with the network.
The association of German savings banks (Sparkassen) operate more than 25,000 bank machines in Germany. Customers of Sparkasse as well as 1822direkt can use them free of charge.
Tagesgeldkonto (Call money account)
The Tagesgeldkonto ist mostly used additionally to a Girokonto (current account). The owner of a Tagesgeldkonto can access the money at any time and receives interest on what is paid in. Like a current account, the Tagesgeldkonto does not have a predefined period of validity and can therefore be used continuously until it may eventually be cancelled. Usually, there are no fees for using this type of account.
It is not possible to overdraw the account or use it for bank transfers, direct debits or standing orders. Also, it is not possible to withdraw money from this account from an ATM. Some banks allow receiving money for the Tagesgeldkonto from any current account while others require the holders to declare declare a current account which is used to transfer the money into the Tagesgeldkonto.
A Tagesgeldkonto is usually free of charge and the owner receives better interest rates compared with a current account. Many people use the Tagesgeldkonto as a way to store extra cash at a different place rather than their current account. Thus they increase the likelihood of saving funds for the future. A Tagesgeldkonto can also be used to buy shares for a custody account.
Sparbuch (Account book)
The Sparbuch is a very traditional way of saving money in Germany, usually offered by financial institutions with brick-and-mortar branches, for instance Postbank, Commerzbank and Sparkasse. Originally, it was a thin booklet given out by a bank were all account movements were written in. Today, this is mostly done electronically in the form of a card called "SparCard". There is no predefined period of validity for a Sparbuch and you receive interest on the money paid in. You can, however, only access a certain amount per month, quite often 2000 euros. There are no fees on the account and the money is save by guarantee as required by law for this type of account in Germany. Like a Tagesgeldkonto, it is not possible to overdraw the Sparbuch, use it for bank transfers, direct debits, standing orders or withdrawal at ATMs. Postbank, however, offers a special Sparbuch which allows its owners to withdraw money in many countries around Europe free of charge, no matter if its euros or another local currency.
Nowadays, many people prefer the Tagesgeldkonto but the Sparbuch is a good alternative. In a world where everything is accessible online it may be a save location for saving money. Without being tempted to spend it online, the money on a Sparbuch usually remains longer available for the future.
Depotkonto (Custody account)
You need an Aktiendepot (also known as Depot or Aktiendepot) if you wand to invest in securities, stocks or bonds. Within the account you can manage the purchase and sale of these values. Having a custody account in Germany can be beneficial hence transaction fees may be lower than in your home country. Usually, there is a yearly fee for the account. Some direct banks, however, offer the account free of charge. Buying and selling is mostly done online, so you don't have to be in Germany to do these actions. Some banks in Germany offer you a bonus if you open a custody account with them.
What types of banks are there in Germany?
When it comes to banking in Germany the options are diverse. A huge variety of financial institutions offer a large number of banking accounts and services. Therefore many people in Germany compare different banks using a current account comparison or a call money account comparison before opening a bank account. Additionally, it is useful to know what different types of financial institutions operate in Germany. They can be divided into the following three types.
- Sparkasse (savings banks) Branch bank
- Direct bank
- Sparkasse
The Sparkassen, for example Berliner Sparkasse, Frankfurter Sparkasse or Hamburger Sparkasse, are run as a public service. In contrast to common banks, they don't operate mainly for the purpose of realisation of profits. They are rather designed to offer the population a save and interest bearing option of investment as well as access to sophisticated loans. There is a nationwide network of Sparkassen all over Germany. They are easily recognisable by their logo, a red s with a dot on top. Usually, every single entity is restricted to a certain area but customers of a Sparkasse in one region can use many of the services of any other Sparkasse all over Germany, for example withdrawals at ATMs.
Branch bank
Whilst the Sparkasse is run as a public service, there are also large private financial institutions in Germany who operate their own brick-and-mortar branches, known as branch banks. Among the biggest banks in Germany are Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Deutsche Postbank and ING-DiBa. If you feel that you need personal contact with your bank, it may be recommended to open an account with a branch bank. They usually open Monday to Friday, whilst the Postbank operates also on Saturday and some branches on Sunday.
Direct bank
Apart from the branch banks, there are financial institutions in Germany who operate purely via the internet, phone or mail. Among the largest of these direct banks are DKB, ING-DiBa, Comdirect Bank, Consorsbank, Norisbank, 1822direkt and Netbank. Due to the fact that they don't have to maintain so many buildings, they can offer more attractive rates than branch banks. They usually cooperate with branch banks to allow their customers to use ATMs all around Germany to withdraw money for free.
How can I open a bank account in Germany?
Opening a bank account may be easier than you think! Formal procedures in any country around the world need to follow certain rules but the way how it works in Germany is quite compact and can easily be understood. After carrying out the following steps, you will soon enjoy the benefits of a German bank account. Our first recommendation is a bank account at DKB but the process is similar to most other banks in Germany.
Residence registration in Germany
After starting to live in Germany, it is required by law that you register with the local authorities. Every time you move, you need to re-register with the authorities that are responsible for your new address (the same rule applies for German citizens as well). The procedure is free of charge but if you fail to register on time, you may have to pay a fine.
The local authority which takes the registrations is called the "Einwohnermeldeamt" (residents' registration office). In some areas, for example Berlin, the demand for appointments may exceed the capacity by far. Therefore we recommend to get in touch with the local registration office as early as possible to schedule your registration. In other areas it may not be necessary to schedule an appointment in advance. We recommend to check the opening times in advance. Some offices may only take registration in the morning or on specific days of afternoons.
At the residents' registration office you need to show your valid passport, for many countries a residence permit or visa and the completed registration form (usually available online). Don't forget your signature. Since 2004, a copy of a rental agreement is no longer needed but you still have to provide the name of your landlord and the corresponding address. In case you are married, you also need to show a marriage certificate. The same applies for civil unions. If you move with your children you need to provide their birth certificates. All documents need to be shown as a certified translation in German.
The procedure usually takes only a short time. After a quick check if everything is fine, you will be given a confirmation form which proves your registration and may be used to open your bank account.
Finding and completing the online form
You can find the online form for opening a bank account at DKB here. The contractual language for bank accounts in Germany is German, but have a look at the translations below to understand what is asked for. Alternatively you can use a translating page such as Google translate.
On the online form you will find the following element (translations below):
Zum Ausfüllen des Antrages benötigen Sie max. 5 Minuten Zeit.
→ You need only 5 minutes to complete the application.
* Pflichtfelder
→ * required
→ owner of the account
Laut Abgabenordnung (Kontowahrheit) und Geldwäschegesetz sind wir dazu verpflichtet, uns Gewissheit über die Person und die Anschrift des Verfügungsberechtigten eines Kontos zu verschaffen.
→ We are required by law to establish certainty about the owner of the account including residential address
→ salutation
→ female (Mrs/Miss/Ms)
→ male (Mr)
→ title (Dr./Prof.)
→ first name(s)
→ surname
→ name at birth
→ date of birth
TT: day (2 digits) MM: month (2 digits) JJJJ: year (4 digits)
→ place of birth
→ family status
→ single
→ cohabiting
eingetr. Lebenspartnerschaft
→ civil union
→ married
getrennt lebend
→ separated
→ divorced
→ widowed
→ nationality
Canada will be "Kanada", the United States is USA or sometimes "Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika", the UK is "Großbritannien" or "Vereintes Königreich (von Großbritannien und Nordirland). Other countries can be researched using an online translator.
Telefon (tagsüber)
→ telephone (daytime)
Telefon (abends)
→ telephone (in the evening)
→ email
→ address
Straße, Hausnummer
→ street, house number
→ post code, zip code
→ Town/city
→ country
wohnhaft seit (Jahr)
→ resident since (year)
→ residential status (Eigentum → property owner, zur Miete → tenant, sonstiges → other)
→ occupation
→ employment
→ employee (white-collar) Arbeiter → worker (blue-collar) Auszubildender → apprentice
→ civil servant
→ freelancer
Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter
→ managing partner
→ conscript
→ housewife
→ househusband
Leitender Angestellter
→ executive
Ohne Beschäftigung
→ no occupation
→ pensioner
→ retiree
→ pupil
Sonstiger Selbständiger
→ other self-employed
→ student
→ civilian service
→ other
Aktuelles Nettoeinkommen pro Monat in Euro
→ current monthly net income
Weitere Angaben
→ further information
Ist Ihr Aufenthaltstitel unbefristet?
→ do you have an unlimited residence permit? (ja → yes, nein→ no)
Möchten Sie einen zweiten Kontoinhaber angeben?
→ would you like to declare a second owner of the account? (ja → yes, nein→ no)
Wurden Sie von einem DKB-Kunden geworben?
→ Did you receive a recommendation from another customer? (ja → yes, nein→ no)
The process of proving your identity
After completing the application online you will receive a document which you may print, read, check again and finally sign. If you don't have access to a printer you can inform the bank. Many will then send you a paper version of the form you completed online. The next step will be the identification process. Every bank in Germany is required by law to verify the identity of the new owner of the bank account. The easiest way is verification via the PostIdent method. If you want to use the account with an address in Germany, you need to verify this German address before you can use it for official communication with your bank. Therefore you need to register.
It is very common in Germany to use the PostIdent method in order to open a bank account. The procedure is paid by the bank and therefore free of charge for the person who would like to open the account.
All you need to do is bring the information sheet from the bank and your national ID or passport to a subsidiary of Deutsche Post. You can find the nearest one by using their internet service which you can find here (http://standorte.deutschepost.de/Standortsuche? standorttyp=filialen_verkaufspunkte&lang=en). Check the opening hours. Some subsidiaries will do PostIdent at night, on Saturdays and Sundays. Many offices are located in airports which may be helpful for some people.
Bring all the documents requested by the bank to the nearest subsidiary and hand it in. Be prepared that the clerk will help you with the PostIdent procedure which they are trained in but they may not be able to help you with anything else regarding the bank account. Those details need to be discussed with the bank directly.
Other forms of identification
Apart from the PostIdent method, there are other ways to do the necessary identification for opening a bank account in Germany. A lawyer or a notary can do the process for you. All you need to do is request the appropriate form at the customer service of DKB (or the bank of your choice). The costs for the procedure will usually be reimbursed by the bank on request if they don't exceed the normal amount for this service. Most banks also accepts if the verification process is done by any another bank subsidiary.
How can I deposit money on my new German account?
Once your account is ready, you can start despositing your money in a save haven. For people who are employed in Germany or do business wish German clients it will be easily possible to receive funds. You simply inform your employer or your clients about your bank details.
Bank details and SEPA
The bank details have changed since introducing the new SEPA system, but it is possible to determine the SEPA details from the old banking details and vice versa. Traditionally, German banks used an account number and a bank code. SEPA also uses an account number (known as IBAN) and a bank code (known as BIC code or SWIFT code). The old German bank code as well as the old account number are part of the IBAN. The BIC (or SWIFT) is a new international code for banks and other institutions.
Once your employer (or clients) got your bank details, they will be able to transfer money to your account. The transfer will usually take no longer than one day. At most banks you can benefit on the fact that it is free of charge! Most banks also offer online banking which enables you to easily recognise the increased account balance easily by using your computer (or mobile device).
If you would like to transfer money to your account from outside the SEPA area, check the fees of your bank for international transfers. Many banks all around the world offer acceptable fees for transferring funds to Germany. Again, all you need are the bank details (IBAN and BIC). Alternatively you can send a check to your new German bank. This is recommended in case your bank charges a high for international transfers (for instance many US banks).
In case you stay in Germany and you have cash you would like to deposit the best way is to use a bank machine. Check with your bank which one you can use without fees. Even direct banks have agreements with branch banks to use their devices for free for both withdrawals and deposits.
See here for further suggestions on how to open a bank account online in Germany.


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This digital art photograph has been in my head for quite some time. It started out as a photograph of a gray jay and bare cottonwood tree. I liked the same tones that the tree and the bird shared so I combined them into this composite image. My intention was to create a dreamy image that was peaceful and serene. Making the bird image semi-transparent and repeated into the distance in the wispy branches is right out of my imagination. I hope my little trip into fantasy is pleasing, and as always, I appreciate your comments and shares very much!
Sweet DreamsThree dreamy love birds are perched in a wispy bare tree branches. This digital art photograph creates a soft and dreamy atmosphere perfect for the bedroom or nursery.
Fort Collins, Colorado
As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.