text: THE CFA PROGRAM OUR FIFTH DECADE Robert R. Johnson, PhD, CFA | Jan R. Squires, DBA, CFA | Peter B. Mackey, CFA | Bobby Lamy, PhD, CFA THE CFA PROGRAM On 15 June 1963, 284 senior analysts sat for the first CFA® fixed-income analysis, alternative and derivative investments, examination at various cities throughout the United States portfolio management, and several other topics—all set in a and Canada (during the initial year, the equivalent of the cur- global context. The current program is best described as a rent Level III examination was the only examination required self-study, distance-learning program that takes a general- to earn the CFA charter). According to C. Stewart Sheppard's ist approach to investment analysis, valuation, and portfolio The Making of a Profession: The CFA Program (1992, p. 8), management, and emphasizes the highest ethical and . " . . 268 were successful, and those who failed attributed it professional standards. mainly to their lack of adequate preparation." The purpose of this article is to describe the CFA Program The program has evolved greatly since its inception. The process in detail. You will learn how the CBOK and curriculum original program focused on equity security analysis in a U.S. are established, how the examinations are developed and setting and emphasized ethical and professional standards. administered, and finally, how the examinations are graded Today's CFA Program covers a much broader Candidate and the minimum passing score is determined. We hope that Body of Knowledge™ (CBOKTM), depicted in Figure 1, which you will conclude, after reading this article, that the current reflects the continuing evolution of the profession. Although CFA Program enhances the value of the CFA charter. Past equity security analysis and ethical and professional stan- CFA Institute Chair Frank Reilly, CFA, has aptly described the dards still occupy prominent positions in the program, so do charter as the "crown jewel" of CFA Institute. Knowledge/Comprehension Application/Analysis Synthesis/Evaluation LEVEL I LEVEL II LEVEL III ETHICS ETHICS ETHICS Ethics & Professional Investment Tools Asset Classes Portfolio Management Standards Quantitative Methods Equity Investments & Wealth Planning Economics Fixed Income Financial Reporting & Analysis Derivatives Corporate Finance Alternate Investments Figure 1 CFA Program CBOK The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 2 www.cfainstitute.org Practitioners at Every Step of the Process Education Advisory Council of CFA Institute CFA Institute, Board of Committee Examiners & Member Member Volunteers Governors Volunteers & Consultants Global Candidate Curriculum Examinations Grading Standard Setting Minimum Practice Body of Passing Score Analysis Knowledge Figure 2 The CFA Program Process OVERVIEW The success of the CFA Program is a function of active After administration of the examinations, CFA charterhold- practitioner involvement. Practicing CFA charterholders are ers from all over the world arrive in Charlottesville, VA, USA, involved at every stage of the process, which is shown in to grade the constructed response (essay and problem) Figure 2. The CFA Program is not an academic program, but portions of the Level III examinations. Multiple-choice and rather one that focuses on the global investment manage- item-set portions of the Levels I, II, and III examinations are ment profession from the standpoint of a practitioner. The machine graded. With grading concluded, additional groups CFA Program process begins with a global practice analysis— of charterholders convene to "standard set" the examina- a survey of current practicing investment professionals—to tions. Charterholder members of the CFA Institute Board of develop the CBOK, which is the foundation of the program. Governors then determine the minimum passing score for This process is led by the Education Advisory Committee each level of the examinations. (EAC), a group of prominent volunteer CFA charterholders. With the CBOK determined, CFA Institute staff, members, Levels I and II candidates receive their examination results and consultants design the curriculum with EAC oversight of at the end of July (June examination) and at the end of the process. The Council of Examiners (COE)—comprising January (December examination); Level III candidates only CFA charterholders—then directs the development of receive their results in mid-August. Only after passing the the CFA examinations by the CFA Exam Team (a larger group Level III examination and fulfilling the CFA Program's work- of CFA charterholders who write the examination questions) experience requirement is a candidate awarded the right to based on the curriculum. use the coveted CFA designation. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT GLOBAL PRACTICE ANALYSIS responsibility and knowledge areas. The panels of CFA Many credentialing agencies use standardized examinations charterholders around the world were selected to represent to ensure that candidates demonstrate a sufficient level of the diversity in the profession with respect to geography, competence in their particular fields of interest. The claim work setting, and professional role. The resulting product was that candidate scores are meaningful indicators of profes- converted to a survey and mailed to a global sample of char- sional competence depends on evidence that supports the terholders. A total of 16,103 surveys were mailed, and based examination's job relatedness or content validity. The Stan- on a healthy 23 percent response rate, the results confirmed dards for Educational and Psychological Testing state that a the work of the panels and committees in identifying the practice analysis study—a compilation and confirmation of most critical knowledge areas for investment professionals. the knowledge and skills required for competent professional This practice analysis guided development of the CFA curricu- practice—is the basis for establishing the content validity of lum and the Levels I, II, and III examination specifications. credentialing examinations. CFA Institute has worked closely with psychometricians—experts in testing and measurement CFA Institute began its third formal practice analysis in late —to develop and refine a high-quality practice analysis. 2004. As with the processes in 1995 and 2000, regional expert panels were convened to define a CBOK that reflects the The CFA Institute Board of Governors first commissioned knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required of a generalist a practice analysis in 1995; previously, committees of investment practitioner with four years of experience. The charterholders developed the CBOK. In 2000, the board com- first such panel was held in December 2004, and the process missioned Knapp & Associates International, Inc., to assist continued with panels involving approximately 330 investment professional staff in conducting a second practice analysis. practitioners from 21 cities in 13 countries. A new feature of the third practice analysis was the addition of groups of senior A series of panels and committees consisting of prominent investment professionals, known as employer panels, to investment practitioners created an inventory of critical define the KSAs expected of new charterholders. The expert The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 3 www.cfainstitute.org and employer panels were followed by a broad online survey of all active CFA charterholders in February 2006, and a revised CBOK based on the results of the new practice analysis was available in November 2006. The revised CBOK was fully reflected in the 2008 curriculum and examinations. In 2007 , the EAC began to conduct the practice analysis continuously Global Body of Investment Knowledge rather than every five years, and expanded the focus to include the GBIKTM Index (Global Body of Investment Knowledge). Candidate , Since 2007 expert and employer panel sessions have been Body of CIPM conducted in 18 cities in the three CFA Institute geographic Knowledge BOK regions, the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. Based on the PWM discussions at these panel sessions, revisions necessary BOK to maintain the relevance of the GBIK and CBOK have been identified. A continuous process allows for more real-time inputs into the Global Body of Investment Knowledge while retaining the high standing of the CBOK. The continuous practice analysis process incorporates significantly more member input in the Frontier (emerging) initial phase by using a collaborative website to collect informa- tion from around the world. Figure 3 Bodies of Knowledge In September 2009, the GBIK was published for the first of securities regulations. Over time, entire topic areas—such time. This revised GBIK reflects the many new and enhanced as the valuation of fixed income, derivatives, alternative topics identified by the continuous practice analysis process. investments—have been added to keep pace with the chang- ing profession. Because the CFA Program is global in scope The GBIK is the comprehensive outline of knowledge for and laws and regulations differ among countries, the CBOK the investment profession. Investment professionals may no longer includes specific country securities regulations. use GBIK concepts at any stage of their career—novice Where possible, it focuses on globally accepted standards, through expert, generalist, or specialist. The GBIK includes such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). mainstream and frontier concepts based on research that has been, or is being, debated and may encompass views In the CBOK, a total of 10 topics are grouped into four well outside those of the mainstream. The GBIK guides all functional areas: ethical and professional standards, invest- CFA Institute lifelong learning activities, including publica- ment tools, asset valuation, portfolio management and tions, conferences, and other continuing education programs. wealth planning, as shown in Figure 1. The CFA examinations CFA Institute also develops specialty bodies of knowledge have always focused primarily on testing investment tools for those members practicing in specialty areas such as at Level I, asset valuation (investment analysis) at Level II, the private wealth management (PWM) body of knowledge and portfolio management at Level III. This structure is the and investment performance measurement (CIPM) body of logical progression of the investment process: A practitioner knowledge. Figure 3 shows the relationships among these needs to master investment tools to apply those tools to bodies of knowledge. security valuation, and securities need to be valued and then analyzed in a risk–return portfolio context. Because integrity CANDIDATE BODY OF KNOWLEDGE must be exercised throughout the investment process, CFA AND TOPIC AREA WEIGHTS Institute has emphasized ethical and professional standards A major outcome of the practice analysis is an updated at each level. Although all CBOK topic areas relate directly CBOK. The CBOK is the scope of knowledge needed for to competence in investment management, they do not all basic competence in investment management, with "basic have the same degree of impact on professional practice. competence" defined as the baseline level of knowledge and Some areas may be of greater importance or may be used skills required to perform professional responsibilities in an more frequently than others in day-to-day responsibilities. effective and ethical manner. Consequently, based on practice analysis survey respon- dents' recommendations about content coverage, weights The CBOK has been gradually broadened from the body of are assigned to each topic area to indicate relative emphasis knowledge for the first CFA examination, which focused on within the CBOK. In turn, these weights, shown in Table 1, 1) investment goals, investment timing, and portfolio bal- guide the selection of the curriculum and the development of ance; 2) institutional investing; 3) ethical issues; and 4) review the examinations. The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 4 www.cfainstitute.org Table 1 Topic Area Level I Level II Level III Topic Area Weights Ethical and Professional Standards 15 10 10 Quantitative Methods 12 5–10 0 Note: These weights are intended to guide the Economics 10 5–10 0 curriculum and exam Financial Reporting and Analysis 20 15–25 0 development processes. Corporate Finance 8 5–15 0 Actual exam weights may vary slightly from year Investment Tools 50 30–60 0 to year. Please note that Equity Investments 10 20–30 5–15 some topics are combined for testing purposes. Fixed Income Investments 12 5–15 10–20 Derivatives 5 5–15 5–15 Alternative Investments 3 5–15 5–15 Asset Valuation 30 35–75 35–45 Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning 5 5–15 45–55 Total 100 100 100 THE CURRICULUM PROCESS command words (such as calculate, describe, and analyze) The CFA curriculum constitutes the study material on which that indicate what candidates can be expected to demon- the examination questions are based and provides the founda- strate on the examinations. tion for the development of the exams. The curriculum topics are those CBOK elements identified in the practice analysis. The COE and CFA Exam Team write examination questions and guideline answers within the bounds of the LOS, often integrat- The purpose of the curriculum is to facilitate candidate ing more than one LOS in a question. The COE views the LOS learning while recognizing the constraints inherent in as a contract with the candidates: If candidates can do what a generalist, self-study program designed for working LOS indicate, they should be well prepared for the examina- professionals. More than 150 practicing charterholders from tions. It is the job of the CFA Institute staff, with process throughout the world participate in the annual curriculum oversight of the EAC and the input of members, to ensure that review and development process. the readings enable the candidates to achieve each LOS. The CFA Program is fundamentally different from typical The following is an example of the Level II reading-specific LOS academic programs. The curriculum traditionally has been and associated command words from Chapter 16, "Multina- based on textbooks, professional journal articles, commis- " tional Operations, in International Financial Statement Analysis sioned readings, cases, and research analysts' reports, but by Robinson, van Greuning, Henry, and Broihahn (2008): it is more than just a reading list. In 1996, CFA Institute significantly improved the design of the curriculum by adding "The candidate should be able to: learning outcome statements (LOS) at Level III; LOS were a) distinguish local currency, functional currency, and the then incorporated at Levels I and II the following year. presentation currency; b) analyze the impact of changes in exchange rates on the Many involved in the curriculum review and development translated sales of the subsidiary and parent company; process believe that reading-specific LOS—a common c) compare and contrast the current rate method and the feature throughout education—are the most significant temporal method, analyze and evaluate the effects of curriculum innovation since the inception of the program. each on the parent company's balance sheet and income The purpose of the LOS is to enhance candidate learning statement, and distinguish which method is appropriate in while guiding examination writers, the COE, as to what various scenarios; examination questions the curriculum material will support. d) calculate the translation effects, evaluate the translation The LOS link the CBOK to the curriculum and thus to the of a subsidiary's balance sheet and income statement examinations, helping candidates prepare for the exacting into the parent company's currency, use the current rate standards of the investment profession. Finally, the LOS method and the temporal method to analyze how the help shape candidate expectations with respect to learning translation of a subsidiary's financial statements will affect expectations and topic proficiency. the subsidiary's financial ratios, and analyze how using the temporal method versus the current rate method will Reading-specific LOS help candidates understand the knowl- affect the parent company's financial ratios; edge they must gain from each reading. Each LOS contains e) illustrate and analyze alternative accounting methods for " the words "The candidate should be able to. . . . followed by subsidiaries operating in hyperinflationary economies. " The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 5 www.cfainstitute.org CURRICULUM INNOVATIONS in fixed income, derivatives, quantitative methods, financial In response to candidate demand, CFA Institute began reporting and analysis, and equity valuation. Since their phasing in a customized format for delivery of the curriculum introduction to the curriculum, many of these readings have for the 2006 exam. CFA Institute sequenced the LOS and been revised and/or replaced in response to advances in the assigned readings in conformity with the study sessions and investment management industry. In addition, Levels I, II and assembled those components into self-contained volumes. III of the economics (2012) curriculum, the portfolio manage- The improved packaging offers candidates a more user- ment and equity readings at Level I (2010), and the Level III friendly and integrated curriculum that reduces candidate behavioral finance (2011) readings were commissioned to costs and facilitates examination preparation. replace externally developed material. The latest curriculum delivery innovation was the release The following principles have been established for the devel- of the curriculum e-book in July 2010. The e-book provides opment of CFA Program curriculum. The material must be: access to the curriculum in digital format for use on a personal computer, iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, or via an • faithful to the practice analysis and CBOK; internet connection. As a result CFA candidates can choose • valuable to members, employers, and investors; to receive the curriculum in print or e-book versions. • globally relevant; • generalist (as opposed to specialist) in nature; Historically, the curriculum was drawn from existing profes- • appropriate for a new charterholder; sional and academic publications. CFA Institute advisory • replete with examples and practice problems both within committees, however, recognized the disadvantages of these and at the end of readings; off-the-shelf sources. For instance, college texts are often • pedagogically sound in a self-study framework; and " overly academic and "country-centric, while practitioner • testable. texts are rare and often inappropriate for a generalist. Journal articles often presume more knowledge than is required of A distinguishing feature of CFA Institute curriculum develop- a generalist. Perhaps the greatest weakness in off-the-shelf ment is the extensive review process to which all products products is that they often contain a significant amount of are subject. Practicing charterholders review each reading or material outside the CBOK. As a result of these disadvan- article to ensure that it is conceptually correct and relevant. tages, the decision was made to begin developing curriculum Practitioners from all over the world participate in this readings specifically for the CFA program. Authored by process. In reference to the aforementioned texts, Fabozzi investment practitioners and leading academics, these read- said: "Of all the books I have authored (more than 100), these ings balance conceptual rigor with the application perspective books have been the hardest to write. . . . The reviewers of financial analysts and portfolio managers. As of July 2011 made me an almost paranoid writer, as every word and over 80% of the CFA Program curriculum consists of CFA statement was scrutinized to make sure it would be clearly Institute commissioned material. understood by the CFA candidate. " Curriculum development is not a recent phenomenon at CFA Institute. In The Making of the Profession: The CFA Program, Sheppard notes the "marked paucity in 1965 CFA Program Partners are a group of prestigious, globally of relevant study guide materials" and states, "Gone diverse academic institutions that incorporate the CBOK, were the days when reliance could be placed on general with specific attention paid to the CFA Institute Code of textbooks and selected articles" (p. 10). Since that time, Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, into their CFA Institute (known as Institute of Chartered Financial degree programs. Recognition as a CFA Program Partner pro- Analysts at the time and later as Association for Invest- vides a signal to potential students, current students, and a ment Management and Research) has worked closely with marketplace that the university's curriculum is closely tied to many subject matter experts, authors, and publishers to professional practice and is well suited to preparing students customize materials for the CFA Program. to sit for the CFA exams. Find out more about CFA Institute university outreach initiatives in the "Partners" section of the A cornerstone of the CFA curriculum has been the book Man- CFA Institute website. aging Investment Portfolios (1983), edited by John L. Maginn, CFA, and Donald L. Tuttle, CFA. In 2006, the third edition of this seminal work was edited by Dennis W. McLeavey, CFA, and Jerald E. Pinto, CFA, in collaboration with the original two editors, and remains the foundation of the portfolio manage- ment curriculum. Beginning in 2000 a series of books was commissioned by CFA Institute to provide curriculum content The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 6 www.cfainstitute.org EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT When the first CFA charters were awarded in 1963, CFA Exam Team members are generally asked to write two candidates had to successfully complete a single four-and-a- or three item-set or essay questions or approximately 25 half-hour examination to earn the charter. The examinations multiple-choice questions in their assigned topics. The CFA were given in two separate two-hour-and-fifteen-minute Exam Team develops more questions than needed so that sessions. In 1964, all three levels of the examination were the COE leadership can select the best portfolio of questions administered to 1,732 candidates in the United States and to appear on the examinations. Canada. In 1968, the examination consisted of two sessions for a total of five hours and fifteen minutes. The year 1981 The CFA Exam Team revises examination questions continu- marked the first time that the examinations totaled six hours ously during a development cycle. Each new version benefits in length. CFA Institute has retained the current format of from review by the COE and CFA Exam Team members as two separate three-hour sessions for each of the three exam well as expert and generalist volunteer and staff reviewers. levels since that time. During the cycle, hundreds of hours of review time contribute to the improvement of examination questions. EXAMINATION CONTENT A commitment to excellence in the development of the CFA Exam Team members are also responsible for writing CFA examinations has been the hallmark of the program. guideline answers, grading keys, LOS and reading references, The COE and CFA Exam Team write the examinations with answer justifications, and other supporting documentation. CFA Institute staff assistance. In 1963, the original COE consisted of four U.S. academic experts and the president LEVEL I EXAMINATION of the Montreal Stock Exchange. Today, the COE and The format of the Level I examination is entirely multiple CFA Exam Team consists of approximately 90 global CFA choice. There is a long history of multiple-choice ques- charterholders, representing a mix of practitioners and tions on the CFA examinations, dating back to 1968 when academics. In addition, a larger number of charterholders 25 multiple-choice questions first appeared at Level I. By from around the globe are involved in an extensive review 1986, 50 percent of the Level I examination was multiple process. CFA Exam Team members are recruited based choice. The first all multiple-choice Level I examination was on their expertise in diverse areas of investment practice administered in 1996. and the CFA curriculum. Prospective members are often identified on the basis of other services supporting the CFA Level I multiple-choice questions are crafted with each of Program (e.g., standard setting, curriculum development, the incorrect responses (distracters) carefully constructed exam review, grading). to represent common mistakes in either calculation or logic. A Level I examination consists of 240 questions to be com- Each exam development cycle starts close to a year in pleted in a six-hour time frame. advance of the examinations. Each cycle begins when COE leaders meet to set the guidelines for the next examina- A new Level I examination is produced for each adminis- tion. These guidelines are disseminated to CFA Exam Team tration. CFA Institute does not release the entire Level I members, who then begin drafting questions before the examination; however, to orient candidates to the style and first of a series of team meetings. To be included on the CFA format of the questions, some past examination questions examination, a question must relate directly to one or more are included as practice problems at the end of curriculum curriculum LOS. CFA Exam Team members are also encour- readings and in the online sample and mock exams. One or aged to draw on assigned curriculum problems for ideas on more online and mock exams may be included in materials question structure and content. offered to each registered candidate, and additional exams are available for a fee. In addition, a small sample of Level I CFA Institute follows the professional advice of expert questions are available in the CFA Program - Course of Study pyschometricians on all aspects of testing, including exam section of the CFA Institute website. design, question structure, and exam performance evalua- tion. Once the examination is in nearly final draft form, CFA LEVELS II AND III ITEM-SET QUESTIONS Institute staff conducts review sessions with charterholders The current Level II examination consists entirely of item-set from around the world. Participants review the questions to questions, and Level III consists of constructed response ensure that the language is clear, simple, unambiguous, and questions (morning session) and item-set questions (afternoon free of cultural bias. Reviewers also identify any investment session). Item sets are organized in groups of 6 questions that practices that may confuse candidates in their regions. Input are related to a case or vignette that describes investment received in these sessions is used to revise the questions challenges facing hypothetical individuals or institutions. The before the printing of the examination. CFA Institute Board of Governors first directed the COE to use the item-set format on the ethics portion of the 2000 Levels II and III examinations. The following year, the board directed the The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 7 www.cfainstitute.org COE to use the item-set format for 50 percent of the Levels II "The value of a common stock or any other security is and III examinations. Beginning in 2005, the Level II examina- " what you can sell it for. tions have been entirely in item-set format. There is currently Analyze the above statement and explain fully how you no initiative to move Level III entirely to item-set format. would arrive at the value of a common stock. Sample item-set questions are available in the CFA Program - CFA Exams section of the CFA Institute website. Today's CFA examination questions are less open-ended and of smaller point values in order to sample more of the Testing research has shown that examinations consisting of assigned curriculum. Questions are often presented in tem- multiple-choice items (and item sets) typically have greater plate format to assist candidates in following the logic of the validity, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness than application being tested and to give candidates an idea of how constructed response (essay) questions addressing the same much writing is needed to adequately answer the question. topics. Validity indicates that an examination is measuring what it intends to measure; reliability provides an indication It was common on the early CFA examinations to give of the accuracy of that measurement; efficiency refers to the candidates choices. Candidates were allowed to select the breadth and depth of topic coverage; and cost-effectiveness industry of their choice, the institution of their choice, or refers to the economics of constructing and grading the even which of two or three questions from a longer list they examination. The CFA Institute Board of Governors con- wanted to answer. For example, the 1965 Level III examina- sidered these factors before making the determination to tion gave candidates the choice of answering either a bond or emphasize the item-set testing format. stock valuation question. That same examination gave candi- dates the choice of one of eight institutions (e.g., investment Testing research also indicates that the format of the exami- companies, endowment funds, pension funds) as the subject nation has little impact on the difficulty of the examination. of a question and also asked candidates to answer a question Difficulty is primarily a function of the subject matter and in the industry of their choice. question construction. Most important, multiple-choice and item-set questions can be used to test higher-level thinking, Today's CFA examinations cover all of the broad topics in the including critical thinking and problem solving. Although CFA Program curriculum. Candidates must answer the entire the multiple-choice and item-set formats are not appropri- set of questions, each based on specific readings. This policy ate for testing creative thinking and writing abilities, the is consistent with the premises that the CFA examination CFA Program is not intended to test those skills (and these takes a generalist approach to investment analysis and port- abilities would be difficult to fairly assess for a large global folio management and that all successful candidates have candidate population). Nearly all licensing and professional mastered the same curriculum. One of the strengths of the credentialing examinations with large candidate populations CFA Program often cited by employers is that charterholders are conducted in the multiple-choice and/or item-set formats. are knowledgeable even in investment topics in which they Beginning with the examinations administrated in June 2009, are not practicing. all multiple choice and item set questions contain three answer choices. Until this time, questions contained four Candidates today are also given an indication as to how much choices. Testing experts and the CFA Institute experience detail is required to successfully answer a question. For demonstrated that the fourth choice was usually ineffective. example, questions may state, "Discuss three reasons... , " and the candidate will have a good indication of how much LEVEL III CONSTRUCTED discussion is necessary. RESPONSE QUESTIONS The constructed response portions of the Level III examination Although it may appear that the constructed response and (morning session) include questions with varying structures problem portion of the CFA examinations has remained and point values and typically have several parts related to constant since the founding days of the program, today, the a case study that describes an investment challenge. Each candidates' responses require a higher degree of specificity. The question begins with a command word that corresponds to current CFA examinations are dramatically different from the the command words contained in the curriculum LOS. Typical examinations given in the early history of the program, properly command words appear in the CFA Program - Course of Study reflecting the evolution of both investment management prac- section of the CFA Institute website. tice and testing techniques used to evaluate that practice. Constructed response examination questions have changed Constructed response questions that have appeared on significantly over the history of the CFA examination. In the recent exams are available in the CFA Program - Course of early years of the examination, large point value, open-ended Study section of the CFA Institute website. questions were common. For instance, the 1965 Level III examination contained the following 25-minute question: The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 8 www.cfainstitute.org Note that guideline answers published by CFA Institute passport presented on exam day must match our records. reflect most of the answers that received high scores on This policy sets forth one global standard, in the form of a each question. There may often be more than one appro- single document that is both internationally obtainable and priate (and full credit) answer to a question. All possible recognizable, that allows us to confirm the identity of our approaches that received high scores are not necessarily candidates and to ensure that all candidates receive identical included in a published guideline answer. Candidates are treatment during the exam day admission process. Candi- not expected to provide answers as complete and well-writ- dates are required to use only approved calculator models ten as the published guideline answers to receive full credit. to ensure that no candidates use calculators that have the ability to store text in memory and thus gain an unfair advan- EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION tage. Unauthorized personal belongings are not permitted in Once the COE and CFA Exam Teams finish writing the CFA the testing room. CFA Institute consults with other respected examinations, the examination books are produced following testing organizations in an effort to improve policies and prac- a secure workflow process developed by CFA Institute and its tices. Security and testing policies will continue to evolve. vendors. After printing and before distribution, the CFA Institute You can review testing policies in the CFA Program - CFA staff performs quality control checks on examination books to Exams section of the CFA Institute website. ensure the quality of the printing process. The books are then distributed globally and securely stored until exam day. The CFA Institute Professional Conduct Program investigates matters involving alleged violations of the CFA Program rules CFA Institute enlists the help of professional testing person- and regulations. Sanctions are imposed on candidates found nel around the world, who are responsible for selecting and to have violated the rules and regulations, such as writing training examination proctors to administer the test with past time, using scratch paper, and giving/receiving assis- the utmost attention paid to the security and integrity of tance during the examination. Since 1998, CFA Institute has the examination process. In addition, trained CFA Institute imposed more than 1,400 sanctions on candidates, ranging employees travel to the larger test centers to observe test- from private censure to prohibition from further participation ing operations and ensure that the administration runs as in the CFA Program. In conjunction with the sanctions, the smoothly as possible. candidates' examination results are usually voided. CFA Institute strives to produce a fair and equitable testing Once the examinations have been successfully administered, environment and to ensure the safety of CFA candidates and they are collected, reconciled, and returned to CFA Institute testing personnel. To ensure the integrity of the process, headquarters for processing and grading. It may take as strict testing policies are enforced. Beginning in January long as two weeks for all exams to be returned because of 2011, candidates are required to register for the exam with complex customs procedures in some countries. a valid international travel passport. The information on the GRADING Immediately upon receipt at CFA Institute, all exam materi- If more than one answer was correct, then all correct als are individually reconciled with attendance rosters and answers are credited. prepared for the grading and quality control processes. The first step in the grading process is the machine grading of Every year, more than 500 charterholders from around the all multiple-choice and item-set exam answer sheets. This globe spend one or two weeks in Charlottesville, Virginia, process also encompasses a number of quality controls USA, exercising one of the most important duties available such as checking damaged papers and independently hand to CFA charterholders—grading the constructed response grading a random sample representing 5-10% of candidate's portions of the Level III CFA examination. answer sheets. The involvement of CFA charterholders in the grading of Another quality control during this period is the investigation examinations is one of many checks and balances in the CFA of all comments and complaints related to the examinations. Program designed to ensure that each candidate receives The staff reviews the exam questions and answers, curricu- fair and consistent evaluation. The identity of all candidates lum readings, and exam results related to each comment or is held in the strictest of confidence. Examination books complaint. Special focus is given to reviews under any of the identify candidates only by number. Graders do not know the following circumstances: multiple similar complaints, exam name or even the geographic origin of the candidates whose results suggesting more than one correct answer, or exam examinations they evaluate. results that otherwise suggest that a question was confusing or unfair. If, after investigation, a question is determined to be To ensure that each grader has adequate time to prepare, confusing or unfair, results are adjusted to credit all answers. graders receive their question assignments, appropriate The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 9 www.cfainstitute.org curriculum materials, and draft guideline answers and grading range that encompasses possible minimum passing scores are keys well in advance of the grading session. This process afforded every opportunity to pass the examination. allows graders to suggest changes to the guideline answers and grading keys before grading begins. All examinations are subject to an additional quality control check. Each examination book is reviewed page by page to Graders are separated into grading teams that include both ensure that every candidate answer was located, graded, and experienced and first-time graders. Each team grades a scored and that the number of points awarded by the grader specific question or question part(s), which brings a high level on the inside of the examination book is consistent with the of specialization to the process. Each team has a captain, an score recorded in the grading database. assistant captain, and senior graders. These team leaders review all suggestions made before grading by graders. They STANDARD SETTING also review a large sample of actual candidate answers to In 1996, a methodology for arriving at the minimum pass- ensure that the grading keys credit all valid responses and ing score (MPS)—the modified Angoff Standard Setting award partial credit consistent with the relative importance Method—was introduced to the CFA Institute Board of Gov- of the information provided by the candidate. After extensive ernors. A 2001 survey of professional credentialing programs review and trial application, grading coordinators approve found that 85% used standard setting, including the Certified the final grading keys that will be applied to the assigned Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) question. Graders undergo extensive training with respect to U.S. designations. Of those using standard setting, 88% evaluation procedures and techniques. used the Angoff method. Grading coordinators oversee the grading process, ensuring The Angoff method has been used as a criterion for the that all grading teams treat candidates consistently across establishment of the MPS for the Level I examination since questions. Once grading begins, captains, assistant captains, 1996, for Level II beginning in 2005, and for Level III beginning and other assigned leaders spend much of their time . in 2007 CFA Institute retains independent psychometricians to reviewing graders' work to ensure that points are awarded conduct standard setting workshops for each exam. accurately and consistently across the team. This method involves a large and diverse group of CFA char- Quality control is built into all aspects of the grading terholders. The lead psychometrician divides participants into process. Access to the examination grading center is two smaller groups for each level of the examinations. Each closely monitored. CFA Institute staff members assemble participant reviews the entire examination, question by ques- examinations into stacks of 20 books. Only graders are tion, and makes an independent judgment on the expected permitted to check out examinations, and they may grade performance of a just-competent candidate on each question only their assigned question, one stack at a time. A formal on the examination. audit process compares and reconciles points awarded by individual graders, with points awarded by the team Participants review the entire examination a second time after captain for the same candidate's response to a given reviewing general impact data and overall actual candidate question on a sample of exam papers. Team captains (and performance on the exam. In the second round, each participant coordinators) are provided with detailed daily statistical again records his/her judgment as to the expected performance reports (including audit reports) to ensure that grading is of a just-competent candidate on each question. In this way, consistent and accurate. both difficulty of the examination content and actual candidate performance are considered. The workshops result in MPS Grading coordinators, team captains, and CFA Institute recommendations that establish an appropriate competence staff meet daily to ensure consistent application of grad- level in the subject matter from the perspective of demographi- ing policies. Examinations are also checked several times cally representative groups of charterholders. The size of the during grading to be sure that no recording errors or data group, its diversity, and its reliance on independent judgments entry errors have been made. The error checking process contribute to the power of standard setting results. is repeated several times and continues after the grading process has been completed. SETTING THE MINIMUM PASSING SCORE CFA charterholder members on the CFA Institute Board After all examinations have been fully graded during the first of Governors set the MPS each year. The Board convenes week, approximately the middle 50 percent of the distribution approximately six weeks following the exam to determine of scores are graded in their entirety again—a process known the Levels I and II MPS and approximately seven weeks after as senior grading. Senior graders, approximately half the initial the Level III exam to determine the MPS. This is one of the grading group, are not permitted to re-grade papers that they Board's most important responsibilities. Although pass rates graded during initial grading. The purpose of senior grading may fluctuate, the Board's objective is to set a consistent is to ensure that candidates whose papers fall within a large standard competency level across years. The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 10 www.cfainstitute.org The Board must assess the difficulty of the examinations and December examination). Candidate results are emailed and the demonstrated competency of candidates. The Board consid- are available in a secure section of the CFA Institute website. ers all available information relevant to these factors. The results CFA Institute posts scores as "pass" or "fail" and provides of the standard setting workshops are the most important input. candidates with an indication of performance across topic From the Board's perspective, standard setting is a systematic areas or questions to help identify strengths and weak- process that adheres to sound psychometric principles, provid- nesses. Candidates learn whether they scored less than 50 ing the Board with a valid range of MPS values. The Board's percent of the points, between 50 and 70 percent of the Guiding Principles for Setting the CFA Examination Minimum points, or above 70 percent of the points by topic. Passing Score may be found in the "CFA Exam Results" section of the CFA Institute website. Beginning with June 2008 results, CFA Institute provided failed candidates with additional information to help them decide CFA Institute professional staff and the Board will continue to whether to continue to pursue the designation. The total monitor advances in the psychometric field to augment the number of candidates who failed at each level were divided information currently used to set the MPS. into 10 groups or score bands. Failing candidates can now see how they performed relative to all other failing candidates. PASS RATES Following the Board's MPS decision, CFA Institute generates The highest score bands indicate proximity to the MPS. CFA results and conducts a variety of quality control measures Institute does not release the MPS or individual scores. CFA before results are released to candidates. The time required Institute does not consider one candidate as more (or less) is the minimum necessary to ensure that the MPS is set in accomplished than another because of their relative score in accordance with best practices in testing and that every candi- a particular year or across years. This is especially true for can- date's paper is processed with appropriate due diligence. didates taking the same-level examination in different years. Results or ranking on a 1998 examination, for example, cannot Pass rates are calculated from those candidates who actually be compared with results on the 2008 examination. sat for the examination. Approximately 25 percent of enrolled candidates who register do not sit for the examination (are Following the release of exam results, candidates who did not no-shows) each year. pass have the option to have their exams retabulated. Exam score retabulation is a verification of the final score by which Falling pass rates over time reflect, among other things, the CFA Institute staff manually verify that all parts of all questions expansion of the candidate pool, candidate aptitude, and answered in accordance with the instructions were found and candidate preparation habits. graded and that the scores were recorded and added correctly. Candidates receive examination results in late July or mid- August (for the June examination) and late January (for the 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Figure 4 Pass Rates: 2000-2011 The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 11 www.cfainstitute.org THE FUTURE OF THE CFA PROGRAM We hope that you agree the standards and rigor of the CFA and other qualifications recognize the CFA Program. For Program have been maintained and even enhanced. The example, in the Master of Science in Banking and Financial stakes of the CFA Program are higher than ever as the CFA Services Management at Boston University, charterholders charter has become a de facto condition of employment in are eligible for four course waivers in this 12-course online many investment management organizations. degree program. The Professional Risk Manager program recognizes the CFA Program and for charterholders waives The list of countries and territories that provide candidates or the first two exams in their four-exam program. As with charterholders with waivers from local standards/exams or regulatory recognition, these educational and professional require investment professionals to pass one or more levels waivers are a direct member benefit. of the CFA exam to practice in their jurisdictions continues to grow, and this independent level of recognition enhances the CFA Institute staff and CFA charterholder volunteers involved value of the charter. On the list, examples include authorities in the activities described in this article are committed to in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, and South upholding fair and consistent standards for obtaining the CFA Africa. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has recognized charter. The CFA Institute Board of Governors established a Level I of the CFA program as providing an exemption from clear guiding principle for governance of the CFA Program on several modules of their licensing exam. The Financial which all decisions will be made: "Never lower standards, Services Authority (FSA) in the U.K. has recognized Level either educational or ethical. Growth for growth's sake is not I of the CFA Program in combination with the Investment " the goal. This commitment to upholding ethics, educational Management Certificate (IMC), or Level III with the IMC Core, rigor, and professional excellence has been recognized on as satisfying the new Retail Distribution (RDR) requirements. various occasions in publications, including The Economist All of the U.S. state securities commissions that require an and the Financial Times. investment adviser licensing examination grant CFA charter- holders a blanket exemption, and the CFA designation is one The CFA Program will continue to evolve to meet the chang- of only a few designations awarded such status. In addition, ing needs of the capital markets. We are proud of the CFA the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides Program and its history. Much of the success of the CFA an exemption from the analytical portion of the Series 86 Program is attributed to the participation of many practitio- Examination for certain applicants who have passed Level II ner charterholders who, with CFA Institute staff, specify the of the CFA examination. CBOK, develop the curriculum and examinations, and grade and recommend the passing standards for the examinations Not only regulatory but also educational and professional to the Board of Governors. recognition enhances the value of the charter. The National Recognition Information Centre (U.K. NARIC) benchmarked Our profession is fortunate in that a large number of CFA the CFA Program and CFA charter as comparable to a QCF charterholders are willing to commit their time and effort to Master's Level 7 qualification within the English Qualifica- the program. If you are a CFA charterholder and would like tion and Credit Framework (QCF). U.K. NARIC is the U.K. to participate in any of the activities described in this article, national agency responsible for providing information, please log in to your My CFA member account and select advice, and expert opinion on vocational, academic, and "Collaborate & Network" . professional skills and qualifications. Also, universities The CFA Program: Our Fifth Decade 12 www.cfainstitute.org


text:
Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
10 mins
15 mins
These are a nice variation of the typical drop biscuit. Super quick and just as delicious, they go with almost any meal.
Units: US | Metric
Serving Size: 1 (48 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Every recipe, menu, tip and how-to is right here, at your service.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This simple overnight accommodation can only be an advantage for stranded passengers,flight crew and charter tourists with check in 04:00.Buildings like this can be found in the suburbs of Johannesburg, Liverpool etc. The staff checking in, serving in the bar, dining room, rescues overnighting. Rooms of very simple standard.
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Expedia, Despegar.com, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Priceline, TripOnline SA, Odigeo and Tingo so you can book your Sturup Airport Hotel reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Best Western Malmo
- Malmö Best Western


text:
Sony has announced plans to bring classic PlayStation 1 games to Android phones and tablets before the end of 2011. Users will be able to download the classic games via a new PlayStation Store, which is part of Sony's PlayStation Suite mobile gaming platform.
No titles have yet been announced, but Engadget posted a pic from the conference where the new PlayStation Suite and PSP2 were announced showing five games (platform game "MediEvil," third-person shooter "Syphon Filter," snowboarding game "Cool Boarders 2," racing game "Rally Cross," and RPG "Wild Arms").
One requirement: You must have Android 2.3 ("Gingerbread") or higher.
Assuming all goes right, this seems like good news for Google, especially with the Verizon iPhone on the way. As one person commented at Engadget: "Google can thank Sony for bringing gaming to Android."
What's New for 2015?
You spoke, we listened! ClickZ Live New York (Mar 30-Apr 1) is back with a brand new streamlined agenda. Don't miss the latest digital marketing tips, tricks and tools that will make you re-think your strategy and revolutionize your marketing campaigns. Super Saver Rates are available now. Register today!


text:
Photos: Fans cheer on Darvish, Choo; Martin makes great catch, but it's not enough
To post a comment, log into your chosen social network and then add your comment below. Your comments are subject to our Terms of Service and the privacy policy and terms of service of your social network. If you do not want to comment with a social network, please consider writing a letter to the editor.


text:
Deer hunting season has started in our neck of the woods. Currently, it's bow season, but the boys are out there. When my older boys were young, they brought in a lot of meat for our family. Adulthood, and the responsibility it brings, steals away some of those hunting hours so we have not had much venison lately. However, … Continue reading
I love it when my friends write books that I can promote. Karen Lange, the gal that writes the homeschool writing posts for us each month, teaches the Homeschool Online Creative Writing Co-op Classes that one of my sons took, and wrote the book Homeschool Co-ops 101, has a new release. Write for Life: Volume One: Writing the Research … Continue reading
I can't believe that this is the last session of Kettle Klatches. I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as Jenny and I have. For a recap, we started in May with Planting a Soup Garden and The Value of Making Stock. We then took a break to tend our gardens and returned a couple weeks ago … Continue reading
Last week on Kettle Klatches: Homestead Conversations on the Art of Soup Making, Jenny and I discussed harvesting and preserving our soup gardens. Today, we invite you to listen in as we chat about different soup toppings and things to add to make your soup not just soup, but a meal. After you listen in on the conversation, scroll … Continue reading
The Five W's approach often lowers the intimidation factor for students who struggle with writing. If you've never heard of the Five W's, they are a list of questions that provide a framework on which to build stories, articles, essays, and reports. Commonly associated with journalism, these helpful guidelines can generate ideas for students of all ages and abilities … Continue reading
Harvesting and Preserving Our Soup Gardens This spring, my friend Jenny Cazzola of Black Fox Homestead and I introduced you to Kettle Klatches: An Audio Series on the Art of Soup Making. After two sessions, we took a break to grow our gardens and now we are back. This time we bring you Session Three of the series, "Harvesting and … Continue reading
I am so excited about what I am about to share, I'm about to bust at the seams. Remember Jenny from Black Fox Homestead? Well, we're back at it again with recording our Kettle Klatches: Homestead Conversations on the Art of Soup Making. We will be airing the third in that series, "Harvesting and Preserving Our Soup Gardens," on … Continue reading
Welcome to my friend Mary's (from Mary's Heirloom Seeds) Birthday Celebration Giveaway! I'm participating in a HUGE bash to celebrate and YOU get a chance to win one of 3 prizes from Mary's Heirloom Seeds. That's "Auntie Mary" on the right! Two winners will receive an assortment of Heirloom, Non-GMO seeds as well as organic gardening supplies … Continue reading
Remember Kettle Klatches? Well, Jenny and I have a few more that we're cooking up for you. So stay tuned. With that in mind, I want to talk about canning. You know that this is the beginning of harvest time on the homestead and my canner has been going, going, going. The number one thing I've been canning is … Continue reading
I know, I was taking the week off, but I forgot to tell you something important. For the next two weeks, I will have the five volume set of Lessons from the Homestead on sale for $10.95. That is four dollars off the regular price. In order to get the special deal, go to the Lessons from the Homestead … Continue reading


text:
Asymmetrical One Shoulder Dress
Moonlight Marvel Dress in Mist$189.99Price: $189.99
You exude the same lovelineess as the moon's soft glow in this grey, one-shoulder dress. The A-line silhouette boasts a broad, banded waist, ruched bodice, and a duo of shoulder straps that twist to one side. The sheer overlay of the mid-length skirt flutters as your companion envelops you in ...
Gleam a Little Gleam Dress$94.99Price: $94.99
Surely, this sultry one-shouldered maxi dress proves that stylish dreams do come true! With stunning accents of beads, gems, and sequins this draped, navy blue beauty gathers gracefully above gold heels for a dreamlike evening youll never forget!
Très Fab Dress in Noir$59.99 $41.99Price: $59.99 $41.99 30% off!
Theres so much to see at this dazzling event - sparkling chandeliers, effervescent pyramids of champagne, and you wearing this stunning black sheath. Every last detail of this lace-layered dress beckons for attention, down to the ruffled, one-shoulder neckline and the soft ruching at one side. Magnifique!
Plum Kind of Wonderful Dress$99.99Price: $99.99
Leave it to you to heighten the elegance of the evening with this deep-purple dress! The lacy, one-shouldered bodice flows flawlessly into a pleated, tulle-lined skirt on this billowy, ModCloth-exclusive frock, ensuring that your look is head-to-toe perfection.
Right Place, Delightful Time Dress$99.99 $69.99Price: $99.99 $69.99 30% off!
Was finding this sky-blue dress fate? It sure feels like it as you swish the swingy skirt of this one-shoulder frock to the party. Delighted with a silver-beaded waistline, a padded bust boasting pretty ruching, and a layer of tulle to its skirt, this lined dress is destined to draw ...
Come Dragonfly with Me Dress$49.99Price: $49.99
Fly, fly away with the winsome elegance of this printed dress! Dainty dragonflies float across the one-shouldered silhouette of this taupe-hued frock. Charmingly accentuated by a fluttery sleeve and a sash-adorned waist, this breezy number helps you glide effortlessly through the day!
Starlight Hearted Dress in Mint$199.99Price: $199.99
This item - a ModCloth exclusive - is a new colorway of one of your favorite Be the Buyer picks! Your personality isnt the only thing about you that sparkles when youre wearing this one-shouldered, mint party dress! Pewter and chocolate sequins twinkle over the bodice and along the hem ...
Let Love Flourish Dress$84.99 $58.99Price: $84.99 $58.99 30% off!
This item was picked by you in our Be the Buyer Program and will be sold exclusively online at ModCloth! As soon as those surrounding you see the swoosh of your violet gowns lined length, as well as the beautiful ruffles blossoming up its single-shoulder silhouette, theyll understand why your ...
Descending the Staircase Dress$99.99Price: $99.99
The view from high above the bustling party is a sight to see, but nothing is as striking as you descending the staircase in this navy-blue gown! As you glide down the marble steps, the cluster of bitty beads and sequins atop the one-shouldered silhouette of this padded, pintucked beauty ...


text:
Group Table is one of a kind, fine dining platform that provides connoisseurs of good food with unique value propositions at the best of fine dining restaurants in Bangalore. One of the unique feature of Group Table is that you can get huge group discounts at top restaurants in Bangalore. As every one knows, Bangalore is known for its breakfast traditions and they are meant especially for their super soft idlis, crispy dosas or the yummiest chutneys on the vegetarian side. Incase if you are looking for out of the way Chinese food, just check out this high-end Chinese restaurants in Bangalore lists.
Group Table is a one stop shop for people where they offer best restaurant deals, everyday! As most of us got out or party mostly in big groups and it also helps the wallet that their model uses the power of numbers to negotiate a better price. To get the best deal of your choice, you can search and filter restaurants on the basis of location say for eg. check out the list of restaurants in Koramangala. Like wise, you can also select based on the cuisine, table size, date, time etc. The reservations can be made directly at the Group Table site and you need not call the restaurant that you have done otherwise.
Also, another big advantage is that you do not need a printed coupon from Group Table, just a mobile pass code usually works in most restaurants. Another major benefit of Group Table over its distant cousins is that you get a discount on the entire bill and not only on a certain amount (Pay Rs 150 to get Rs 300), as in deals from other sites. Also unlike a daily deal coupon, you can cancel your deal four hours prior to the reservation and get the amount credited back to your account.
You can also instantly book tables from anywhere at any time. Accessible through both mobile and desktop, there is no need to call anymore. Every time you book a table, you will get awarded a certain number of points. Rack up the points and redeem against awesome products at our reward store. We provide free concierge services to help you find the perfect banquet and party halls in Bangalore, suitable for your budget and taste. Enjoy great deals for occasions like wedding receptions, anniversary parties, birthday parties, corporate workshops and lot more.
We can blame it on the improving economy. We can blame it on improved logistics and technologies. Or we can simply blame it on our need to alter our moods in one way or another. No matter to what you attribute it, craft beer and craft coffee are the hot new trends among the foodie set, and their growth is even attracting the attention of everyday Joes, if you'll pardon the pun. New craft breweries and coffee shops are opening up in cities all over America, enticing customers to spend a little bit more for a lot more flavor. These businesses, often local, enhance the community and encourage plenty of foot traffic, and as more of these businesses look to open, commercial real estate becomes even more valuable.
Geeking Out on Beer and Coffee
Craft coffee shops and craft breweries have one important thing in common: the proprietors major on the minors, sweating the small stuff to elevate simple ingredients into a cup or glass of pure bliss. They also share a common enemy in big corporations. You'd be hard pressed to find an American who doesn't take a cup of coffee in the morning or a pint of cold beer in the evenings. Yet the majority of these Americans will likely tell you they get their beverage of choice from one of the big corporations, companies like Starbucks or Budweiser. Most local craft shop owners, brewers of beer or coffee alike, are just as focused on building a strong local business as they are creating the best product. It's a mission which so far has been very well received by the American public.
The Third Wave of Craft
The latest craft coffee movement has been dubbed the "Third Wave" of coffee culture. Local coffee bars often work with local roasters or even roast their own beans in house. Coffee is carefully measured, weighed, ground to exacting specifications, and then brewed just so. The price of a cup can reach as much as $7, but many find the extra cost a small price to pay for superior coffee.
Craft breweries are also exercising great care to make the best pint of suds that best represents their home turf. Experimentation is also highly regarded among craft breweries as brewers utilize herbs and other produce in their beers. The recent revival in both craft worlds has been wildly profitable, too. The American coffee market is worth an estimated $30 million, while craft beer sales now account for 15% of all beer sales in America.
Keeping It Local
Craft beer and coffee is regarded as an opportunity for the owners and their employees to passionately produce a product in which they feel immense pride. The two industries also present a wonderful opportunity for commercial real estate owners. Many of these new businesses are eying buildings in heavily populated downtown areas or older buildings with plenty of vintage charm. Demand alone makes these properties more valuable, but successful businesses can increase the value of these buildings through renovations and neighborhood revitalization projects.
If you're looking to expand your property portfolio, craft beer and coffee look to be a strong investment which will increase in value over the years. Your local real estate advisor will be able to help you find the perfect piece of property to maximize your investment potential and get you in on this hot new local movement!
When North Americans think of Pumpkin the first image to pop to mind is probably its finishing role in Thanksgiving celebrations – Pumpkin Pie. One could be forgiven for thinking it was an unhealthy vegetable given its close associations with sweet desert but this image could not be further from its true character. Pumpkin is in fact a super food – packed high in fibre, potassium, vitamins and carotenoids with a very low calorie count. This hardly fits its symbolic finishing role in the culinary excesses of Thanksgiving!
Pumpkin is a solid source of fibre. The fibre content of a one cup serving of cooked pumpkin provides 5 grams of fibre which is more than you get from most supermarket cereals. Consuming pumpkins cab is healthy habit if one could eat it without adding the sugar and fat found in Thanksgiving pies. Fortunately there are more than a few ways to consume pumpkin that will not only improve your health but satisfy even the most fickle gourmand.
The first step to expanding your culinary and health horizons in regards to the pumpkin is to master one basic preparation – Roasting a pumpkin. This is the building block for a wider variety of recipes including soups, breads and desserts.
Cut the pumpkins in half with a knife that has a strong blade. Using a large metal spoon, scrape the seeds and stringy interior out. Season the insides of the pumpkin half with brown sugar or maple syrup along with a large knob of butter. Alight sprinkling of sea salt will assist in the roasting as well as helping define the flavor.
Roast with the cut side on silicon mats or parchment paper. Roasting at lower temperatures (325F 165C) allows the pumpkin to roast fully with out adding too much caramel colour meaning your pumpkin desserts will be more orange than brown . The pumpkin in fully roasted when light pressing reveals a soft interior . Allow to cool completely before scooping the cooked interior away from the skin, This can be done will in advance and frozen until ready to use. Continue according to individual healthy pumpkin recipes.
To learn more about healthy cooking with beautiful fruits and vegetable, visit AppleWasabi Cooking Blog today!
A Nordic diet or Mediterranean diet has been considered best for our bodies. These are made with fresh seasonal produce, cooked from scratch combined with a healthy approach. The Nordic and Scandinavian lifestyle is considered incredibly healthy and it consists of a balanced diet of homemade dishes that use seasonal, local ingredients many of which grown in their own gardens.
Recently, new researchers have found that eating the Nordic way will also help reduce blood pressure and encourage weight loss. Healthy home cooked food brings everyone together after a long day of work to talk, unwind and enjoy them as they sit together, eat and that's why the Nordic diet is so refreshing.
Nordic cuisine is usually made up of fresh berries, fish and game foods that thrive in colder northern climates. The Nordic Diet builds on tradition as the meals are balanced and focused on whole grains and seasonal produce. The kitchen should be the centre-point of your house and mealtimes should be shared with friends and families as much as possible.
Nordic cooking is based on fewer ingredients and on more high-quality ingredients cultivated in cold and dry Nordic climate which significantly influences the flavor of the ingredients. Nordic dishes are generally not more complicated and most people love them because the individual flavors and ingredients can be recognized and enjoyed for what they are. The rich flavors, the freshness and the simplicity of the dishes and healthy dinner recipes made from the best organic ingredients. Over the recent years, new Scandinavian cooking has become extremely popular all over the world.
Karla's Nordic Kitchen give you some inspiration for your own home cooking and full of easy healthy dinner recipes such as low carb spaghetti with mussels, healthy beetroot salad, spaghetti squash recipe, easy lasagna recipe, easy quinoa salad recipe, lentil salad and much more on their blog. All recipes are healthy vegetarian recipes with a Nordic twist.
In this modern world where lifestyle diseases continue to claim many lives and actually more than some other disease, people are increasingly becoming aware what they let into their bodies. Because of this, a lot of people are searching for healthful dinner ideas and tend to shy from the junk diets. The good news is the fact that there are plenty of such for those that consider the Nordic Diets. For decades now, the Nordic diets have gained acceptance in many regions of the world because of their many health benefits and their purity.
For the ardent fans of Nordic cuisines, you'll agree that there have been constant advancements on the diets. It therefore makes it almost impossible to pinpoint a specific dish that is only related to the new Nordic cuisine. On the other hand, there are a few principal essential guidelines regarding the new Nordic cuisines. All the healthy dinner ideas with regards to Nordic cuisines must adhere to the following:
Fewer calories and more vegetables
The Nordic ideas has a new aim at reducing the quantity of proteins and increase the consumption of proteins obtained from meat. This is really because meat is among the main reasons people get eating disorders. If you want to avoid meat, you should try out the healthy dinner recipes from the Nordic countries.
Eating more foods from seas and the lakes
A number of the most healthful dinner thoughts revolve around foods from the oceans and the lakes. There are not any questions regarding sea foods' nutritional value and it's obvious in their effectiveness in the treatment of heart disorders.
Obtaining more food from the wild countryside
Foods from the countryside typically have better health potential than those, which are grown around the urban areas. They have high contents of components including vitamins, antioxidants etc. Due to these, lots of Nordic healthful dinner notions demand the use of such foods.
Fest Diner offers a delicious Morten evening menu as takeaways. With the Mortens and take away you get grappling and juicy crisp roast Morten along with the classic accessories. Braised Morten filled with juicy prunes and Danish apples and trailers homemade andeskysauce. Morten menu is served with red cabbage, roasted potatoes, white potatoes and cucumber salad. But as something new this year, they have tried Apple pie with almond cream and vanilla ice cream, a little different Morten evening dessert but very delicious. You can also buy many of our dishes and put them in the freezer so you always have a good home cooked meal ready for busy days or unexpected guests.
"Panchopigna" will guide you through this culinary trip in Italy, discover the latest recipes that only insiders know in a surprising way. Pancho is an award winning photographer and a professional chef, based in Italy, Lake Como offering a complete new vision of learning how to cook with his artistic video recipe enjoy it. Click here for more information…
Sushi is nothing but a type of Japanese dish that usually consists of sushi rice, sea food and some vegetables. A sushi platter typically contains several types of sushi along with different other sauces for dipping. Nowadays, rolled sushi has become quite popular but other types are also available as well.
Centuries ago, sushi is one of the most popular cuisines among Japanese. This type of dish usually consists of vinegar soaked rice rolled up with other ingredients and often wrapped with nori, a type of seaweed. The other ingredients can include cooked or raw seafood and vegetables. Sushi pieces are usually small and they are meant to be eaten in one bite.
According to the recent survey taken, Sushi is the country's most recognized dish with the industry valued at over $2 billion in the United States of America (USA) alone. Sushi dish is very easily available everywhere, starting right from high end restaurants to even in small supermarkets. There are different theories about the origin of sushi; actually it is believed to have been since 2ndcentury A.D. in Southeast Asia because of the need to keep meat fresh without refrigeration. But, now most of them think that as of modern day, sushi developed as a method for preserving fish from the Mekong River in Northern Thailand. Salted fish was packed in fermenting rice which was later discarded. This practice spread across the river into China and then Japan in the 8th Century. They would cure the meat and fish and then wrap it along with the rice to preserve its freshness. Later, it was then left to ferment for long time, say for several months. If the meat and fish were treated the same, it can be easily preserved for several months longer than being cured alone. So, later on when enough time had been passed, they would discard the rice and eat the cured insides.
If you are in London and looking forward to host your own party, then look no further… Sushi Rolls in London is one of the best delivery services you can find, and they provide sushi online delivery. They have highly experienced chefs who take utmost care with every aspect of the delivery and their platters are great for business meetings or for hosting your own sushi party. Sushi Rolls deliver sushi platters all over London, delivery to central London is always free, but charges may apply for areas outside central London. Just order through sushi online delivery from Sushi Rolls, No Queues; No Waiting …
Method of Preparation
Put fish in single layer in shallow baking dish. Mix the remaining ingredients and drop them over fish. Keep aside for about 30 minutes. Turn once. Remove fish. Keep the remaining sauce for basting. Place fish on pam sprayed broiler pan. Broil them for about 4 minutes by brushing with sauce. Broil both sides by turning carefully and brush with sauce. Cook until fish flakes are tender. Garnish with lime wedges or pineapple if desired. Tasty aloha seafood dish is ready to serve.
Method of Preparation
Mix butter, brown sugar twin, vanilla and egg together until it is creamy consistency. Take a bowl and sieve all dry ingredients together. Mix milk, dry ingredients and chocolate chips to creamed mixture. Drop the mixture into cookie sheet. Bake at 325 to 350 degrees for about 7 to 10 minutes or until it is lightly brown. Crispy chocolate chip cookies are ready to taste.


text:
Remember me
Forgot password?
Log in with Facebook
Log in with Twitter
Connect your Digital Journal account with Facebook or Twitter to use this feature.
Digital Journal
Digital Journal
Log In
Sign Up
must read articles
B2B News
vancouver police shoot man
John Neumeier
Video game
Turkey Trot
Edmonton oilers
Elizabeth warren
Chicago bears News
Op-Ed: NFL Games of the Week – Week 4
If you were confused by the events of Week 3, you are among friends here. The 49ers lost on the road to the Arizona Cardinals...
Op-Ed: NFL Games of the Week — Week 2
Though it's been overshadowed by the graphic revelations surrounding the Ray Rice incident, Week 1 gave fans an exciting start to the 2014-15 NFL season.
Chicago Bears News and Rumors: Top free agent targets
Chicago - The Chicago Bears made a bold move signing veteran quarterback Jay Cutler to a new contract last week, ending speculation on what direction this franchise will go over the next few years.
Jay Cutler signs 7-year contact with Chicago Bears
Chicago - Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery announced that Jay Cutler has signed a seven-year contract with the Bears on January 2.
NFL Scores: Packers rally past Bears, win NFC North title
Chicago - The last time Chicago and Green Bay played in week nine, the Bears defense knocked Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the game early in the first quarter with a broken collarbone, but Rodgers got his revenge on Sunday.
NFL Scores: Eagles roll past Chicago 54-11
Philadelphia - Philadelphia and Chicago are both still fighting to win a division title, but the Eagles looked like the team playing the best football at the right time as they handled the Bears easily 54-11.
NFL Scores: Chicago Bears top Dallas Cowboys 45-28
Chicago - Monday nights match up between Dallas and Chicago had two teams playing for their NFL Playoffs lives, but the Bears made a statement as they crushed the Cowboys 45-28 behind the play of backup quarterback Josh McCown.
NFL: Bears top Ravens in overtime, tie for top spot in NFC North
Chicago - The Chicago Bears kept their playoff hopes alive on Sunday as they defeated last years Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in overtime.
NFL Scores: Lions top Bears, take over top spot in NFC North
Chicago - Calvin Johnson has stepped up over the last two weeks and his resurgence has taken the Detroit Lions to first place in the NFC North. Johnson had two more touchdowns on Sunday, both in the second half, leading Detroit to a 21-19 victory over Chicago.
NFL Scores: Bears top mistake-prone NY Giants 27-21
Chicago - Chicago made three big interceptions on NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning and turned them into points as the Bears won on Thursday night 27-21.
NFL Scores: Cutler leads Bears to late score and win over Vikings
Chicago - Jay Cutler kept his poise late in the fourth quarter and helped lead his Chicago Bears past the Minnesota Vikings with a late touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett and a big 31-30 victory.
Mike Ditka, legendary former Chicago Bears coach, suffers stroke
Chicago - Former Bears coach and Hall of Famer Mike Ditka was hospitalized Friday after suffering what he said doctors told him was a "very minor stroke."
Op-Ed: NFL — Five must-watch week two matches
The first week of the NFL regular season has come and gone, replete with the surprises and excitement that fans have come to expect.
Op-Ed: NFL — Four games to watch this week
The NFL season officially kicked off this Wednesday and the first game, an NFC East rematch between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, is in the books.
Chicago sports in December
December is an exciting time for Chicago sports fans. With three of our teams in action and the anticipation of what our baseball teams will do the new year, December is fun for all of us.
NFL: Lions start 5-0 as they beat the Bears 24-13 on Monday Night
Detroit - The Lions have been the laughing stock of the NFL previously, but this season is beginning to change as they are rolling right now. The last time the Lions started 5-0 was 1956 and, they did not make the playoffs but this year may be different.
NFL: Packers move to 3-0 with win over Bears 27-17
Chicago - Jay Cutler has been complaining about the hits he has been taken this season, but the Green Bay Packers was the team that knocked him out the playoff game last year. Not only did they knock Cutler out the game, but the Chicago Bears out the playoffs.
NFL: Week 2 players that will be inactive
For you fans that are wondering who is playing and who is not, here is a list for you to see who will be helping you team get the 'W'. For you fantasy football fans this may help also.
NFL: Players that are inactive for Week 1
If you are looking to see your teams new players take the field, or your favorite player take the field, look at this list first. If you are in a fantasy football league and have some of these players on your team starting, you may want to substitutions.
Op-Ed: NFL — Teams are making cuts to get down to a 53-man roster
With the season opening next week, teams are force to cut an 80-man roster down to 53 by Sunday morning. Some people are expected to be gone, but despite the known players getting cut, there are some surprises.
NFL: Giants thrash the Bears in a 41-13 victory
East Rutherford - The New York Giants have had their struggles, but tonight they looked like a completely different team. The Bears on the other hand was supposed to rounding the corner to get back to their Super Bowl days, but seemed to miss the turn.
NFL:Offense wins games, but Packers defense wins NFC Championship
Chicago - After a game where former Cal Berkley quarterback Aaron Rodgers took apart the Atlanta Falcons with his arm, the defense is what won the game this weekend for the Packers. Rodgers may have set the tone, but his defense kept it going.
NFL: Bears defense dominates to keep Super Bowl hopes alive
Chicago - The Bears could not close out the Packers in weeks 16 to keep them out of the playoffs, but will face them again next week for a trip to Super Bowl XLV.
NFL: Bears land Peppers
Today was the first day of free agency and a number of teams wasted no time either dumping or signing players. The Chicago Bears might have made the biggest splash of the day with their signing.
NFL: Holtz interest in Martz and Bears
Former St. Louis Rams' receiver Torry Holt has expressed interest in joining his former coach, Mike Martz, now a part of the Chicago Bears' coaching staff.
Gaines Adams' Legacy is Larger than Football
Gaines Adams was making a name for himself in the NFL, much the way he did in college when an enlarged heart took his life much earlier than planned. This week family and friends remembered the man in Easley, South Carolina.
Op-Ed: 2 Deaths in One Week, Same Cause - Enlarged Heart
For the second time in less than a week an athlete has died from an enlarged heart. Today the death of rising star Gaines Adams leaves many with unanswered questions.
Pro Football: Hope for the Chicago Bears
All hope might not be lost for the current Chicago Bears. After deciding to keep Lovie Smith, the 1985 Bears' team gives its evaluation on the current team.
Pro Football: Bears Take Care of Lions
The Chicago Bears were playing for nothing, as were the Lions. For Jay Cutler though it was another chance to show Bears' fans that he wasn't just a waste of money.
Op-Ed: NFL Regular Season Comes to an End Sunday
This end of the regular NFL season is one of those ho-hum well-it-all-ends-eventually feelings. One side of the playoffs is completely set, the other has some level of excitement to it...but not much.
apis-252659 apis-251437 apis-221235 apis-220920 apis-220709 apis-220391 apis-219507 apis-218019 apis-217555 apis-215642 apis-213870 apis-190640 apis-185677 apis-185315 apis-166591 apis-162674 apis-161851 apis-161477 apis-161165 apis-160841 apis-160371 apis-151353 apis-151012 apis-135778 apis-134766 apis-133559 apis-133091 apis-132614 apis-132255 apis-132201
Set up a news alert for
Chicago bears
Chicago bears Image
Mike Ditka carried on the shoulders of the Chicago Bears after winning the Super Bowl.
screenshot via YouTube
The performance of Brian Urlacher could determine the outcome of the game.
Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are an effective one-two punch, but they'll have their work cut out for them this week.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field
With permission by Reuters / Andrew Weber-USA Today
Chicago Bears running back Michael Bush (29) rushes the ball against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the third quarter at Soldier Field
With permission by Reuters / Mike DiNovo-USA Today
Latest News
Top News
Op-Ed: Herding the liberal sheep into the Democratic fold
Katy Perry trashes Aussie paparazzi, makes fun of one member
12-year-old Tamir Rice shot in the gut by police over toy BB gun
Op-Ed: Republican committee clears Hillary on Benghazi
Review: 'Nijinsky' is a powerful piece of dance-theater
Iraqi forces retake ground from jihadists
Review: Call of Duty: Heroes is a medicore take on a modern classic
Netanyahu warns of 'grave mistake' if France recognises Palestine
'Mockingjay' wins but not in the same league as 'Catching Fire'
World's longest train journey — China to Spain opens
Video: 'Final Fantasy Type-0 HD' cinema trailer
Thousands evacuated after WWII bomb found in French city
51-year-old man, guilty of raping a 5-year-old girl, blames her
U.S. Physicist: Alien nuclear bomb wiped out Mars civilization
Viruses help to maintain human health
Revealing the secrets of HIV
Contact Us
About Us
Media Center
Leaderboard & Achievements
Investors & Partners
Board of Advisers
Help & Support
Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Editorial Guidelines
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Code of Conduct
News Links
Latest News
Live Events
News Alerts
Digital Journal Mobile
Global Press Releases
copyright © 2014
| powered by
dell servers


text:
- No tax outside California
- Quick & personal service
- Custom cutting
- Worry free ordering
- No hidden charges
- Customer testimonials
Surface Cardstock Paper
A very unique and innovative product with a very smooth and pleasing touch similar to plastic and rubber.
Available in 8 1/2" x 11" and can be custom cut into almost any size (Restrictions apply).
Product Reviews - Surface Cardstock(for more reviews, please visit any product page)
Black Surface Card Stock 122#, 8 1/2 x 11
Loved the paper! Service was great! Will order form you again and again. - Liz B
White Surface Card Stock 122#, 8 1/2 x 11
Thick card stock, arrived in excellent condition, perfectly packaged. Item as described and worth the price. Very happy with product. Will order again. - Rita
White Surface Card Stock 122#, 8 1/2 x 11
I had NO idea what to expect with this surface card stock so I ordered a sample -- it was very different than what I thought.. much like the type of cardstock you'd expect to find in the packaging of a brand new Men's dress shirt. I would say it has a rubbery texture to it. Very interesting & glad I tried it! - Sarah P
Brown Surface Card Stock 122#, 8 1/2 x 11
I ordered a sample and I really love the texture of this product, its pretty smooth and silky, and the color is a very rich dark chocolate. Looks very high-end. It's also a little bit sturdier than the 100# cardstock, which is exactly what I wanted. I'm using it as a backing for my wedding's menu cards, and they look absolutely perfect! There's only one consideration, handle it with care, if you have greasy hands or press your fingers too hard against the paper, you will leave marks on it. - Diana B


text:
Elegant and stylish lingerie. The lacemaker is a new Argentinian brand with some impressing designs. [Editor's Note: beware, its hard not to crack up at the music]#8118
Rare glimpse at Henri's walk to Paris. A children's book with Design and illustration by Saul Bass.
the hidden potential in the cultured activity of sticking chewed bubble gum under the chair ( a shared work with adi meirtchak)#8101
Davone unveiled Rithm at CES, yet another designer loudspeaker. This one uses danish design and lovely woods to emulate furniture more than tech audio. Available in various woods.#8100
canadian artist gordon halloran creates large scale abstract installations using ice as his medium. his largest installation to date will be coming to chicago's millennium park in february!#8099
Genoco design for "quick order" - iphone/ipod touch application to order starbucks drinks without having to wait in line.#8096
One of Americas most gifted artists. David Lenz, First prize winner of the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2006, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian institution#8082
Export to World is a creative workshop which takes virtual objects from Second Life and transforms them into tangible papercraft objects. Mmm, virtual donut.#8078
More animal sculptures crafted from unusual materials; artist John Kearney creates sculptures using chrome bumpers.#8076
Some scans from the newest House Industries catalog. Absolutely beautiful type and colors.#8059
World Aids Day. The person inside the balloon wore a t-shirt wich carried the campaign message: Predjudice is one of the worst side-effects.#8054
Not so much a documentary than a film about urban fixed-gear riding, MASH demonstrates the art of urban cycling. Following different riders through numerous cities - book with film and extras on DVD.#8049
Human Tetris by NotSoNoisy (who are, in fact, quite noisy). Be sure to check out the other vids.#8037
refresh your mind [Editor's Note ~ check out Crash 74's sweet stencils and other shirt designs]#8032
Bustin Down the Door ~ a new Documentary - Some killer photography and imagery from '75 and some of the original surfing icons that are responsible for where the sport is today.#8029
TBWA\Germany made this clever ad for announce the last Adidas fall colletion.#8028
Unless your local takeout pavilion provides you with a giveaway calendar every January, now's a good time to invest. Check out this one, a collaborative effort printed on poster-sized paper and illustrated by a different artist each month.#8024
The AP discusses some of the latest environmentally sustainable features that will be included in construction of the new California Academy of Sciences.#8022
ClothTAG: Conceptual RFID laundry instruction tags readable by washing machines and driers to help reduce laundry disasters. Designed by Samgmin Bae.#8019


text:
Popular Articles
The Regathering of Israel
The Burden of Proof
Prediction of Ruined Cities
What people think
Eric Chabot—Founder and Director of Ratio Christi at OSU
In my opinion, this is the perfect book for the skeptic as well as the person who is just starting to learn about the role of Christian apologetics. I have already handed out some copies to people in our campus ministry and I continue to give some to seekers as well. I don't want for one second to say this book is strictly for the young seeker. It can be used as a resource for any age group. My advice is to pick up a copy and give it to a friend. Time's a wastin! (Read more here)
Dr. Rosemary J. Avery—Weiss Presidential Fellow—Cornell University
"I had been searching for an apologetics text that lays out the evidence in a way I could explain it to a non-Christian. This book is it! Thorough coverage of the evidence, excellently documented, and piercingly convincing."
Pat Reeder–PhD Philosophy, The Ohio State University
"The chief advantage of Rochford's text is that he keeps the content high without burdening his readers with academic language. His writing style is casual and personal and yet he does not skimp on difficult questions. He illustrates his points with engaging pop culture examples while making contact with numerous hard-hitting disciplines—history, archeology, theology, philosophy and science."


text:
RSS 769 deals tagged "gift-card"
Vizio 42 Inch LED TV M422i-B1 HDTV w/ $200 Gift Card for $499.99 + free shipping
@ accessories.us.dell.com | 0 comments | electronics, hdtv, gift-card
5 months ago
Apple iPad mini w/ Retina display 16GB + $100 Target giftcard for $399 + free shipping
@ target.com | 5 comments | electronics, ipad, gift-card
5 months ago
11% off Lowe's (In Store Only) Gift Cards
@ raise.com | 0 comments | coupon, gift-cards, lowes, discount
25% off Starbucks Coffee Gift Cards
@ raise.com | 0 comments | coupon, starbucks, coffee, gift-cards
6 months ago
Microsoft $25 Xbox Gift Card w/ Bonus $5 Xbox Digital Gift Card for $20 + free shipping
@ bestbuy.com | 8 comments | video-games, microsoft, xbox, gift-card
6 months ago
Buy a $50 Amazon Gift Card, get a $10 Promo Code (Amazon Student Only)
@ amazon.com | 1 comment | giftcard, amazon, student
6 months ago
6 months ago
Restaurant.com $100 gift card for $19.99 + free shipping
@ 1sale.com | 11 comments | food, dining, restaurant, gift-card
6 months ago
6 months ago
6 months ago
10% off $100 Lowe's Gift Card for $90 + free shipping
@ ebay.com | 0 comments | home-improvement, lowes, gift-card
6 months ago
$100 iTunes Card 15% Savings for $85 + free shipping
@ ebay.com | 0 comments | gift-cards, coupon, music, apps
7 months ago
Target - iTunes Gift Cards 10% Off - Email Delivered or Physical
@ target.com | 0 comments | music, itunes, gift-card
8 months ago
Coupons and Sales. Print a Coupon and Save Today.
@ sherwin-williams.com | 0 comments | coupon, gift-cards, discount
8 months ago
Samsung 50-inch LED Smart TV - UN50EH5300 HDTV for $747.99 + free shipping
@ accessories.us.dell.com | 0 comments | electronics, hdtv, gift-card
8 months ago
Samsung 32" 720p LED LCD HDTV (4300 Series) + $125 Dell Gift Card for $247.99 + free shipping
@ accessories.us.dell.com | 0 comments | electronics, hdtv, dell, gift-card
8 months ago
8 months ago
Samsung 40-inch LED Smart TV - UN40EH5300 HDTV + gift card for $477.99 + free shipping
@ accessories.us.dell.com | 0 comments | electronics, hdtv, gift-card
8 months ago
$100 Staples Gift Card for $85 + free shipping
@ ebay.com | 2 comments | coupon, gift-cards, restaurant
8 months ago
Microsoft Windows Store Gift Card - $100 (Email Delivery) for $100
@ newegg.com | 0 comments | gift-card
8 months ago
Restaurant.com Gift Card – $50 or $100 Value for $9.97 + free shipping
@ yugster.com | 1 comment | food, restaurant, gift-card
8 months ago
8 months ago
22% off Starbucks Coffee Gift Cards $72.80 for $100
@ raise.com | 0 comments | gift-cards, coupon, starbucks, restaurant, discount
9 months ago
Vizio 40-inch SB4020E-A0NA Soundbar w/ Dell $25 Gift Card for $99.99 + free shipping
@ accessories.us.dell.com | 0 comments | electronics, soundbar, gift-card
9 months ago
$20 off a $200 Lowe's Gift Card for $180 + free shipping
@ ebay.com | 1 comment | coupon, gift-cards, lowes, home-improvement
9 months ago
25 % off Bone Collector All Weather Double Scoped Rifle Case with Wheels - Dick's Sporting Goods for $129 + free shipping
@ dickssportinggoods.com | 1 comment | sports, gift-cards, gun, case, rifle
9 months ago
9 months ago
Sponsored Deals
They're like ads, but good.
OK, yes, companies pay a little something to be Sponsored Deals. But we don't allow just any old crap in this section. Sponsored Deals are proposed to us by other retailers, manufacturers, and even other daily deal sites. If we find the deal compelling enough that our members will appreciate us bringing it to their attention, we'll feature it here. Believe it or not, we have a reputation to uphold. If your store would like to be considered for this space, please contact us for details. But if your deal is lame, or sketchy, no amount of money will let you buy your way in.
Community Deals
It's whatever you want it to be.
Pretty much, anyway. This is where you find the deals that wooters like you have ferreted out and brought to light. We're thinking it'll turn into a massive database of discounted products from around the Web, constantly expanding to absorb the newest deals from the very moment their prices are slashed, with each deal immediately rated by hordes of savvy voters to spotlight the very greatest deals in the world today. Hey, we can dream, right?
We use a fancy algorithm to determine which deals are catching the most buzz – they're under the Popular tab, which is the default view of this section. You can look for the most popular deals today, this week, or this month. The Fresh tab features the most recently submitted deals, so that's where to look for deals that everybody else doesn't know about yet. And the Search bar does what a Search bar does, only, uh, much wootier! Yeah! Right on!
Ask The Community
They probably won't bite.
Organic bullets? Vegetarian haggis? Cheap tickets to Antarctica? The best high-performance sweatsocks for under $100? If you're looking for a deal that doesn't appear to show up in our Community Deals section, throw the question to your fellow cheapskates. Or answer a question for one of your fellow cheapskates. Or vote for your favorite questions, or your favorite answers, or… maybe we should call this section "Ask, Answer, Comment On, And Vote In The Community", but that won't fit on the page.


text:
Recent Posts
Brussels, Belgium: Muted Beauty
Dull. Bland. Dreary. Gray. Not the most enticing adjectives for booking your next trip, right? Yet they are the most... Read more
25 Ways to Be Creative in 5 Minutes or Less
It's that time of year where everything seems to intensify, and the to-do list grows ever longer as many of... Read more
Weekend Reads 144 0
Weekend Reads (and Bit by the Race Bug)
Last weekend I ran my third half marathon. I know to many of you that is nothing, but to me... Read more
Mini Pumpkin Spice Crumbles
One of my favorite holiday dishes is a pumpkin casserole I began making a few years ago after having something... Read more
Inspiration 127 0
Contributor Appreciation Month: Lucinda Sage-Midgorden
Today, I'm introducing you to our contributor, Lucinda! Lucinda is in the midst of writing her first book, so if... Read more
Learn to Relax: Ready, Set, Go!
I am a go-getter. An overachiever. A type "A" personality, a "let's-fill-in-more-things-to-do-on-the-to-do-list" kind of person. I organize home, work, and... Read more
9 Lessons We Can Learn From Children
We all do it. Get in the groove of our day-to-day routine that we forget to enjoy the moment. Get... Read more
Inspiration 155 1
Oh, Advice.
Lately it seems that everyone is willing to let me know just what they think I should do. "Take off... Read more