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With Gadgets Like These, Who Needs Muscles?
Keeping up with the latest, greatest technological advancements isn't necessarily good for our health.
The time-honored expression for weighing and measuring ourselves against the superficial indications of status among our neighbors and peers is "keeping up with the Joneses." In its most literal sense, the reference means gauging our own worth by comparing what we have to what our neighbors have.
This was always misguided and problematic. Intrinsically, the comparison is based on what is most obvious—things—and so is willfully materialistic. It is about what we see and think we know about our neighbors, rather than what is really going on.
But even leaving issues of materialism aside, the matter of keeping up with the Joneses has acquired a new veneer of post-modern menace. Because now, all the stuff the Joneses have does work that muscles used to do. And while we are committed to keeping up with the Joneses, the Joneses are committed to keeping up with the latest technological advancements. As Jared Diamond noted in Collapse, "invention is the mother of necessity." The Joneses— meaning any average family—simply have to have the latest, greatest gadget or gizmo—even if they had no idea they needed it until it was invented. But they need it now!
And so do we, or else we can't keep up with the Joneses. But both we and the Joneses are keeping up with technology that may be all about knowledge, and nothing about wisdom. Just because we can invent something, does that mean we should? Just because we did invent something, does that mean we're better off using it?
Most new inventions are in the realm of push-button electronics, but there are more flagrant examples of muscles being put out to pasture. People once managed to keep lawns and driveways clear with rakes and shovels. Now, we use blowers, and get less exercise while generating more pollution. Which part of that is progress?
Even as the evidence of diverse, profound benefits of routine physical activity continues to accumulate, so does the evidence that we are getting less and less. Physical exertion has declined dramatically during the typical work day over recent decades, which will surprise no one paying attention. Schools, pressed by competing priorities, are jettisoning physical education and recess. A recent analysis in the Lancet indicates that sedentariness is now a leading cause around the globe of reduced life expectancy.
We have evidence that sitting more and doing less reduces our life expectancy, while doing more and sitting less increases it—but guess which way things are going? And while we may hold out hope that technology itself may help redress the sedentariness it seems to encourage, namely in the form of "active video games," this is, as yet, nothing more than hope. A recent review in Health Education and Behavior found that most studies of such games failed to show a meaningful effect on overall physical activity.
The study I would like to see, but have not, is one that examines every new, labor-saving invention and its associated decrement in physical activity, measured in calories. In other words: If you buy and use this device, you will expend, on average, this many fewer calories a day! This would work best with a sonorous announcer of the "Tell them what they've won, Johnny!" variety. In the absence of such studies or announcements, we may reasonably infer that every new, push-button, labor-saving gizmo that becomes part of our daily routine reduces our habitual level of exercise by some amount. And into the bargain, reduces the number of calories we need each day.
While waiting for that information, here's some—if you are inclined to do something about your own daily energy expenditure. There are freely available ways to fit physical activity bursts into even busy school days (www.davidkatzmd.com/abcforfitness.aspx/) and at work or home (www.abeforfitness.com/).
So, these days, keeping up with the Joneses is apt to mean never having to lift a finger. Because if the Joneses next door are like most families, they have technology that does everything muscles used to do, and they feel obligated to use it all. If we keep up, then that's true for us as well. And more's the pity.
That we make use of technology, in the form of pedometers, to help motivate and measure our walking is fine. But if we are fortunate enough to have a pair of serviceable legs, the space and opportunity to stretch them, and the native animal vitality that comes standard with a human body in working order, it seems a shame, at best, that we feel obliged to count steps and disinclined to count our blessings.
Hungry for more? Write to firstname.lastname@example.com with your questions, concerns, and feedback.
David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, is a specialist in internal medicine and preventive medicine, with particular expertise in nutrition, weight management, and chronic-disease prevention. He is the founding director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center, and principal inventor of the NuVal nutrition guidance system. Katz was named editor-in-chief of Childhood Obesity in 2011, and is president-elect of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.


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The Klaustur Icelandairhotel (3*) is situated halfway between two picturesque glaciers, in the southeast, the warmest region of Iceland. Despite its tranquil setting, there's a lot to see and do in this beautiful mountainous area, with guided summer tours in the vicinity of Vatnajokull glacier and Skaftafell National Park just a scenic drive away.
Standard rooms are decorated with modern colours and rich furnishings to a high standard and offer all the amenities you would expect. Amenities: Queen size bed, TV and telephone. Each room has bathroom facilities, including a shower and a hairdryer.
Superior rooms are spacious, bright and nicely decorated. In the rooms there is a LCD screen and bathroom with either bathtub or shower. Amenities: Choice of single or double bed, LCD screen, telephone, coffee and tea set, bathroom with shower and hairdryer.
Icelandair Hotel Klaustur's restaurant seats as many as 150 people so is ideal for both quiet meals and large gatherings. Adding to the restaurant's finery, spectacular views compliment your food beautifully and make the experience all the more memorable. Lamb and trout, often locally sourced, are just some of delicious dishes on offer so, with first-class lunch and dinner menus, the restaurant provides the perfect dining experience.
In the vicinity of the hotel is great natural beauty and mild climate. Nature and outdoor lovers are being offered almost unlimited possibilities for long or short trips. The staff are always ready to assist travelers to book tours. Points of interest include Systrastapi, Systravatn Lake, Fjarðarárgljúfur canyon and Dverghamar cliff .
(Reykjavik, Fludir, Kirkjuaejarklaustur, Hofn)
Led by explorer, scientist & renowned Discovery Channel TV personality, George Kourounis, embark on an adventure to the natural phenomenon located at top of the world in Iceland. Price is $6995 per person based on double occupancy. Departure date is Dec 8th 2014.
Stay in the know: Subscribe to our newsletter to have our hand-picked trips & specials delivered to you!
Please enter a destination

subset: commoncrawl


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Victorian Railways.
McKeen Railmotor Operating Manual.
The 2 McKeen cars were imported from the McKeen Company of Omaha, USA in 1911 and entered service with VR on 13.5.1912. They seated 73 passengers. One ran services between Hamilton - Warrnambool, the other serving Ballarat - Maryborough.
They lasted in this service about 3 years. By 1919 the de-engined cars were in use as passenger carriages (see photo 5).
1. Car interior.
2. Talbot.
3. Warrnambool.
4. Side view of No. 2
5. Stored McKeens after use as unmotored cars. (3,4 & 5 from P J Vincent collection)
6. Unknown.
Contact firstname.lastname@example.com
last updated 19/04/2005.


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HALE O. WILSON JR., 86, of Priscilla Lane, died Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at his home. He was born in Plattsburgh on March 15, 1927, the son of Hale and Ethel (Lewis) Wilson. Arrangements are incomplete with R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh.
Death Notices
May 2, 2013
Hale O. Wilson


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Keep up to date with your fellow alumni. Sign up for Alumni Links, our monthly newsletter
Be a part of NUI Galway's exciting new developments. How do I donate.
Alumni affinity card
Get the best out of your credit card and support your alma mater at the same time. Apply for an alumni affinity card.


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ONE FC 6 Results: Bantamweight Grand Prix
The week's most interesting bits from the MMA and UFC twitter world as compiled by Anton Tabuena. This edition feature's Mayhem Miller's bizzare tweets, Jens Pulver's groin shot, Roaches, and some...
ONE FC 6: Rise of Kings photo gallery. Part 2 features Jens Pulver's nasty groin shot, Melvin Manhoef, the Bantamweight Grand Prix, and some behind the scenes photos.
ONE FC 6 results, post-fight analysis, and immediate thoughts from attending the event live from Singapore
Date: October 6, 2012
|Jens Pulver
|Zhao Ya Fei
|135 lbs.
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487 search results for Japan
Japanese Parody Of 'Doctor Who' Is Basically 'Power Rangers' With Daleks
Type: Article | Date: Thursday, Jul 10, 2014Seriously, the Doctor should always summon his sonic screwdriver like this.
'Game Of Thrones' Visualized In Feudal Japan
Type: Article | Date: Friday, Jan 24, 2014Western Europe isn't the only culture with a rich history of betrayal.
'Game Of Thrones' Visualized In Feudal Japan
Type: Gallery | Date: Friday, Jan 24, 2014From the artist: "This is the iconic duel between Robert Baratheon ...
Exclusive premiere: 4 posters from rock 'n' roll SXSW film 'Big in Japan'
Type: Post | Date: Tuesday, Mar 4, 2014Tennis Pro gets a second chance overseas
Oz The Great and Powerful - Japan Premiere
Type: Video | Date: Monday, Feb 25, 2013James Franco, Sam Raimi, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams and Mila Kunis descend upon Tokyo for the Japan red carpet premiere of Oz The Great and Powerful
Pray for Japan
Type: Event | Date: Wednesday, Mar 14, 2012This documentary looks at the aftermath of last year's earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Set visit: Keanu Reeves' '47 Ronin' turns London into 1700s Japan
Type: Article | Date: Monday, Nov 4, 2013Samurai loyalty and honor in 3D
Resident Evil: Retribution - Japan Premiere Red Carpet
Type: Video | Date: Thursday, Sep 6, 2012Mika Nakashima and Milla Jovovich grace the red carpet for the Tokyo Premiere of futuristic horror Resident Evil: Retribution
So this is what David Lee Roth has been doing in Japan
Type: Article | Date: Monday, May 27, 2013Thank goodness they called off the rest of that Van Halen tour
Ken Watanabe discusses 'Godzilla' and Japan's nuclear history
Type: Article | Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014The Japanese actor discusses his nation's history with Toho's famous monster


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Superintendent Dr. Art Fessler announced his resignation Monday night via an email blast to Dist. 123 staff and families. Dist. 123 is comprised of Sward, Covington, Hannum, Kolmar and Hometown Elementary Schools, and Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. Fessler, who lives in Barrington, says he's accepted a position closer to home. We wish him all the luck in the world. Dr. Fessler will be greatly missed. Here is the entireity of his letter:
Dear Dist. 123 Staff and Families:
I am writing this letter to inform you that I will be leaving the district at the end of the 2012-2013 school year to accept a superintendent position in Community Consolidated School District 59, which is closer to my family and residence in West Dundee.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Oak Lawn-Hometown school community the past two and a half years. I have worked with many extraordinary people in District 123 including a board of education who has always worked tirelessly as volunteers to ensure the best for the children in our district. I have also been fortunate to have the distinct pleasure to work with some of the most talented administrators, teachers and staff members in the field of public education. Throughout my time in D123, these talented, caring individuals have been a true inspiration.
I am proud of the efforts of students, staff and parents that have contributed to the successful growth demonstrated in many areas of our schools. Our district's work in the area of curriculum and instruction and infusion of technology far surpasses many Illinois school districts. The framework in place will sustain and enhance the educational prospects of our children for many years ahead. Through collaborative processes, our faculty and staff have worked to ensure that high-quality and relevant educational opportunities exist for all students.
I am proud of our record of continuous improvement in the areas of student progress and achievement and the initiatives we have put in place to continue moving our district in an upward trajectory. I am also proud of the work we have accomplished to provide our children with lifelong skills, knowledge, and opportunities to be successful in a rapidly changing world.
The board of education is in the process of initiating the search for the next superintendent of schools. Specific details and timelines will be shared with stakeholders prior to winter break.
Please know that the Oak Lawn-Hometown community and families will remain in my heart forever. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your superintendent over these past several years.
Dr. Art Fessler


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Get pumped for the weekend with a little of everything in the entertainment department.
Start the weekend with one of the last summer concerts of the summer featuring A-town A-list. Having shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews, A-town A-list sings pop songs from the last 50 years with a very "current, modern edge." Music starts at 7:30 and end at 9:30 p.m. in .
It's another artsy weekend in the Norcross area with Folk Fest 2012 at the . Kicking off this Friday at 5 p.m., the 19th annual art show will have more than 80,000 square feet of vendors in the self-taught art spectrum, Southern folk pottery, outsider art and more. The Folk Fest attracts around 12,000 visitors every year, and those who purchase a $15 weekend pass also gets a free t-shirt. Same-day passes are $7 each.
The event is open Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Finish off the weekend with some World War II education in a documentary screening of followed by a discussion from Holocaust survivor Suzi Schwarz. Schwarz is a child saved by Kindertransport, the rescue mission that helped 10,000 children escape concentration camps during World War II. Doors for the free event open at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 19in the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center. The movie will start at 4 p.m. with the dicussion following.
Don't miss any Norcross news. Subscribe to Norcross Patch's free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


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Prior to the global economic crisis, Georgia experienced unprecedented economic growth, with a 4-Year Average GDP Growth Rate of 10.5% before the crisis, reaching max of 12% in 2007. Despite recent slowdowns in GDP growth and Foreign Investment caused by the global financial crisis, Georgia's real GDP growth rate was 6.4% in 2010.
This growth has been fueled by significant domestic and international investment. Since 2004, investors have privatized more than GEL 2 Billion of State assets. These new businesses have contributed significantly to job creation, domestic production and export development.
Georgia's growth can also be contributed to its proactive integration into international markets, resulting in increased Foreign Trade Turnover, higher output levels, additional job creations, specialized services development, increased business opportunities and greater access to internal markets.
Small and Medium Enterprises (companies with less than GEL 1.5 Million turnover) provide sustainable job creation and stable income generation since they make up more than 90% of companies in Georgia and represent 38.1% of salaried employees. These companies offer many investment opportunities due to their ability to grow and adapt to changing market conditions quickly.
Likewise, Large Enterprises (companies with more than GEL 1.5 Million turnover) offer additional investment opportunities, since these companies represent 84% of output and 86% of total market turnover.
Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia.


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> Subscribe to Blog Entries about Cloud Computing
Data Destruction Basics: Why Deleting Your Hedge Fund Data Isn't Enough
Your hedge fund's information security plan likely includes details on where information is stored, how it is accessed and who it is accessible to. But a critical component of this plan often overlooked is how and why data is destroyed when it is no longer needed. Including data destruction procedures in your WISP or as a separate document is vital to ensuring your firm's sensitive data and intellectual property does not fall into the hands of the wrong people. Unfortunately, in today's technology-driven, cyber-aware environment, simply hitting the delete key is not enough.
There are a few different scenarios that warrant secure data destruction maneuvers:
Changing service providers
Retiring a service/product
Your methods and policies for secure destruction may vary according to the above scenarios, or they may be standard across the firm. Your hedge fund should also consider if there are any regulatory implications. Do you need to maintain/archive data for a prescribed period of time in order to comply with state, federal or other compliance or auditing standards?
In any case, you'll want to consider a variety of methods in the beginning to ensure your firm's confidential data (e.g. investment portfolio, investor contact information, etc.) is thoroughly destroyed, preventing unwanted breaches or thefts.
Categorized under: Security Cloud Computing Disaster Recovery Hedge Fund Operations Hedge Fund Regulation Infrastructure Trends We're Seeing
Does the Network Powering a Cloud Matter? Watch and Learn
We are excited to debut our newest video that explains why the network powering a cloud service matters and should be evaluated closely.
As background for why we created this video, in today's interconnected financial world, investment firms have global interests and a global presence, making fully on-premise IT infrastructure a way of the past. Cloud service providers have a variety of capabilities, each designed to serve a specific set of needs, which makes it crucial for businesses to critically evaluate the network behind a cloud and what it can deliver. Not all clouds are created equal.
Our ECI Link Financial Network is a global private cloud network built for the financial industry. With data centers in the US, UK and Asia, it enables organizations to efficiently leverage a single provider for all their global infrastructure needs.
Now on to the video -- let us show you why ECI Link is THE single converged network built to power today's buy-side firms' trading operations.
Categorized under: Cloud Computing Launching A Hedge Fund Eze Castle Milestones Infrastructure Trends We're Seeing Videos And Infographics
IT Security Dos and Don'ts to Live By
We spend a lot of time educating our clients about security best practices and encouraging them to implement comprehensive security policies and procedures to mitigate risk and protect both the firm and its employees. And for good reason. Just today, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman released a report stating data breaches across the state more than tripled from 2006 to 2013 and cost businesses more than $1.37 billion last year alone.
While companywide policies should reflect long-range expectations and corporate best practices, they should also include tactical recommendations that employees can follow to ensure they are complying with the company's overall risk strategy. In addition to providing employees with security best practices they should follow, don't forget to also include a list of actions they should not. Here are just a few pieces of advice we regularly offer our investment firm clients:
Lock your computer and mobile phone(s) when you leave your desk and/or office
Use care when entering passwords in front of others
Create and maintain strong passwords and change them every 60-90 days (We recommend a combination of lowercase & uppercase letters and special characters)
Categorized under: Security Cloud Computing Disaster Recovery Hedge Fund Operations Infrastructure Communications Business Continuity Planning Trends We're Seeing
Persistent Automation for Fund Management: The New Reality, Part 2
Following is the second part in a two-part guest post from Branden Jones, Global Head of Marketing at Liquid Holdings Group, Inc. based in New York, NY. To read Part One, click here.
In this age of data management—this new state of cross-office functionality—operational models must be able to house, curate, and level-off information sets as they happen. Funds must not only actively manage a growing universe of market data but also tackle performance reporting, risk projections, disaster planning, and partitioned client data.
To successfully, and simultaneously, manage these activities, funds must have a data operational model that supports automation, where it makes sense:
- Continuous processing, as an underlying system
- Consistent normalization, across the board
- Historical, since inception view
- Defensive measures, to protect the operation
Real-time, continuous actions are the new normal in today's hedge fund reality. Funds are expected to understand, identify, and take advantage of opportunities as they occur. However, from a data standpoint "real-time" is only a point on a larger continuum of activity that occurs when a participant observes or captures a single event in time. Continuous processing is the underlying current that accepts and captures, or rejects data inflows and outflows. As pressures increase from both investors and regulators, managers should rely on continuous, automated services, processes, and technology to support their business, not only as a viewable segment, but constantly, throughout the lifespan of the fund.
Categorized under: Cloud Computing Hedge Fund Operations Infrastructure Communications Outsourcing Software Trends We're Seeing
The New Reality: Persistent Automation for Fund Management
Following is the first part in a two-part guest post from Branden Jones, Global Head of Marketing at Liquid Holdings Group, Inc. based in New York, NY.
This is the year for big data. Across industries, firms have unprecedented amounts of both public and private information sets – from user profiles and consumer habits to business outputs and proprietary algorithms. But access to data, or information at large, does not guarantee a valuable yield. Jonathan Shaw, managing editor of Harvard Magazine notes, "The [data] revolution lies in improved statistical and computational methods, not in the exponential growth of storage or even computational capacity." Data is ubiquitous but not intrinsically valuable – it needs to be smartly processed, not just farmed.
For hedge funds, data processing is the quiet, invisible process that moves through the trade lifecycle—accessed from external entities like exchanges and brokers, modified and adjusted in execution, and at times, frozen in snapshots for an increasingly complex group of investors and regulators. More operational credibility and regulatory compliance is required than ever before, with increased scrutiny of the secret buy-side manna that goes along with it.
Smarter data management can be expensive and time-consuming as funds seek to keep up with regulatory, compliance, and transparency requirements while navigating through a sea of market opportunities. Good fund management starts and ends with precise, accurate data management. Truly taking advantage of data, and smarter computational methods, requires not only shedding the skin of outdated models, but categorically understanding a whole new data ecosystem, with new methods of processing, through selective automation and augmented observation. Once that new data ecosystem has been embraced, fund managers can spend their time mastering alpha generation and capital building initiatives.
Categorized under: Cloud Computing Hedge Fund Operations Infrastructure Communications Outsourcing Software Trends We're Seeing
What is a Security Vulnerability Assessment and How Does it Work?
One of the first questions on the SEC's cybersecurity questionnaire for financial firms asks firms to "indicate whether they conduct periodic risk assessments to identify cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities and potential business consequences", and if so, who conducts them and how often. Clearly the goal behind this question is to ensure that firms are taking a proactive approach to security. But what exactly does this assessment entail?
Here's a quick overview.
The type of risk assessment typically associated with information technology/security is an external vulnerability assessment. Essentially, this is the process of identifying and categorizing vulnerabilities related to a system or infrastructure. Typical steps associated with a vulnerability scan or assessment include:
Identifying all appropriate systems, networks and infrastructures;
Scanning networks to assess susceptibility to external hacks and threats;
Classifying vulnerabilities based on severity; and
Making tactical recommendations around how to eliminate or remediate threats at all levels.
Categorized under: Security Cloud Computing Disaster Recovery Hedge Fund Due Diligence Hedge Fund Operations Hedge Fund Regulation Infrastructure Outsourcing Trends We're Seeing
When Billion Dollar Hedge Funds Make the Cloud Move
Timing is everything. Last week we released a new whitepaper, Why the Billion Dollar Club is Headed to the Cloud, and shared an excerpt here on Hedge IT about why hedge funds are making this move. Today, to entice you to download the full paper, we'll share WHEN firms are making the cloud move.
For newly emerging investment firms, the choice to adopt a cloud-based architecture is an easy one. Few firms have a business model where an in-house Comm. Room makes strategic or economic sense. But what about established firms that have been in business for several years and have invested millions of dollars in infrastructure? When is the right time to make a move?
Opportunities and timing will vary, but generally speaking, the following three scenarios represent ideal inflection points for moving to the cloud:
Office Relocations
This is an ideal time to switch to the cloud. Many companies are understandably reluctant to take on the expense of moving a massive, expensive, and often outdated infrastructure to a new location – particularly if the company expects to phase out certain portions or components in the following 24-36 months. In such cases, migrating to the cloud before relocating offices can be a smart move.
Categorized under: Cloud Computing Launching A Hedge Fund Hedge Fund Operations Infrastructure Outsourcing Trends We're Seeing
Why Billion Dollar Hedge Funds Are Going Cloud
Today we released a new whitepaper that looks at a growing trend we are seeing -- billion dollar hedge funds and investment firms moving to the cloud. Here is a sneak peak at the paper's content as well as a video interview with Bob Guilbert on why firms should read, Why the Billion Dollar Club is Headed to the Cloud.
It's More Than Managing Money
There's more competition in financial services than ever before. Every week, new and agile boutique firms sprout up, armed with proprietary models and the right technology foundation to compete – intensely – with the major players for billions of investment dollars. Firms of every size are competing to deliver broader ranges of increasingly exotic instruments, specialized funds, and high-performance investments that deliver competitive returns to investors whose demands and expectations continue to climb.
But when it comes to performance and success in financial services, there's more to evaluate than just the hard numbers. Returns alone aren't enough. Today, savvy firms know they need to deliver more. In a post-Madoff, post-2008 world, the SEC and FINRA – and investors as well – are scrutinizing all corners of the operation. There's an increased focus on how operational risk is managed and how firms respond to greater demands for transparency. That means it's more important than ever for firms to deploy and maintain robust, scalable, and secure technology infrastructures.
Categorized under: Cloud Computing Hedge Fund Operations Infrastructure Outsourcing Trends We're Seeing Videos And Infographics
What Happens to Your Firm's IT Team When You Go Cloud?
As your firm evaluates moving to the cloud – as most firms today will inevitably do – your list of priorities will likely include:
Regulatory and investor impact
Migration plans and operational effects
Hardware disposal and infrastructure changes
But another critical business area your firm should put some thought into is the effect of the cloud movement on your internal IT department (assuming you have one). What exactly happens to a firm's IT team once it moves operations into a cloud environment? Is there still value in maintaining an in-house staff?
The simple answer is 'yes,' but the day-to-day responsibilities for those staffers may not look quite the same post-cloud. With a fully managed service provider, everyday management is typically taken care of – leaving internal resources with a lot more time on their hands. But that doesn't mean there's no longer a need for an IT department.
Categorized under: Cloud Computing Security Hedge Fund Due Diligence Hedge Fund Operations Hedge Fund Regulation Infrastructure Outsourcing Trends We're Seeing
Hedge Fund Transformation, Part 2: Cloud, Communication & Control
In Part 1 of our Transformation of IT seminar recap, we shared what our expert panel discussed relative to evaluating outsourced solutions and leveraging technology solutions. Our panel included Vinod Paul, Managing Director, and Steve Schoener, Vice President, at Eze Castle Integration, John Budzyna, Managing Director, and Dave Messier, Director, at KPMG, Timothy Ng, Managing Principal at Clearbrook Global Services, Jon Anderson, Global Head of OTC Derivatives at SS&C GlobeOp and Sheldon Rubin, COO/CFO/CCO at S Squared Technology LLC.
Read on to see what our speakers had to say about the considerations for outsourcing, typical transformation challenges and more. You can also read Part 1 of the event recap or listen to the complete audio replay.
Q: Whether it's technology, compliance or another area of the business, firms ultimately need to decide if they are going to manage these areas internally or outsource to an expert vendor. How does a hedge fund determine what is the right solution for them and whether to outsource or maintain their own systems and operations?
When considering internal operations vs. outsourcing, a firm must determine which option gives it the most control over the given process. The firm is not only considering outsourcing technology but also outsourcing control.
Categorized under: Hedge Fund Operations Launching A Hedge Fund Cloud Computing Hedge Fund Regulation Communications Outsourcing Trends We're Seeing


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Pastor Jethroe Moore II, President of the San Jose/Silicon Valley Branch of the NAACP, was getting ready in the morning when he read about the online.
"By the time we figured out that it was Shareef, we were in shock," Moore said.
He has known Allman for the last 15 to 20 years and considers the man currently the main suspect in a deadly shooting at the Lehigh Cement Plant as a "stalwart within the community."
Although he did not confirm whether or not Allman's family had been in contact, he did say that "everyone's OK."
Moore II, along with others of the NAACP San Jose/Silicon Valley Branch held a press conference this afternoon at the African American Community Service Agency in San Jose urging Allman to surrender himself to bring the manhunt to a peaceful end.
"We just want to end this," Moore said. "We want to bring it to a peaceful close."


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Ottumwa Courier
So many basketball teams spend year after year looking for the secret to championship success.
For C.J. Bruton, it's not a difficult formula to figure out. For a player who has won six championships over nearly two decades, Bruton has learned to appreciate the value of being part of a true team.
"You have to understand that you can't do it all by yourself," Bruton said. "I know I didn't make it this far without my teammates. They helped me look good.
"The fact that I can take them with me into the hall of fame is a tremendous honor."
Bruton will be the second Indian Hills basketball player to be inducted into the school's athletic hall-of-fame on Saturday, joining one of those teammates that helped Bruton win his first title. Pete Mickeal, who as a freshman teamed up with the returning sophomore Bruton to lead IHCC basketball to its first national title, was inducted last year.
No one is happier than Bruton to be rejoining Mickeal in another very special group of IHCC athletes.
"We had a great team that was able to do some great things," Bruton said of the 1996-97 Warriors that featured the hall-of-fame duo.
"Obviously when Pete got there it gave us a great talent that helped push us over the top. He certainly has earned everything that he's gained in his career.
"To see him make it to Cincinnati, make it to the NBA and make it to an overseas team like Barcelona is a great honor for someone like Pete."
For Burton, the honor of being inducted into the Indian Hills Athletic Hall-of-Fame is the icing on the cake for a successful two years in Ottumwa. The two-year starter for the Warriors ended his career as the IHCC single-season and career assists leader while also earning NJCAA All-American and JUCO Tournament MVP honors.
But individual honors were never the main reason why Bruton chose to attend Indian Hills.
"My first goal when I went there was to graduate. The second was to win a national championship," Bruton said. "To be honored among some of the best athletes to ever come through this school is a great honor."
The long road Bruton took to Indian Hills actually started in a state not too far away. Bruton was actually born in December of 1975 in Wichita, Kan., where Bruton lived until the age of 3, when his family moved to Australia so his father, Calvin Bruton, Sr., would begin a professional career with the Brisbane Bullets in 1979.
Bruton credits his father with teaching him the core values he would use to become a great player himself.
"Coming from a professional background and being the son of a hall-of-fame coach, you know how important that chemistry is to have as a team," Bruton said.
Bruton would soon learn firsthand what it took to be part of a professional team, debuting with the Perth Wildcats in 1994. That made Bruton ineligible to play with an NCAA squad, making the choices for Bruton much more limited as he sought to become an intercollegiate student athlete back stateside.
Bruton wanted to find a winning program to be a part of. It took one little nudge to lead Bruton down a hall-of-fame path.
"Dave Atkins, who was my guardian at the time, and I were going over some of the schools," Bruton said. "I told him that certain schools weren't that good. I wanted to go somewhere I had a chance to win at. He said he had a school that you'll definitely like."
And with that, Bruton was on his way to Ottumwa to begin his career at Indian Hills.
"Right off the bat, we had a lot of talent that Coach (Terry) Carroll and (assistant coach Mike) Cappacio had recruited," Bruton said. "We had a mix of international talent and top high school players that could teach each other the fundamentals of the game. We had high expectations going in and we found our own groove once we got onto the floor."
For Bruton, adjusting to a brand new team wasn't the only change to get used to. After growing up in Australia, where the winter months bring triple-digit temperatures, southern Iowa itself was shock to Bruton's system.
"It was definitely a culture shock for me," Bruton said. "To spend all those winter months in the United States and realize just how cold and how much snow there was on the ground was definitely shocking."
Bruton's ability to adapt did a lot to bring the Warriors together as a team, especially the other international talents.
"A lot of overseas guys probably wondered if this was really for them," Bruton said. "Once I got into Ottumwa and realized it wasn't a big city, I knew it would take some adjusting. Everyone at the school really did a great job welcoming me in with open arms. Everyone there gave me guidance for my career."
On the floor, Bruton averaged 13.2 points and 5.6 assists as the freshman point guard led IHCC back to his home state of Kansas for the NJCAA National Tournament. The Warriors made it all the way to the semifinals before falling short of a national title, which also left a lasting impression on Bruton.
"That was the first chance my whole family, including my grandmother, got to see me play," Bruton said. "To get knocked out in the semifinals and have that dream end early, it left a sour taste in everyone's mouth."
"Seeing the faces of those sophomores who saw that dream end, we didn't want that to happen to my group of sophomores."
With Mickeal joining the mix for the 1996-97 season, Bruton became much more of a facilitator. The sophomore kept right on dishing out the assists with a second straight season averaging 5.6 assists while scoring just 12.1 points to lead the Warriors back to Hutchinson.
"It's an amazing thing just to make it back to Hutchinson," Bruton said. "Once we made it back and we had climbed over so many hurdles to get there, we were much more confident in what we could do."
IHCC not only made it back to the national tournament, they claimed the program's first championship with an 89-80 victory over San Jacinto College-Central to win the 1997 title. While Bruton would leave the Warriors to begin his professional career, his legacy would live on in starting a density as Indian Hills continued a run of three-straight national titles.
"It set the tone and raised the bar for the players that were coming into the program. You have to meet that level," Bruton said. "Guys like Pete, Cory Hightower and the players that followed in our footsteps over the next couple of years had to meet a very high standard."
Bruton also kept his play up to a very high level after leaving IHCC. Since choosing to return to Australia despite being drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1997, Bruton has become the first National Basketball League championship player to play on five championship teams and is seeking to lead the New Zealand Breakers to a third straight title this year.
Bruton has also played for the Australian national team in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics. This summer, however, Bruton is planning on bringing his family back to the place where he feels he truly began his successful basketball career.
"We're trying to plan on coming back to Indian Hills," Bruton said. "My son is 5 years old now and we've been to so many different places with him. To bring them back to see where a lot of things started for me and place that was so impactful in my life for the first time is going to be very special.
"I'm going to be very proud to share that with my family. It shows that when you work hard and do great things, great things can happen in life for you."


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Rachel Baker
Rachel (firstname.lastname@example.com) is a doctoral student in Higher Education. She graduated in 2004 with a B.A. in psychology and elementary education from Dartmouth College. Rachel's professional experience includes teaching elementary school in the Marshall Islands, working as a literacy specialist at a school for the Deaf and coordinating college readiness programming at The Steppingstone Foundation in Boston. Rachel's research interests include college access and completion and community college success.


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San Mateo News
Local news for San Mateo, CA continually updated from thousands of sources on the web.
1 hr ago | Reuters
Always misplacing keys, wallet? Lost and found apps may help
Finding misplaced keys, wallets and purses could get easier with new apps that take the guess work out of trying to remember where they might be.
Popular Stories
6 hrs ago | San Mateo Daily Journal
Blame it on the chlorine. Typically, I admit not being a frequent Kmart shopper.
KCSM-TV discontinues MHz programming, citing FCC regulations
TV in San Mateo, Calif., has dropped international programming from MHz Networks after determining that the programs did not meet legal requirements for noncommercial stations.
Seniors share homes for cost saving, companionship
Rosenfeld is among thousands of aging Americans taking part in home-sharing programs around the country that allow seniors to stay in their homes and save money while getting some much-needed companionship.
Fleet Unveils An App For Late Night Rides Between Silicon Valley And San Francisco
Newcomers to Silicon Valley are often shocked at how appallingly bad the transit options between San Francisco and the rest of the region can be.
Community Bank of the Bay Announces Record Loan Growth for 2014 Second Quarter
Net Income for the 2014 First Quarter totaled $483 thousand, or $0.13 earnings per common share.
Mosquito fogging planned in San Mateo County
A truck spraying mosquito-killing insecticide will be driving around parts of San Mateo and Hillsborough Monday evening, in an effort to combat the spread of West Nile Virus.
Bills aim to bring family law into 21st century
In this Aug. 13, 2013 file photo, actor Jason Patric, left, urges members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee to approve a bill that would allow him another chance to seek paternity rights for his young son, fathered through sperm donation, with an ex-girlfriend, in Sacramento, Calif.
Creativity, innovations run wild at Maker Faire
'My job is to make the track and let the other people bring the racers,' said Jim Dallam from the Cincinnati maker space HIVE13.
Life sentence for - chrome revolver bandit': Three strikes for man who went on multi-city crime spree
The three-strikes robbery defendant nicknamed the "chrome revolver bandit" for the large silver weapon used during a multi-city crime spree and the shooting of a San Mateo pet store clerk will be sentenced as a three-striker and receive a life sentence, a judge decided Friday.
Seniors share homes for cost saving, companionship
It's not exactly "The Golden Girls," but for Marcia Rosenfeld, it'll do. Rosenfeld is among thousands of aging Americans taking part in home-sharing programs around the country that allow seniors to stay in their homes and save money while getting some much-needed companionship.
Mosquito fogging scheduled for San Mateo
San Mateo County mosquito officials will fog again in the city of San Mateo Monday night because West Nile Virus remains after the last treatment.
Photographer Barry Fleisher is drawn to street photography and construction sites
Although it took some decades for Barry Fleisher to re-embrace photography, he remembers first getting bit by the camera bug while in his 20s.
Search On For Armed Suspect After Hit-And-Run Crash On San Mateo Bridge
The California Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run collision that happened on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge Friday morning.
Foster City: CHP looking for four male in connection to hit-and-run on San Mateo Bridge
The California Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run collision that happened on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge this morning.
Man sentenced for soliciting sex from teens
A San Mateo man identified through a police Facebook page as the person soliciting teenage girls on the street for sex was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in prison and must register for life as a sex offender.
Carolyn Livengood: National Night Out planned in several Peninsula cities
The 31st annual National Night Out, a crime and drug prevention event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, will be celebrated Aug. 5. The purpose of the event is to not only heighten crime and drug prevention awareness but to generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and ... (more)
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
Join our new North SMC email group
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition currently has four location-specific Local Teams with associated email groups to discuss issues relevant to that area .
San Mateo man on suspicion of robbing Burlingame Bank of America twice
A San Mateo man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of robbing two Burlingame banks in April and July, police said.
All you can eat Korean BBQ house makes a sizzle in San Mateo County
Centrally located between San Mateo and San Francisco is the city of San Bruno , a suburban neighborhood not well known for destination eats but Korean Bar-B-Que House and Buffet is the tantalizing exception.
San Mateo News Video
San Mateo News, Events & Info
Updated: Tue Jul 29, 2014 10:24 am
Copyright © 2014 Topix LLC


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|The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
About Breast Biopsy
This "Helpful Facts" sheet is designed to give you basic information on breast biopsy. More detailed information can be provided by your doctor or nurse. If you have other questions or would like additional information, please talk to your doctor or nurse.
What is a breast biopsy?
When is a breast biopsy recommended?
What is an excisional biopsy?
What are the risks of this procedure?
Your surgeon will discuss what you can expect. Other risks and complications associated with breast surgery are listed below:
When do i learn the results?


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PRS Unveils New Logo!
State College, Pa. The Paranormal Research Society unveiled its new logo on Friday, marking the first change to its logo since it was first created back in 2002. The seal features two identical sphinxes. Both sphinxes guard the seal (which incorporates elements of the old seal), while their other hands hold two matching swords.
Why the change? "We always felt that our original logo was a work never completed," said PRS founder and Director Ryan Buell. "And it was symbolic of an organization that was still building. Now that PRS has moved on from being a student club at Penn State and now faces a bright future as a professional organization, we thought it was time to embrace change."
One of the oldest PRS members, Eilfie Music, who joined the society two months after its founding in the fall of 2001, said that they didn't want to
abandon their old logo which they all felt an affection for. "We knew we needed a change, but we didn't want to do away with what we had. The first logo is simple and represents the old society. When we decided on a new emblem, we all agreed to keep the old logo in there as much as possible. Now [looking at the new logo], it feels like it's an evolution of the logo, instead of a completely new design."
The Sphinxes: The sphinx consists of three representations: daVinci's Man, a lion and a phoenix. Here's a little trivia for you: each of the three represent a specific research department within PRS. The lion represents the FIR department (a field investigative unit; FIR is the investigative branch featured on "Paranormal State"); the phoenix, SOR department (Spirituality & Occult Research); and daVinci's man, the PLR department (Parapsychology & Laboratory Research). Together, they combine to make the Protector of Truth.
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The Circular Emblem: The sphinxes guard a circular emblem at the center of the logo, which incorporates parts of the old logo. Hands reach hold up the divine truth. The four stars, triangle and two olive branches have significant meaning, but are not public knowledge.
The Swords: Each sphinx holds an identical sword, but have different inscriptions that connect together. The latin, "Sancte Michael Archangele," translates to "St. Michael the Archangel," a respected saint that is said to be the sword of God. St. Michael is chosen because of his continued battles against evil, and because St. Michael is revered across different religions other than Catholicism or Christianity. Many Christians, Muslims, Jews, Wiccans and Pagans respect St. Michael as being a prince in heaven.
Latin Inscription: Around the emblem and seal are the words, "Fidere, Colere et Semper Veritatem Petere!" It translates, "To Trust, Honor & Always Seek the Truth." This has been the official motto of PRS since its founding.
The new emblem will replace the old one effect immediately. New logos for the research departments and the general members society will be released shortly.


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by Hannah Cruz
The Norman Transcript
NORMAN — As far back as Jessi Wilson can remember, art has been a part of her life.
Though she developed an early romance with photography, earning a bachelor's in the subject from Texas Woman's University, she later fell in love with printmaking and is currently studying the medium as a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma.
She's now combining her passions for an exhibit at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 120 E. Main St., through Sept. 14. Her work is being exhibited for winning the Norman Arts Council's 2012-2013 Individual Artist Award.
For more on Wilson visit jessiwilson.com.
Q: What fascinates you about art?
A: I guess just the way you can be creative, create your own individual work and be expressive — really put your mark on something and have something be significant for you as well as show it to others.
Q: Why did you get into photography first?
A: I grew up with my mom taking pictures. She really showed me how to use my camera. She bought me my first one and I haven't stopped taking pictures since. It was love at first image.
Q: How did you transition into printmaking?
A: I took a screenprinting class the spring of 2012 and I realized how much it complimented the work I was doing in photo at the time, and I wanted to explore printmaking more and learn the processes that are involved. So I switched. I took a press workshop that OU does every year in the summer and I started doing woodblock and I loved it. I kind of went from there.
Q: What kind of prints do you do now?
A: I do a little bit of everything. My newer work includes more of my photo imagery as a background and layering woodblocking or screenprinting. It's incorporating layers with everything that I do.
Q: What are you doing for your show at MAINSITE?
A: I'm actually doing a "printstalation" which is something that I've recently started researching and noticing printmakers taking their work beyond just a piece of paper and cutting them out and turning them into something more than just a print on a wall. I'll be doing something like that and I'll have prints on the wall, as well.
It's a combination. It's a completely different direction than where I was when I submitted my application for Individual Artist.
Q: What is the printstalation going to be?
A: It's a secret. [laughing] I really want it to be a surprise because it's something nobody has seen from me before. It's still in the baby stages. I know we're only a few weeks away but I really want it to be a surprise for everyone.
I can tell you, it's going to be more of a dream-like scenario of what my dreams are like but will have some hints of reality behind that.
Q: What do you want your audience to get out of your work?
A: Basically seeing the small things in life and recognizing that sometimes it's the little things we need to appreciate more than the bigger picture. We have such a short time on this planet and everything comes and goes. Mother nature has this ability to take away and give back as much as she wants and we have no control over that. It's good to really stop and take time in our lives to really appreciate those little things.
Q: What inspires you?
A: Nature, mostly. I've been fascinated with the car culture and how we see cars as parts of ourselves. But nature mostly and how we kind of interlace ourselves with it and kind of grow around it.
It's a combination of a lot of things, but mostly nature and the car culture because that's what drives us. Literally, that's what drives us around. Just the idea of devolving and revolving scenarios.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: Finishing grad school. That's what's going to happen this next year. And then looking for a job, I'd like to teach ad continuing my art.
Q: What kind of teaching?
A: More of a collegiate level. Teaching printmaking, I want to teach a combination of things so probably at a beginner level but definitely printmaking and combining photography with printmaking.
Q: Why is art important?
A: Oh my gosh, it's so important. Art education is the base of a lot of how kids learn nowadays. And without art we wouldn't have what we have — every object you have has been designed by an artist.
It's necessary. And Norman is one of the best arts education centers for children I've ever seen. It's vital. It's how I learned math, to be perfectly honest. It interlaces with science. Without art we wouldn't have anything. It's very vital we keep it in our system.
Q: Do you have any advice to aspiring artists?
A: Experiment with everything you can get your hands on when it comes to art. Just experiment as much as you can. Look at programs you want to go into when it comes to the people you want to learn from.
And know your history and where everything comes from. At this point it's all been done so it's just how you put your twist, your touch or your niche on it.


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I hate Gordon Ramsay
Okay maybe hate is the wrong word to say here, I don't hate anyone honestly. But IF I do, then Gordon Ramsay must be on top of my hate list! I tried his restaurant for the third time recently, and I can't express enough how much I hate it. Rest assured that I was forced into it after the first try, people always tend to try it at least once. Such an overpriced place with really below average food, not even their deserts are good. And they charge you for WiFi…dot dot dot.
So I looked around to see what's up with his success in his business and his show. It turns out that 60% of the restaurants that appeared on Kitchen Nightmares have been sold or shutdown, wow!? Let me get this straight, the show makes it look like they actually helped the restaurants in every episode and made them successful. Is this all a lie? Yes it is…(Not very surprised, this is a TV show after all)
Check out the below infograph for more details for every season in the show. And read the quotes by the restaurants owners, it's very sad actually. If you are a restaurant owner and your business is struggling, do not let Gordon Ramsay use you! -_-


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Jay Neal
Jacksonville Daily Progress
Tyler Junior College feasted on second-chance points in the second-half of Wednesday's Region XIV game with Jacksonville College to force overtime and then went on to shoot lights out in the bonus period and earn a 91-89 victory over JC men.
The loss dropped the Jags to 9-4, 1-2 in Region XIV, while the Apaches improved to 9-3, 1-2 with the triumph.
JC is back in action at 4 p.m. this evening when the Purple and White are slated to host Trinity Valley.
Prior to the start of the game, JC head coach Jody Bailey said rebounding would be a critical determining factor.
TJC out rebounded JC 24-18 in the second half, creating a slew of second chance points for the Apaches, to erase what was a 46-41 JC halftime lead — the game was tied at 80 at the end of 40 minutes of regulation time.
The Jags did much better on the boards in the opening period when each team collected 16 boards apiece.
"Rebounds mean second chances and you just can't give a team as good as Tyler a lot of second chances at making baskets and expect to be successful," Bailey said.
TJC shot 4-for-4 from the field in the final half and went 3-of-4 from the charity line, while the Jags struggled from the field in the overtime round.
JC hit just three of eight tries during the five-minute extended session.
"We left too many points out there on the floor in overtime and it ended up being the difference in the game," Bailey said.
Mitchell Farr launched a trey from just left of straight away at the buzzer that would have given JC the win, but the shot caromed off of the iron, which sealed the deal for TJC.
Farr finished with a respectable 20 points, with only Daniel Skinner netting more points (24) for the JC men.
Most of Farr's damage came form beyond the arc where hit drained 4-of-12 tries.
Skinner also collected 13 rebounds, giving him a double-double for the night.
Kennedy Eubanks and Davon Anderson wound up with 10 points each for the Jags.
TJC's Daniel Edozie sank a pair from the charity line to open the scoring in the extra session, giving the Apaches an 82-80 lead that they managed to hold onto the rest of the night.
JC cut the margin to a single point, 90-89, when Farr scored off of the dribble, drive and penetrate from near the left elbow with 33 seconds left in overtime.
The Jags were then forced to foul the Apaches from that juncture on, with Ta'Jon Welcome scoring TJC's final point from the free-throw line with 11.2 ticks left on the scoreboard.
Welcome paced TJC by knocking in 24 points, with Anthony Odunsi adding 18, 16 of which were scored in the second half.
Bailey said that despite the loss his team is performing at a better level than they have in the past.
"I know the fans will only see the final score and say that we lost the game," he said. "But I see how much better that we played than we have in the past and I see this team improving and continuing to play better basketball and for that reason I think that we will be right where we need to be in the end."
NOTES: Former Jacksonville College head coach Greg Young, now an assistant coach at Texas-Arlington (NCAA, Division I) was in attendance at the game...Former Lon Morris College public address announcer Jeff "Doc" Shrode, who is also the head athletic trainer for the Bullard ISD, worked his first game as P.A. announcer at Wagstaff Fieldhouse on Wednesday


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This Week at the Smart Markets Bristow Farmers' Market
Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Bristow Commons
Bristow Montessori School Parking Lot
9050 Devlin Rd.
Bristow, VA 20136
Dear Shopper,
We are working on a solution to the parking issue. Please take care in the meantime; families and children share the road, so drive slowly, pay attention and move to the end of the road where there is more likely to be a space. Also, you may want to wait until a little later to come shop; after 1:30 p.m. we are much less busy, and parking is no problem.
To relieve any anxiety you may have about Blue Dog BBQ being out of your favorite cuts if you do come later, you may order ahead by emailing them at firstname.lastname@example.com. They appreciate pre-orders, as they helps them plan what to put in the pit.
I do hope you were able to shop with Flor and the Machine last week, better known as Delicias del Sur. Our new empanada baker brought a crew of energetic and efficient guys who lit up the place — though not literally, of course. Rumor has it that one of those guys is her son. Let her know what you would like to see for fillings in those empanadas. She cooks to please and is already thinking about other delicious South American specialties to bring for your dining pleasure or just to eat on site.
I was concerned last week that Mike Burner felt left out on the edges of the market, so please stop by and meet our sustainable farmer. From Holly Brook Farm, Mike brings us organically grown fruits and vegetables; the only thing missing is the federal certification. He is bringing bedding plants for your own garden that have been nurtured in his greenhouse in local soil and in temperatures similar to those in your garden, so those plants will hit your garden ready to pop up and out with little transition trauma. He has 20 different tomato plants, a huge variety of herbs, and much more. Pick up a few to plant in your garden or yard with your children; you can begin teaching them about where their food comes from right at home! Mike will also have the first of his strawberries this week.
Shelby will be ready for Mother's Day with gorgeous cupcakes and those really good little shortcakes for making your own dessert at home with local strawberries. The market is full of berries — try them. Max Tyson, Jr. of Tyson Farms and Orchards will be back at the market and will be sampling those berries along with the last of the apples. Too bad he cannot sample his asparagus — it's really good, too.
Don't forget to check for new recipes, and drive safely!
See you at the market!
From the Market Master
Oh Luscious Bulb! Sweet Anise Divine!
OK, that's it for the ode part! Occasionally I do know when to quit while I'm ahead. But I am writing about fennel this week because I love it and I finally have a couple of farmers who are growing it to sell at the markets. It isn't easy to grow in this area, and it wasn't easy to convince those farmers to grow it either, but in appreciation for their special efforts, the least I can do is let you know why we all went to so much trouble.
I am indebted to numerous articles over the years in the food magazines I read but also to an NPR story by Howard Yoon and SixWise.com for the nutritional analysis.
I am not sure I had ever used it or even seen it until I was putting together a menu for a mystery-solving party that I catered for a client some 20 years ago. The mystery they would be solving during the dinner took place in the Mediterranean, so I developed a menu around a Moroccan stew and somewhere along the way was inspired to include braised fennel as one of the accompanying dishes. And the love affair began — which is a miracle, because your first whiff of fennel will remind you of licorice, and I hate licorice.
But it is called "sweet" anise for a reason; it is a much milder and sweeter cousin of plain old anise, the herb that inspired the licorice flavor in candy and other more pungent foods.
I now use fennel in every dish that requires any kind of mirepoix or mixture of aromatic veggies to lay the foundation for the flavors to come. I cannot bring myself to make a tomato sauce without it, but I also use it in chili, soups, and beans and rice, and the list really does go on and on. Like onions and garlic, I always have it on hand. I use it all year long, even if I have to buy it at the grocery store, and it is the star attraction in dishes such as fennel slaw and any frittata that I make. Sauteed with onion as the base of a frittata, it caramelizes in the oven and produces one of my favorite flavors.
Along the way I have learned that it is one of the healthiest veggies you can eat, so using it the way I do provides a wealth of nutrients on a regular basis. It's much better for you than taking a multivitamin and much more delicious. Fennel provides an amazing amount of phytonutrients that have been found to reduce inflammation and help prevent cancer. It is loaded with vitamin C, which as an antioxidant protects your body from free-radical damage and helps keep the immune system healthy itself.
Fennel is a good source of fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol levels, and folate, which helps reduce the risk of heart attacks by turning a dangerous molecule in your body into a harmless compound.
And these benefits have been known since ancient times. There is evidence that Greeks and Romans used fennel as medicine; Pliny the Elder catalogued 22 remedies that used fennel. Charlemagne required that it be included in every imperial garden. It was used in this country by the Puritans, who chewed the seeds during worship services, and at some point in history it was introduced as a seed in bread. When I catered, I made a great fennel rye loaf even before I tried the vegetable itself.
Fennel appears in many international cuisines; it is essential to Indian curries and used in sweet Italian sausage. It is one of the ingredients in Chinese five-spice powder, and it shows up in other Mediterranean and African cuisines. This widespread use of fennel is another testament to its medicinal roots in ancient times and across far-flung climes. At one time, humans ate to stay healthy, not to become unhealthy.
In the modern kitchen, fennel enhances the flavor of other seemingly unrelated ingredients from salmon to oranges. It adds depth to those dishes I mentioned above and does have a lovely, delicate flavor of its own when roasted, braised, or grilled.
So why would you not want to try it? At the market this week, show your appreciation to the farmers who are growing it and the history that has kept it alive as a potent nutrient and delicious ingredient all these years. You too can do something different with it every week and learn to love it as I do. Ode ended.


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From backpacking tents to large family tents, our selection of tents will make your camping memorable. We offer tents from Big Agnes, Montana Canvas, Guide Series, Kelty, Eureka, Coleman, Wenzel, and Marmot. If you need a shelter for equipment or a screen room or shelter for a backyard party, we've got shelters from ShelterLogic and Guide Series.
EZ Up Sierra II Screen Walls
Flame-resistant, durable mesh netting
Provide protection against flying insects
One-piece, lightweight design
Hook-and-loop strips make for easy attachment
Grommeted seams for use with stakes
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater
Two heat settings: 4000 9000 BTUs
Heats up to 200 square feet
Safety shutoff switches prevent fires
Compact, portable design
Mr. Heater BIG Buddy Indoor Safe Propane Heater
Three BTU settings
Blower fan
CSA certified for indoor and outdoor use
ShelterLogic 10' x 20' Screen House Kit
Made of durable, poly screen material
Designed for quick installation
ShelterLogic 12' x 26' Canopy Enclosure Kit
Enclosure kit is easy to install
Great for seasonal storage or backyard events
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 3 Footprint
Made of water-resistant nylon
Custom-fit to protect the Copper Spur UL3 tent
6 oz.
Stansport Reinforced Ripstop Polyethylene Tarp
Durable ripstop polyethylene laminate
Durable, rope-reinforced edges
Heavy-duty rust-resistant grommets
Waterproof and washable
Tenacious Tape
Nearly invisible, permanent repairs
Seals seams
Keeps rips and tears from spreading
Mr. Heater Little Buddy Propane Heater
Radiant heating technology
Safety shut-off
ShelterLogic 12' x 30' Canopy Enclosure Kit
Enclosure kit is easy to install
Great for seasonal storage or backyard events
Enclosure walls only
Poles and canopy not included
ShelterLogic Extension/Sidewall Kit
Converts canopy to fully-covered event tent
Durable, UV-treated polyethylene cover
100% waterproof seams
Easy-to-install, pre-fit wall panels
ShelterLogic 12' x 20' Canopy Enclosure Kit
Enclosure kit is easy to install
Great for seasonal storage or backyard events
ShelterLogic STORE-IT Canopy Rolling Storage Bag
Easy way to store your canopy
Will fit 10' x 20' canopies with 1-3/8" frame
Heavy duty fabric construction
Reinforced bottom and sides
Seam Grip Sealer
Permanently repairs leaks, tears and holes
Dries clear
Unaffected by heat and cold
ShelterLogic Max AP™ Replacement Canopy
Triple-layer, rip-stop, woven polyethylene fabric
100% waterproof
UV-treated inside and out with 50+UPF rating
Twist Titetrade; tensioning
Big Agnes Triangle Gear Loft Tent Accessory
Stow clothes or gear overhead and out of the way
Attaches and detaches easily
Adjustable straps
ShelterLogic ShelterAuger Earth Anchors 15
Securely anchor your shelter
Innovative corkscrew design
Built specifically for 6 or 8-leg canopies
Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel construction
Family Camping Care Kit
Compact kit
Make repairs in the field
Includes Repair and Care Guide
ShelterLogic 10' x 20' Clearview Enclosure Kit With Windows, 4 ...
Clear polyethylene windows enhance visibility
Great for seasonal storage or backyard events
Frame and canopy top not included
ShelterLogic 10' x 20' Canopy Enclosure Kit, For 2" Frame ...
Enclosure kit is easy to install
Great for seasonal storage or backyard events
Kit includes shelter walls only
Canopy and frame sold separately


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Blanche Hudson Taylor, 92, of Savannah and mother of Juanita Taylor of Lady's Island, died Sunday, July 7, 2013, at the Savannah Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals in Beaufort. The body will repose at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Savannah from 10 a.m. Saturday until the funeral at noon. Burial will be in the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Savannah. Arrangements by Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals.
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RBR football beat Hopewell Township Bulldogs at home 12-9 in a consolation game on Saturday.
Trevor Riley and Tajhi Tomaino scored RBR's touchdowns.
The high school team's record stands at 4-5 for the season.
The Bucs will take on the Green Wave at Long Branch on Thanksgiving at 10 am.
On-the-fly reporting courtesy of Bob Neff.


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Rick Ungar, Contributor
I write from the left on politics and policy.
Earlier this week, I posted an article discussing the rather positive developments in the State of California where the prices for purchasing an individual health insurance policy on the newly organized healthcare exchange came in well below what had been anticipated.
As I was certainly not the only writer in the nation reporting this development, I had little doubt that the voices of those who are, in my opinion, more committed to a political and ideological victory than they are to a healthcare system that allows more Americans access to affordable care, would soon be heard from.
It did not take long.
In response to my article—and the positive reaction on the part of Americans who were finally seeing some good news about the Affordable Care Act after years of an onslaught promising everything from death panels to national bankruptcy—my Forbes colleague Avik Roy published a piece, complete with impressive charts and graphs, boasting a headline that trumpeted some very bad news. Contrary to my assertion, Roy's headline revealed that the California exchange prices were actually raising the cost of an individual policy by 64 to 146 percent.
As you might expect, Avik's headline grabbed my attention—as did the early paragraph in his article referencing my own piece when suggesting that, "A bit more analysis would have prevented Rick from falling for California's sleight-of-hand."
Having both lived in California for over thirty years and having reason to be particularly focused on health insurance issues—including policy costs—I found any allegation that the rates published by Covered California could raise the existing policy prices by as much as 146 percent to be, to say the least, quite shocking. But then, one must always be open to the possibility that something was missed or a mistake was made.
And so, I read on.
What policies, I wondered, had Avik used as his point of comparison in reaching his startling conclusion?
I soon had my answer as Roy revealed where he had acquired his data, writing, "But in 2013, on eHealthInsurance.com (NASDAQ:EHTH), the median cost of the five cheapest plans was only $92."
I must admit that it took a moment to sink in as my first reaction was to laugh. eHealthInsurance.com? Seriously?
Was Avik really using teaser rates published on the Internet by eHealthInsurance.com as his point of comparison? I mean, you don't have to be a healthcare policy expert to know that websites like eHealthInsurance.com always flash low rates in front of you—prices that maybe one person in a thousand might actually hope to achieve—to tickle the interest of a potential customer.
It's not that the flashing low prices are necessarily false as there is always going to be someone who can qualify for the exceptionally low rate— although even they will often find that the actual details of what is covered and not covered may be far less beneficial than they might hope. You see, while many of us like to describe ourselves as "never having been sick a day in my life", the reality is that such individuals are extremely rare. Have you ever suffered a migraine headache? If you have, be prepared for a substantial increase over the teaser price stated on a website like eHealthInsurance.com. Ever experience a summer of hay fever? Your rate will skyrocket as a result. Did you have acne as a teenager? Uh-oh..price is going up.
Indeed, you don't have to be a think tank scholar to know that the policies listed on Internet websites do not give much in the way of detail when it comes to what is actually included or excluded from the policies being hyped. The only way one can have that information is to actually fill out the application for insurance and await the final quote.
Wanting to be fair, it occurred to me that Avik—as a part of his research—had gone through the process of filling out a lengthy eHealthInsurance.com application, submitting it for consideration and then based his comparisons on the results. Certainly, that would be a credible means of acquiring the comparative rates that rest at the heart of his argument.
However, it seemed highly unlikely that there would have had sufficient time to go through the application process to acquire the data given that Roy's article was published roughly a week after the California rates were published.
To be certain, I spoke with a representative of eHealthInsurance.com to determine how long the application process typically takes from point of submission to acquisition of a quote. I was told that the process involves a minimum of three weeks (as you will see in some of the reviews of eHealthInsurance. com I provide below, three weeks would be quite an accomplishment as it appears that the more typical length of time from filing the application to receiving a real quote is far longer.)
(Continue reading)
Thank you, Rick, for your response to your colleague's response to your article. I have found that you always do your homework, and, therefore, I can trust that your opinions are based on solid research and facts unlike Avik's (at least in this case).
Hello Beth Ahlstedt,
I would add that Mr. Avik has a long history this sort of attempt at sleight of hand (he is actually not that deft). Just a few months ago he published a similar article right at Forbes.com making the same sort of claims about Ohio [1]. His piece was called "In Ohio, Obamacare to Increase Individual Insurance Premiums by 55-85%" based upon a study commissioned by the State of Ohio [2].
That sounds horrible of course, that is until the entire context is understood. The study examined several different markets, including Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI)
1) individual health insurance market
2) public programs
3) Small ESI
4) Large ESI
5) Self-Insured ESI
6) uninsured
The full quote, the one only provided half of above, actually reads…
"Prior to the application of the premium tax credit subsidy, the individual health insurance market premiums are estimated to increase by 55% to 85% above current market average rates (excluding the impact of medical inflation)…This is attributable to today's individual market having leaner covered benefits, such as the exclusion of maternity services, and a lower-cost population relative to the ESI markets."
In other words, premiums will go up by 55% to 85% (not taking into account the government tax credit subsidy!) for those individual who purchase health insurance individually (only 537,000 non-elderly people in Ohio do this in a state of 10,000,000 non-elderly), or about 5% of the non-elderly population. Of course once these individual take advantage of the tax subsidies the increase will not actually be nearly that large. Further, the increase is not because of Obamacare per se but because they will now be receiving more insurance coverage. The premiums may be higher but they will be getting much more.
Small ESRI premiums will also increase, but by 5% to 15% (not nearly frightening enough for a headline). According to the report…"This is primarily driven by the estimated health status of the remaining ESI-small group market, ACA-imposed insurance carrier fees, and provider cost shifting from the public programs." This is due to people who were on Medicaid or who were ineligible for insurance entering the Small ESRI market. In 2014 there will be 667,000 (6%) people in this market in Ohio.
Large ESRI premiums are expected to increase 3% to 5% (even less useful in causing voters to change their vote). This was also driven by people who were on Medicaid leaving that program and now being insured by their employers. 834,000 (8%) of Ohio's population would be in this market.
So all of these "alarming" increases in premiums are for a small segment of the population and the result of people who could get insurance before now getting insurance, people who had insurance now getting more insurance, and people leaving Medicaid and entering the private insurance ESI markets. It also does not take into account tax subsidies that will lower premiums.
The rather vulgar manipulation of the Ohio PPACA data by Mr. Avik is exactly the same in this most current piece, except that the California article might have been a bit more sophomoric, it is hard to tell.
[1] http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2012/10/29/in-ohio-obamacare-to-increase-individual-insurance-premiums-by-55-85/
[2] http://www.ohioexchange.ohio.gov/Documents/MillimanReport.pdf
So .. OweBama's media-puppets can only say "we're not sure."
If OweBama was a CEO, he'd be in handcuffs. Somewhere between civil fraud and certified as a LIAR.
Sick, digusting, and to be fought, every inch of the way. Get used to it, OweBama idiots and fools.
No way would he be in handcuffs. I don't appreciate your insults and don't find them very persuasive.
Maybe someday you will learn how to raise your points without attacking the way you do. It would be more effective.
There, I said it and I am glad. I hope you think about this.
This discussion should never be about ONE single contrarian issue that you, or anyone else that supports this behemoth law, tends to address. That's nit-picking. Instead, the totality of ObamaDon'tCare should be addressed, and not just by those that have never been a doctor nor have any interest in that regard. It's the doctors that have yet to be interviewed, or consulted by those that drafted this Law, that have the most to offer, yet were avoided when the details of the 2000+ page legislation became clear, (I'm not referring to hospital employee docs, ie., ER and hospitalists, salaried docs working in clinics).
Forget the fact that doctors and hospitals are targeted for further Medicare reductions in order to pay for ObamaDon'tCare, and it becomes easier to "gloss over" the Law as a necessary part of health care reform. Never mind that, even though Justice Roberts declared the mandate as Constitutional, nowhere in that document does it suggest health care as being a Right, not even by extrapolation of the Commerce Clause.
Even your first sentence/4th paragraph suggests that "death panels" don't exist in the Law. Have you actually read it? Apparently not. What does the acronym ACO mean to you? Who will decide how much and to whom? By what guidelines will they use and whom establishes those guidelines? That first sentence, therefore, creates a fallacious argument.
Whether an insurance company decides, or not, to participate in the exchanges is hardly the point. Pre-existing condition coverage mandates, although anecdotally acceptible, are a huge problem for our system. Whom is better at determining which patient has taken the proper steps in correcting/managing their health care issues…a bureaucrat in Washington, or their PCP?
The underlying theme of liberalism remains that "they know better" than others how to manage the People. The fact that Obama never bothered to discuss this issue with physicians is reminiscent of LBJ avoiding the AMA when he signed Medicare into Law. Wash, rinse, repeat….the beat goes on.
If one views this Law as simply a major step at imploding the private insurance companies and the free-market health care industry once and for all, and, therefore, propelling us towards single-payor, universal health care, it makes sense. To view it any other way is simply an exercise in "journalistic" futility.
Death panels? I thought Michele Bachman left politics!
Like you said in your article, the mind-boggles that such a weak response would be made by a colleague of yours. As my daughter would say: "Seriously? Seriously!?" I mean, even as a right-wing publication you'd expect higher standards than that from Forbes. Truly bizarre.
Truth be told I have been waiting for a stronger counter attack on what appears to have been good news in the obamacare department. Obamacare is a mess and it would have been a lot better if we just went with some form of single payer and a secondary insurance market, but if it's lowering costs and covering everyone, it's a huge step in the right direction no matter how messy it is under the hood.
Yaaaaawn…single payor? Universal health care? Yes, comrade…good luck with that.
I'm the Director of Public Relations at eHealthInsurance.com.
We were not contacted by Mr. Roy, or Mr. Ungar for either of these stories.
However, if you want to see our public research on the potential impact of the ACA on health insurance premiums, its available here: http://news.ehealthinsurance.com/_ir/68/20132/EssentialBenefitsReport%28031813-1%29.pdf
My contact information is also available on our web site at news.ehealthinsurance.com
Ezra Klein from the Washington (com)Post/MSNBC fame? You MUST be kidding me? That's ripe. Looks like you got called out on your due diligence…but in fairness, so did Mr. Roy. Either way…does ANYONE with a modicum of intelligence think that health care insurance costs WON'T rise and at the same time, Medicare subscribers receiving LESS coverage with ObamaDon'tCare? Please.
Is that why unions have lobbied to be exempted from the mandate and Cadillac tax…or ditto for those restaurants in Pelosi's district that she and her husband frequent, doing the same? Is that the same as Obama, himself, as well as MANY liberals declaring to the public that this legislation was NOT a tax, only to pass it through the Senate through reconciliation? Is THAT a bait and switch tactic to dupe the American voters? Wash, rinse, repeat.
Medical underwriting depends on a few things. If the application is "clean" and the person appears to be healthy, the insurance company can check a central database (I forget what it's called) that has everyone's prescription information. If this is also "clean", the application might be approved within days.
If an application is not clean, the insurance company will request medical records from the person's doctor – and this is where things can slow down. If the doctor forwards the records quickly, a final decision can be made a few days after the records arrive at the insurance company. But…. the base premium will be "rated up" because the applicant is not perfectly healthy.
High blood pressure controlled by medication will get at least a 10% rate up. High cholesterol, same thing. A bit overweight: rate up. Take meds for depression? Rate up or maybe denial.
I always tell clients that the quoted rate we got online will be higher once his/her application has been reviewed. It is rare for anyone but a young person to get the quoted rate.
And that constitutes due diligence on your part? Let me tell you, as an actual consumer of individually-purchased health insurance, and a two-time eHealthInsurance customer, I find precious little in your writing that's of use to me.
I have been an individual insurance customer for about 4 years now…when my provider (UnitedHealth) increased my rate, I shopped my plan on eHealth, and came up with a better rate through bc/bs. Yes, the paperwork was a hassle—but at no time was I subject to any bait-and-switch, and as would be expected, the rates on eHealth were the same as those on the provider websites. They do perform a useful aggregation function, however.
Now, I'm waiting on a letter from my provider indicating if they'll grandfather my plan (purchased before Sept 2010), or if I'll be force-migrated to an ACA-compliant plan that I expect will be at least twice as expensive, with deductible/copay provisions that I didn't approve of, and mandated coverage that I don't want. And when my letter arrives, I am sure there will be *journalists* like you to tell me how much better off I am, as well as commenters, who don't buy their own insurance, chiming in their agreement. Meanwhile, I'll keep current with my rss feeds from Avik Roy and John Goodman…they seem to have a better handle on what's going on.
Then you are paying too much now. I mean no disrespect but I don't believe you. Are you in the individual market? How comparable is your plan to the Silver Plan? Is your deductible higher or lower?
Then again, maybe you are one of the lucky one who's rate is being subsidized by the young and healthy.
Tell you what–I'm pretty aware of the community rating, guaranteed issue, mandates, and grandfathering provisions of ACA. If my result is substantially different from my note, I'll be happy to write to you and tell you about it. As I noted, it all depends on who is force-migrated.
If your results are better, good for you! Cross-subsidies are built into ACA, most notably the requirement that the highest age bracket be priced at no more than 3X the lowest. If you came out well on that bargain, I'm sure you're pleased. I'd guess the younger crowd will be similarly displeased.
Thank you for responding. I don't recall saying anything nasty about you. I am simply challenging your assertions.
So, based on what you say this ACA is sure to benefit you and that is the point. Why should young and healthy have to pay more, and a lot more if they don't currently have insurance, so you sir can have cheaper insurance, when you don't even need it? Seriously, who decided you should benefit and they not?
Furthermore, your personal situation is a perfect case study in what is wrong with Obamacare. As it is being rolled out a healthy person will not have to purchase a health plan, gladly paying the tax, until he or she is stricken with a major medical condition such as cancer. Then he or she will be charged a similar premium to a healthier person of similar age without penalty. What a deal. Don't you think this is a flaw in the system? In their infinite wisdom the Liberal Left is enacting a system that is bound to fail because it will actually makes it more likely that people won't join the risk pool, especially the young and healthy who you are depending on to keep your own premiums low.
Dear sir
Have you been rated yet by Covered California. My understanding is that the Covered California premium prices announced sometime recently were base prices before rating for geography, age, smoking, whatever (I don't know the rules). Without that rating detail none of these comparisons by yourself or Avik are apples to apples.
As for comparison with your current policy, does the Covered California plan cover the same doctors and hospitals and other service providers?
I didn't say you don't need insurance. I said that you obviously don't need the poorer, younger, healthier to subsidize your rate trough mandates, higher premiums, and higher taxes and penalties.
Well, if you think they should have to pay for their own health care then make sure they are on the hook for the consequences of not having it. Obamacare doesn't do this. By it having gtd issue then there is no way they are on the hook. It is in their financial interest to not buy insurance until it is needed, so if you think their behavior was raising the cost of care before wait until you get a hold of the prices after Obamacare kicks n.
I am certain you know that the proposed rates you proclaim so low do not reflect the true numbers of people opting to pay the tax.
The young paying for the old is not working so well in Medicare, so why should it be any different in Obamacare. The point is there is no better system than for people to pay for what they get and then get what they pay for. If I was young and healthy I would rather put my money towards the coverage I need when I get older than pay for those older folks now and then count on the system returning the favor in the future. Yea, right.
Not sure who you're calling a Republican; many in that party are actually responsible for the health care mess we are currently in, with or without Obamacare. I should add though that the Dems had broad majorities in both chambers. It could have passed stronger penalties if they wanted to.
Hey, Nate, don't worry, Ungar's is a lawyer .. they can't do math accurately .. like the Elizabeth "Indian Princess" Warren's "studies" that are NOT peer-reviewed by quant-experts.
They had 60 votes the first time around and passed the add-ons from the house through the reconciliation process, which does not require 60 votes.
The only reason they didn't pass stronger penalties or a public option is because there wasn't agreement among Dems on these two issues. Additionally they wouldn't have gotten the support of the insurance companies, so don't blame the GOP for this. They didn't need the GOP to pass Obamacare.
Nevertheless, with the savings you are about to experience through Obamacare, it is no surprise you strongly support this legislation. Good for you. I actually think you should have disclosed the extent you are to benefit from Obamacare earlier in your writing.
We'd also be happy to explain the difference between the "base rate" insurers set for plans and how much the state's department of insurance allows insurers to increase that rate based on medical underwriting.
Again, if you have questions for us, please contact me.
Nate-thanks for your contributions to this blog. I have a question. Your company underwrites health insurance for the State of California. "If" you were allowed to travel to other markets nationally, do you think the rates would be more competitive?
Hey, Rick….heard anything intelligent from 'drhunt' lately?
Nice cop-out. In both of your cases…ignorance is bliss, but name-calling common. But I'll give rainman one last chance…
What are the comments I've made that you disagree with, and why? And FWIW…one READS these posts…they don't "hear" them. Hope this helps.
That was one stinging rebuke. However, in looking over your posts, you have been short on collaborative 'facts' and long on 'name calling' and insult slinging.
There is a more constructive way to offer up critique and so far you have failed to demonstrate that capability. It would appear that you fashion yourself as the one voice crying out in the darkness, but it would be more effective if you would make your arguments by making salient points with references that can verify your claims.
I don't always agree with Mr. Ungar…but, he does make his positions clear AND provides supporting references for his points. That approach lends credibility to his positions, whereas you have not provided like references and subsequently, your credibility suffers.
So what are the statements I've made that you don't agree with? If I need to reference my points, I will. I've offered historical facts that no one here has argued against and/or disputed. Perhaps we should start there. And fwiw…he merely called eHealthinsurance to determine the usual time frame to receive a quote…nothing more. And he used Ezra Klein as a corroborating "pundit"? You consider that a salient reference? I may not be the one voice "crying out in the darkness", as other blogs have received the ire of other conservatives. What I may be, however, is the one US doctor that's taking the time to offer his opinions…one which you should question, but also one that has more experience in the industry than a b-rate movie producer. Hope this helps.