text:
The results from the National Assessment of Educational
Progress (NAEP) produced no surprises for
The state's 4th and 8th graders scored at or above the national average in reading and mathematics. While we faired better than many states, these results and our own ISAT results clearly show there is still much room for improvement.
The NAEP showed a larger gap between white students and African-American and Hispanic students, as well as between low-income and non low-income students. You may recall, however, that our ISAT five-year results show a pattern where students are narrowing the gap. These gaps still exist, but our own results are more encouraging. Additionally, the NAEP test samples 9,000 of our students, while the ISAT tests hundreds of thousands.
For more on the NAEP Illinois results please see the
Also in today's message:
Cert Board – North Greene
The State Teacher
At the conclusion of the live testimony, the record was
left open to permit the inclusion of an evidence deposition of an unavailable
witness. After the deposition
transcript is received, attorneys for the parties will file briefs. The Hearing Officer will then submit
proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law for consideration and final
decision by the State Teacher
Previously, Principal Mark Keller settled with ISBE in
the case. Under the agreement,
Keller will surrender his administrative certificate and his secondary teaching
certificate will be suspended through
Notice of Completed Rulemaking
Please be advised that a rulemaking item recently adopted by the State Board of Education is now in effect. This set of rules has been posted on the agency's web site at www.isbe.net/rules; choose "Rules Currently in Effect" and scroll to the relevant Part number. (If you print only the affected Sections, remember to include the table of contents for the Part, which changes every time the Part is amended.)
Much of this material will serve to assure
Another principal purpose of these amendments is to clarify current policies and practices for issuing elementary, secondary, special, and early childhood certificates and to make explicit how the requirements are applied to various groups of candidates, including those who are completing approved programs, those who come to Illinois with comparable credentials from other states or countries, and those who are seeking "subsequent" certificates, i.e., those that are not their first certificates. Within this context, ending dates for several provisions have been deleted so that those provisions will continue in effect for the foreseeable future. In particular, it would be counter to NCLB's provisions to allow the requirement for a major to "sunset" this year as was previously indicated in Sections 25.30 and 25.40.
Finally, Sections 25.20 and 25.30 are being amplified to eliminate a point of confusion regarding professional education by reinserting specific coursework requirements in place of a cross-reference. This is not a substantive change and merely serves to state all applicable requirements for each certificate in one location.
This rulemaking replaces very similar emergency
amendments that took effect on
Affected Sections: 25.11, 25.20, 25.30, 25.35, 25.40, 25.80, and 25.92
State Board of Education Meeting
The State Board of Education will be meeting on November
19-20 in
AC/Heating Units Advisory
Please be advised that ISBE has become aware of possible problems with AC/heating units that may have been responsible for smoke or fire damage in school buildings. Schools are encouraged to review proper care and maintenance of all AC/Heating units and ventilators. For information on related stories please visit:
Manufacturer McQuay International has advised ISBE that the issue relates to a small subset of models called self-contained unit ventilators with electric heat which can be identified by the models, AZ, AR, and AE, the majority of which are in Chicago Public Schools.
McQuay also stated that they will be in contact with all
Those Who Excel Applications Available Online
Nomination forms for the annual Those Who Excel
Education Awards Program were recently mailed to all
Robert Schiller
State Superintendent
of Education
From NASBE
Veronica Garcia on her appointment as
CONGRATULATIONS from all of us at NASBE to West Virginia State Board member Paul Morris, recognized by his Board as the Character Educator of the Year.
Other Newsclips


text:
Ahecha Paraguay Photography Exhibition
Project was named::Ahecha Paraguay Photography Exhibition{{#if:Paraguay|
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|Volunteer(s) Name:|}}
|,|x|Firstname::x}} {{#arraymap:Muqueeth|,|x|Lastname::x}}{{#if:| , |}}{{#arraymap:|,|x|Firstname::x}} {{#arraymap:|,|x|Lastname::x}}
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|,|x|Funds community contributed::x}}
|Percentage community contributed:|}}
|,|x|Percentage community contributed::x}}
|Funds needed were:|}}
|,|x|Funds needed were::x}}
|Funds requested were:}}
|,|x|Funds requested were::x}}
|,|x|Partnership project number was::x}}
|Year of project approval:|}}
|Year of approval was::2009|}}
|Project located:|}}
| {{#ifeq: 2009PCPP|2008PCPP|
|{{#if:2009|Projects started in Paraguay 2009 (0).|}}
|{{#if:2009|{{#ask:Project in::ParaguayYear of approval was::2009|format=list|limit=15}}|}}
|{{#if:Paraguay|Project in::Paraguay_projects|Projects]] in Paraguay (0).
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|{{#if:Maryland|30px|}}{{#if:Maryland|Other [[:Category:Project in::Paraguay_projects|Projects]] by Volunteers from Maryland (0).|}}
|{{#if:Maryland|{{#ask:Is from state::Maryland|format=list|limit=15}}|}}
|{{#if:PCPP|Other PCPP Projects by Volunteers (0).|}}
|{{#if:PCPP|{{#ask:Project type was::PCPP|format=list|limit=10}}|}}
|{{#if:|[[Image:{{{projectsector}}}.gif|30px]]|}}{{#if:|Other [[:Category:{{{projectsector}}}|{{{projectsector}}}]] Projects by Volunteers [[:Category:{{{projectsector}}}|(0)]].|}}
|{{#if:|{{#ask:[[Project sector was::{{{projectsector}}}]]|format=list|limit=10}}|}}
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|See Appropriate technology information on Ahecha Paraguay Photography Exhibition at:Ahecha Paraguay Photography Exhibition at Appropedia.
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Since 2008, Peace Corps Volunteers in over 16 communities throughout Paraguay, have participated in Ahecha Paraguay, two month long photography workshops with youth. Ahecha Paraguay seeks to promote arts, culture, and individual expression and personal development within youth throughout Paraguay. Volunteers and youth participate in two ways; through the two month long workshops and the end of the year national photo tour.
At the end of the year, 47 photographs were chosen from the 16 participating communities as finalists to be showcased in a tour throughout the capital, Asunción. The exhibition provides an opportunity for Paraguayans to glimpse another part of their country as well as showcasing youth creativity, imagination and art and providing youth with an opportunity to raise pride in their work. One of the locations is the Terminal de Omnibus de Asunción, the most trafficked location in the nation.
Youth participants have been invited to visit the opening ceremony at the Terminal to share their experiences, explain their motivation, and view their artwork on public display. Unfortunately, participating youth do not have resources to pay for travel, overnight stay, and food expenses. Through a generous grant from Centro Cultural Americano Paraguayo meals have been covered. However, we are still seeking funds for the transportation and over-night housing. The costs for transportation and housing for 40 participants and their chaperones is $926.27.
Through the assistance of this partnership grant, this will be an opportunity for some participants to leave their communities for the first time. Furthermore, the will have the opportunity to experience their artwork on public display. For more information, please visit cocumu.blogspot.com or ahechaparaguay.blogspot.com. To take a look at the photos, please visit www.flickr.com/ahechaparaguay.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Booking a summer trip? Call an investment banker
Wanting to book a trip to check out investment opportunities? Don't call a travel agent – call an investment bank.
The Financial Conduct Authority's formal ban on the use of dealing commissions means the end to a system where banks whisked fund managers around the world to meet chief executives, with costs paid invisibly via dealing commissions.
Now fund managers have to pay as they go. They are fully aware of conflicts of interest. Some fund managers have been approaching banks in recent weeks asking for a service they have likened to a travel agency, asking the bank to book a tour and offering to pay additional costs for meetings with senior executives – with a sliding scale based on company size and executive seniority.
One head of research at a top-tier house said: "Some of them have begun to say: 'Listen, can we have a rate card? How much would it cost to organise a one-on-one? A group meeting with lunch? A trip to see a company somewhere?
"'Can you just give us a cost so we can pay the cost, tell the FCA we paid the cost out of our own money, and we can all move on'."
Large investors have no problem gaining corporate access – and never have done. The billing would, however, be relevant for smaller managers, especially hedge funds, which companies can be reluctant to meet. None of the cash would go to the company – it would cover the organisational costs borne by the bank.
This could extend to investor conferences, with the FCA recognising in its policy paper that there will be occasions that investors will have to "identify and disaggregate the discrete element of substantive research within this bundled service".
This could lead to brokers setting a day rate for fund managers attending a conference, with payments then made out of dealing commission where investors meet an analyst as part of the event.
James Barham, chief executive of River and Mercantile Asset Management, said: "Often we organise our own trip to visit companies. Sometimes the banks organise visits for us. Either way, we pay our way."
Barham said that, for his firm, the FCA decision had not made a difference because even when visits were paid for by commissions it could not risk a conflict of interest.
Research heads are concerned that fund managers could ask for a pay-as-you-go approach to access analysts and research.
One head of research said: "I think there is a high probability that some clients will now demand some sort of menu pricing for access to research, access to analyst time, and we'll see how that plays out over the summer."


text:
Blanc Roll Cuff Denim Short
Style: 570080067
Out of Stock
Summer classics, upscaled with silvertone crystal rivets on the pockets and a wink of soft gold and silver metallic thread on back pocket embroidery. 73% Cotton, 14% Rayon, 11% Polyester, 2% Lycra. Machine wash. Imported.
- Blanc. Our universal fit. Eased through the hip and thigh, sits just below the waist.
- Indigo denim.
- "Feel beautiful" printed inside the waistband. Fashion print on pocket linings.
- Contrast stitching; five-pocket style. Cuffs are rolled twice.
- Inseam: 5".
Read more… Read less…


text:
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text: 154 Historic Autumn Decor by Laura Frazier Best Sellers Trending Art Best Selling Paintings Best Selling Abstract Art Prints Best Selling Photography Best Selling Posters Popular Subjects Animals Architecture Childrens Art Floral & Still Life Landscape Maps Military & War Music Science Fiction & Fantasy Skylines Spiritual Transportation Featured Artists Brickhut Cozamia Eric Joyner Erin Ashley James Niehues Jennifer Lommers Jonas Gerard Marcia Baldwin Mark Lawrence Michael Creese Michael Tompsett Collections ArtLoversOnline Design Pics The Fine Art Masters Panoramic Images Retro Images Archive StockTrek Images WorldWide Archive Create Your Own Photo Canvas Custom Frame Photos Historic Autumn Decor by Laura Frazier (2012) Sign inCustomer Service Cart Houzz Share on Tumblr Tweet +Add to Cart Available Sizes inches / cm Petite $70.00 Small $84.00 Medium $105.00 Large $140.00 Grande $280.00 » component prices Print Frame Mats Glazing Fitting Customize Framing or choose Canvas Print Customize Canvas or choose Framed Art Print Click to save as artist's preferred kit Paper Enhanced MattePremium Photo GlossyPremium Photo LusterUltraSmooth Fine ArtHahnemuhle Photo Rag 308Hahnemuhle Fine Art PearlHahnemuhle Torchon Mounted? ★★★☆☆ Details Paper print only, too large to frame online. Frames Choose a color » ø Top Mat | Middle Mat | Bottom Mat ø Glazing Style Soft EdgeWhite EdgeBlack EdgeImage WrapUnstretched 1½ inches thick (3.75 cm) Product Details Artist grade canvas, archival inks, wooden stretcher bars, and UVB protective coating Availablity Usually ships within five business days. Artist Laura Frazier Platinum MemberCollection AutumnDescription Dried wildflowers, thistle, and a pumpkin sit on the porch of the Peter Burr House to provide some authentic historic Autumn decor. Popular Configurations Stretched Canvas Modern Lines Contemporary White Classical Baroque Unframed print Explore More from the same collection View All Laura Frazier's Recent Work About the artist Laura Frazier, Middleway, WV Member Since February 2012 Artist Statement I have loved taking pictures for as long as I can remember - especially of nature and wildlife. I'd never considered investing in a good camera and was happy with any old point and shoot that took a decent photo - that is until I finally picked up my first DSLR in the Fall of 2010! I was totally hooked on the quality of the photos I was taking and now I'm continually working on improving on my skills and my photos. I love taking nature photos and am always out and about looking for my next photo subject - wildlife, flowers, butterflies, trees - just about anything that attracts my eye! I especially love photographing birds and am thrilled whenever I see a "new" bird for the first time! I never go anywhere without my camera because that next great photo op could pop up at any moment! I started this page after I had some friends and coworkers express an interest in purchasing my photos. I can't thank them enough for giving me that little push to send me in a direction that I find I love tremendously!I hope you enjoy my photos. Thank you for browsing and shopping in my galleries! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through Imagekind's e-mail, or you can e-mail me at email@example.com. Community Comments Catalog Details Product No 4621585 Subjects Autumn, Botanical, Floral & Plants, Floral & Still Life, Food & Products, Seasons Style Medium Tags Frazier, Laura, autumn, brown, burr, decor, dried, fall, historicf, home, house, orange, peter, porch, pumpkin, thistle, white, wildflowers Create Frame Photos Photos on Canvas Sell Sell Art Online Become an Affiliate Get a Trade Account Common Questions Company Info About Us Contact Customer Comments Return Policy Social Tumblr Pinterest Twitter Facebook Instagram Our Wall Art Family CanvasOnDemand | Photo Canvases GreatBigCanvas | Decorate Huge Terms of Service Privacy Policy Copyright © 2016


text:
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Meet Keita! Keita is a 1 year old Pitbull/Plott Hound mix. She is current on her vaccinations and ready to meet you! Keita is one super sweet and social lady! She is outgoing, eager to please and very intelligent. She knows how to sit and can't wait to learn even more tricks-for treats of course! She is looking for a home that will provide her with lots of exercise and plenty of snuggles! Keita is a wonderful girl but can be very energetic and could use some work on her manners. For this reason, she will do best in a home with children at least 6 year of age and up. With time to adjust and proper introductions, she should do well in a home with other pets and would likely enjoy another canine friend to play with! Keita is a sweet girl in search of the perfect forever home-might that home be yours? Give her a chance and gain a life-long friend!
If you would like to help our wonderful friends while they are waiting to be adopted, the Coulee Region Humane Society is always looking for donations. These donations go a long way in making the stay more comfortable for our animal guests.
Click here to view the latest updated Wish List from the Coulee Region Humane Society
Coulee Region Humane Society
911 Critter Court, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: (608) 781-4014
Fax: (608) 781-1646
Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00 a.m. -- 7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Kennel Viewing Hours:
Monday and Friday: 1:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 1:00 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: CLOSED
Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Mission Statement:
The Coulee Region Humane Society actively promotes the humane treatment of animals and positive human-animal relationships.


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Sandy Hook Tragedy Forces Gun Maker Out of Cerberus' Hand
Updated to reflect New York Comptroller and California Treasurer comments.
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management said on early Tuesday it would sell its investment in Freedom Group , the owner of Remington Arms guns and Bushmaster Firearms International , the maker of the semi-automatic rifle authorities say 20- year-old Adam Lanza used in a Connecticut elementary school shooting on Friday that killed 26 people, including 20 schoolchildren.
The move comes just a day after the California State Teachers' Retirement System said it would review its investment in Cerberus, given the private equity firm's controversial holding of the gun maker.
"CalSTRS investment staff immediately began reviewing our investments in private equity funds managed by Cerberus Capital Management that are invested in the Freedom Group, which manufactures firearms," Ricardo Duran, a CalSTRS spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. Upon that review, CalSTRS found it owned a 2.4% stake in Freedom Group by way of three private equity funds run by Cerberus.
The public teachers pension fund has $154.8 billion in assets as of Oct. 31, of which $751 million are overseen by Cerberus, the statement added.
The press release also called the Dec. 14 Sandy Hook elementary school shooting a "watershed event that has raised the national debate on gun control to an unprecedented level."
While Cerberus defended its ability to make investments on the behalf of its limited partners that fall outside of national policy debates such as gun control and the Second Amendment, it nevertheless identified a sale of the firm's Freedom Group holding as an action to take in the wake of the tragedy.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities impacted by this tragic and devastating event," Cerberus added at the statement's closing.
Cerberus acquired Bushmaster - the manufacturer of the assault rifle alleged to have been used by Lanza - in 2006. In 2007, the private equity firm bought Remington Arms for $118 million, in a move that precipitated the formation of Freedom Group, a holding company with businesses that also include the sale of ammunition.
As of the third quarter, Freedom Group has earned net sales of $677.3 million in 2012, a 20% year-over-year increase. Roughly 60% of Freedom Group's revenue comes from gun sales, while the remainder is attributable to the sale of ammunition.


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March 6, 2013 - March 13, 2013
John W. Kawka
John W. Kawka of Galilee, PA died unexpectedly, Wednesday, March 6, 2013 in Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton. He was 43.
Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Francis X. Maher, Sr.
Francis X. Maher, Sr. has entered into eternal peace on March 6, 2013 at his home in Shohola, PA, previously of Freeport, NY. He was 87.
A mass of Christian burial was held Monday, March 11 at St. Patrick's Church, 111 E. High St., Milford, PA. Interment was at the National Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY on March 12.
Memorial donations can be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 315 East Hartford St., Milford, PA.
Albert J. Thorne
Albert J. Thorne of Callicoon, NY, died Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Orange Regional Medical Center. He was 73.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated Friday, March 8, at Our Lady of Mt Carmel RC Church. Burial followed with Military Honors at Callicoon Cemetery, Callicoon NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ray W. Moody Breast Center, 75 Crystal Run Rd., Middletown, NY 10940.


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Reid Gives Credit To Boehner For 'Surrender' On Debt Limit
While GOP House Speaker John Boehner was complaining that the newly inaugurated President Obama was set to "annihilate the Republican Party," Senate Majority Leader was praising Boehner for passing a bill to raise the federal debt limit which "surrenders" the Republican extremism of the past. Unlike 2011 in which congressional Republicans turned an increase in the federal debt ceiling into a partisan battle over steep federal budget cuts, the House Wednesday approved a bill which decouples an increase in the debt ceiling from spending cuts. "This bill surrenders the hostage Republicans have taken in the past by decoupling the full faith and credit of the United States from cuts to Social Security and Medicare, or anything else. In substance, this … Continue reading


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Dr. Greg Noone Named as Finalist for Professor of the Year
The Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia has named Dr. Gregory P. Noone of Fairmont State University as one of five finalists for the 2012 Professor of the Year award. Each year the Foundation honors an outstanding faculty member at a West Virginia college or university.
"Fairmont State University is incredibly proud that Gregory Noone has been selected as one of the five finalists for West Virginia's Professor of the Year for the second year in a row," said FSU President Maria Rose.


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Dwain C Fehon, PsyD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry; Chief Psychologist, Psychiatric Services, Yale New Haven Hospital; Director, Behavioral Medicine Service
Research Interests
Alcoholism; Anxiety; Behavioral Medicine; Depression; Quality of Life; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Resilience, Psychological; Diseases
Research Organizations
Psychiatry: Psychological Medicine Service | Psychology Section
Research Summary
My clinical, teaching, and research interests fall into several basic areas: a) the development and provision of behavioral medicine services, b) psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and families, c) psychological and neuropsychological assessment, and d) the coordination of predoctoral internship training in clinical psychology within YNHH and YNHPH.
The majority of my research interests have focused on the developmental period of adolescence and the impact that traumatic events, such as childhood abuse and the exposure to community violence played in the development and symptomatic expression of psychopathology—specifically as related to adolescent depression, aggression, substance abuse, PTSD, and personality dysfunction.
More recently, however, my clinical and research interests have shifted to behavioral medicine and the relationship between physical illness, emotional functioning, and quality of life. Clinically, my colleagues and I have developed a psychological behavioral medicine service that is integrated within the Yale New Haven Hospital Transplantation Center and the Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital. Within these settings, we have initiated several pilot studies to examine the relationship between coping, resilience and quality of life, while also exploring the psychological, behavioral, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities among patients facing serious, chronic, and life threatening illnesses. We are also interested in developing novel therapies, and testing their feasibility and effectiveness for reducing the risk of adverse stress-related symptoms such as drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety and PTSD in these vulnerable patient populations.
Specialized Terms: Behavioral medicine; Resilience; Coping with chronic illness; Quality of life; Adolescent and young adult development; Depression; Psychotherapy
Extensive Research Description
Psychiatric, psychological, and behavioral correlates in patients with end-stage liver disease awaiting organ transplantation. This exploratory study recruited and assessed 125 waitlisted liver transplant candidates using self-report measures of emotional adjustment and quality of life. This study is in the phase of data analysis and manuscript preparation (Dr. Dwain Fehon, Primary Investigator).
Development of the Yale Liver Transplant Psychosocial Risk Scale (YLTRS). This study attempts to develop and validate a brief, evidence-based, clinician administered scale to assess level of psychosocial risk among liver transplant candidates (Dr. Dwain Fehon, Primary Investigator).
Liver SMART: A Stress Management and Relaxation Training Intervention for Liver Transplant Candidates. This is a Stage 1A treatment development study to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an 8-session group cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention for liver transplant candidates (Dr. Dwain Fehon, Primary Investigator).
Text Messaging to Reduce Alcohol Relapse in Liver Transplant Patients. This study is an 8-week, randomized controlled pilot trial to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a text-messaging intervention for alcohol relapse prevention and stress reduction in 20 liver transplant patients with alcohol-related liver disease (Dr. Benjamin Toll, Primary Investigator; Dr. Dwain Fehon, Co-investigator).
Support care needs, quality of life and relationship satisfaction of couples coping with prostate cancer: a cross cultural comparison between Chinese and American couples. This cross-cultural study is examining quality of life and relationship satisfaction of Chinese and American couples who are coping with the new diagnosis of prostate cancer. Recruitment is underway a Smilow Cancer hospital and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kungming Medical University, Kunming, China (Dr. Dwain Fehon, Primary Investigator).
Selected Publications
- Amoyal N, Fernandez A, Ng R, Fehon D. Measuring coping behavior in liver transplant candidates: A psychometric analysis of the Brief COPE. Progress in Transplantation, 2016, DOI: 10.1177/1526924816655253
- Fernandez A, Fehon DC, Trelor H, Ng R, Sledge W. Resilience in organ transplantation: An application of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) with liver transplant candidates. Journal of Personality Assessment, DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2015.1029620.
- Yalch M, Hopwood C, Fehon D, Grilo C. The influence of borderline personality features on inpatient adolescent suicide risk. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 2014, 5(1), 26-31.
- Hopwood C, Ansell E, Fehon D, Grilo C. The mediational significance of negative/depressive affect in the relationship of childhood maltreatment and eating disorder features in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Eating and Weight Disorders, 16: 2011
- Hopwood C, Ansell E, Fehon D, Grilo C. Personality Heterogeneity in Female Adolescent Inpatients with Features of Eating Disorders. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 51(6):585-591, 2010.
- Zaitsoff SL, Fehon DC, Grilo CM. Social Competence and Social-Emotional Isolation and Eating Disorder Psychopathology in Female and Male Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 2009, 9:2, 219-228.
- Fehon DC. The cycle of youth violence. Psychiatric Times, 2007, 24:7, 44-47.
- Sullivan TP, Fehon DC, Andres-Hyman R, Lipschitz DS, Grilo CM. Differential relationships of childhood abuse and neglect subtypes to PTSD symptom clusters among adolescent inpatients. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2006, 19:2,229-23.
- Fehon DC, Grilo CM, Lipschitz DS. A comparison of adolescent inpatients with and without a history of violence perpetration: Impulsivity, PTSD, and violence risk. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 2005, 193:6, 405-411.
- Fehon DC, Grilo CM, Lipschitz D. Gender differences in violence exposure and violence risk among psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 2001, 189:4, 532-540.
- Fehon DC, Grilo CM, Lipschitz D. Correlates of community violence exposure in hospitalized adolescents. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 2001, 42:4, 283-290.


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To honor J.R. Tony Arnold's lifelong commitment to supply chain and operations management education, APICS The Association for Operations Management and the APICS Educational and Research Foundation have created a fund to further the profession
For immediate release
Chicago, IL (September 28, 2012) – APICS The Association for Operations Management and the APICS Educational and Research Foundation today announced a fund in memory of author, educator, practitioner, and APICS volunteer J.R. Tony Arnold, CFPIM, CIRM, who passed away September 21, 2012.
The APICS Board of Directors is deeply saddened by the passing of J.R. Tony Arnold. Arnold's contributions to APICS and the entire supply chain and operations management community are immeasurable and enduring. To honor his memory the APICS Board has authorized establishment of a fund in the name of Tony Arnold with the APICS E&R Foundation. APICS has committed initial funding of $250,000 to the fund.
Arnold authored Introduction to Materials Management, one of the preeminent textbooks in the supply chain and operations management field. In addition, he contributed greatly to the APICS "Basics of Supply Chain Management" course and the "Fundamentals of Materials and Operations Management" series.
"Tony's contributions to supply chain and operations management cannot be overstated and are evident in the more than 97,000 APICS CPIM designees around the world and the countless individuals who have participated in APICS Fundamentals and Principles courses.," said APICS Board of Directors chair, Marc Harris, CPIM, CSCP. "We are hopeful that, through this fund, Tony's legacy of excellence will live on for years to come."
Throughout his long career and involvement in APICS, Arnold gave tirelessly of his time and talent to introduce many young minds to the APICS body of knowledge as professor and mentor to his students at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario.
"Tony was a good friend, mentor and valued colleague for many years," said Introduction to Materials Management coauthor Lloyd Clive, CFPIM. "His knowledge and many accomplishments, and his commitment to the success of his peers—including myself—creates a strong foundation for APICS to build on with this fund."
More information on this memorial fund is available at apics.org/erfoundation.
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APICS The Association for Operations Management is the global leader and premier source of the body of knowledge in supply chain and operations management, including production, inventory, materials management, purchasing, and logistics. Since 1957, individuals and companies have relied on APICS for its superior training, internationally recognized certifications, comprehensive resources, and worldwide network of accomplished industry professionals. Learn more at apics.org.
The APICS Educational and Research (E&R) Foundation produces valuable research; educational events, courses, and content; and programs that recognize and support students, certification candidates, and other professionals in supply chain and operations management. Through its many programs, the APICS E&R Foundation seeks to advance the profession and lead the way toward increasing professional expertise on a global level. Learn more at apics.org/erfoundation.
This is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to Supply Chain Management education.
In my suggestions to CPIM aspirants I had often said so - His book 'Introduction to Materials Management' was my 'Bible' when studying for the CPIM Certification exams. My study of each module always commenced with reading relevant chapters from the book and doing the end of chapter questions.
The book gave me a thorough understanding of the subject and I was able to participate with confidence in any discussions on the subject - in office or outside.
May God grant his wife and daughter the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace.
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The world is moving in a direction driven by the twin imperatives of risk management and the need for lower costs (e.g., outsourcing). Current IT practices are overly complex and require too much human intervention. On-demand computing (ODC) provides an infrastructural solution to the needs of modern organizations. Risk can be managed and running costs can be lowered by migrating to a more automated IT business infrastructure.
Very few (if any) businesses operate today in a truly on-demand fashion. For this reason, ODC is a migration (not a forklift upgrade) target for today's infrastructures. The end result of this migration will allow for a more automated, business-policy-driven model. It represents a transformation rather than a revolution!
In the simplest terms, we can say that current infrastructure is hindered by two weaknesses: complexity and excessive human input. In fact, IBM claims that 40 percent of computer outages are caused by operator error. Other organizations, such as EMA, put the percentage for complex network misconfigurations as high as 60 percent.
The following are the major features of ODC:
Related Reading
Java Enterprise in a Nutshell
What's particularly interesting about ODC is its integrative nature. It takes the best of numerous areas--such as system/network management, standard technologies (XML, J2EE, web services, EJB, etc.)--and combines them into an infrastructure that is strong, self-configuring, self-protecting, and self-healing, all based on open standards and specifications. IBM refers to this as an on-demand operating environment.
Let's look at the elements of ODC, starting with autonomic computing.
IBM has identified five levels of autonomic computing:
Most organizations today are at level 1. It's important to remember that ODC is a business transformation rather than a wholesale replacement of existing IT practices and infrastructure. This migratory approach also applies to autonomic computing--we can move in a phased fashion from where we are today towards the autonomic era.
Intelligent control loops are at the heart of autonomic computing. In most cases, today these loops are a complex maze of human-centric business processes and customized code (e.g., booking airline tickets). The automation of these control loops provides the basis for the required level of autonomic automation. Let's take a look at them.
Self-management is a key component of autonomic computing. Conceptually similar to network management, this requires the use of control loops that do the following:
Let's take an example from telecom network problem management. The following series of steps illustrates the business process flow that results from a network error such as when one or more link failures occur.
The first stage in the process might result in an update to a GUI in a network monitoring center. Alternatively, a support technician might be paged--somehow, someone somewhere gets contacted.
The next step is an effort to resolve the problem. The latter might be intermittent in nature, or it might have been caused by an errant digger. Assuming the latter, a trouble ticket is created. At this stage, an effort is made to determine the root cause of the problem. Bear in mind that an optical fiber cut may result in a huge number of alarms from the network, so it can take time to get to the bottom of the deluge of management data. We're assuming that a fiber cut has occurred, so it becomes necessary to initiate and track a specific workflow. This will typically require personnel to go to the fault site and carry out repairs. Once this is done, the trouble ticket can be closed.
The business process described in Figure 1 can be mapped into a control loop in broad terms as follows:
The important point is that most business processes can be resolved into control loops similar to the above. As mentioned previously, this allows for automation.
We're all used to control loops in our everyday lives: heating/cooling systems, any timer-based electronic device, fuel injection systems, etc. There is always a danger associated with closed loop systems: instability. This is a well-known problem from automatic control theory, where a controlled element (such as a heating system) starts to oscillate uncontrollably. This problem presents an important challenge to the concept of autonomic computing.
Two major autonomic components are involved in the control loops:
Figure 1 illustrates these components. Two entities are common to both the autonomic manager and the managed elements: sensors and effectors. Sensors are used to collect data concerning the state of a given element in either of two ways: polling (or explicit "gets") or on a notification basis. Effectors provide a means of modifying the state or configuration of an element. Taken together, sensors and effectors provide a manageability interface.
Figure 1. Autonomic components: Manager and managed element
The autonomic manager implements the control loop and consists of four parts, each of which shares a common knowledge base. The four parts are:
IBM maintains an architectural blueprint for autonomic computing in its Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Hawthorne, New York.
One aspect of ODC to which I feel a strong affinity is the proposed manageability of the software elements. This has potentially enormous implications for the way in which ODC software will be produced. A simple example is logging: let's say we want to produce logging that is machine-readable. Why would you want to do this? Well, one reason is to allow downstream software to read the logging data. There's no major reason why this log-reading software couldn't interpret the data and suggest what the problem might be.
This is the beginning of closing the administration loop and potentially letting software start to dynamically process its own problems.
The usual example of policy-driven computing concerns the quality of service on networks; i.e., if the CEO needs network access and an engineer needs access, then give the CEO's traffic priority. This is a little dated. The need for policy now spans the entire business. Let's say a vendor is selling widgets online in a very competitive market for price X. Imagine a new vendor appears in a puff of smoke, also selling the same widgets online for price X minus Y.
If our first vendor is tuned in and operating an on-demand environment, then they should be able to automatically adjust their price to X minus Z in order to continue to compete. The basis of the price adjustment is a policy, which might be expressed as a condition-action clause:
If ((OurPrice - CompetitorPrice) > Tolerance) then
AdjustOurPrice downwards
The vendors must keep a close eye on each other and on many other business issues, such as revenue assurance, cost management, profit, etc.
Business continuity infrastructure can also be viewed as a type of policy:
If (we lose site 1) then (move offsite personnel to site
As the number of policy-controlled scenarios increases, it's likely we'll see more of such considerations. It's hard to imagine such policies in a traditional (i.e., non-on-demand business) IT infrastructure.
Given the pressures on organizations to improve ROI, it's no surprise to that executives are keen to "sweat their IT assets" for maximum value. The automation possible through autonomic computing should provide useful dividends with reduced staff levels, moving IT staff onto more complex business-centric tasks. However, the bulk of today's IT infrastructure operates in a standalone fashion. This is reminiscent of the "islands of automation" that used to exist in the manufacturing sector. There is a greater need for IT integration so that multiple servers cooperate to provide business value.
The adoption of web services is giving rise to a much more dynamic use of resources to solve static problems. By static problems, I mean those like the classic example of automatic airline ticket booking. The main variable in this instance is the number of clients; e.g., if airline X offers an irresistible bargain, then its website will have to be ready to receive unusually high levels of traffic. This is an essentially static problem.
IBM currently sees the ODC strategy as the nexus between two areas:
We've discussed the former; let's briefly look at grid computing.
A different class of computing problem is one that requires a vast amount of processing, such as modeling weather patterns, predicting volcanic eruptions, predicting tsunamis, modeling stock price variations, molecular modeling, etc. Grid computing is increasingly being used for this class of problem. Grids are also being employed by corporations and used as the basis for outsourcing IT facilities; e.g., Oracle operates a large grid out of its Austin, Texas operation. Client organizations can outsource software applications to Oracle and then use the grid to gain access as required.
Even though the cost of such grid use seems high (millions of dollars annually), this is often much less than the cost of a client self-hosting the infrastructure.
IBM and Cisco have collaborated on a range of projects. One interesting result of this meeting of minds is a new router from Cisco called the CRS-1. This is a big device that encompasses autonomic capabilities.
One possible weakness in the ODC project is that it is driven by a vendor. This means that it might possibly be negatively affected by that vendor's desire to "shift product." My own view is that the future of computing is more driven by consideration of networking and access to networking rather than processing power. However, these comments must be viewed in the context of history, where vendors have driven hugely successful technologies. Examples of this include: Sun Microsystems and Java, Cisco and IP routing, Microsoft and Windows, etc. So maybe the fact that just one company is pushing ODC isn't such a bad thing. On the other hand, ODC is a new way of producing and using software. This might well require buy-in from many other vendors, and this is not guaranteed to occur.
We've briefly reviewed a range of potentially powerful new technologies. The integrative aspect of ODC is compelling--it takes existing technologies, standards, and specifications and merges these into a wholly new way of running IT. In conjunction with grid computing, it can be seen that ODC is conceptually similar to the global outsourcing phenomenon. The telecom world offers historical precedent for the power of outsourcing such arcane areas as MPLS an VPN management. Organizations can save cash and focus on core activities by offloading these complex technologies from the LAN and into the hands of highly trained and increasingly cash-strapped service providers.
Whether or not ODC takes off as per IBM's vision, other vendors are attempting similar initiatives; Oracle has added grid capability to its Oracle 10g product. Again, history teaches that out of the technology wars there is generally a clear winner to lead the next revolution--Microsoft won the desktop war. It's likely that we will see an ODC winner emerge. What's interesting about this is that no single company has led two consecutive waves of revolution--Microsoft is now no longer seen as the innovation leader (its stock even pays dividends now as it accepts its position as an established brand holder!) and its forays into telecom and gaming could even be seen as solutions looking for a problem.
My own take on ODC is that it is very necessary. One benefit I'd like to see it deliver is simpler systems. This is no longer a matter of choice given the risk-related volatility of this first decade of the twenty-first century. The world may well have a sufficient amount of programmers engaged in producing the thousands of packages that feed the global market for technology. Perhaps a fresh approach is needed for the form and function of much of this software? It's possible that ODC can deliver this.
Stephen B. Morris is an independent writer/consultant based in Ireland.
Return to ONJava.com.
Copyright © 2017 O'Reilly Media, Inc.


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Medical Stress Relievers
Sort By:
Most consumers would not think of a foam medical stress ball as a go-to item for therapy but it is surprising to find that even the simplest act of squeezing or rolling the product while sitting at work can be quite relaxing. It works especially well when employees are on the phone speaking with an unruly customer. These items can even aid in strengthening and stretching joints in hands of those that may suffer from carpal tunnel or other work related ailments if they are intensely typing on computers for long periods of time. Additionally medical stress balls are a great giveaway item not only limited to hospital or medical facility events but for any industry that may want to tie their campaign into an awareness initiative as well. Available in all shapes, sizes and materials, the possibilities for companies to select the best fit for their message are almost endless.


text: Jamal Crawford makes a good role player. I think he would be a good fit for a team like the Magic. Just give him 25-28 mpg, and have the other guys take most of the shots.I wouldn't go for that Jamal Crawford for Arroyo and Dooling, unless we got 2 first round picks and 2 second round picks, too. Crawford is averaging 20 ppg and 4 assists for 8 mil/yr. We can get a lot for Crawford.He's one of the few guys on the Knicks we could use to suck the blood out of the other teams ,like a vampire, like they have been doing to the Knicks, over the last 7 years. These people stole defense, draft picks,pride and cap space from the Knicks. It's time to use guys like Crawford,Randolph, Lee, and Curry to exploit the crap out of them.


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Contact: Ted Slowik, director of PR and media relations, 630-637-5307
March 10, 2011—The public is invited to participate in a Lenten worship service March 23 with members of four Naperville United Methodist congregations as part of North Central College's Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Vocal and bell choirs from the four churches will participate in the service. The four are: Community United Methodist Church, 20 N. Center St.; Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Road; Wesley United Methodist Church, 21 E. Franklin Ave.; and Wheatland Salem Church, 1852 W. 95th St.
The Lenten service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, in the College's Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. There is no charge, but tickets are required; 200 tickets will be available to the general public beginning March 16; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) to reserve seats.
Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader, an alumna of North Central College, will share the message at the service. Bishop Rader retired as an active bishop of the United Methodist Church in 2004 after serving for 12 years as resident bishop for the state of Wisconsin. Since retirement she has served as interim executive for the newly established Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church where all ministry and money come together, and as Bishop in Residence at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Currently she is the Ecumenical Officer for the Council of Bishops, acting as head of communion in many ecumenical settings.
As part the 150th anniversary of its founding in 1861, North Central College is hosting a three-day reunion of Evangelical Theological Seminary (ETS) alumni March 23-25. Evangelical Theological Seminary was incorporated in 1873 as Union Biblical Institute and housed in rented space in North Central College's Old Main.
In 1908, the Institute purchased its own land and building and in 1909 changed its name to Evangelical Theological Seminary. It was the only seminary of the Evangelical Association prior to a merger in 1946 that formed the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Following the merger that formed the United Methodist Church in 1968, the Evangelical Theological Seminary merged with Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston and relocated to that campus in 1974.
"I'm excited to have a worship experience with so many musicians and friends of North Central College in this extraordinary setting," says the Rev. Lynn Pries, North Central College chaplain. "This is a wonderful way to celebrate our Sesquicentennial."
Many of the sessions taking place as part of the ETS reunion will be held in the College's Koten Chapel, in what was formerly the ETS Administration Building and is now known as Kiekhofer Hall.


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Jacki Greene
Sauk Trail Elementary School - Middleton, WI
Published On: Aug 10 2011 02:08:55 PM CDT
Phone Number: 829-9225
email@example.com Items Needed:
I could use dice and decks of cards for math games. In addition I would love to build my collection of strategy, math or language games. New or gently used would be great. Thanks so much!


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Exploiting the Relative Outperformance of Small-Cap Stocks
by John Davenport and Fred Meissner
Since Rolf W. Banz first posited the size effect of equity returns in a 1981 study published in the Journal of Financial Economics, the relative outperformance of small-capitalization (small-cap) stocks compared to large-capitalization (large-cap) stocks has remained a steady point of debate within the investment management literature.
Even a cursory review of the annualized returns since the inception of the S&P SmallCap 600 index shows that the small-cap index has produced a higher cumulative return than the large-cap S&P 500 index (209.02% versus 188.13%).
The nature of this outperformance has been one of the central points of discussion within the literature. Of primary concern is the variability over time of this outperformance, as discussed in a 1983 Journal of Financial Economics study by Philip Brown, Allan W. Kleidon, and Terry A. Marsh. Sherman Hanna and Peng Chen found that small-cap equities were riskier equity investments relative to large-cap equities for holding periods of less than 15 years, while they were less risky for holding periods of longer than 15 years in their July 1999 AAII Journal article, "Small Stocks vs. Large: It's How Long You Hold That Counts."
In this article
- Theoretical Foundations
- Methodology
- Findings
- Limitations of the Study and Future Research
- Conclusion
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A review of Eugene Fama's and Kenneth French's small-versus-big index series shows that in monthly returns between July 1926 and February 2012, small-cap stocks outperformed roughly 51% of the time. During that time, small-cap stocks also delivered a cumulative excess return of 253% relative to large-company stocks.
Given the variability of relative returns of small-cap equities versus large-cap equities, the question for investors is which environments or economic conditions are most conducive to small-cap stocks outperforming large-cap stocks. This article explores this very question. We explore several hypothesized scenarios that conceptually make sense as to producing favorable environments for small-cap stocks.
Theoretical Foundations
Modern portfolio theory as espoused by Harry Markowitz suggests that assets that demonstrate higher levels of risk, as defined by standard deviation ("volatility"), would require higher levels of returns to investors for assuming the additional relative risks versus other assets. Therefore, for investors who have higher tolerances for risk, higher standard deviation assets, over time, should produce higher returns. Investors often assess the value of underlying organizations via some form of discounted cash flow. Equity prices then reflect the perceived value of these discounted cash flows, as suggested by Jonathan Berk in a 1997 Financial Analysts Journal study.
More precisely, equity prices, more often than not, attempt to reflect the visibility of these discounted cash flows. Small-cap stocks tend to have three primary characteristics that diminish the visibility of future cash flows. First, small-cap stocks will often have shorter track records upon which to build cash flow assumptions. Second, small-capitalization companies may be less widely followed by Wall Street analysts. Lastly, investors may perceive small-capitalization stocks as more economically sensitive assets. All of the above factors may have implications as to when small-cap stocks should theoretically outperform less risky equity assets.
As Zaugang Liu and Jia Wang surmised in a 2010 Financial Services Review article, large-cap growth stocks appear to be the safest equity investment for investors with short time horizons, while small-cap equities are the most profitable for long-term investment horizons. However, these findings consider only time horizon and do not sufficiently explore the variability of returns across changing macroeconomic conditions. With respect to the economic sensitivity and visibility of future cash flows, it would intuitively follow that higher risk assets that are more economically sensitive may outperform in time of improving macroeconomic conditions and conversely underperform in times of deteriorating economic conditions. This leads us to hypothesis #1 and hypothesis #2:
- H1: Small-capitalization stocks will outperform when macroeconomic conditions as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) are improving.
- H2: Small-capitalization stocks will outperform when improving macroeconomic conditions are measured by falling unemployment.
Our third hypothesis is born out of observations by LeRoy Brooks and Gary Porter, in their 2012 Financial Services Review study. They found that there is a growing body of literature that suggests investors can extract portions of stock market returns by exploiting various information signals related to size, style and other subsets of the broad market. Sector rotation strategies have long been a method for investors to attempt to extract such portions of equity returns. However, the literature has not given ample attention to examining the size effect of sector rotation. Within sector rotation strategies, investors posit that by making the appropriate sector allocation at the various points in the economic cycle, they can add excess returns to the broad market. If we extend this argument beyond just the sector allocation to include a size allocation as well, the question arises as to whether the presumably higher-risk and thus higher-reward small-cap equities within those specific sectors will perform better. Therefore, our third hypothesis is presented:
- H3: When specific equity sectors of the broad market are in favor, small-cap constituents of the respective sector should perform better than their large-cap counterparts.
Our two hypotheses attempt to address small-cap equity performance relative to that of their large-cap counterparts. In this study, we are attempting to address how small-cap equities perform under various conditions:
- Are there economic conditions that are more conducive to small-cap equities performing better than large-cap equities?
- In a sector rotation strategy, can small-cap equities deliver excess returns?
Small Cap Versus Large Cap and Economic Indicators
To explore our first premise, we have gathered quarterly U.S. economic data via GDP and U.S. unemployment rates as provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We have also gathered small-cap equity returns relative to large-cap equity returns. For this, we have used the Fama and French small-versus-big index returns. This data series extracts the excess returns of small U.S. equities versus large U.S. equities as defined by market capitalization. The intent is to determine whether these points of economic data can be used as predictive measures of when to favor large-cap equities versus small-cap equities in investment portfolios.
With these data sets we then cross-referenced the excess returns of small-cap equities against various time periods within the GDP and unemployment series.
Small-Cap Sector Rotation
To examine the concept of a size effect on equity sector rotation strategies, we gathered monthly investment index returns of the large-cap S&P 500 index, the S&P SmallCap 600 index and each of their respective sector indexes. We then calculated periods of positive equity returns as found within the broad market index (S&P 500). We then calculated excess returns of each sector of the S&P 500 relative to the S&P 500 itself, which would then indicate favorable conditions to allocate additional assets to that sector. Lastly, we calculated the excess returns of the small-cap sector to the broad market.
Hypothesis 1: Small-Cap Excess Returns Relative to GDP
The findings suggest that there are certain economic conditions that are more favorable for small-cap excess returns relative to large-cap equities.
An examination of the GDP data series suggests that in a period of expanding economic activity—i.e., when GDP is increasing—small-cap stocks tend to outperform large-cap equities. Further, the data suggests that for the four quarters following the official end of a period of contracting economic activity, small-cap equities outperform large-cap equities. In our data series going back to 1948, we identified 10 periods of prolonged contracting economic activity sufficient enough to be labeled a recession. Following the end of those recessionary periods, small-cap equities outperformed in nine of the 10 recessions in the ensuing four quarters. These recessions are listed in Table 1 along with the cumulative excess return of small caps in the following four quarters.
These periods of excess returns were analyzed and found to be statistically significant. Further, small-cap equities produced cumulative excess returns of 89.5% for all these periods, inclusive of the 1953 recession when small-cap stocks delivered negative excess returns.
|Post 12 Mo.
|Excess Return
|(Ending Year)
We also ran correlations of the small-cap excess returns to periods of rising and falling GDP and found that small-cap excess returns were negatively correlated to falling GDP and the results were statistically significant. Small-cap excess returns were only slightly positively correlated to the entire data series. Therefore, Hypothesis 1 is accepted.
Hypothesis 2: Small-Cap Excess Returns Relative to Unemployment
We conducted a similar analysis of small-cap excess returns against U.S. unemployment rates, again using quarterly data going back to the first quarter of 1948 through the fourth quarter of 2012. Small-cap excess returns were found to be only slightly negatively correlated (–0.14) to unemployment rates and the results were not statistically significant. Therefore hypothesis #2 is not accepted.
|Post 12 Mos.
|Excess Return
|(Ending Year)
However, we did cross-reference periods of expanding GDP following a recession, which also corresponded to a cumulative drop in unemployment rates during the same four-quarter period. Examining the four quarters following a recession where unemployment rates were also falling, we identified seven time periods. As shown in Table 2, small-cap equities delivered excess returns in six of those seven periods, a success ratio of 86%. During these seven periods, small caps delivered excess returns of 38.48% relative to large caps.
Hypothesis 3: Small-Cap Sector Excess Returns
This analysis was performed under specific assumptions. First, we determined periods of favorable equity returns as measured by positive monthly returns of the S&P 500 index, also referred to as the broad market. We also then identified periods in which each of the 10 respective S&P 500 sectors outperformed the broad market. Operating from the premise that higher-risk assets in times of favorable equity environments should produce higher returns, we then calculated whether the small-cap sector counterpart (S&P SmallCap 600) outperformed their large-cap counterpart.
The results demonstrated high percentages of outperformance for each of the respective small-cap sector indexes. There were 220 monthly periods observed in our data set. Table 3 demonstrates how often each of the respective large-cap sectors outperformed within the 220 monthly periods. Further, the table demonstrates how often the small-cap sectors outperformed when the large-cap sector was in favor. Additionally, the table illustrates the cumulative excess returns of the small-cap sectors versus the S&P 500 during the periods of outperformance of the large-cap sectors relative to the broad market.
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|# Times
|# Times
|Small-Cap Sector
|Large-Cap Sector
|Small-Cap Sector
|Excess Returns
|Infomation Technology
|Consumer Staples
|Consumer Discretionary
The results show that all small-cap sectors added excess return when the large-cap sectors were in favor. Additionally, all of the small-cap sectors added excess returns more than 50% of the time. Utilities, materials, information technology, healthcare, energy and consumer staples all outperformed 70% or more of the time. The excess returns of each small-cap sector, with the exception of the utilities sector, were statistically significant, providing a relatively high level of confidence in providing excess returns via a small-cap sector usage in a sector rotation strategy. The least-consistent small-cap sectors were consumer discretionary and financials, only outperforming 57% and 61% of the time, respectively. However, the excess returns of the consumer discretionary sector were statistically significant.
Limitations of the Study and Future Research
Index Construction
Excess returns of small-cap equities versus large-cap equities within the examination of post-recessionary periods and periods of falling unemployment were conducted relying on underlying index methodology as presented by Fama and French's definitions of small stocks versus large stocks.
Excess returns at the sector level were conducted with the index construction methodology of Standard & Poor's, using the S&P SmallCap 600 as the definition of small-cap equities and the S&P 500 as the definition of large-cap equities. This was done given the prevailing popular acceptance of the S&P sector definitions within the practicing investment profession.
Results of this study may be influenced by the reliance on these distinct methods of index construction. There are numerous readily accepted means of index construction (index providers, market-cap weighted, fundamentally weighted, etc.) that may vary the meaningful contribution of excess returns of small caps versus large caps as defined by those varying methodologies. Future research may look to aggregate excess returns from various index methodologies.
Timing of Sector Rotation Implementation
Our analysis of excess sector returns assumes that an investor demonstrates a high level of proficiency at making the appropriate sector 'bet' at the appropriate time. The value of these findings may be limited by investor proficiency. The discussion as to whether investors can, with any proficiency, correctly identify and allocate assets to the appropriate sectors relative to the broad market is a separate discussion for another research effort.
This study attempted to examine the nature of the variability of excess returns of small-cap equities relative to large-cap equities. Given Markowitz's assertion that higher-risk stocks should deliver higher returns to investors, it is presumed that small-cap stocks with their higher standard deviation would need to deliver excess returns to investors for that additional risk. The variability of these excess small-cap returns is a problem that has been noted throughout the investment management literature.
This study sought to examine specific assumptions as to whether there are identifiable economic periods where these excess returns are more likely to occur. Our findings suggest that investors have higher probabilities of capturing small-cap excess returns in times of economic expansion immediately following recessionary periods. Further, we found that investors can also capture relative excess returns at the sector level by investing in the small-cap sector when the accompanying large-cap sector is outperforming the broad market. While the findings are not meant to be a definitive approach to any specific investment process, it does help provide some direction in the further exploration of the variability of small-cap excess returns over time.
Fred Meissner is president of the Fred Report, which provides financial market research based on technical analysis.
Raymond Rimkus from IL posted over 2 years ago:
Can't wait for the "the separate discussion for another research effort" TIMING OF THE SECTORS" Now we are left hanging here after giving us a taste of what I consider an interesting investment approach Help Thanks
David from NewJersey posted over 2 years ago:
I am a small investor investing only in dividend paying stocks PFE, T, SO are 3
I currently own for the long term. I collect
the dividends they pay and then re-invest for
more shares. A great way to invest....
Alice Hunt from MI posted over 2 years ago:
A timing article would be helpful, I agree. Also, are we to assume that the rotation order is the order from top to bottom of sectors on this chart?
Peter Vaughan from ID posted over 2 years ago:
How to the small-cap stocks perform when GDP is falling and unemployment rising?
Bruce Stocker from Tx posted over 2 years ago:
Interesting study helps validate my recent (previously puzzling) return experiences.
Ludwig Kuttner from AZ posted over 2 years ago:
It appears that one's risk tolerance no longer needs to extend for the 15 year period described by Hanna and Chen.
The performance of the shadow stock portfolio illustrates that very nicely.
Is there a sector strategy in the selection of that portfolio?
Charles Rotblut from IL posted over 2 years ago:
Hi Ludgwig,
The criteria we use for the Shadow Stock Portfolio can be found here
Jay Lagree from DE posted over 2 years ago:
@ Raymond: Lots of info available on sector timing and yield curve. Start with http://www.aaii.com/journal/article/dont-fight-the-fed-interest-rates-and-their-impact-on-the-stock-market
There is even an investment strategy using sector ETF's similar to "Dogs of the Dow". Read about it in Technical Analysis of Stocks and Commodities. Jan 2014 P.36: "Outperform the Market With Sector ETFs".
I have been following the Shadow Stock strategy since 1995. At first I believed it worked because these equities, due to their limitations of size and liquidity, remained under the radar of institutions and day and high frequency traders. These little stocks dwell in the "shadows" waiting for the individual retail investor. Additionally, the strategy is deceptively straightforward and simple.
@Ludwig: Agreed, you don't need to wait 15 years. Recently, a paradigm changing (for me) paper has been published by Ibbotson,et al http://corporate.morningstar.com/ib/html/pdf.htm?../documents/MethodologyDocuments/ResearchPapers/LiquidityAsAnInvestmentStyle.pdf which gives credence as well as understanding to small cap strategies. Although I cannot use SIPro on my Mac, those who still use Windows PCs can easily set up screens for Shadow Stocks with a liquidity kicker.
Aram Tomasian from MA posted over 2 years ago:
from anovice trader dysmall cap fund id better than large cap fund in 2013 . d
John & Chris Sutton from VA posted over 2 years ago:
Has anybody done a similar analysis for MidCap vs LargeCap?


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The crowd of about 100 runners including WHS Athletic Director, Claire Mair, were decked out mostly in pink and were in great spirits as they got set to run.
McKell Kasper, whose mother Tess is recovering from the disease, is going to be a sophmore at Wasatch in the fall and is on the high school cheer team.
The 5K, which was organized by a friend of Tess', Tyree Christiansen, was something the girls all wanted to do for their friend and fellow cheerleader.
"It really means a lot, yeah," said McKell. "This is my first official 5K, so I'm happy it's for such a good cause and for my mom," she added.
The girls joked that their new coach has them running three miles a day anyway, so they were already up for the task.
"Its just really great to be able to show our support for McKell and her mother," said Cheal. "Next week she will begin her eighth and last round of Chemo, so we're just really so proud of her."
The Wasp cheerleaders arrived carrying large pink balloons, which they held onto as they ran the race.


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Ok Drag race fans.
How do you discount a record run with a legal car?
Makes us peeps that dont follow Drag racing to much what the "real" fastest times are. Since now that I just watched someone break the record, only for it to not be counted as the record.
Anyone out there explain this senario & why it is the way it is?
If I was Ron Capps, I would claim I had the fastest time ever, myself.


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Welcome to the CRG Discussion Forum!Forum registration problems: Make sure you enter your email correctly and you check your spam box first. *Then* email KurtS2@gmail for help.
I very strongly doubt this was a factory installation. It is far more likely a previous owner had a trim shop customize the interior.There is a tag on the firewall near the master cylinder. What is the number next to the TR on the tag?


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Acclaimed historian and author Apps examines day-to-day rural life and evokes memories of a time when almost as many Americans lived on farms as in cities. Fieldwork was done with horses, cows were milked by hand, lanterns were the source of light and community was essential for survival.
This story is the personal and family story of millions of Americans who grew up on farms. Like a family photo album, the documentary takes the viewer through memories of "things that aren't there anymore" and of experiences that created the values of hard work, determination and community — values that drove a generation of Americans who grew up on the farm.
The documentary carries us from a childhood on the farm in the 1930s to the rural electrification that changed American farms and rural life forever. Apps shares stories about the party line telephone, the one-room schoolhouse, the routine of work and chores and community of those family farms that built America into the agricultural center of the world.
About Jerry Apps
Jerry Apps, born and raised on a Wisconsin farm, is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the author of more than 30 books, many of them on rural history and country life. His nonfiction books include: Living a Country Year, Every Farm Tells a Story, When Chores Were Done, Humor from the Country, Country Ways and Country Days, One-Room Schools, Cheese, Breweries of Wisconsin, Ringlingville USA (a history of Ringling Brothers Circus), Old Farm: A History, Barns of Wisconsin, Horse Drawn Days: A Century of Farming With Horses and Campfires and Loon Calls. His children's books include: Stormy, Eat Rutabagas, Tents, Tigers and the Ringling Brothers and Casper Jaggi: Master Swiss Cheese Maker. He has produced an audio book, The Back Porch and Other Stories. Apps has published four novels, The Travels of Increase Joseph, In a Pickle: A Family Farm Story, Blue Shadows Farm and Cranberry Red. He is a former publications editor for UW-Extension, an acquisitions editor for the McGraw-Hill Book Company and editor of a national professional journal.
Apps has won awards for his writing from the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Library Association (the 2007 Notable Authors Award), American Library Association, Foreword Magazine, Midwest Independent Publishers Association, Robert E. Gard Foundation, The Wisconsin Council for Writers (the 2007 Major Achievement Award), Upper Midwest Booksellers, and Barnes and Noble Bookstores, among others. In 2010 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.


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Headlines (Campus Updates)
Kinesiology & Physical Education
Laurier professor will bike with Lance Armstrong for local hospital
Communications, Public Affairs & Marketing
Aug 18/10
Laurier kinesiology professor Jill Tracey will ride alongside cyclist Lance Armstrong for a daunting 120-kilometre bike ride for charity, and for her father.
Tracey, an avid cyclist, lost her father to cancer in April. Around the same time, she heard the Ride with Lance fundraising event was returning to Waterloo Region for a third time, and knew it was something she needed to do.
My dad lived a very active lifestyle and valued physical activity I couldnt think of a better way to honour him, said Tracey. He is still a huge influence in my life, and I know he would be very proud I am doing this.
To participate in the Ride with Lance, riders must raise a minimum of $20,000. Every penny raised goes directly to the Grand River Hospital Foundation for cancer research and patient care. So far, Tracey has raised almost $13,000.
After months of hard training and fundraising, Tracey said meeting Armstrong a cancer survivor and seven-time champion of the Tour de France will be a bittersweet moment. As a cyclist and as a researcher who has studied the effects of suffering and cycling, Tracey has always dreamed of meeting Armstrong, but never expected she would under such sad circumstances.
Everyone riding has been touched by cancer in some way, and to hear their stories, and why theyre doing the ride, will be very emotional and very special, she said. Hopefully we can raise enough awareness and money to someday end cancer, so that maybe someone else wont have to lose their dad the way I did.
The 2010 Ride with Lance takes place August 28, on a course that winds through Waterloo Regions countryside.
If you would like to help Tracey reach her fundraising goal:
- Visit www.ridewithlance.org
- Click sponsor a rider
- Enter the participant name, Jill Tracey
- Make an online donation (tax receipts will be issued by the Grand River Hospital Foundation)
View all Kinesiology & Physical Education news |
View all Faculty of Science news
View all Laurier news


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The PCL's a Hit
I've written many times about how Salt Lake Bees stats have to be viewed in context because five PCL parks — Salt Lake, Colorado Springs, Las Vegas, Tucson and Albuquerque — distort offensive numbers.
The annual FutureAngels.com Top 10 Prospects reports in recent years have split Salt Lake numbers not using home vs. road but those five parks versus "normal" parks. Of all the prospects reports I've read, written by professionals or amateurs, mine is the only one that drills down to get a more accurate representation of Salt Lake statistics.
A new article on Baseball America proves what I've been saying all along. (The article requires a BA subscription to read.)
Entitled "Examining PCL Production: Perceptions of League Skewed by High Offense West," author Matt Eddy calculates a statistic called Park Factor (PF) based on the league's 2005-2007 seasons. To quote Eddy:
Using home/road data from the years 2005 to 2007, we arrive at the basic runs per game park factors (PF) for the 16 teams, with 100 being average. So, for example, Albuquerque's 140 park factor indicates that for the three seasons inclusive, the Isotopes scored and allowed 40 percent more runs in home games than road games.
The PFs for the five parks I've pulled out in my analyses are:
Albuquerque 140
Colorado Springs 125
Las Vegas 124
Salt Lake 120
Tucson 111
No other PCL park is over 100.
In addition to their 70 home games in Salt Lake, this year the Bees will play a total of 24 road games in hitter-friendly parks. That's 94 games that will distort numbers.
Anyway, it was nice to see validation of my methodology from a credible source.
2 Comments
Fascinating stuff Stephen,
Since I don't a subscription to BA, I'm curious how Matt came up with his calculations. Did he "estimate" variables based on physical factors–distance to fences, altitude of park, humidity (or lack of), average temps, wind factors, etc.? Or did he just do a straight numbers crunch to come up with what are essentially deviations from the mean of all away games? (Which I believe is your methodology.) Thanks as always for the fact-based analyses. . .BeesGal, Salt Lake City, UT
In the italics above is his methodology. He did do separate numbers with standard deviations and other measurements. I was just trying to keep it simple. For example:
"Because in-conference opponents play each other so much, though, their park factors are somewhat skewed. For example, Albuquerque plays most of its road games in neutral and pitcher's parks, making their park seem like Coors Field by comparison. To combat this, we'll consider just the raw totals of runs scored per game (by both teams) at each park from 2005 to 2007 (R/P). The second number accounts for the units of standard deviation (SD) each total is from the conference average (see chart above for averages), helping us to identify parks especially conducive to either hitting or pitching."


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Modern Impression Featuring Ron Savage, Ron Mahdi, and Jetro Da Silva
Monday / January 27, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy trio arrangements of music of the African diaspora, featuring Ron Savage, Jetro Da Silva, and Ron Mahdi.
Admission: Free
The City of Tomorrow
Wednesday / January 29, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
The celebrated woodwind quintet the City of Tomorrow will present a concert of new music.
Admission: Free
Immortal Technique: A [R]evolution in Hip-Hop Songwriting and Production
Monday / February 3, 2014 / 1:00 p.m.
Rapper Immortal Technique (Felipe Coronel) will discuss his new book, and talk about his creative process when writing hip hop-song lyrics and producing.
Admission: Free
Adam Cruz Drum Clinic
Tuesday / February 4, 2014 / 1:00 p.m.
Adam Cruz presents a drum clinic, co-sponsored by the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and the Percussion Department.
Admission: Free
Al Natale Scholarship Concert
Tuesday / February 4, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
The three finalists for the Al Natale Brass Scholarship will perform, with a winner being chosen at the concert's conclusion.
Admission: Free
ALEA III @ Berklee
Wednesday / February 5, 2014 / 7:00 p.m.
ALEA III, the contemporary music ensemble of Boston University, will perform newly commissioned works by Berklee students and alumni.
Admission: Free
CANCELED: Ariana Corradi: TangoIntimo y Algo Mas
Thursday / February 6, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
CANCELED: This event has been canceled. Argentinian singer-songwriter Ariana Corradi will lead a recital, accompanied by a talented group that will bring Corradi's chacarera and zamba compositions to life.
Admission: Free
Mark Shilansky and Fugue Mill
Monday / February 10, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
Fugue Mill weaves jazz through the fabric of Americana, world, and classical music, creating a complex yet attractive blend of musical and improvisational styles. Original group pieces are featured side by side with music by such composers as Leonard Cohen and Samuel Barber. Violin and mandolin augment the quartet of piano, guitar, bass, and drums, creating a transparent and vibrant palette of improvisation and counterpoint.
Admission: Free
New Works for Jazz Orchestra 4
Tuesday / February 11, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
The Harmony Department Faculty Big Band presents a concert of new, original works and arrangements for concert jazz orchestra.
Admission: Free
Apostolos Paraskevas in Music and Film
Wednesday / February 12, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
Original compositions and film work by composer, guitarist, and filmmaker Apostolos Paraskevas.
Admission: Free
On The Wing: A Celebration of Birds in Poetry and Music
Thursday / February 13, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
Soprano Krista River, pianist George Lopez, poet Mary Pinard, composer Andrew List, and a bird specialist from Massachusetts Audubon will present a special evening of poetry, spoken work, and music. The event will include the world premiere of Andrew List's "On the Wing, A Song Cycle in Celebration of Birds."
Admission: Free
A Conversation with Vanessa Rubin
Tuesday / February 18, 2014 / 1:00 p.m.
Visiting artist-in-residency Vanessa Rubin will discuss her experiences in musical theater, performance, and jazz.
Admission: Free
Mandolin Mashup
Tuesday / February 18, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
Berklee's annual celebration of all things mandolin. Students and faculty will present a broad array of mandolin-related music and groups in numerous styles.
Admission: Free
Vanessa Rubin Jazz Composition Workshop
Wednesday / February 19, 2014 / 1:00 p.m.
Visiting artist Vanessa Rubin, an acclaimed vocalist and actress, will deliver a workshop on jazz composition with Eric Gould, the chair of Berklee's Jazz Composition Department.
Admission: Free
Clarinets and Friends
Wednesday / February 19, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
Clarinets and Friends will feature Berklee faculty members performing Poulenc's sextet for woodwind quintet and piano, with Wendy Rolfe (flute), Peter Cokkinias (clarinet), Dominick Ferrara (bassoon), Michael Weinstein (French horn), and Wayne Ward (piano), and guest Joe Halko (oboe). Members of the Berklee Clarinet Choir will also perform some traditional and modern repertoire.
Admission: Free
Composition Department Faculty Concert
Thursday / February 20, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
A program of Berklee Composition Department faculty compositions.
Admission: Free
Zafris Distinguished Lecture for Music Business Featuring Lyor Cohen
Friday / February 21, 2014 / 1:00 p.m.
Lyor Cohen's career in the music industry spans more than 30 years, beginning with Russell Simmons' Rush Management, to leading Def Jam Records in its pioneering of hip-hop music, to his most recent position as chairman and CEO of Recorded Music for Warner Music Group North America.
Admission: Free
Greg Laswell
Friday / February 21, 2014 / 7:00 p.m.
It's been seven years since musician Greg Laswell released his debut album. Four records later, many things have changed, including many his songs. The result is I Was Going To Be An Astronaut.
Admission: $18 in advance, $20 day of show, general admission
Greg Laswell
Friday / February 21, 2014 / 9:00 p.m.
It's been seven years since musician Greg Laswell released his debut album. Four records later, many things have changed, including many his songs. The result is I Was Going To Be An Astronaut.
Admission: $18 in advance, $20 day of show, general admission
Bass Department Student Concert
Monday / February 24, 2014 / 7:30 p.m.
Annual showcase of Bass Department students.
Admission: Free