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Opportunities for current students
The Future Students Office has a range of opportunities available to current students, as you are vital to the work that we do with school and college students across the country. So if you are friendly, enthusiastic about studying at the University of Leicester and want to develop a range of skills, whilst being paid then we want to hear from you!
Please see below a list of our current opportunities:
Through our Leicester Student Ambassador scheme you can work with us on the delivery of Open Days, Applicant Visit Days and a wide variety of other events which take place on campus and in schools in support of our Student Recruitment activity. Ambassadors also have the opportunity to work with pupils at Primary and Secondary level both on and off campus in support of our Widening Participation activity
Undergraduate students in their final year of study and post graduate students should not apply. Any applications submitted by these students will not be considered.
Please see the following document for more information:
Recruitment is closed. Please click on the link to register your interest. We will be back in touch when recruitment opens again in Spring 2021 to invite you to one of recruitment talks.


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Canadians are voting Tuesday for a new parliament, in a battle between Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative party and the Liberals, led by Stephane Dion.
Polls indicate Mr. Harper will keep power, but experts say his party's lead is by no means secure. Mr. Harper has been accused of being slow to respond to the global economic crisis and insensitive to the financial concerns of his constituents.
Dion, from the French-speaking province of Quebec, is an environmentalist who has been criticized for speaking poor English, a factor that could cost him votes.
This is the first election in any of the world's major industrialized nations since the global economic crisis began.
Mr. Harper announced in September that he would dissolve parliament and call for new elections, after he and Liberal leader Dion failed to agree on a common legislative agenda.
During meetings between the two leaders, the opposition rejected a request to keep Mr. Harper in power until the next scheduled elections in October 2009.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

subset: commoncrawl


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Yahoo Users Consume More Energy Than Gmail Users [INFOGRAPHIC]
Yahoo Mail-subscribing-households use 11% more electricity per year than Gmail households, a recent study by Opower found. That adds up to nearly a whole extra month of electricity, about an extra $110 per year.
"It's as if, relative to the average Yahoo household, the average Gmailer is strictly hang-drying their laundry, forgoing high-definition TV, and hand-washing their dishes with cold water for a year," Opower writes in its' blog.
So what makes for this drastic disparity in energy usage? Opower — a research company that unpacks and analyzes energy data to present to everyday consumers in an actionable way — found that the problem is one of "correlation not causation." Meaning that the email domains aren't driving the issue of energy usage. Instead, discrepancies are related to the core demographics of each site's users.
"Yahoo subscribers tend to live in suburbs, be in longterm relationships, have a family," says Barry Fischer, a head writer and a research for Opower. "Those types of lifestyle characteristics carry with them greater energy needs compared to Gmail household. [Gmailers] are found more in urban areas, are younger and are single."
Ultimately, Opower found that even though Yahoo users live in larger residences than Gmail users, Yahoo subscribers need more electricity per square foot than Gmail users.
Opower matched up 2011 electricity rates with more than 1.5 million email addresses over 23 states to draw their conclusions — focusing on Gmail and Yahoo specifically because they were the top two email service providers of those surveyed, Fischer told Mashable.
Though Opower only analyzed 2011 data, Fischer says he believes similar patterns of higher Yahoo energy usage would have been found in previous years.
But Yahoo users can't simply cut down on electricity charges now by signing up for a Gmail account. It's all about lifestyle adjustments to cut back on overall energy costs, Opower says.
See more about the differences in Yahoo and Gmail users' energy spending in the infographics below. Tell us how you cut down on energy costs in your home in the comments:


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Byblos is a fully responsive portfolio style theme. It features a full width slider, and a vertical menu layout, and masonry grid tiles for the blog. Byblos is easily customizable, built with SEO in mind, and utilizes modern and appealing CSS3 aminations.
WordPress.org Theme Page
This project is no longer actively used. Translations remain for archiving purposes.
The initial language pack for the theme will be generated when 90% of the project strings have been translated (currently 0%).
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There are no editors for this specific project, yet. Become an editor.
The following users can edit translations for either a parent project or all projects.


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similar} / Bottoms: Lilly Pulitzer {similar} / Glasses: Oliver Peoples / Watch: MICHELE {face, band} / Necklace: Target {similar} / Boots: Tory Burch
I love stripes and they're not just a summer staple. Even though it's fall you can still incorporate them into your wardrobe and I'm sharing a few tips that'll help you! Look for darker and heathered stripe combos along with warmer textiles. Merino Wool is perfect for the colder months and you can never go wrong with cashmere. Although these will be a bit more expensive and dry clean only, they're totally worth it giving you seasons and seasons of wear. You can never go wrong with a navy and white stripe, but don't be afraid to try tops with unique color combinations too. Blue & orange, green & black, navy & black, red & green, these are all great color combos that'll take you from fall to winter and stay in style for a while!
Shop the Look


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Lots of people can take a great picture. Maybe even you. But it's the true photographer that can balance color, composition, light and more — and also manage to capture the spirit of his or her subject. And by our estimation, that's never more important than when shooting a family, siblings, newborn, etc. We went in search of NYC shutterbugs who can do just that, and found photographers with different styles and specialties, but all of them create work you'd be proud to hang on your wall and will cherish for years.
To Capture the Little Details: Deer Baby
Those tiny feet and hands don't stay tiny for very long. Deer Baby will document your new arrival with natural shots with a candid feel — and they'll do it in NYC, Philly, and even Germany! (Hamburg, specifically.) The Deer Baby shutterbugs frequently shoot in subjects' homes, but they're happy to head out the a park, the streets, etc. for sessions with kids and families. (Pets also make appearances in Deer Baby work.) Starting rate is $350.
Online: deerbabyphoto.com
For Fun Family Shots & More: Karen Haberberg Photography
Karen Haberberg does it all, from maternity to newborn to just the kids or the whole family. A graduate of the International Center of Photography, her works has appeared in publications such as Fit Pregnancy, The Wall Street Journal and Time Out New York. In addition to her work as a photographer, Haberberg has curated multiple photo exhibits, working with artists such as Annie Leibovitz and Elliot Erwitt. She shoots throughout the five boroughs, as well as the Hamptons, and sessions start at $489. Powerhouse recently published her book, An Ordinary Day: Kids with Rare Genetic Conditions which documents 27 families with children who have rare genetic diseases. You can learn more about the project here.
Online: karenhaberberg.com
For Editorial Photographer Who Also Does Portraits: Julie Hassett Sutton
Brooklyn-based photographer Julie Hassett Sutton has worked with The Wall Street Journal and organization Global Kids (for whom she photographed a visit from Michelle Obama!), and you can also snag a sitting with her. One-hour sessions can take place inside or out, at your place or on location, and cost $300. Clients get a link to a private gallery for review and 20 final high res digital files.
Online: photosforyour.life
For a Newborn Pro: Shirly Schvartzman Photography
Until you try to take a great photo of your newborn for a birth announcement, or even simply posterity, you just don't realize how difficult it is. Photographer Shirly Schvartzman has got it down to a science. The Park Slope mother of two shoots exclusively in her Brooklyn studio, and produces images of your little angel in adorable repose. The babes — which Schvartzman typically photographs when they are six to 12 days old — are sometimes swaddled in delicate knitted wraps, and others wear just their birthday suit. (Want a shot of a baby in a bucket or wearing a headband? She does that too.) How does she do it? Parents receive instructions on how to arrive with a sleepy baby, and the studio is kept at a cozy 80 degrees and filled with white noise to remind infants of their previous digs. Sessions start at $650.
Online: shirlyschvartzman.com
For the Out of the Ordinary: Stylish Hip Kids
For a truly uncommon snap of the clan, check out Stylish Hip Kids, the studio of photographer Mariliana Arvelo. The Venezuelan native shoots both outdoors and in, as well as at her Brooklyn HQ, and her work is fun, filled with color and energy, and the essence of her subjects. (Sometimes, she even adds some fun illustrated accents in post-production.) Starting rate is $400 for a mini-session.
Online: stylishhipkids.com
For a Low-Cost, Last-Minute Photo Shoot: Snapped
Yes, now you can order up a professional photo shoot on demand. Created with the goal of making it easy to find qualified and experienced photographers on short notice (in as little as two hours!), Snapped promises high quality shots and fast delivery from a small team of vetted photographers. Have trouble with delayed gratification? Check this out: Snapped provides you with digital photos in real time during your event so you can share them immediately, and a gallery of color-corrected photos is online for viewing in 24 hours. It's relatively low risk, and definitely low cost. Snapped sessions will set you back just $149, soup to nuts. Have we tried it? Not yet. Do we want to? You betcha!
Online: snapped.us
For An Interesting Angle: Yuko Hirao Photography
Yuko Hirao can take a lovely, standard shot of your newborn, baby, child or family. But we love her work because she often captures fun, natural, joyful moments with a bit of an artistic flair; in addition to more standard composition, she gets evocative shots from above or behind. (She also does commercial and fine art photography.) She's happy to shoot in your home or head to an outdoor spot where you and the kids can relax and be yourselves. Hirao also spends time with clients advising on framing, retouching, and more, to make sure every photo is picture perfect. Newborn sessions start at $330; baby and kid sessions begin at $250. Online: yukohiraophoto.hechtmail.com photo: Yuko Hirao Photography
Do you have a favorite NYC family photographer we should know about? Share with the group in the comments below!
— Mimi O'Connor
NYC's Best Spots for Photo Booth Fun
New York City with Kids: 3 Perfect Days
Here's the Scoop: NYC's Best Ice Cream Shops


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BWWMDating.com Overall Review
Ease of Use
Getting a Date
BWWM Dating is an online dating website powered by Interracial Match. BWWM stands for Black Women White Men dating and it ranks high among interracial dating websites. The website is known for providing a safe and secure networking platform that allows white men and black women find suitable dating partners. The beauty of this website is that it targets a very particular dating niche of black women white men dating. So if a black woman is looking for a white man, or a white man is looking for a black woman, then their search is over at BWWM Dating. It's a perfect site for those open minded couples that embrace interracial relationships. So let's have a closer look at BWWM Dating.
- Free Join to Be a Standard Member
- Gold Membership
- 1 month for $39.95 (about $1.20 per day)
- 3 months for $74.95 (about $24.95 per month)
- 6 months for $119.95 (about $19.95 per month)
Visit Website
» Click Here to Visit BWWMDating.com
In comparison to other dating sites, the membership cost of BWWM Dating is relatively high. The website is part of such a niche market that the cost is somewhat justified. The standard membership is free, while the gold membership is payable monthly, quarterly and semi-annually.
Registration and Quick Search
People who visit the website can make a quick search just by entering whether they are a man or a woman, and what they are seeking, their age and geographic location to find suitable matches. Registering for BWWM Dating is fairly easy because all you need is a username and your email address.
Then you can start building your profile by portraying your lifestyle and defining what you are looking for in a relationship. The profile sections are built as such that it will guide you to describe your interests and characteristics. The profile setup is well structured and it allows other members to know more about your personality. There are also open ended profile sections where you can describe yourself with a brief narrative.
Standard Membership
Standard membership allows you to create your profile, upload photos, and describe yourself and the type of person you are looking for. As a standard member, you can also send free winks and receive emails and instant messages. However, you cannot initiate any conversations; that feature is only available to gold members.
Once you have setup your profile, you are free to browse and search other members and look at various profiles. You can start engaging with members that have initiated conversations with you. Standard subscribers can also create a list of their favorite members.
Sending Winks
At BWWM dating, sending winks is a fun way to letting others know that you are interested in them. You can pick up a pre-written one liner and send it with a wink. If the person you have winked is interested, they can wink you back. Basic members can only reply to emails, not initiate them, but everyone can send free winks.
Search Feature
The search feature for basic members is restricted to certain criteria, such as gender, region and age. Since the search is so generic, basic members will have to browse through a lot more profiles than gold members. Gold members, on the other hand, have access to the advanced search feature, such as zips codes, gender and age. They can further filter down searches with other criteria, such as the type of relationship and physical characteristics.
Gold Membership
The gold membership is offered in three packages that are semi-annual, quarterly and monthly. Gold members can set filters on Winks, initiate emails and privatize their profile and photos. They also have access to other features, such as viewing reverse matches, sending birthday cards and using the advanced search criteria. Gold membership also allows people to see the last login date of other members and they can also view daily news. This way, gold members know who has been updating their profiles and checking their messages. On the daily news, gold members can share special moments and they can also view videos uploaded by other members.
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BWWM Dating allows members to verify themselves so they can show how serious they are about finding interracial matches. Members can prove their identity by uploading a scanned copy of their ID, such as their passport or driver's license to verify their occupation, education qualifications and so on. Once these identities have been approved, they become verified members of the website. Both basic and gold members can become verified members. However, gold members have the opportunity to become featured members as well. By uploading their profile photo, gold members automatically get featured prominently on the site.
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There are hot topics about interracial relationships on the website. Members can either send a hot topic to someone of interest or just read them for fun. The topics mostly comprise of pros and cons and the members are free to like it or post their own comments on the topic.
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Members can read various topics on the blogs that are created by other members. They are also free to create their own blog as well. Additionally, members can also engage in forums, follow threads on different topics and make comments. The website also has a large section on dating tips that members can take advantage of. There is also a collection of success stories that are submitted by couples who met at BWWM Dating and are currently in a long term relationship. Members of BWWM Dating have access to all these activities, which adds to their overall online dating experience.
Ideas for Dates
The website has a section for date ideas, where members can browse ideas, such as art and culture, food and drink, wine bar and many others. This section is available to all members and it's a great portal that can help you plan your first date.
The best thing about BWWM Dating is that it brings together 475,000 registered members that are all interested in interracial dating. Targeting such a niche dating market is effective and beneficial to all those who share a common interest. There are high chances that you can find a suitable black woman or white man for dating, companionship or even marriage.
The basic membership of BWWM Dating is too basic and it may not always lure the person to upgrade to a gold membership. More features need to be made accessible so that the person is left wanting more.
BWWM Dating has a strong membership base, which means the members are exposed to a large pool of potential dating partners. BWWM Dating has a lot to offer in terms of features and makes its members feel as if they are part of a community. Bringing together interracial couples from across the globe is an amazing initiative.
Visit Website
» Click Here to Visit BWWMDating.com
« Back to Home


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Due to COVID-19 precautions, we are open from 10AM-4PM by appointment only until further notice.
Riverside Apartments, located on the riverfront of the James, you cannot get any closer than this! Featuring a retro building with unique floor-plans of recently renovated studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartment homes, you will certainly love what you see! If you're a fan of Brown's Island Friday Cheer's, Belle Isle swimming, hiking and biking trails, all the while living in the city without the chaos of "City Life", you are home! Call or email us today to come and see the best kept secret on the James!
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- Description
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Honey Candles® Evening Bloom votive is an infusion of ylang ylang and rosewood essential oils inspired by a floral breeze on a warm summer evening. The "flower of flowers", ylang ylang is an ancient secret of Eastern Asia, used in aromatherapy to relieve blood pressure and improve skin condition are among its many benefits. Honey Candles® Essential Votive Evening Bloom is sure to delight your senses.
Are essential oils are aromatic liquids distilled from the plants parts that carry the its unique essence, along with many of its healthy compounds. Honey Candles® line of essential votives are made with 100% pure bee wax, gently infused with natural and healthy essential oils for a light home fragrance Hand made in Canada, using only safe and environmentally-friendly ingredients: no solvents, heavy metals, nor any other toxins commonly found in scented candles you will find out there. Great for your health, beeswax candles burn produce a natural glow that closely resembles sunlight.
Tip: Beeswax votives are unique in that they are designed to fully liquefy as they burn. That means they need to be lit in a cup. Need a cup? Try our clear glass votive cup - you'll be pleasantly surprised at the ambient glow that it creates!
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Touring Turin
My short day trip to Turin
My short day trip to Turin
My day trip to the lovely Lake Como!
My time in Milan center – The Last Supper, Pinoteca, Duomo, and more!
Want to see more ruins besides Pompeii in the Naples area? Check out this post for Ercolano, Villa Popaea, and Villa Arianna. Plus some time in Sorrento!
My time at Pompeii- 5 hours of discovering the past!
6 nights in Naples! Here is my time in city center. Please see other posts in concern with the ruins around Naples 🙂
Looking for ruins, but wanting something a bit unknown than busy Pompeii? Check out Paestum! Greek ruins in Italy!
One day in Bari, Italy- a beautiful coastal town on the Eastern coast of Italy
Two days in Veneto, Italy- Venice and Verona. Eat a lot, sightsee a lot, live a lot


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Cariloha is the only retailer in the world selling exclusively clothing, bedding and bath goods made from bamboo.
SANDY, UTAH – Not only will visitors to Cariloha find an entire store experience that revolves completely around bamboo-based products, but they'll also discover a new infusion of chic, eco-smart clothing styles for men and women, which include button-front shirts, Slub-Jersey polos, dresses, tanks, shorts, wraps, skirts and more all made from unique bamboo-fabric blends.
The entire bamboo clothing style line is made exclusively for Cariloha using new material blends and weaves that are on the forefront of the bamboo market. Lush-fabric lovers will notice that Cariloha's new styles feature all-organic blends, specifically cotton and bamboo, which are recognizably soft and carve a niche in versatile material blends that aren't typically scene in the fashion industry today.
"We're capitalizing on the popularity of the Slub-Jersey look right now, but we're using bamboo – keeping it softer than anything else out there," said Aaron Hobson, Cariloha Executive VP of Marketing. "Fans of the Slub-look will appreciate the wide variety of bamboo-based styles and bamboo-soft differences that Cariloha has incorporated into each one."
"It's not your stereotypical Slub-jersey, Chelsi dress or cargo short," Hobson said. "Rather, we've combined unique bamboo properties and stylish fabric detailing to provide a crazy-soft touch and elegant look that works for almost any occasion. The fashion-driven beach boy or gal can hit the beach in the morning and enjoy a nice dinner in the evening, wearing an outfit that's stylish, sturdy, comfortable and good for the environment, thanks to these modern bamboo-based styles."
Anyone in the textiles industry who uses bamboo as their chief fabric component usually doesn't go beyond T-shirts these days. The general public can now get a wide variety of today's popular clothing styles with all the benefits of bamboo found in Cariloha's bamboo-soft clothing styles.
It total, Cariloha added six new women's clothing styles and four new men's styles to this new line – all in an appealing color story. "It's not a stale line," said Hobson. "We're continually growing and expanding the line – that's our commitment."
Fans of the bamboo clothing styles can expect new additions to Cariloha's line approximately twice per year. Currently, the clothing line makes up about 25 percent of the Cariloha store's product mix and takes up about the same amount of retail space in a typical 1,000-square-foot retail store.
New Bamboo Clothing Style Product-Specific Features:
- Enhanced tailoring, thinner cuts on shorts thighs and button-front shirt sleeves.
- Custom-pocket bagging, printed with Cariloha bamboo icon on shorts, and custom front and pocket buttons with etched-in Cariloha name on shirts.
- Custom Cariloha tag on interior waistline with bamboo-soft branding tag on shorts and skirts.
- Custom, green Cariloha interior waistline piping and belt loop on shorts.
See and download lifestyle pictures of Cariloha's Bamboo Clothing Style line. For more pictures, please contact Scott Brady (contact information below).
About Cariloha
Established in 2007, Cariloha is the only retailer in the world to provide an entire store experience that's completely outfit with merchandise made of bamboo. The product line features an exclusive collection of apparel, accessories, home décor, bedding and bath goods and more all made from bamboo. Cariloha's soft, breezy bamboo goods were first seen out of three, full stores in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; and St. Thomas, USVI. Since the first three stores in 2008, Cariloha has already opened stores in nine countries and growing. Cariloha has quickly become one of the fastest-growing merchants promoted on board Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Today, thanks to an ever-growing, rich supply of bamboo, Cariloha continues to offer an exclusive collection of apparel, accessories, home décor, bed and bath sets and more all enjoying the strength, soft touch, and green 'footprint' of this renewable resource.
For Immediate Release
Media Contact
Scott Brady
[email protected]
Work: 800-884-5815 ext. 125
Cell: 801-573-9927


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Q: What can I do to treat my acid reflux?
A: Almost everyone occasionally experiences acid reflux, the backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. It occurs when the muscular ring between the lower esophagus and upper stomach becomes weakened for reasons yet to be fully explained. When it's frequent and severe, it's called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and you should see your doctor if you think you have it.
The most common conventional treatment is medication. Antacids neutralize stomach acid, and H2 blockers prevent the production of stomach acid to some degree, providing short-term relief. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are more effective because they're potent suppressors of stomach acid production, but I urge you to avoid long-term use—especially if you are over age 50—because of the potential for side effects and heart disease. If you do take a PPI, ask your doctor if and when you can discontinue treatment.
Instead of long-term use of medications, try lifestyle changes such as giving up cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine; practicing stress management such as breath work; not eating within 2 to 3 hours of bedtime; elevating the head of your bed; and maintaining a healthy weight. If you must take something, use deglycyrrhizinated licorice to soothe irritated tissues. Chew two tablets slowly before or between meals, or take half a teaspoon of the powder before meals.
ANDREW WEIL, MD, is founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and clinical professor of medicine at the University of Arizona. For more information, go to drweil.com.
Send your questions for Dr. Weil to email@example.com.
More from Prevention: When It's More Than Just Heartburn


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Honda will be 100 per cent electric by 2025
Honda's "Electric Vision" strategy commits the company to electrify 100 per cent of its European car sales by 2025. The first step in this plan was the launch of CR-V Hybrid, followed by the unveil of the Honda 'e Prototype' at Geneva motor show earlier this year. Following a summer of appearances throughout the region, Honda has just unveiled the final mass production Honda e for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Honda's spokesman says, "Today, we take the next step towards our Electric Vision with the world premiere of the Honda e…A unique electric vehicle that only Honda could develop – a vehicle with outstanding dynamic performance and new levels of connectivity."
While the Honda e made its first public appearance, Honda confirmed details of the brand's next key launch. In 2020, Honda will launch the next generation Jazz and today, we can confirm that this model will be introduced into Europe with hybrid technology as the sole powertrain option.
But the story didn't end with just cars. At Geneva Motor Show, Honda confirmed its intention to enter the energy business with a range of charging and energy management solutions. Now at the Frankfurt Show, the brand showed how its technology could be used to support vehicle charging not only for users who have off-street parking, but also those who live in built up urban areas who only park on-street.
Honda Power Charger
For users who have the option of charging their EV in an off-street scenario, Honda will launch the Power Charger which allows optimal AC charging. The system consists of a charging system that can be wall or pedestal mounted, with a maximum output of 7.4kW (single phase power supply) or 22kW (three phase power supply). This output allows Honda e owners to charge to 100 per cent capacity in 4.1 hours (duration calculated from appearance of charge request lamp on dashboard), assuming a 32-amp supply, significantly faster than through a standard wall socket.
Urban charging solution in partnership with ubitricity
One of the issues for EV drivers in urban environments is a lack of charging infrastructure. In order to address this problem, Honda, in partnership with charging specialists ubitricity, have developed a solution that allows users to charge in urban on-street scenarios. This technology allows the installation of charge-points within lamp posts, while a unique cable featuring a mobile metering device allowing charging cost to be linked to the customer's tariff to remove the need for subscription to several suppliers.
Honda Power Manager Prototype
Honda Power Manager Prototype previews a bidirectional system that connects electric vehicles to a smart power grid. This "vehicle-to-grid" technology enables the collection and distribution of electricity between EVs and the grid to intelligently balance demand and supply of energy and make better use of renewable sources.
The development of these charging functions will integrate electric vehicles further with existing power networks, allowing energy stored in the vehicle battery to power the home, or to flow back into the energy grid during periods of high demand. The vehicle battery can then be replenished at a time when demand is lower, subject to limits defined by the user.
Honda has developed this technology with bi-directional charging specialists EVTEC Trial activity of this technology will continue before future commercialisation in the early 2020s.
A demonstration of the smart grid system on the Honda stand in Frankfurt shows how it is possible to efficiently store energy generated by renewable sources and release it back into the home or sell it back to the grid, presenting revenue opportunities for EV owners in the future.
A demonstration project in London is using EVTEC trial units with a local authority. Energy can be used to charge EVs, power the buildings, and feed electricity back into the grid when required.
Commercialisation plans
Honda confirmed at Frankfurt that it will bring to market its first commercial energy services during 2020 to align with the launch of the Honda e. here, in the UK and in Germany, as the as the first countries targeted for a commercial launch, with further European markets set to follow.


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The mayor of Kawasaki, Takao Abe, is currently under attack from a group of city residents who don't want a planned homeless shelter put in their neighborhood. Last month, Abe rejected the residents' request for a meeting to hear his explanation of why a disused chemical factory in the Tsutsumine district was being turned into a temporary shelter for 250 people who sleep on the streets around Kawasaki Station.
The residents are worried about security and a decline in property value, but the mayor dismissed their concerns out of hand, saying that the group's request for 24-hour surveillance cameras and buses to transport the people who use the shelter through the neighborhood were both costly and an "abuse of human rights." The mayor's blunt, imperious attitude, which seems to stem from pressure to get the rubber-stamped facility built by March, has angered the residents even more.
Whether or not the group's fears would have been allayed by a calm presentation of facts about homelessness is difficult to know. Such shelters have met similar resistance throughout Japan. Another residents group in Kita Kyushu is trying to block a homeless shelter that is being planned along a route that they say will be used by children going to school.
These people are either ignorant about homelessness or just plain paranoid. In terms of safety, homeless people have much more to fear from non-homeless people than vice versa. On the same day that Abe refused to talk with the Tsutsumine residents, two teenage boys were arrested for forcing a street person in Tokyo to jump in a river last June. He drowned. The boys said they didn't care if he died because "homeless people were no good as humans." It wasn't an isolated incident.
It has been my experience that homeless people in Japan keep to themselves. Panhandling, a fairly common practice among the homeless in America, is almost non-existent in Japan. Government statistics state that more than 50 percent of Japan's estimated 30,000 homeless hold down regular jobs. As pointed out at a joint British-Japanese seminar held in Tokyo last week, people's reasons for living on the streets are often personal, meaning there are as many reasons for being homeless as there are homeless. However, the seminar also said that the main obstacles to re-entering society for Japanese homeless are structural: a welfare system that doesn't acknowledge them and a housing culture that shuts them out.
In any case, there's no proper explanation for the public's irrational fear of them, but the media feeds this misunderstanding with coverage that treats the homeless as freaks. News stories either play up their victimhood or display them as colorful characters for whom living on the street is a lifestyle choice.
On its evening news show, Nippon TV has been running an occasional series on a group of saihokutan (northernmost) homeless men living in a small tent community in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Approaching these men as if they were a rare species of water fowl, the reporters focus on the unbelievable circumstances of their existence — the below-zero temperatures, the scavenging for food that is often frozen, the general resourcefulness in terms of shelter and clothing. The reporters' unending exclamations of "sugoi (wow!)" become cumulatively patronizing: the homeless as a source of cheap entertainment.
It's therefore encouraging that the city of Kawasaki has adopted a documentary video about a homeless man as a "text" in its junior high schools. "Ashigara-san" follows a homeless man from the streets of Shinjuku to a group-home over the course of three years. The director, Motoharu Iida, is a volunteer who helps the homeless in the area around the West Exit of Shinjuku Station. Ashigara, a 67-year-old man who camped on the street, was a reluctant subject, but Iida found him compelling, first for his independence and later for his sense of humor. Whenever he saw him on the street, Iida made it a point to talk to him. Ashigara initially resisted, but presents of food and cigarettes and Iida's obvious concern eventually break through his carapace of distrust.
Iida shows Ashigara urinating into grates and eating out of garbage bags. He is infested with lice and suffers from horrible sores on his legs. Iida talks him into going to a hospital, and there the viewer discovers the unique bonds that form between society's bottom dwellers and the doctors, nurses, and social workers, whose job it is to keep them alive.
We see that the system does not care about someone like Ashigara, but that the individuals who operate it often do. Ashigara can receive welfare if he has a fixed address, but he opts to return to the street. Iida finds him months later sleeping under a train overpass. He is extremely weak and says he has been beaten up twice. A volunteer doctor says he must go back to the hospital and explains the bureaucratic difficulties of getting an ambulance to take him there. Ashigara is brought to the ward office, where he showers, and then walks to the hospital, where he's treated for pneumonia. "I'm sorry for being so selfish," he says to the people who help him.
The main value of "Ashigara-san" as an educational tool is in its low-key presentation. Iida is not a journalist. He doesn't delve into Ashigara's past or explain how he ended up on the street. He doesn't take society to task. He simply and unsentimentally shows us a man who, for whatever reason, no longer has a place in society but rediscovers the warmth of human contact. Ashigara is not a scary person, only his situation is.


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Light weight, elastic gaiter that keeps mud and debris out of the shoes. The gaiter is not waterproof but dense enough to repel light rain and snow, still with a very high level of breathability. A major injury risk during winter is that the Achilles tendon gets wet, cold and stiff. Sealing the edge of the shoe, and adding warmth to this area, helps pre?venting this problem.
There are three sizes:
Small (for EU sizes 36-40 or US Women?s 5.5-9, Men?s 7 or smaller)
Medium (for EU sizes 41-44 or US Women?s 9.5-12, Men?s 8-10.5)
Large (for EU sizes 45-48 or US Men's 11-14)
Click here to view the JPG version of the ICEBUG Size Chart
You can also view the PDF version of the ICEBUG Size Chart


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To improve the performance of dialogue systems, analyses of interactions are an important source of knowledge. When dialogue systems are deployed, the interaction can be logged for later analysis. Talkamatic AB are about to begin collection of logs resulting from dialogue system interactions, which will be available to the student.
The task is to build a toolbox for analysing logs of dialogue system interactions and presenting results from such analyses. Examples of relevant analysis features include:
Such basic analysis dimensions can then be used to detect and diagnose problems with systems which need fixing.
Staffan Larsson, Dialogue Technology Lab, and Talkamatic AB.
Page updated: 2016-11-15 11:05


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Sensory analysis
Food sensory analysis is the use of the human senses to objectively analyse foods – for properties such as taste, flavour and texture. It is used in assessing the quality of products, troubleshooting problems and new product development.
What does the food actually look and taste like? Describing the taste of a food in a scientific way that can be interpreted by others and then using this to improve product quality in some way is a valuable and perhaps under–appreciated technique.
Campden BRI has a team of highly experienced food tasters who can evaluate the flavour, odour and texture characteristics of products. Advanced statistical analysis then allows products to be grouped, and their similarities and differences quantified. These analyses can also be 'checked' against company or Campden product specifications to see if the product meets requirements.
We have expertise in a range of sensory analysis techniques. As well as full descriptive profiling, we also carry out a range of discrimination tests – such as triangle tests – to investigate potential taint problems or the effects on the product of changes in ingredients or process. All of this takes place in our state–of–the–art sensory facilities.
If you would like further information or prices please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com or call our switchboard on +44(0)1386 842000 and they will be happy to direct your call to the relevant person.
Where we refer to UKAS Accreditation
The Campden BRI group companies listed below are both accredited in accordance with the recognised International Standard ISO17025:2017 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The accreditation demonstrates technical competence for a defined scope of methods, specific to each site, as detailed in the schedules of accreditation bearing the testing laboratory number. The schedules may be revised from time to time and reissued by UKAS. The most recent issue of the schedules are available from the UKAS website www.ukas.com
Campden BRI (Chipping Campden) Limited is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 1079 Campden BRI (Nutfield) is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 1207


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Swiss Format
Each player plays other players who have done as well (or poorly) as themself. Each player has a score that increases when they win. The player with the highest score at the end of the tournament wins.
Swiss format is also called Winners-Play-Winners.
Players receive a starting score of 0, and are paired up at random for their first game. Winning players have their scores increased by 1. Then players with the same (or similar) scores are paired up at random for subsequent games. However, no player is ever paired up with the same player twice.


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SOMERSWORTH — The City Council on Monday killed a proposal that would have banned on-street parking on one side of Pleasant Street.
The measure emerged from the city's Traffic Safety Committee in response to the encroachment from snow banks during winter months. With cars parked on both sides, the road is potentially too narrow for some emergency vehicles to safely pass, Councilor David Witham said.
The proposal, which would have banned parking on the north side of the street, failed on a 7-2 vote amid concern that residents were not told about the proposed restriction. Others wondered if the new rules were really necessary.
"We live in an old community with narrow streets with parking issues everywhere," Councilor Denis Hebert said. "If we continue down this path, where are they going to park?"
Councilor Dale Sprague noted that issues with oversized snowbanks probably could be solved by Public Works, not new parking restrictions.
It's not clear how many spaces would have been affected by the rule. Pleasant Street, which runs from High Street to Green Street in the city's urban core, is only about a quarter mile long.
Witham, who sits on the safety committee and introduced the measure, voted against passage because residents were not informed of the proposal.
Councilors Jennifer Soldati and Marcel Hebert voted for passage. Soldati, who lives on Pleasant Street, declined to comment on her vote Monday night.
In other action Monday, the council advanced a proposal that would ban dogs from athletic fields at Noble Pines Park, Millenium Park and Jules Bisson Park. It would not ban dogs from other parts of those parks.
The proposal, which was endorsed last week by the Recreation Committee, is intended to reduce the amount of dog feces on fields used by local children. A final council vote is expected June 2.
Mayor Dana Hilliard also declared this week EMS Week to recognize American Ambulance Service, which serves Somersworth and some nearby communities.
American Ambulance won the city's ambulance contract about a year ago following a contentious process. However, the company received praise from several councilors Monday, including Witham, who said he's heard only positive things about the company and its staff.
"It's not often that hard decisions are met with a good product at the end, but I think in this case it was," Witham said. "So thank you very much for what you do."


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When I was working on my English degree, one of my very-favorite classes was the mythology course I took one summer. We studied the Greco-Roman tradition and the Norse pantheon; my final project was an anthology of about fifty poems about mythological beings (I still have it, and if I am ever a Famous Writer perhaps I will develop it and have it published, as in the past twenty years there have been innumerably more poems written about mythological beings). These weren't new subjects to me, as it's a topic I've enjoyed for as long as I can remember; what changed me utterly was reading the Greek classics: The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid. We had a translation that was incredible: approachable but not simplified, and poetic but still understandable. (I have misplaced my copy, much to my sadness, and I cannot remember the translator's name.)
Is it odd that I, a bibliophile, made it to 23 before reading these stories? I'm not sure. But they came into my life at exactly the right time, and I fell utterly, completely, and totally in love. Not so much with Achilles, Patroclus, Hector, Paris et al, but with the women. (If you know me, you're not surprised.) Helen, of course; Andromache, Chryseis, Hecuba, Penelope, Dido, Circe, Calypso, Lavinia. Cassandra and I are sole sisters. Some of them are barely mentioned in passing, some of the play larger roles, but they all fascinate me, for their sacrifices and their losses, their interactions with mortals and with gods, their subtle influences.
Since then I've reread Homer and Virgil's stories twice, in different translations and enjoyed them almost as much as that first time. (It really was an excellent translation!) Also Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides. But I've also developed an abiding affection for contemporary retellings of the Greek myths, tragedies, and legends. (I'm including a list at the end of this blog post.) So when I read that Colm Toibin's new novel, House of Names, tells the story of Clytemnestra, Iphigenia, and Electra—it was a foregone conclusion I'd read it.
Iphigenia is one of those haunting characters whose story stays with you. Possibly because of her name, but mostly because of her story: her father, Agamemnon, tricked her to coming Aulis, where he was stuck with his fleet, waiting for a wind that would not come because he had angered Artemis. Iphigenia believes she is coming to marry Achilles, but really she is to be the human sacrifice who will appease Artemis's anger and send the fleet to Troy. Her mother, Clytemenstra, is helpless to stop this from happening to her daughter, but she vows revenge as Agamemnon goes off to the long war.
If you've read the stories (this is technically a retelling of The Oresteia), you know what happens. If you haven't, I won't spoil it for you. But I will say this: I loved this book. The characters are far more developed than in Homer's story; they become real instead of narrative place holders. Other characters not in the original poem are added, developing the plot and the other characters' relationships. And the language! I loved this passage especially, when Electra is trying to communicate with Iphigenia's ghost: "Perhaps the days before her death, and the way death was give to her, are nothing in the place where she is. Perhaps the gods keep the memory of death locked up in their store, jealously guarded. Instead, the gods release feelings that were once pure or sweet. Feelings that mattered once. They allow love to matter since love can do no harm to the dead."
The novel stays true to the original story—I was especially glad to have one last glimpse of Cassandra—but its focus is different. The development of the characters brings other themes to the forefront: revenge, loyalty, love within a family (and how that love can break); responsibility for choices; the possibility and difficulty of forgiveness. It is not an easy, simple read; it is full of violence, betrayal, loneliness, loss, despair. But it is deeply empathetic and gripping, helping us step into the sandals of a civilization and a family in transition.
It is definitely going on my list of favorite Greek retellings:
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood—Penelope waited a long time for Odysseus to get home; when he did, he killed all of her suitors and her twelve maidens just for good measure. Atwood's signature wit and themes are at work here—women trying to find a voice in a situation that has made them voiceless, establishing their own cruelty dynamics, and revealing the way myth infuses relationships.
XO Orpheus by Kate Bernheimer—a collection of short stories reimagining the world's myths, including plenty of Greek gods and goddesses.
Alcelstis by Katherine Beutner—reminagines Euripides' tragedy about a princess who loved her husband so much she agrees to die for him. A huge part of the story takes place in the Underworld; as Persephone is my favorite goddess I am just fine with this.
The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley—Cassandra's story, only here she is Kassandra; she is cursed to always tell the truth but never be believed.
Lavinia by Ursula K. LeGuin—mentioned briefly in the Aeneid, Lavinia is another woman a war is fought over, this one much shorter and involved in the foundation of Italy.
Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis—it is hard for me to convey my affection for this retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth. It's one of the books I've reread most in my life and, like scripture, I always find some new piece of knowledge.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller—were Achilles and Patroclus friends or lovers?
Black Ships by Jo Graham—what happens after the fall of Troy?
Helen of Troy by Margaret George—Helen's autobiography.
The Burial at Thebes by Seamus Heaney—the poet's translation of Sophocles' Antigone, which happens to be my favorite.


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Marisa Tomei will play mom to the middle-aged Marlyouise Burke's Kimberly in David Lindsay-Abaire's Kimberly Akimbo in 2003, when Manhattan Theatre Club stages the New York premiere of the comedy.
In the play, the teen-age title character has a rare condition that causes her body to age at an increased rate. Burke is currently Jack's Mother in Into the Woods on Broadway. Kimberly Akimbo begins Jan. 4, 2003, with an opening of Feb 4, 2003, on MTC's Stage I.
Tomei won the Academy Award for "My Cousin Vinnie," and recently appeared in the feature, "In the Bedroom." Her most recent Broadway turn was in Wait Until Dark.
Ana Gasteyer, the comic actress whose Martha Stewart impersonation kept "Saturday Night Live" viewers laughing, will also join Kimberly Akimbo, playing Kimberly's "scam-artist aunt." Gasteyer left "SNL" in the spring to pursue other projects, and appeared in Broadway's The Rocky Horror Show.
In the play, Kimberly must "re-evaluate her life while contending with a hypochondriac mother, a rarely sober father, a scam-artist aunt, her own mortality and, most terrifying of all, the possibility of first love." David Petrarca directs.
Lindsay-Abaire (Fuddy Meers, Wonder of the World) won the 2002 L.A. Drama Critics Award for Best Playwright for Kimberly Akimbo, seen at South Coast Rep (with Burke).
— By Kenneth Jones


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|About this Recording
100232 -
Amilcare Ponchielli (1834-1886)
Running Time: 169 min
Amilcare Ponchielli's sole operatic work La Gioconda made him a major figure in Italy. It was not just the title that made it such a success - "La Gioconda" is the Italian term for the famous Leonardo da Vinci painting that is better known to the English-speaking world as "Mona Lisa" - but rather its music and the poetic quality of Arrigo Boito's score.
The production featured here was taken from a 1986 performance of the Vienna State Opera. Filippo Sanjust was responsible for production and set, Gerlinde Dill was in charge of choreography, whilst Adam Fischer conducted both choir and orchestra of the Vienna State Opera. Internationally renowned stars Eva Marton and Plácido Domingo, who play the leading roles in the performance, ensure an unforgettable operatic experience.
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We all know that I am a Christmas fiend so when this treasure arrived on my doorstep I let out a yelp of joy. Call me controversial but I am not the biggest fan of a chocolate advent calender. Go on. … Continue reading
Tag Archives: festive
Christmas Blogger Gift Swap
We all know I am a massive fan of both blogging and Christmas and the fact that the festive season is soon approaching makes the inner giddy child in me burst with joy. When I saw that Viola had set … Continue reading
The Giving Tree
It's no secret that I LOVE Christmas. Being surrounded by family, tacky jumpers and the general festive buzz in the air. There is no better feeling than helping others, especially at Christmas. Heart radio have set up a Giving Tree … Continue reading
Move Over Mark Darcy
When thinking about a family Christmas one thing always pops into my mind. A Christmas jumper. Yes that's right, I'm talking about the tacky jumper that your dad parades around in just to see you melt with embarrassment.
I can barely contain my excitement but they seem to have become fashionable this year. FINALLY! Comical knitted jumpers that were once seen as cheap and tacky are now the first point of call on peoples Christmas 'to buy' list.
I saw my first Christmas jumper way back in September and let out a little shriek of excitement. Even I must admit that September is far too early for any indication that the big C was on its way. Since then the high street has been bombarded, think of an item of clothing and I guarantee you will find it smothered in Christmassy goodness this year. There are a massive range of products available on the high street that cater to every budget, taste and style.
Jumper: Urban Outfitters £50
Jumper: Boohoo £20
Jumper: Primark £12
My Christmas ensemble has become a bit of talking point within my family, everyone's guessing what I will be wearing next. It's become a bit of a tradition I suppose. I like to have a wide range of festive clothes to choose from so I usually head straight to my faithful favourite shop. Where is that I hear you ask? Well… if you were to ask any of my friends they will tell you how much of a big fan I am of Primark. I LOVE it. For someone who is constantly developing my own personal style and loves to keep on top of the trends, Primark is an amazing place to shop. Affordable and on trend… what's not to like?
Here are a couple items from my extensive festive wardrobe.
Santa Jumper: Men's Primark £12
Reindeer Jumper: Primark £12
Traditional Snowflake Cardigan: Lauren by Ralph Lauren £80
Large Earrings: Primark £1 a pair
Small Earrings: Primark £2 – 6 pairs in a set
Christmas jumpers are everywhere this year, they have finally shaken off that 'uncool' reputation. I think the major turning point was the release of the 2001 film Bridget Jone's Diary. We all remember Mark Darcy in that hideous reindeer jumper but somehow he pulled it off. I'm sure most women would openly admit to having a soft spot of Mr Darcy. Love them or hate them, it is very clear that the Christmas jumper is well and truly here to stay.
If Christmas isn't the time to take the mick out of yourself then when is?


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MadeForMums on facebook was looking for the Cars biggest fan. You had to send a photo to there wall with your child and there Cars collection. They was so delighted with the response they gave away a second runner up prize. Raiden didn't come first but he was the runner up, Cars 2 Lego.
Raiden's has really started to get into Lego while he's been off school so we decided to wrap it up for Christmas so he can have an extra pressie. He's been a huge fan of cars since he was about 11 months old. I was amazed when the Lego came as it was one of the huge sets worth about £50. He is gonna be mega excited when he sees it.
He is Raiden with he's huge collection & the winning Photo! He decided to draw a picture of Lighting Mcqueen too. Clever Boy.


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"Take all I have in these hands
And multiple, God, all that I am
And find my heart on the altar again
Set me on fire, set me on fire"
We were never created to carry the weight of our own lives. We were never created to discover our purpose within our own strength. We were created as creatures of worship, a vessel that the Spirit of God moves through. Everything we do should be given to God has an act of worship. He gives us a purpose and a calling that will bring glory to His name and because He loves us, He has all of our days planned for us, we just have to rest in Him and listen to His word.
Sometimes we lose that idea, we get so caught up in life and impatient with God that we start to find our own answers to everything. We do some "soul-searching" to find out what our purpose is instead of searching for answers in the Spirit. We create our own plans and attempt at juggling life on our own but, as many of us know, that can quickly lead to failure. Our strength alone just can't carry us.
But, there is good news..
God is a loving god. He is gentle to correct and mentor those who love Him. Life breaks us down, we get weak as we carry ourselves day to day, but God is willing to lift us up and bring us rest. He wants us to reside in His strength, to surrender to His thoughts, and in Him our broken hearts will be made whole. God doesn't ignore you in your brokenness, He desires you.
"Your power at work in me
I'm broken gracefully
I'm strong when I am weak
I will be free"
We are broken by grace. Grace doesn't allow us to control our own lives. Grace doesn't allow us to be without God. Grace is needing God in every aspect of your life. If we had control of everything we'd surely ruin it, but God takes it over and makes absolutely beautiful things. He opens doors we could have never opened, He creates moments that if we didn't have the Holy Spirit we would miss, and He is intentional about our every day. We just have to be intentional with Him in return to see what He wants us to see. God takes what we would have done with our lives and MULTIPLIES it.
So, here are some prayer thoughts for today:
- Give God glory for how far He's brought you, for all of the gifts He's given you, and for never failing you. Thank Him for weaving a plan for you, a plan that will bring you joy and bless you.
-Ask God to show you things in your life that you are maintaining too much control over. Whether it be your finances, your career, your team, ect.
-Take those things and surrender them to the Lord, allow Him to move in every area of your life. Seek the Holy Spirit, ask Him to fill your heart and to guide your steps.
Below is the link to Matt Redman's new single "Gracefully Broken". We hope you enjoy this new song and it inspires you!


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A recent study from the Cleveland Clinic published in the Journal of Pediatrics stated that a vegan, plant based diet was more effective in reducing factors such as weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels than the diet recommended by the American Heart Association. All of these factors are related to cardiovascular risks and can help reduce the likelihood a cardiovascular event.
The study took a group of 28 children between the ages of 9 and 18 who had previously been identified with high cholesterol levels. One group of children, along with one of their parents, followed a plant based diet that consisted mostly of plants and whole grains, with limited helpings of avocado and nuts. The diet eliminated sources of added fat and included no animal products. The other group followed the American Heart Association diet, which includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy as well as lean meat and fish.
After four weeks, the children who followed the plant-based vegan diet saw significant improvements in nine important areas: BMI, systolic blood pressure, weight, mid-arm circumference, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The children who followed the American Heart Association diet saw improvement in only four areas: weight, waist circumference, mid-arm circumference and myeloperoxidase.
Speaking about the implications of the study, pediatrician Michael Macknin, M.D., stated "Cardiovascular disease begins in childhood. If we can see such significant improvements in a short four-week study, imagine the potential for improving long-term health into adulthood if a whole population of children began to eat these diets regularly."
Click here to read the official report on the Cleveland Clinic's website.
About the author The Vegan Herald
The Vegan Herald, launched in 2015, is a vegan news and information website.


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Deadline is October 1st, 2014
Teton Artlab assists artists by providing studio space, exhibition and performance opportunities, and access to shared resources.
residency program within 1 hour of two National Parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Artists have access to endless miles of trails, rivers, and forest right out of the door. This part of Wyoming is truly one of the world's most beautiful landscapes.
Teton Artlab residency program is open to visual artists, writers, and performing artists living in the United States. Applicants submit up to 10 work samples, an image list, and a 1 page proposal describing how the artist's work will interpret or be influenced by the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Click here for more information about the GYE and some of the ecological issues in our area.
Teton Artlab encourages artists of all backgrounds to apply for admission. They do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
Applications are due October 1st, 2014 for residencies beginning January 1st, 2015 and later. Artists will be notified of their timeslots by November 1st.
There is no fee for residency except the nonrefundable application fee. Application fees must be paid by credit card.
Residencies vary in length – the average stay is 4 weeks. The minimum stay is two weeks; the maximum is six weeks.
The residency begins with an informal dinner to introduce the artists to the lab, and to discuss the schedule and format for the residency. Artists are given a tour of the grounds and the studio spaces, then shown their living accommodations, whichincludes a shared bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and sitting area.
There are free public events scheduled during each residency. During the residency each artist is scheduled to give a lecture about their work and career. A closing reception with presentation of new work and works in-progress are presented on the final Friday night, an opportunity for the public to experience the artists' work.


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Abbas Family History
14-Day Free Trial
Abbas Name Meaning
Muslim (widespread throughout the Muslim world): from the Arabic personal name ?Abbas, literally 'stern', 'austere'. ?Abbas was the name of an uncle (died 652) of the Prophet Muhammad, the ancestor of the Abbasid dynasty (see Abbasi). German: Latinized form of Abt 'abbot'.
Source: Dictionary of American Family Names ©2013, Oxford University Press
Similar surnames: Abbasi, Abad, Akbar, Bras, Atlas, Abrams, Bas, Baas, Abbe, Alban


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Chucky Scaring the Crap Out of People at a Bus Stop
What happens when you dress a short dude up as Chucky, the demonic doll from Child's Play, and make him slash his way through a movie poster with his face on it at a bus stop at night?
Some really frightened people. And hilarity.


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I've started a few blogs in the past weeks, but they've not gotten past the draft folder — simply because they were unfinished.
I have updated Prayer Ops, but that's about it.
I'm fine. Just needing to make choices about my use of time and blogging has been put lower on the priority list — at least for a season.
If you read this with any regularity, you know this happens.


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Corcom filters are recognised worldwide for providing EMI/RFI filtering solutions. TE offers over 70 Corcom filter series that are suitable for a wide range of applications across multiple industries. All Corcom filters have been designed and tested for susceptibility and/or emissions applications. They have received approval from major safety agencies throughout the world including UL, CSA and VDE.
BCF Series 3 phase filters use high quality, insulated safety terminals for input and output. The use of touchsafe terminals prevents inadvertent contact in the most demanding applications while still providing easy connections. These RFI Filters have a compact, lightweight book-form design and provide good common and differential mode performance below 100 kHz. Suitable applications include 3 phase inverters and converters, variable speed motor drives, elevators, escalators, machine tools and process automation equipment.
Single stage
Screw mounting (flange)
DIN type terminals
Compact, lightweight design
|310 x 52 x 87 mm


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login / Register
First Abu Dhabi Bank cardholders are entitled to earn extra cashback on the SHOP SMART platform simply by using their FAB Credit or Debit Card.
"FAB Cardholders"�means the holders of FAB branded Credit and Debit Cards.
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"Qualifying Transaction"�means tracked, genuine and successful transaction that an FAB Cardholder is eligible to receive cashback for in accordance with the SHOP SMART cashback program.
"Retailers"�means the retailers or merchants on the Program Name.
"SHOP SMART"�means SHOP SMART LLC.
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"Terms and Conditions"� means terms and conditions of Shop Smart program.
SHOP SMART Program is an online cashback offer for FAB Credit Card and Debit cardholders in UAE. FAB Credit Card and Debit cardholders can shop at leading global international brands, such as, Emirates Airlines, Ali Express, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Debenhams, Flipkart and many more from around the world via SHOP SMART website and earn up-to 10% cashback and more.
Joining SHOP SMART Program easy and free. To join SHOP SMART Program, simply follow below steps
Step 1: Visit SHOP SMART Page.
Step 2: Register on the FAB SHOP SMART with your FAB Credit Card or Debit Card by clicking Register.
Step 3: Activate your account by creating username and password.
Step 4: Login to the SHOP SMART Program with your new credentials.
Step 5: View exclusive cashback offers from local and global merchants from across the world after logging in.
Step 6: Browse and Select Offer.
Step 7: Select the offer and make the purchase as a standard e-commerce transaction on the Merchant site with your FAB Credit Card or Debit Card.
Yes, all FAB Credit and Debit Cards are eligible to join SHOP SMART Program.
To earn Cashback, simply log-in to your account on SHOP SMART Program site and start shopping. Once transaction is successful, it will appear in Pending status in your SHOP SMART Program site statement. Upon completion of validity period, eligible cashback will directly be credited in your card statement.
No, if you visit merchant site directly or end the session once re-directed from SHOP SMART website, you will not be eligible for Cashback. The easiest way to ensure that you earn your Cashback is to always log-in from SHOP SMART website and visit the merchant website only through SHOP SMART.
Yes, you will earn FAB Loyalty Points on your credit or debit card purchases as per the current earn rate in addition to the cashback earned.
No, Global Cashback is earned on online transactions only made when you purchase offers from SHOP SMART website.
Pending Cashback are those transactions that have been tracked as valid transactions following your online retail purchases, hotel bookings or flight bookings. However, since these transactions have not completed the Return / Cancellation Period or completion, the cashback on these transactions cannot be paid out to you yet.
These are purchases which have been completed successfully and will be credited to your FAB Credit Card/Debit Card and eligible cashback will be credited in your statement.
Pending purchases will show up in your dashboard as soon as they are reported by the store. "Pending" means that it is being tracked, but the store has not confirmed it yet. Some stores pay cashback on purchases immediately, while others can take up to 90 days. This is usually due to the fact that some stores place a hold on until their return/exchange period has ended. Travel is an exception. Most travel companies do not pay cashback until after travel has been completed.
After the cashback is confirmed and visible on your cashback dashboard in your account, the eligible amount will be automatically credited to your FAB Credit Card statement or Account related to Debit Card. Eligible cashback will be credited by 10th of each month to your account.
If your transaction does not show your eligible cashback entries under Pending Cashback on the earning page within 3 working days of the completion of the transaction, you are can raise a ticket on portal for 'missing' transaction and we will ensure we track and revert.
If you feel that the cashback amount credited to your FAB Credit Card or Debit Card is incorrect, you are requested to contact our customer service for further assistance.
This is most often due to cancelling or returning of your purchase or failing to meet the Terms & Conditions for the cashback. You can raise a ticket for 'missing' cashback transaction on SHOP SMART site to get details of certain transaction.
You need the date, time, order value of transaction and purchase reference number. Please provide any other details that might be helpful e.g. name of retailer in order for us to take investigate it.
As these transactions are processed outside the normal payment process, it often takes 45-60 working days.
Your pending Cashback will show up in your account as soon as the online store informs us of your purchase and that it's being tracked. This could occur within a few hours to a few days. This time-frame varies depending on the particular store, therefore it may take an average of 30-90 days. You can always review your Dashboard to see how much Cashback savings you've earned to date.
Please go directly to the store's online site where you made the purchase to inquire about returning or exchanging an item. If you would like to exchange an item, simply return it at the store's website. When your item is returned, the Cashback will automatically be removed from your account. If you would like to purchase a new item as replacement and also earn cashback on the new purchase you will need to make the purchase from SHOP SMART website to be eligible for cashback on the new item.
Stores will only allow us to submit inquiries for missing cashback on purchases made within the past 90 days. If you do not see pending cashback within 3 working days of your transaction, please raise a missing transaction ticket.
Cashback is based on the actual price of the product, which does not include or limited to shipping, taxes, value-added tax (VAT), customs, duties, foreign exchange fee or GST where applicable. If your Cashback amount is less than you expected, please check the purchase price without the extra fees, and it should match the Cashback in your dashboard.
Most products sold by our partner merchant stores qualify for Cashback. However, certain products, items or services may not be eligible. These exclusions are defined under each store's terms and displayed on the store page. Please ensure that you read and check the terms and conditions thoroughly before you make a purchase. However; all standard e-commerce purchases are eligible for FAB customers.
Please intimate us at our 24/7 customer care number in case of any such issues and we will resolve it as quickly as possible.
Travel related transactions are only recognized when travel is completed, so there may be a delay in your Cashback earnings. The delay will depend on how long it takes for you to complete your travel.
When you return or exchange or cancel a product or service, the purchase will not be eligible to earn Cashback. If you decide to exchange your purchase for another item, please remember to order it through our website in order to be able to earn cashback on your eligible purchase.
You will have to contact the store directly as FAB has no control over issues on a store's website or with particular items you purchased.
For resolution send your queries directly to [email protected]


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The list of the world's biggest banks is out and China is on top.
The biggest bank in the world today is Industrial and Commercial Bank of China with $3.062 trillion in assets, according to SNL Financial. The second spot goes to UK's HSBC with $2.723 trillion in assets followed by France's Crédit Agricole at number three overseeing $2.615 trillion.
Notice any bank missing from the top of the list? That's right. Not one U.S. bank made the top 5 of the list. In fact, the U.S.'s biggest bank is only the world's sixth largest. That bank is JPMorgan Chase with $2.463 trillion in assets as of September 2013.
The next U.S. bank on the list doesn't pop up on the list until the 12th spot; Bank of America's $2.126 trillion doesn't even put it in the top 10.
Overall, China has the largest number of big banks, with 14 of the top 100 headquartered in the country. Next is the United States, which has 10 of the top 100, according to SNL's rankings.
So what gives? The U.S. is home to some of the biggest, most powerful banks in the world yet French and Chinese make up most of the top 10.
The answer is in the accounting of assets. Most of the world including the European Union and China use a system dubbed International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS. The U.S. meanwhile uses Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP.
Under IFRS banks report the gross amount of derivative assets on their balance sheets, while U.S. GAAP standards say banks must report the net amount of derivative assets.
The difference is significant when it comes to tallying bank assets. In fact, if US banks were to use the IFRS system JPM and BofA would take the number one and two spots respectively. Citigroup, now 14th with $1.899 trillion, would be the world's 5th largest bank.
The New Wealth Doctors, by Forbes staff writer Halah Touryalai, showcases an in-demand career that desperately needs young talent. Finance degree not required.
Below is the adjusted ranking for U.S. banks if they reported under IFRS (see the original list here):
I'm a deputy editor covering all things Wall Street and Investing. I joined Forbes in 2010. I am fascinated by the financial industry's power and influence around the…
I'm a deputy editor covering all things Wall Street and Investing. I joined Forbes in 2010. I am fascinated by the financial industry's power and influence around the globe, and the ingenuity of the people it employs (not so much a fan of the lack of accountability when the system fails). I'm always on the hunt for people and companies to profile.


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John Murray
Suicide for the Faint of Heart
A Matter of Death and Life
By Andrey Kurkov (Translated by George Bird)
Harvill 111pp £10 order from our bookshop
'The banality of permanence was what I wanted, and for unremitting happiness.'
Thus speaks the hero of this excellent, blackly comic novella, suicidal young Tolya. An ethnic Russian living in Kiev, Tolya is stuck with a cold, adulterous wife, and, instead of having her lover bumped off commissions his own murder by a hitman. Tolya's unhappiness is rooted in his considerable loneliness, a leading motif here just as it was in Kurkov's cult success, Death of a Penguin (1996), and the follow-up, Penguin Lost (2002). In the former, Viktor, unwitting obituarist to the Kiev mafia, is so lonely his only real friend is his pet penguin, Misha. In Penguin Lost he is so distraught at losing his innocent little pal that he traverses the globe (the Antarctic, Kiev and Chechnya) to get him back. As for the 'banality of permanence', its ugly antithesis is corrupt Nineties Kiev, where a toy water pistol costs 250,000 Ukrainian kupons, and a contract killer can be hired for $500.


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What do fearless acrobatic goats, whitehead-topped acne and the mythical fountain of youth have in common?
OK, let's start with this…
I found you a picture of an Argan tree with goats in it. This isn't something from a Reddit photoshop battle. These goats are onto something. In fact, for some goats, the argan tree provides them with 80% of their nutrition. Pretty potent stuff.
Check it out – every month about 100K people in North America are looking for information about Argan oil.
- Before you hit up Google for a search of your own, here's a quick low-down of the many uses Argan oil can provide humans ( not just goats)
- It's a natural skin moisturizer, which also provides an anti-wrinkling effect (which is why you might have heard it has "fountain of youth" properties)
- While it might seem counter-intuitive to fight acne with oil, Argan oil has been shown to drop some serious elbows on acne on account that it's a dry oil, that actually helps flush your pores. AND…
It also works wonders for your hair's health and that's the focus of today's episode.
Argan oil's been on my radar for a little while and I thought I'd try it out with Slick Gentleman's Argan oil, which is formulated for men.
Why would I look to Argan Oil for help with my hair? Couple of things – first, I have fine hair. It never was very full-bodied or high in volume.
Did Slick Gentleman's Argan Oil help?
Yes it did. The formulation really helped add body and a natural, healthy-looking sheen to my hair.
Also bears mentioning that we're wrapping up winter over here and you still have strong winds blowing and the oil has helped make my hair robust enough to resist some of that wind.
Now if you've been hearing a lot about Argan oil and you're curious about how it can help you, I have 3 bottles of Slick Gentleman to send out.
To get your name in…
…head over to DappChap.com/Slick.
Thanks for watching.


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What You Wish for
A Novel of Suspense (Jeri Howard Mystery)
List Price: 15.95*
* Individual store prices may vary.
History professor Lindsey Page has a quiet, well-ordered life, but it's about to get complicated. Her daughter, with whom she has a troubled relationship, shows up on her doorstep. The immigrant woman Lindsey is interviewing for a book asks her for help in reclaiming the son taken from her during a massacre in her Salvadoran village. And her closest friends, the three women Lindsey has known since their college days in Berkeley where they witnessed the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, are hiding secrets that will forever change those friendships. Lindsey must grapple with questions of family identity, nature vs. nurture, truth in wartime, the ethics of power for latter-day robber barons in the US and Central America, and the law of unforeseen consequences. Moving back and forth from the 1970s to the present, from the San Francisco Bay Area to El Salvador this sprawling saga follows Lindsey, her friends, and family through tumultuous political, social, and cultural changes and choices.
Perseverance Press, 9781564745187, 292pp.
Publication Date: September 10, 2012
Not Currently Available for Direct Purchase


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One evening while walking with a friend to my abode, I had to cross the road to the other side. In the process of crossing, a child (a boy of about 8 years of age) walked past me with a bag of grocery on his right hand and a busy left hand as well. He held onto his stick of cigar.
With astonishment written all over my face I asked my friend, Was that real? Did you see that?
I have always known teenagers to indulge in the act of smoking but not children. I was dazed and sad at the same time. I became down in my spirit for the generation we are raising; they are fast becoming our "dark hope". Kids who are supposed to grow to be useful to themselves and the society are becoming hostile and restless. How is the world supposed to become a better place if kids are robbed of their potentials due to smoking and its consequences?
About 23% of children between 11 and 16 try to smoke and 4% of them actually smoke regularly. This might seem small a number but the truth is the number increases everyday. These children are exposed very early in life that it becomes an habit they are unable to or find difficult to stop. Many parents smoke without reflecting on the risk they expose their little ones to (NB: you do not have to sit them down and lecture them). Some kids who do not smoke become passive smokers which is becoming worse than smoking for children; they are open to respiratory diseases and cancer which is not fair on their part.
I am very sure we have a knowledge of what smoking can do and I will not highlight them here. If you are not check here. Stop being selfish, when you want to smoke, stop and think! Ask yourself, what am I gaining from this? Happiness? How long does it last? Who am I affecting? Do I want to die smoking? Even though you do not care about others show some concern for your offsprings. Children grow to become young adults and then adults. Likewise smoking children grow to become smoking adults and the cycle continues leaving a dark generation. All dark-heart!
So many factors contribute to smoking but do not allow the short-term pleasure lead you to a long-term debt. Smokers are liable to die young so says the media but it seems not to be helping because it is still being manufactured and people seem not to be dying young. Do not be decieved, the repercussion is not immediate it is progressive. Therefore, take the bull by the horn today, if the production of cigas will not be stopped, the economy keeps rising, and down times keep surfacing, you decide to fight! Many desire to stop smoking but cannot help it that is why this has been written. Seek help from NHS and other smoke-free services, do not be ashamed, it is ok to want to quit. It makes you a strong and better parent and person, see how this woman stopped smoking for her son's sake. Do not switch to shisha and e-cigarette, they are all the same. Please decide not to prolong the dark genealogy, decide to stop the cancer and smoking-related disease trail, decide to protect your lineage.
Protect our leaders of tomorrow
Stay informed!
- Smoking and Secondhand Smoke: Impact on Heart Disease and Stroke. (2012, September 5). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 20, 2014, fromhttp://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/overviews/heart-disease-stroke.htm
- Office for National Statistics (2013). Chapter 1 – Smoking (General Lifestyle Survey Overview – a report on the 2011 General Lifestyle Survey). ONS;London.
- National Health Services. (2012). I quit smoking for my son. Retrieved October 20, 2014, http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/women1839/Pages/stopsmoking.aspx.
- Faucher, A. M. (2003). Factors that influence Smoking in Adolescent Girls. J Midwifery Womens Health, 48(3)
- Smoking: Do you really know the risks?. (2011, June 28). American Heart Association. Retrieved October 20, 2014, fromhttp://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/QuitSmoking/QuittingSmoking/Smoking-Do-you-really-know-the-risks_UCM_322718_Article.jsp
- National Services Scotland/Ipsos/National Statistics (2011). Scottish schools adolescent lifestyle and substance use survey (SALSUS) national report: Smoking, drinking and drug use among 13 and 15 year olds in Scotland in 2010.
- Jackson, C., & Henriksen, L. (1997). Do as I say: Parent smoking, antismoking socialization, and smoking onset among children. Addicitve Behavior, 22(1), 107-114.


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At Livable Landscapes we offer a premium service, utilising only very best quality products. All our work is quality assured. What's more, we offer an incredible 7 year warranty on all structural works.
The Livable Landscapes Team did an incredible job installing turf in my awkwardly shaped yard. They managed the project in every stage of the process, from consulting on the quote, through to ensuring that my turf would have the longevity it deserves. Livable Landscapes openly communicated to me what would be required and always kept me in the loop; taking the time to explain things in layman's terms. They were always on-time and their professionalism is second to none.read more…read less…
Heidi and I cannot thank you all enough for the installation of our fence. This project has been 4 years in the making and to have it completed in the professional manner demonstrated by Livable Landscapes finally gives our home that finished look! We cannot fault the work ethic of the boys in completing the task. The quality of the workmanship displayed by the boys was of a very high standard and satisfied our requirements when it comes to work conducted at our place. The boys are a credit to Livable Landscapes.
Finally, a thanks to management for your cooperation throughout the project, the many phone calls and emails and requotes! You were a pleasure to work with and we hope we get the opportunity to work together again. Heidi and I would have no hesitation in recommending Livable Landscapes to anyone that requires landscaping works.
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With the changes to the pool fence regulations I needed to relocate my existing pool fence. I cancelled the services of one contractor due to total lack of communication. I met Eddie from Livable Landscapes at a networking event and decided to get a quote for the work that still needed to be done. Eddie was professional and easy to talk to, and all questions were answered. The quote came in very quickly and I emailed with some further questions, which were answered just as quickly. I accepted the quote and was given an approximate start date, which was a few months following. I felt confident that I had, this time, picked a contractor whose services were in demand, always a good sign. I felt confident that the work would proceed. I was impressed with the continual updates of the start date. I was able to plan my own schedule accordingly, and they showed flexibility with my needs as well. The project manager came to my site just prior to commencement to re-measure and reconfirm the project requirements. I was involved at all stages, which gave me the confidence to talk openly about anything that I was unsure about. The workers were very organised and well prepared for the job by the project manager. The job was completed quickly and professionally, the end product looked great and the area so well restored that the fence looked as though it had been there for some time. I recommend Livable Landscapes to anyone looking for a landscaper that communicates well and has the client as their main focusread more…read less…
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- Sponsored Content: J.P. Morgan Funds
3 ways to help improve retirement outcomes
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Individuals already struggling to achieve a financially secure retirement face an intensifying challenge. Not only are they living longer, they are also confronted with declining expectations for long-term returns on their retirement assets. While plan sponsors and their advisors/consultants cannot control the markets, there are concrete actions they can take to improve the likelihood that participants will reach retirement with the assets they need.
The overriding message from our 2017 Long-Term Capital Market Assumptions (LTCMAs) is clear: In comparison to last year's outlook, expectations for market returns over the next 10 to 15 years have declined for most asset classes.
In an overall portfolio context, the return for a simple 60% world equity/40% U.S. aggregate bond portfolio (in our view, a reasonable proxy for the average asset allocation over a typical participant's life span) is expected to be in the neighborhood of 5.5% to 6.0%, roughly 75 basis points below our 2016 assumptions.
Our long-term return expectations have declined vs. a year ago
Here are three actions plan sponsors can take to help put their participants on a path to a secure retirement:
1. Encourage greater savings through automatic plan design features
Saving more is the most obvious and effective way to improve retirement outcomes. We believe the best approach to encouraging saving is to actively place participants on a solid savings path through plan design options such as automatic enrollment and automatic contribution escalation. Our research suggests that most participants are in favor of, or at least neutral toward, these programs.¹
2. Make portfolio diversification easier with target date funds
Diversification beyond a simple 60/40 portfolio can help enhance returns while managing risk. Including, for example, high yield debt and a greater allocation to emerging market equity has the potential to enhance expected returns, while adding real estate, with its relatively low correlation to both equity and debt, can help dampen volatility. What's more, compared with the major components of a simple 60/40 portfolio, LTCMA 2017 return estimates for these asset classes have held up relatively well vs. last year's estimates.
In our view, simply adding extended asset classes to the core menu is not the best approach to improving portfolio diversification. Our research shows that only about a third of participants are confident in their ability to effectively select investments and allocate assets.² We believe a better approach is through professionally managed portfolio strategies, such as target date funds. When the glide paths underlying these strategies are based on a consistently derived set of long-term asset class return, risk and correlation assumptions, combined with strategic asset allocation expertise and awareness of participants' behavior and changing investment needs over the life cycle, these strategies can guide the allocation of assets over time. In short, target date funds can help participants realize the true advantages of diversification all along the road to retirement.
3. Provide opportunities to enhance returns through active management
It's important to keep in mind that there are two components of return: the portion due to the market itself (beta) and the portion resulting from active manager skill (alpha). Our LTCMAs, by design, do not reflect returns to active management; they are estimates of index-based (or beta) returns, intended to inform strategic allocation or policy-level decisions over a 10- to 15-year investment horizon.
With a lower return outlook for most asset classes, and an uncertain period of U.S. presidential transition and potentially greater market volatility ahead, plan sponsors should consider taking greater advantage of active strategies with the potential to generate alpha. This can be achieved through skilled managers adept at security selection and/or tactical asset allocation—the ability to opportunistically shift assets across sectors, asset classes and regions as attractive opportunities present themselves. And given the low correlation between the alpha and beta components of return, the active component can also help to diversify portfolio risk.
It's true—the outlook for long-term capital market returns has been downgraded. But automatic plan design options through which participant assets are, by default, invested in actively managed target date funds (with participants having the ability to opt out) can help plan sponsors place and keep more participants on the road to a secure retirement.
Learn more about our 2017 Long-Term Capital Market Assumptions here: https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/gim/adv/insights/ltcma-defined-contribution
¹J.P. Morgan Plan Participant Research 2016.
Opinions and statements of market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. These views described may not be suitable for all investors. References to specific securities, asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates worldwide.