text:
|Numķro de publication
|Type de publication
|Numķro de demande
|Date de publication
|21 avr. 1987
|Date de dķp¶t
|13 mai 1985
|Date de prioritķ
|1 avr. 1985
|╔tat de paiement des frais
|Autre rķfķrence de publication
|Numķro de publication
|Siro Brugnoli
|Cessionnaire d'origine
|Cosmed S.R.L.
|Exporter la citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Citations de brevets (10), Rķfķrencķ par (94), Classifications (19), ╔vķnements juridiques (8)
|Liens externes: USPTO, Cession USPTO, Espacenet
The present invention concerns a device for the survey of the breathing ventilation and of the oxygen consumption connected by means of radio signals to a reception and elaboration station comprising a volume meter, an oxygen concentration meter, a control and a radio transmitter modulus of small dimensions and weight so as to be directly connected to the person being examined.
The meters known in the art do not allow a survey in the "real" conditions, i.e. during work or sport, and therefore static laboratory analysis must be peformed.
In these situations it is impossible to obtain such conditions that are however necessary for a valuation of the breathing functionality in "limit" conditions--like the ones of an athlete in a contest or during training, or of a person working in conditions that could prove to be dangerous for his health (smoke, smog, noise, heat, etc.).
It is known that breathing ventilation (VE) means the air volume expired by a person in one minute; while oxygen consumption VO2 means the volume of oxygen consumed in one minute while breathing.
The VO2 is given by the product of the ventilation per minute multiplied by the difference between the inhaling and expiration oxygen concentration.
The average expiratory concentration must be calculated because during expiration, the oxygen percentage is not constant.
The VO2 calculation is completed with the survey of ambient pressure, temperature and moisture values that allow to bring back the measure of VO2 to "standard" conditions provided for the gaseous volumes (20░ C., 760 mmHg, 0% relative moisture).
The volume meters actually known are of the kind:
(1) closed circuit
(2) open circuit.
Between the closed circuit volume meters the type most used are:
(a) container or piston.
In this case, a cylinder is moving inside another one in function of the gas that is let in and out. The sealing between the two cylinders is obtained by membranes or immersing the movable cylinder in a liquid contained in the second cylinder.
(b) Bellows.
The volume is obtained by the capacity variation of the bellow. The most used are the angular variation bellows like the ones used to blow on a fire.
The volume meters with open circuit actually most used are:
(a) a pneumotacograph of Fleisch and Lilly.
Both are based on the principle of the Venturi tube.
(b) Hot wire.
This has an element whose electric features (e.g. the resistance) vary according to the speed of the air flow that strikes it.
(c) Turbine or fly.
This performs a number of revolutions proportional to the volume that strikes it.
The turbine device already known is disadvantaged due to the inertia moment due to the rotation of the propeller around the axis.
Infact, the turbine continues to rotate, even when the flow striking the same is annulled, for a time period (the time of arrest) inversely proportional to the resistance and to friction within the system.
It is not possible to increase the friction beyond determined limits for reducing the time of arrest, because to each friction increase corresponds a minimum flow (threshold) increase, that places the turbine into rotation, and below which no good signal is obtained because the turbine remains still.
It is evident that the "ideal" turbine meter is the one having a threshold flow and a time of arrest being nul.
The most used devices for measuring oxygen concentration may be grouped in three main classes:
(1) thermoparamagnetic (or at magnetic wind);
(2) magnetodynamic (or pure magnetic);
(3) electrochemical, in turn divided into polarographic and galvanic.
A further classification of the analyzers may consist in using as a reference parameter the response time (tr) of the instrument:
(1) QUICK analyzers (tr<200 ms);
(2) SLOW analyzers.
The difference between the two classes is not limited to the response time as therefore this time has a considerable influence on the other technical features.
The stability and the exactness of a SLOW analyzer, are considerably better than those of a QUICK analyzer.
Usually, when high stability is required, it is necessary to keep the instrument continually working, around the clock, if it is a QUICK analyzer, while only a few minutes are sufficient for reaching the speed conditions if it is a SLOW analyzer.
This is due to the different chemical and physical features of oxygen, that are utilized in the two kinds of instruments to obtain the value of the concentration.
Furthermore, QUICK analyzers are extremely sensitive to pressure, temperature and moisture variations that take place inside the measuring chamber.
For example, in all known analyzers it is preferred that the gas flow to be measured be constant (0.5 or 1 l/min).
Otherwise there will be enormous measuring errors.
It can therefore also be easily understood that auxiliary devices, such as the aspiration pump, must have the features of exactness and stability.
The foregoing demonstrates the difference between the two kinds of analyzers in terms of cost and practicability in use.
Usually, a QUICK analyzer is five to ten times more expensive that a SLOW one. Furthermore, due to the particular functioning, mainly for what concerns stability, a QUICK analyzer is not suited for being carried about while it functions.
Also the fact that the QUICK analyzer is heavier and requires more space than a SLOW one, should be considered.
The only advantage of a QUICK analyzer is therefore, the fact that measurements can be taken in a real time.
In the medical use this means that it will be possible to "follow" phenomena that quickly vary during a determined period, without losing information.
For what concerns the methods actually used for the survey of the oxygen percentage there are, the same concerns:
(a) the momentary measuring of the oxygen percentage present in the expired gas and the following calculus of the average value; and
(b) the direct measuring of the oxygen average expiratory percentage effected by means of a "mechanical mediator".
For momentary measuring QUICK analyzers are used the response time thereof not exceed 150/200 msec.
Gas sampling will be effected near the person's mouth.
On the contrary, the direct measuring of the average oxygen value may be effected with quick as well as with slow analyzers.
For obtaining the average value, the expired volume will be sent into a chamber, for the mixing of the expired gases, that works as "mechanical mediator".
When the measuring of the oxygen percentage inside the chamber is effected by means of a quick analyzer, the capacity of the same does not represent particular difficulties because the quickness of the analyzer assures a correct measure independently from the volume expired by the person.
If, on the contrary, a slow analyzer is used, the chamber's capacity will have to be determined according to the response time of the analyzer and of the ventilation.
Usually, oxygen consumption measuring is effected at regular time intervals (e.g. each 30 seconds). This means that between one measure and the other, a determined gas volume must be collected in the chamber, representative, in terms of an average oxygen percentage, of the time interval being examined.
Usually, "turnover" shows how many times in one minute a volume equal to the one of the chamber has passed inside the same so as to obtain the so-called "washing speed of the chamber".
To prevent the concentration measuring during one calculation interval from being influenced by the oxygen percentage values relating to the precedent interval, it is necessary to provide a minimum turnover number Tmin that assures the "renewal" of the mixing chamber.
On the other hand, the response time of the analyzer is such as to impose a limit also for the maximum turnover number Tmax.
In other words, for a too low ventilation the renewal of the chamber is not quick enough. Therefore the oxygen percentage is influenced by the values of the foregoing interval.
The ventilation, being an independent variant, the only term on which it is possible to act is the capacity C of the mixing chamber. The same must be such as to satisfy the relation:
Once the values of Tmin and Tmax are fixed at a determined capacity value of the chamber C, it can be seen that the ventilation may vary between a minimum VEmin and a maximum VEmax.
It will be necessary to modify the value of C according to VE for removing this obstacle.
This infact is the main principle on which the so-called "dynamic" chambers at variable capacity are based.
The known devices use static as well as dynamic chambers.
Usually the capacity of the same varies between about two to twelve litres.
A further method for the measuring of the average expiratory concentration is known, and it consists in the continuous taking of a sample (e.g. 1/100) of expired gas to be sent into a micro mixing chamber. This allows considerable reduction of the capacity and therefore the dimensions of the chamber.
As during the exipiration phase the oxygen percentage is not constant, the sampling flow shall be proportional to the expiration one so that the sample taken from the mouth is representative of the expired volume.
This method may be compared to the one realized by means of a fixed mixing chamber to which all the expired volume is sent. It is evident that the same limits are considered for the fixed chamber, considering that between the two methods there is only a capacity difference of the chambers due to the sampling.
Usually the systems for measuring the VE and the VO2 are cumbersome and heavy devices, so that the use thereof must be limited to the laboratory.
For what concerns the so-called "portable" systems, there are instruments that weigh about 8 kg, resulting from the miniaturization of some fundamental elements; but the weight and dimension don't make them suitable for performing any sport activity therewith, except riding a horse or a bicycle.
Furthermore, the method for the calculation of the oxygen percentage is the one of the fixed mixing chamber. Therefore, this is a traditional system and the weight and dimensions thereof do not solve the problems of carrying it about during its use.
Said system is completed by a microcomputer and by a small tape recorder that allows a late data elaboration.
It is the aim of the present invention to reduce the dimensions and the weight of a device for the survey of breathing ventilation and oxygen consumption so as to directly connect it to the person to be examined during work or sport activity.
The aim set forth is reached by means of a device characterized in a portable survey and transmission unit connected, by means of radio signals, to a fixed reception and elaboration station.
The portable unit, carried by the person to be examined, comprises a breathing mask supporting the devices for the survey of the ventilation and temperature signals as well as for the expiratory volume sampling.
The signals are provided to a radio control and transmission modulus, these elements also being carried by the person by way of a belt on the person so as not to disturb his physical activity.
The control modulus activates the circuit that realizes the special method of sampling of the expiratory volume and of the turnover management, thus also obtaining the signal relative to the oxygen percentage.
The transmitter sends the signals to the fixed reception and elaboration station.
The present invention is explained more in detail hereinbelow according to the attached drawings in which a preferred embodiment is shown.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device used by an athlete while running in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective and cross-sectional view of a device for the survey and transmission of data.
FIG. 3 shows in partial schematic form, a circuit suitable for incorporation into the device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows in partial schematic form, another circuit similar to that of FIG. 3, also including a recorder.
The figures show a portable device for the survey of the breathing ventilation and of the oxygen consumption connected by means of radio signals to the fixed reception and elaboration station UF, comprising an oxygen meter 2 with a polarographic electrode, a sampling pump 4, a photo diode sender 5, a volume survey system 6, a turbine 7, a temperature sensor 8, a pressure transducer 9, a photo surveyor 10, an oxygen annulment 20, an oxygen amplification adjuster 21, a radio transmission antenna 26, an accumulator charge level indicator led 27, a starting switch 28, an automatic gauge switch 31, a mask connection cable 32, an inlet 33 of the mixing chamber, an outlet 34 of the sampling pump, an outlet 35 of the mixing chamber, a connector 36 for accumulator charge, and a moisture absorber 37.
In FIG. 3, beyond the already mentioned details, there is shown: a circuit 1 an oxygen electrode polarizer, an electronic filter 11, a comparator 12, a transistor FET 13, a Schmitt TRIGGER 14, a photo resistor 15, an integrator 16, a power amplifier 17, a (temperature) amplifier 18, an (oxygen) amplifier 19, a photo resistor 22, a radio frequency modulator 23, auxiliary inlets 24 (ECG, SaO2, etc.), and a radio transmitter 25.
For what concerns the turnover management, the present invention acts on the value of F=Fe/Fc, where Fe is the expiratory flow and Fc is the sampling flow, instead of on C=chamber capacity, thus obtaining a mechanical mediator; the functioning thereof may overlap--for what concerns the result--the one that could be obtained varying the capacity of a dynamic chamber being F times bigger.
The measuring of the ventilation will be effected, according to the present invention, by means of a high precision traditional turbine 7 and a pressure transducer 9, that are suited for a practical and economical recognition of the nul flow that eliminates the problems due to the "arrest time" of the turbine.
Inside the tube containing turbine 7, a pressure transducer 9 (e.g. a microphone) will be inserted, for recognizing in a nul time the flow conditions different from zero.
Transducer 9 provides an output signal proportional to the pressure and therefore to the air flow striking the same with a response time of less than 1 msec.
In other words, the transducer may be used as an ON-OFF indicator for recognizing the flow annulment and thus correcting the signal the turbine continues sending during the arrest time.
Thus the main error source will be eliminated.
For what concerns the functioning of the device according to the present invention, the person is connected, by means of the mask M, to a gaseous volume survey system 6, including turbine 7 rotating at a speed proportional to the air volume striking the same.
The photo diode system 5 and the photo surveyor 10 generate an impulse train proportional to the number of revolutions of the turbine.
As already shown, at the end of each expiration and inhaling, when the air flow is annulled, the impulses obtained due to the inertia moment of turbine 7 are suppressed by means of a correction circuit including pressure transducer 9 that immediately reveals (less than 1 msec) the flow annulment.
The output signal of tansducer 9, filtered by circuit 11, is sent to comparator 12 that controls transistor FET 13, the ON-OFF functioning thereof allowing or preventing the transmission of the impulse train to an amplifier, Schmnitt trigger circuit 14.
The filter 11 also allows the elimination of the impulses generated during the inhaling stage.
The impulse train present at the Schmnitt trigger 14 output therefore represents "the correct expiratory volume" that is provided to modulator 23 to which the radio transmitter 25 is connected.
The same signal will be sent to a powder amplifier 17 that controls the capacity of the sampling pump 4 and to an integrator 16.
Integrator 16, by means of the photoresistor 15, controls the level of the inlet signal of the power amplifier 17.
The sampling flow of pump 4 is always proportional to the expiratory flow according to an amplification factor controlled by integrator 16, which therefore has the function of "automatic gain control".
The sample volume of pump 4 shall be sent to a micro mixing chamber 3 inside of which there is a polarographic electrode 2 for the measuring of the oxygen percentage.
The suitably amplified outlet of electrode 2 is connected to modulator 23 and to transmitter 25.
The system is completed with a sensor 8 for the survey of the expired gas temperature, the output thereof being amplified at amplifier 18 and sent to modulator 23 and transmitter 25.
The present invention also has connectors 24 for connection to receive auxiliary signals coming from other instruments, like ECG signals (electrocardiographic signal) or SaO2 signals (signal for the oxygen blood saturation.
FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention that includes in addition to transmitter 25, a recorder 30, that will allow the late data analysis. Recorder 30 may be of the digital type, with an electronic memory. Alternatively, recorder 30 can simply comprise a tape recorder.
The main advantages of the present invention are the following:
(1) the presence, in the device, of a slow oxygen analyzer that guarantees, with respect to a quick one, a greater exactness and stability in measuring, beyond a smaller "criticity", at a cost five to ten times lower;
(2) the concept of sampling by means of a pump with variable capacity according to the expiratory flow allows to analyze, beyond the average value of the oxygen percentage, also the one relative to a "portion" of expiration. For analyzing "End breathing" values, i.e. those oxygen percentage values at the end of each expiration that are very important in the analysis of the breathing functionality, it will be enough to operate the sampling pump during the end of expiration, which can be easily recognized by the signal coming from the volume meter. Until now an analysis of this kind has been possible only by means of very expensive quick analyzers.
(3) The possibility of using a slow analyzer without renouncing to the advantages offered by the quick ones has allowed a great miniaturizing, that can not be obtained by any quick analyzer in commerce.
(4) The controlled turnover sampling makes the fix capacity micro mixing chamber equivalent to a dynamic chamber at variable capacity, with the advantage of a considerable dimension reduction.
(5) The controlled turnover annuls the limitation already listed for the slow analyzers, i.e. the incapability of these of covering the whole ventilation variation range.
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|Classification aux ╔tats-Unis
|600/532, 340/870.09, 73/861.77, 600/539
|Classification internationale
|Classification coopķrative
|Classification europķenne
|17 mars 1987
Owner name: COSMED S.R.L., VIA DEL TEMPIO DEGLI ARVALI 41/L, 0
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:BRUGNOLI, SIRO;REEL/FRAME:004681/0471
Effective date: 19870219
|27 sept. 1990
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|29 nov. 1994
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|18 janv. 1995
|Surcharge for late payment
|18 janv. 1995
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|10 nov. 1998
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|18 avr. 1999
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|17 ao¹t 1999
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 19990421


text:
Ecover, Cream Scrub, 16 fl oz (473 ml) (Discontinued Item)
- You earn loyalty credit for every order you place at iHerb!
- Loyalty credit is equal to 5% of the value of your order after discounts and credits applied, excluding shipping charges.
- Your loyalty credit will be applied towards your next order as soon as your current order has shipped.
- Your loyalty credits are valid for up to 90 days from the date of your last purchase.
Ecover, Cream Scrub, 16 fl oz (473 ml) (Discontinued Item)
Shipping Weight:?1.6 lbsSwitch to Metric units
- Product Code: ECV-31100
- UPC Code: 728997311007
1.9 x 3.1 x 7.8 in, 1.35 lbsSwitch to Metric units
Featured Products
- Get Nature on Your Side
- With Plant-Based & Mineral Ingredients
- Gentle on Surfaces
- Removes Soap Scum, Limescale & Grease
- Cruelty Free
At Ecover we have been pioneering green science for over 30 years to make effective plant-based, planet-friendly cleaners.
- Eliminates limescale and food stains from skins, tiles & countertops.
- Made using renewable, plant-based & mineral ingredients.
- We use ingredients that are gentle on surfaces but effective on dirt.
Suggested Use
Test on an inconspicuous area before first use. Apply either directly to the surface or onto a wet sponge. Clean the surface and then rinse off.
Other Ingredients
Water (aqua), calcium carbonate, bentonite, coco-glucoside, phenoxyethanol, glycerin, xanthan gum.
Keep out of reach of children.
Just do it! The Earth will thank you.
Verified Purchase
Just do it! The Earth will thank you.
Works exactly the same as soft scrub except when you rinse it down the drain/toilet you know you are avoiding any negative impact on the waters we share. This product also has Zero fragrance/fumes so it is easy on you skin, eyes & lungs. If we all replaced just one cleaning product to a biodegradable substitute it would make such a huge difference.
Was this review helpful to you?
Works well
Posted by bughunter on Feb 28, 2017 | Verified Purchase
Purchased as gift for someone with chemical sensitivities. Reported as effective and safe, but needs a little extra scrubbing for hard water residue.
Excellent cleaner for the Shower, with no chemical smells
Posted by iHerb Customer on Feb 08, 2017 | Verified Purchase
I prefer to use more of the organic cleaning products. This does the same as the popular store brand Soft Soap, but this does not have all the nasty abrasive chemicals and cleans our shower beautifully
Posted by iHerb Customer on Oct 04, 2016 | Verified Purchase
Not bad...
Posted by iHerb Customer on Apr 23, 2015 | Verified Purchase
Works well enough, but honestly, I think vinegar + baking soda still works better.
OK but not Amazing
Posted by iHerb Customer on Mar 26, 2015 | Verified Purchase
It works well enough, but you have to use more than with regular scouring scrubs. Wish they would put more scouring agents in their.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Quickstart 2 Tennis Friday
Sep 09 - Oct 28 (Friday)
Ages 7-10
McLean Swim and Tennis
Starting at
About This Activity
MSTA's Junior Tennis ProgramMSTA's Junior Tennis program utilizes the best of both classic and modern teaching techniques and equipment to successfully lay the proper foundation for future success. These programs are great for all levels of tennis players from the beginner to the more experienced tennis players. These programs are designed with the little tennis player in mind using appropriate sized courts, balls and racquets. Come out and see what all the talk is about. QuickStart 2: These players can serve, rally and keep score on the 36' court. They are actively involved in the MatchPoint Tennis Super Saturdays and playing the local Junior Team Tennis League (JTT), or have been actively involved on the Tyson's Cup Team. Emphasis is now on tactics during play, basic stroke production, and court coverage. Ages 7-10
Organizer Info
Matchpoint Tennis


text:
Centurio and Kromproom - Hunter (kromproom's promo version)
Listen to the track called -Hunter- from the bonus CD soundtrack Darkness. Kromproom created the longer version of the short original song composed by Centurio. The longer version promotes of the book called -Revolution, Baby! with 2 CDs released as the special edition, which is available from 20.10.2014. Check it out on Soundcloud!
Vystavil Piotr Krompiewski v 12:10
Štítky: CENTURIO, Dan Davis, electronic music, Hunter, KrompRoom, KrompRoomRecords, longer version, soundtrack, Warner Chappell Music
Místo: Evropa
Subskrybuj: Komentarze do posta (Atom)


text:
CLC Lands
Real Estate Opportunities
CLC is a new kind of real estate firm that utilizes a group of experts from various fields to provide top notch professional service. When you choose CLC, you are getting over 60+ years of real estate experience. In addition to our real estate experts, we have professional foresters on staff to help with timber evaluations, recommendations, and MFL plans. We have GIS experts to create the highest quality property maps available for buyers and sellers. We also have certified general appraisers to consult with on property values. This entire team could be working for you!


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Albert DePrince (William Ford (Pamela Morris (
Journal of Economics and Finance, 2011, vol. 35, issue 1, 22-40
Keywords: Community Banks; Bank Performance; Regional Bank Performance; G21 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc Citations View citations in EconPapers (1) Track citations by RSS feed
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A small stream in the forest. Recorded with a pair of AT4021 mics into a modified Marantz PMD 661.
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Summaries of EU Legislation
Summaries of EU legislation: direct access to the main summaries page.
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)
Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 – rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
- It sets out rules to prevent, control and eradicate transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs)*.
- It covers the production, placing on the market and, in some cases, the export of animals and animal products.
The European Commission ranks EU countries or regions by their level of risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathies (BSE):
- Level 1: negligible risk
- Level 2: controlled risk
- Level 3: undetermined risk
EU countries must put in place a monitoring programme, with screening for animals suspected of BSE or scrapie*. Rapid post-mortem screening must also be carried out.
Suspected animals and others on the holding cannot be moved until test results are known. If the animals may have been exposed elsewhere, other holdings may be monitored.
When a case is officially confirmed, the following measures are applied:
- An inquiry into the origin of the disease and all potentially affected animals or products.
- The affected holding is placed under official control. Any movement of susceptible animals (or animal products) must be authorised.
- Killing and complete destruction of at-risk cattle. Different rules apply to sheep and goats.
Compensation is paid without delay for the loss of animals or animal products.
Risk reduction measures:
- Feeding animal protein to ruminants is prohibited, as is feeding processed animal protein (such as gelatine and blood products) to any farm animal (with the exception of fur-producing carnivores such as mink).
- Specific risk material must be removed from carcases, even in areas where there is negligible BSE risk. In areas of controlled or undetermined risk, bones from cattle, sheep or goats cannot be used for mechanically separated meat. There are specific methods for certain body parts such as head meat and tongue.
- Animals for export or import must have health certificates. Similar rules apply to imports from non-EU countries, except those with negligible BSE risk.
Production and inspection workers must have basic training in TSEs.
To ensure uniform scientific analysis and reliable results, national and European reference laboratories must be designated.
EU countries must ensure that animals suspected of a TSE are notified to the authorities, and regularly inform each other and the Commission of such cases. They must also carry out frequent official inspections to check that rules are being observed.
Derogations from these rules may be granted to reflect new scientific knowledge.
A 2010 Commission Communication observes that the EU is close to eradicating BSE in cattle, but should continue monitoring in case it re-emerges.
It entered into force on 1 June 2001 and has applied from 1 July 2001.
*Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal diseases in which brain tissue degenerates, giving a sponge-like appearance.
They include:
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans
- Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle
- Scrapie in small ruminants, such as sheep and goats.
Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (OJ L 147, 31.5.2001, pp. 1–40)
The successive amendments and corrections to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
Commission Decision 2002/1003/EC of 18 December 2002 laying down minimum requirements for a survey of prion protein genotypes of sheep breeds (OJ L 349, 24.12.2002, pp. 105–107)
Communication from the Commission: TSE Road map (COM(2005) 322 final of 15 July 2005)
Commission Decision 2007/453/EC of 29 June 2007 establishing the BSE status of Member States or third countries or regions thereof according to their BSE risk (OJ L 172, 30.6.2007, pp. 84–86). See consolidated version.
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: The TSE Road map 2 – A Strategy paper on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies for 2010-2015 (COM(2010) 384 final of 16 July 2010)
last update 15.02.2016


text:
As the joke at Georgia Regents goes, Jaiden Brandt is saving his best for his final race.
The Jaguar senior is seeking his first cross country win. Ever.
He didn't win an event in high school. Brandt's been oh so close in college, but he's still been short.
Now, he gets what's likely his final opportunity – even though he knows winning is probably unrealistic because of the strong competition.
Brandt, along with his Georgia Regents teammates, is competing Saturday in the NCAA Division II Championships in Spokane, Wash. Last year, he competed in the national championships as an individual, finishing 83rd.
Brandt and coach Adam Ward recently joked about Brandt saving his best for last and possibly breaking through.
Realistically, he's setting his sights on All-American honors, which go to the top 40 finishers.
"He's going to be so fresh and ready for nationals, he's going to win his first race," Ward said with a laugh. "He's got one more. He may as well make it count."
Brandt has been a big part of his team's success this year. With fellow all-region runners Preston Jones and Dustin Ross, Brandt has helped the team win three of its six races. Georgia Regents' third-place showing in the Southeast Regional qualified the team for the nationals for the first time.
Brandt earned Peach Belt Conference Runner of the Year honors after posting three runner-up finishes, a third and a fifth. He almost won the Jaguar Invitational in September, but Ross beat him to the line by a foot – Brandt lost by .025 seconds.
In the Peach Belt Championships, Brandt finished in second by two seconds. At the Southeast Regional, he rallied in the second half of the race to finish 18 seconds out of first.
"If I can just maintain this postseason, second-place streak," Brandt said, "I'll be thrilled."
Running has always been in his blood. Brandt's mother, Gina, was the high school state 2-mile champion in Colorado. Jaiden ran cross country at Augusta Christian, but just to stay in shape for basketball.
Brandt started his college career at USC Aiken, but he switched to Georgia Regents to major in music. After competing in the Augusta Half-Marathon in 2011, he decided to walk on to the cross country team. His first season, he earned the first of three consecutive all-conference and all-region honors.
"When he decides to do something, he does it really well," said USC Aiken women's basketball coach Mike Brandt, Jaiden's father. "My wife and I are very proud of him. He's got great dedication."
Last year, Brandt got a taste of the national championships in Joplin, Mo. Runners set out on a fast pace, and Brandt set a personal record in the first 5k by 30 seconds. He finished the 10,000-meter race in 31 minutes, 8 seconds, missing becoming an All-American by 44 seconds and an Academic All-American by seven seconds.
"Just going the first time was fun and interesting," Brandt said. "This year, I kind of know what to expect."
After last season, Brandt took a week off and then restarted his training. Because of the consistent workouts, he said he's now 50 seconds quicker than he was this time last year.
Brandt's athletic career doesn't end with the national championships. In the spring, he'll run in the 5k and 10k for the outdoor track team. In May, Brandt will graduate with his music degree. Then, he said, he hopes to go straight into occupational therapy school.
Brandt is trying to apply for one more year of cross country eligibility with the NCAA, but he said the odds of getting it are slim. If he doesn't, he said he's pleased with his career – even if he doesn't have a win.
"I don't know how I could've gone to school without cross," Brandt said. "It really motivates you to get your schoolwork done. It's been a positive, building lifelong friendships."


text:
NEW YORK, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Two prominent Jewish leaders are upset after viewing Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," supporting previous claims that the film is anti-Semitic.
Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, and Abraham H. Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League in New York, said they are bothered by scenes that blame the Jews, rather than the Romans, for Jesus' death, according to Friday's New York Times.
Hier said he was "horrified" by the movie, which he said depicted all Jews, except those who were Jesus' followers, as villainous, with dark beards and eyes "like Rasputin."
Foxman said he was concerned that the film will encourage anti-Semitic feelings.
"Do I think it will trigger pogroms? I don't think it will," Foxman said. "But will it strengthen and legitimize anti-Semitic feelings? Yes, it will."
Alan Nierob, Gibson's spokesman, responded by saying "The filmmakers completely respect these gentlemen's right of freedom of expression, and expect the same in return."
The film is set to be released in 2,000 theaters on Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday.


text:
Adam Lambert to Release New Album in Early 2012
Adam Lambert says his second album will likely be out early next year.
Beyonce Designing New Maternity Collection Line for Her Fashion Line, Dereon
Beyonce already has a successful clothing line called House of Dereon, and now the mom-to-be is branching out into maternity fashion.
Adele, Lady Gaga, Rihanna Among American Music Awards Nominations
Nominations for the American Music Awards were announced today, and British singer Adele leads the pack with four nominations, including Artist of the Year and Favorite Female Artist.
Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Lil Wayne and country group The Band Perry were right behind Adele with three nods apiece. Perry will perform on the show, as will Pitbull.
Christina Aguilera Travels In Style to Michael Jackson Tribute Concert
Christina Aguilera performed at a Michael Jackson tribute concert this past weekend in Cardiff, Wales, and her travel arrangements weren't exactly low-key.
Justin Bieber Reveals Track Listing for Christmas Album, 'Under the Mistletoe'
Justin Bieber is releasing a Christmas album on November 1, and he just released the track listing.
Katy Perry's Music Called 'Crap' By Songwriter Linda Perry [VIDEO]
They may share a last name, but they sure don't seem to share musical taste. Songwriter Linda Perry called singer Katy Perry's music "crap" during a recent interview.
Lady Gaga Will Get the MTV VMAs Rolling By Opening the Show [VIDEO]
Kanye West to Honor Amy Winehouse with Remix of 'Back To Black'
Kanye West is said to be planning a tribute to Amy Winehouse by recording a remix version of her song 'Back To Black.'
Was Jessica Simpson 'Drunk Swaying' at Adele Concert?
Was Jessica Simpson doing a little drunken dancing during a concert earlier this week by British singer Adele?


text: Advertisement About Planning Portal adverts Renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and biomass heaters are becoming increasingly popular. These are effective alternatives to fossil fuels and will help you to meet your own energy requirements and reduce your home's carbon dioxide emissions. The Energy Saving Trust offers a guide to how renewable energy works.


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Complaint Review: Ripoff Report | Swiss America Trading Corporation | Ripoff Report Verified™ …businesses you can trust. Swiss America assisting clients in building a strong portfolio of U.S. gold, silver coins. Educating clients on how precious metals - in physical form - offer asset protection, security, profit potential, privacy of ownership, peace of mind.
- Swiss America Trading Corporation | Ripoff Report Verified™ …businesses you can trust. Swiss America assisting clients in building a strong portfolio of U.S. gold, silver coins. Educating clients on how precious metals - in physical form - offer asset protection, security, profit potential, privacy of ownership, peace of mind.
2342 Tatum Blvd
Phoenix, Arizona
United States of America
- Phone:
- Web: www.swissamerica.com
- Category: Financial Services
Swiss America REVIEW: Swiss America's executive team and employees are committed to customer satisfaction. Swiss America Trading Corporation approach to business focuses on providing the highest customer satisfaction in the industry. Phoenix, Arizona
*UPDATE: Swiss America pledges their commitment to always improving their operations by joining Ripoff Report's Corporate Advocacy, Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program. A program that benefits the consumer by increasing their confidence when doing business with a member business. Swiss America is recognized by Ripoff Report Verified™ as a safe business service.
EDitor's UPDATE: Positive rating and recognition has been given to Swiss America for its commitment to excellence in customer service.
Ripoff Report's discussions with Swiss America have uncovered an ongoing commitment by the company to total client satisfaction. This means that clients can expect that the company will work towards finding a mutually satisfactory resolution to any complaints or concerns. Swiss America listens carefully to client concerns and sees them as an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and become more efficient as a company in the services offered and the support for those services.
Swiss America's CEO, Mr. Dean Heskin, has informed us that his personal philosophy is that his clients are a precious resource. [continued below]....
Another top executive of the company told Ripoff Report that Mr. Heskin's personal business philosophy is based on the premise that "strives to add value in its services as they understand that a successful business model is based on value-added services, and client care". Swiss America's mission statement says it all: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Some of the other things Ripoff Report learned in the course of its review is that typical customer feedback reads: "Swiss America (and Mr. Heskin) truly communicate all aspects of the job in a timely and effective manner. We are very pleased with the responsiveness that he and his employees show us. They are serious about meeting commitments, and deliver on all their promises.
The information provided in this report below is based on comments made by CEO Dean Heskin during an onsite inspection held by a third party verification company with no biases toward Swiss America Trading Corporation.
Ripoff Report Verified™ .. part of Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program.A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business..
Swiss America Trading Corporation has no direct relationship with the US Mint, although they are not precluded from dealing with the mint. Most of their involvement with the mint is done through their suppliers.
When buying and reselling gold and other precious metals, their company practices a standard process. First, they utilize radio, television, internet, and print ads to advertise. After a potential customer contacts them, they look at the materials that they offer and determine if they want to become involved in the market. If a customer decides to work with their company, they are assigned to a representative. Over the phone they will secure the product with the trader and representative, verifying name, address, product price, date and time etc. During this process they also cover their company's disclosure in terms of market risks and costs. Throughout this process, clients are allowed to maintain contact with their representative, by email or phone. They also have online access to see the value of their product whenever they want. Clients also have the choice of receiving e-newsletters or print newsletters to update them on new information.
"During the onsite interview CEO Dean Heskin was asked to describe their target market consumer and the overall mission for the company: "That's the same as our previous 30 years. Our clientele tends to be conservative; we don't push this as a "get rich quick" type of endeavor. Most of our customers are purchasing our products as a means of better diversifying their wealth. This means that a portion of their money may be in land, a portion in stocks and bonds, a portion in tangible wealth, such as gold or silver, and a portion in cash. Overall, our mission is to present people with the concept of being diversified in their holdings."
In order to keep their end consumers educated, Swiss America Trading supplies them with plenty of information prior to them becoming involved in the market. Their chairman and founder of the company is co-author of five books pertaining to different aspects of the economy and financial markets. He is a frequently featured speaker on Fox News as well as a plethora of radio shows. They have been able to provide their clients with a vast amount of information through the things they have done with the establishment of the NCA (Numismatic Consumer Alliance) and their involvement with different industry affiliates.
The common complaints typically center on market performance
Mr. Heskin was asked to discuss the common complaints that their company receives and describe the standard practices they use to resolve these issues: "The common complaints typically center on market performance, meaning that a person's investment in the market went up or down, and it might not have been as much as they would have liked it to. These are the vast majority of our complaints. The good thing is that we have a very thorough and specific process that anyone must go through before purchasing. It is disclosed that there are risks due to the fact that this is a market and it does fluctuate. Typically, the majority of those complaints are resolved, often by sending them an audio copy of their agreement in which they have acknowledged that there is a risk involved in entering this market."
When asked what were some internal process and procedures that need improvement within their company, Mr. Heskin replied, "Thankfully, that's a tough, actually odd question because it implies that there are problems. If we have recognized any problems then we have probably already fixed them or are well on our way to fixing them. In the last few years we have incorporated our verbal lock into our customer agreement that contains all of the various disclosures, as well as expands on much we are trying to make sure clients know what they are getting involved with before entering into the market. We work on an internal basis and take all the necessary security measures. We want to preemptively make sure that we are more proactive in seeing any problems or issues. We have weekly staff meetings where we review various processes, issues, policies, and procedures to make sure everybody is on the same page and if there are any little holes, we get them plugged up."
Swiss America Trading Corporation is the largest, most comprehensive dealer of their kind. In order to maintain a competitive edge they give customers free online access to their portfolios, the continuously educate the consumer about market trends, and are actively involved in their community. They also implement a competitive buy back policy. They have always made keeping people informed and educated as the forefront for their business.
In addition, Mr. Heskin was asked to address specific complaints made on Ripoff Report about end consumers being overcharged and what was done to resolve this issue: "Well, first off in terms of being overcharged for a coin, the individual who made that complaint was not complaining about being overcharged, she was complaining about the coins that she did not make money on. In terms of how we settle such issues, we will offer them their money back or offer a reduced cost in what they will get back. In other words, we'll eat half the cost.
From our vantage point, this is often difficult for us because we tell clients from the beginning what the risks are. We explain to them the prices and what the cost is to buy and sell, we also publish it online. We couldn't be any clearer on these points. If necessary, we will perhaps give them their money back or give them a discount just in the interest of making things right. However, sometimes we deal with unreasonable people, it just happens."
Swiss America Trading Corp is pleased to be a part of Ripoff Reports Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program. They are fully supportive of any entity that stands up and represents the consumer to make sure they are protected. They are in full support of ensuring people are not getting ripped off. They appreciate the advocacy aspect of this program because that is what they have tried to implement within their business for the last 30 years. If there is an issue or a problem, they want to ensure that it is addressed. If something is wrong, they want to make it right and they believe Ripoff Report gives them the platform to do that.
"I have seen Mr. Heskin take personal interest in the ongoing improvement of the overall experience for the customer. With his background in finance and years of experience in assisting thousands of families in their financial decision making, I know that he has only the betterment of the customer in mind. It always gives me great pleasure to go back to our customers & know that they have been provided the best quality service at the best quality price." ~The Director of Administration
Swiss America takes employee satisfaction seriously as well. Employee feedback and surveys reveal comments such as this: "Swiss America provides a very positive environment to work. Opportunities for suggestions and improvements are encouraged. Mr. Heskin is truly concerned about our contribution to the company and providing growth opportunities for us. He takes the time to listen and communicate with employees and customers." Ripoff Report was pleased to learn that Swiss America's past and current approach to business is focused on its pledge to total commitment towards client and employee satisfaction.
Avoiding Investment Gold Scams Consumer Alert:
Get a basic education before buying!
With the increased public interest in owning precious metals for financial safety and profit potential also comes the increased risk of new consumer fraud and rip-off scams. Swiss America offers consumers suggested steps of action to avoid gold dealer problems and/or to help resolve outstanding gold dealer complaints.
7 Warning Signs Of Commodity "Come-Ons.
Swiss America recognizes that complaints posted on Ripoff Report (whether true or not) are issues that need to be addressed, not ignored. If handled correctly, complaints can be valuable learning opportunities. With the feedback generated by Ripoff Report's review, Swiss America has made organizational changes allowing its clients and employees a more streamlined approach to problem resolution and a commitment to a great client experience.
In summary, after our investigation, which included discussions with Mr. Heskin and many of his past and current associates, Ripoff Report is convinced that Swiss America is committed to quality delivery of services resulting in total client satisfaction.
Read more about why consumers should feel confident when doing business with a member of Ripoff Report's Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program. Yes, it's a long name for a program that does a lot for both consumers and businesses alike.
Read about Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program, a program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business. this program works.
As a matter of policy, when a business becomes a member of the Corporate Advocacy Program they agree to allow Ripoff Report to contact every client who filed a complaint so they can make things right with them. In order to confirm that the complaints were resolved, Ripoff Report is copied on all responses so we can insure that the member business did right by their customer.
Swiss America Trading Corporation Michael Weiner, Investment Advisor, Gold Broker ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration))! Phoenix, Arizona
Swiss-America Trading Corporation, Complainant
Author of Report #871814,
Complainant Swiss-America Trading Corporation (the "Complainant") has challenged the truthfulness of certain specific statements (each, a "Statement") posted by Author Anonymous (the "Author") on the Ripoff Report website at www.ripoffreport.com as Ripoff Report #871814 (the "Report"). The Author accused the Complainant of deceiving the Author regarding the sale of gold coins.. The Complainant denied all such allegations. The Author did not submit a response to the Complainant or any contact information. Therefore, in accordance with the Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration Rules (the "Rules), the Author waived their right to participate in this Arbitration. By submitting a Report and a Complaint on the Ripoff Report websites, both the Complainant and the Author have agreed to submit the dispute to the Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration Program.
In accordance with the Rules, the Arbitrator was asked to decide whether the challenged Statements were an opinion or a fact. If, and only if, the Statement was determined to be a statement of fact, the Arbitrator was asked to further decided if, by a preponderance of the evidence, to determine if the Statement was true or false. If the statement identified by the Complainant is determined to be an opinion, no determination will be made as to that particular Statement because an opinion cannot be determined to be true nor false.
In this case, the Arbitrator had only the evidence submitted by the Complainant to consider. The evidence submitted included Ripoff Report #871814, Complainant's Arbitration Statement, Complainant's Witness Statements, and supporting documentation.
Each Statement challenged by the Complainant has been considered, together with any Witness Statements and Documents provided by the Complainant for determination of the truth or falsity of the Statement. The Author did not provide a response to the Complaint.
The Arbitrator determined that the certain statements challenged in the Report were false. Therefore, according to the VIP Arbitration Rules, those statements have been redacted.
Decided November 5, 2013
Bruce E. Meyerson, Arbitrator
* A copy of the full Arbitrator's Decision is available upon request. Please e-mail email@example.com with the name of the Complainant and Report number.
I was a recent customer of Swiss America, where I invested in excess of $500,000. I thought I could trust the people working there because I was referred to them by Pat Robertson of the 700 Club on the Christian Broadcast Network. I was so Wrong.
((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). I was promised asset protection and preservation of capital what I wound up with ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)) the company is located in Phoenix. ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). He went into great detail on the growth of gold and how much an ounce of gold will always be able to purchase a suit and such. ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration))!!!!!!! ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration))? ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration))!!!!
((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)).
((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). Is that even possible? ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)) I would rather have had a great investment.
((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)) and ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)) Pat Robertson and Pat Boone would do business with people ((Statement REDACTED as false pursuant to Ripoff Report VIP Arbitration)). I wish they would stop selling gold and at the very least stop associating themselves with the Christian Broadcast Network.
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This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 04/21/2012 02:39 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/swiss-america-trading-corporation-gold-silver-coins-investing-asset-protection-phoenix-arizona-871814. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
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#1 REBUTTAL Individual responds
Mdw response
AUTHOR: mdw - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, December 07, 2012POSTED: Friday, December 07, 2012
My name is Michael Weiner, I am responding to the statement a client of Swiss America wrote about a purchase they made, mentioning myself as one of their salespersons.
I have no opinion on the veracity of their issue with Swiss America although it is my understanding that Swiss America has resolved this claim. I am writing today in regard to the mention of my name as related to their purchase.
At the time they made their purchase I was NOT working at Swiss America. This is on record at the firm. I also suggest the clients review their invoices to see my broker code is not listed. The only person they dealt with on all of their purchases was Larry Scott. Their invoices reflect this fact.
In the later part of 2011 when Mr. Scott passed away, his clients were distributed to other account representatives to service (which is procedure when an account representatives leave). I believe that is how my name was brought up in error. As my phone log reflects I have never spoken to anyone related to this account.
Any statements made that directly or indirectly tie me to this transaction are factually incorrect.
Your immediate assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Michael Weiner
#2 UPDATE Employee
Dean Heskin and Craig Smith are not Patriotic and they are not Christian. They are simply profiteers getting rich by ripping off their employees and their customers. Your reply is completely baseless.
AUTHOR: Jamie Lee - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 17, 2012POSTED: Tuesday, July 17, 2012
What I like most about your reply is that you didn't bother to dispute the assertion that both men are racists who I've witness both crack Jew and n****r jokes at company meetings. In addition to notating files as Code 2 which is racist code for a black client (who therefore probably doesn't have any money to invest). Furthermore, when looking at your company photo, it's hard not to notice that not a single African American works at your company. Let me repeat that, not a single negro works on your sales floor Mr. Smith, what an atrocity.
Of course, your representative launched his retort with a personal attack which is one of the many reasons I've withheld my identity, for fear of retribution by Mr. Heskin, a meathead, whom I've witness challenge brokers to fist fights on the sales floor, and from Mr. Smith who put the fear of god into the last person to post a rip off report on him and his evil company. I have no desire to spend 20 grand on an attorney. I simply wish to protect other hard working Americans from the same year after year fate I, and several of my new and old co-workers, suffered. And I am not "hiding" behind anonymity as you put it in your response which I hope to God was not a veiled threat, Mr. Anderson? I've already received a bizarre voicemail from someone at SA and so have two of my other former co-workers, if I receive any more I will be calling the police.
Many great political documents like the Federalist Papers were written anonymously and I see no reason why that should discredit what was published or who wrote what was published there or elsewhere and neither did the United States Supreme Court when they wrote, "Protections for anonymous speech are vital to democratic discourse. Allowing dissenters to shield their identities frees them to express critical minority views . . . Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority. . . . It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation . . . at the hand of an intolerant society."
That having been said, nothing I wrote was far from the truth. I've since checked with five other former brokers and introducing brokers as they are known as SA and they all agreed that everything I listed took place at Swiss America in one form or another. Essentially, they all agreed that Dean and Craig steal from their employees. They all agree those practices were not only condoned, but encouraged by both Smith and Heskin. When Mr. Anderson refers to the company dealing with things swiftly, he must be referring to the junior broker quickly getting the shaft while the "Closer", as they are known on the sales floor, swiftly takes all his money and threatens not to share any more leads with him if he says anything more about it.
When it comes to Heskin and Smith's claims that they are both patriots and Christian's, it's all a crock of s**t. If they are so patriotic why hasn't either EVER volunteered for military service. Neither one served in Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan, and they call themselves patriots? Obvously Heskin was too young for Nam and Smith too old for Iraq, but if they were so patriotic you'd think they would have done something other than fly flags so their customers would think they were patriots. And if they're such devout Christians why don't their employees have health care? I've never worked for a great "Christian" company who's employees faced death if they became sick or injured. And what's Christian about stealing from your employees. Puh-lease, Mr. Smith.
Mr. Anderson, you state that "The beauty of my job... is that our successes or failures fall squarely on our own shoulders. Perhaps my perspective is rather elementary but I feel that there are two type of individuals out there. Those who take personal responsibility for where they stand in life and those that blame everyone else."
Well, I too take responsibility for my actions and that's why I left and I posted this on the world wide web because I wanted to take responsibility for exposing the actions of the liars and thieves that run SwissAmerica so that other hard working Americans don't fall prey to their actions.
I wish you the best of luck surviving your federal prison sentence when you and Mr. Smith and Mr. Heskin are finally arrested for investor fraud.
#3 Author of original report
Mr. Heskin your response is BULLSH*T - All you are trying to do is change the subject. You stole over $300,000 from me and you should be ashamed of yourself.
AUTHOR: Steve - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 01, 2012POSTED: Sunday, July 01, 2012
I needed that $500,000 for my retirement. My husband and I worked hard for it. We scrimped and saved and now it's gone into a grifter's pocket. You're not a gold broker, you're a money changer. You're a thief, a charlaton. You and you're 20 years in the business, you're not in a business you're in a racket - there's a difference.
The last thing I need is a grifter pontificating to me about trust. I bought gold from you because you and Larry Scott and this Michael Weiner clown swore up and down that gold was going to $7,500 an ounce and the stock market was crashing and the dollar was going to be worthless. Well, you lied on all three accounts. Not one of those situations has happened.
You told me it was a store of value then you charged me a 28% spread - meaning I gave you 500,000 dollars and you charged me $150,000 so i literally had $350,000 in gold left. How can you possibly say that is a store of value when I'm losing 30% off the top.
Then to add insult to injury, you refused to tell me the value of the account until I forced the issue which is when i discovered the $350,000 i had left in US Commerative Coins after you raped me was only worth $200,000 not $350,000. Please tell me how my gold went down in value almost 50% when everyone else's gold quadrupled in the same time period. Please explain that to me online, you SCHIESTER! It's impossible, you're lying to me. You simply sold me a bill of goods and then year by year, month by month you lower your buyback rate.
I trusted you and You ruined my retirement.
How can you hide behind Christianity and Patriotism when you are doing this to people? Does Pat Robertson know what you are doing to people?
I've since researched several other better, ethical options to purchase gold and you should never pay more than a 5% spread. 5%!!!!! Not 28%!!!! All you have to do is google gold or bullion and several better options than you're crooked company pop up.
I will never do business with you again and as for your offer to contact you directly, I tried twice and both times was told that I could not be transferred to you - so shove your offer up your you-know-what!
#4 UPDATE Employee
Response from the CEO
AUTHOR: swissamerica - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 21, 2012POSTED: Thursday, June 21, 2012
The biggest deficit America now faces is not in money or credit but in trust.
Millions of us have been let down by many of the people and institutions we used to trust most.
The American dream of secure investment in home ownership has for millions become a nightmare. Home ownership was turned into a boom, then speculator bubble, and then a bust that has left many drowning underwater with mortgages bigger than their homes are worth.
Some of our biggest banks proved unreliable. The stock market is now little more than a casino, driven up by speculators whenever the Federal Reserve hints at trillions more in out-of-thin-air paper stimulus spending.
Political leaders preach class warfare and cast a shadow over our economy's future with threats of crushing taxes on businesses and investors. Businesses are afraid to expand or hire, and 49.5 percent of households now have someone living there who gets a government check.
The Fed boasts that it is creating positive inflation to stimulate the economy, yet on June 7 Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress not to worry because worsening unemployment should continue to restrain inflationary pressures.
In other words, those who control the value of our paper dollars now debase our savings with deliberate inflation and depend on a terrible economy to protect us from an even worse economy. No wonder things are so unstable, uncertain and untrustworthy.
We understand all this because Swiss America has been helping Americans protect their life savings for 30 years and has earned a sterling reputation in the discipline of precious metal diversification. We're not one of today's Johnny-come-lately or fly-by-night companies.
I've been with Swiss America for 20 years, and our representatives combined have many hundreds of years' experience in this field helping clients develop the strategies that best meet their individual and family needs.
We have always striven to provide clients the best service in our industry. We provide the best, most complete, up-to-date information the Whole Truth about our economy. We create a variety of materials including books and White Papers to arm investors with Life Savings-saving facts and analysis.
Swiss America has also become the Gold Standard of precious metal companies for three decades because we think of our clients as partners in maintaining America's highest values and ideals.
If you have any problem, question, idea or recommendation, my door is always open to serve you. Please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Our policy and mission is to maintain the highest standards in our profession. We thoroughly investigate any complaint presented by a client or former employee to ensure we have and will continue to conduct ourselves in accordance with these standards. We strive to rectify such problems immediately.
Please feel free to call me just to say hello, and to get a direct personal sense of the quality of this company and its experienced leadership.
You'll find that there is no deficit of trust at Swiss America Trading Corporation, an old-fashioned honest company where you can feel at home with people who take great pride in your satisfaction.
Dean Heskin
ZipBooks Accounting Software
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Russia is a federal republic occupying eastern and northeastern Europe and all of northern Asia. Area: 17,075,400 sq km (6,592,800 sq mi). Pop. (1994 est.): 148,174,000. Cap.: Moscow. Monetary unit: ruble, with (Oct. 7, 1994) a free rate of 2,927 rubles = U.S. $1 (4,656 rubles = £1 sterling). President in 1994, Boris Yeltsin; prime minister, Viktor Chernomyrdin.
An uneasy truce prevailed during 1994 between Pres. Boris Yeltsin and the opposition, within the State Duma (lower house of parliament) and outside. In elections in December 1993 Yeltsin succeeded in getting a popular mandate for the new constitution, which conferred much greater powers on the president than Yeltsin had enjoyed under the 1978 (Soviet) constitution. The president had wanted the vote on the constitution to be a measure of the confidence of the electorate in him and his policies, but the low turnout (55%) and the fact that only 58.4% voted in favour of the constitution rather undermined the legitimacy of the president. Moreover, in May the results of an analysis of voting published in Izvestiya concluded that voter turnout had been only 46.1%; by these calculations the constitution had not been adopted. Both the president and the Duma ignored the report.
More bad news for Yeltsin was that the new Duma did not have a pro-reform majority. Twenty-one parties had applied to contest the election, but only 13 were permitted to do so. Here the pro-Yeltsin forces miscalculated. By banning some of the more extreme parties, they succeeded only in concentrating the antireform vote. Yeltsin, to the consternation of his supporters, refused to support Russia's Choice openly. As the main pro-reform party, Russia's Choice had confidently expected about a third of the vote but was shocked to discover that only 15.4% of voters chose it. With 22.8% of the vote, the clear winner, especially among businessmen, was the Liberal Democratic Party (in reality a right-wing nationalist party) of Vladimir Zhirinovsky (see BIOGRAPHIES), who promised to clamp down on crime and corruption and also to exclude Western capital from the country. Moreover, many Russians were having second thoughts about the wisdom of breaking up the Soviet Union, and Zhirinovsky's promise to subordinate the U.S.S.R. successor states to Russia was very appealing.
This vote, however, in which the seats were allocated according to proportional representation, applied to only half of the 450 seats in the Duma. The other half were allocated according to the "first-past-the-post" principle, and here the pro-reformers did much better. Altogether, radical reformers (Russia's Choice and others) won 88 seats, moderate reformers (Russian Party of Unity and Accord and the Yavlinsky-Boldyrev-Lukin bloc) received 41 seats; centrists (New Regional Policy and Democratic Party), 80 seats; pro-communist (Agrarian Union, Women of Russia, and Communist Party), 104 seats; Russian nationalist (Russian Way), 25; and the extreme right (Liberal Democratic Party), 64. Ivan Rybkin of the Agrarian Union, a staunch communist, was elected speaker. Since much of the government's economic policy was opposed by the Yavlinsky-Boldyrev-Lukin bloc, there was little prospect that radical legislation would be passed. The tension that had existed between the legislative (parliament) and the executive (president and government) continued under the new constitutional order.
In the Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, the situation was much more satisfactory from Yeltsin's point of view. Most of the 178 members were independents, but the pro-reform democrats had the largest group, 48 members. There were 23 moderate reformers. The Liberal Democratic Party was not formally represented. Vladimir Shumeyko, a Yeltsin supporter, was elected speaker.
Under the new constitution the president--not the parliament--proposed the prime minister and government. If the Duma rejected his nominees three times, he could dissolve the Duma. The constitution afforded the parliament, the president, the federal government, and the representative bodies of the subdivisions (republics, krays, oblasts) of the federation the right to initiate legislation. There were no legal or procedural means to prevent or mediate clashes between different types of legislation, however, one of the many instances that revealed that the constitution was drawn up in haste. On the other hand, it was extremely difficult to impeach the president; nothing short of a charge of treason or similar grave crime would suffice.
Although Yeltsin's attitude toward the Duma was conciliatory, the legislature was frustrated by its inability, under the constitution, to make the government accountable to it or even to obtain the information it sought. The opposition saw that the only recourse was to force a vote of no confidence in the government. Such a vote occurred in October, and the government came within 32 votes of losing.
From time to time the Duma openly challenged the president. For instance, in February the Duma granted an amnesty to the leaders of the attempted coup of August 1991, those responsible for attacks on the police at a Moscow demonstration on May Day 1993, and the leaders of the parliamentary revolt crushed by Yeltsin in October 1993 (including Yeltsin foes Ruslan Khasbulatov and Aleksandr Rutskoy). Yeltsin responded by phoning Prosecutor General Aleksey Kazannik and instructing him to find a legal device to block the amnesty. Kazannik refused to obey the "telephone law," declared that the amnesty was legal, and resigned.
The defeat of the pro-reform parties in the elections strengthened the hand of Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin. Radical deputy prime ministers, except Anatoly Chubais (responsible for privatization), were replaced by more conservative men in order to appeal to the industrial, military-industrial, and agrarian lobbies. A major casualty was Yegor Gaydar, who stepped down as first deputy prime minister, whereupon Boris Fyodorov, the minister of finance, and Aleksandr Shokhin, the minister of economics, contended for the key reform post. Fyodorov threatened to resign from the Cabinet and demanded the resignation of Aleksandr Zaveryukha, deputy prime minister in charge of agriculture, and Viktor Gerashchenko, chairman of the Russian central bank. Fyodorov was also keen to succeed Gerashchenko. Chernomyrdin asked Fyodorov to withdraw his conditions and return as minister of finance. He refused, and the two main proponents of reform in the government, Gaydar and Fyodorov, were gone. Chernomyrdin also dismissed several of the government's pro-Western economic advisers and stressed that Russia was not going to adopt a Western economic model. He also pushed for closer ties (i.e., more Russian influence) within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Regional and local elections resulted in further defeats for the reformist movement and successes for the former communist elites. Many of the elections were declared invalid since less than 25% of the electorate went to the polls, revealing political apathy, which was partly due to the perception that local elected institutions were too weak to deal with pressing local problems.
In April the Civic Accord was signed by the president, representatives of the government and the parliament, and regional and republican leaders. Yeltsin had proposed the accord in February as a means for contentious political forces to work together to stabilize Russia's economic position. The draft had to be amended several times to satisfy the several participants, and the final version deleted provisions for sanctions against signatories who violated the accord. The Agrarian Union, the Communist Party, and the Yavlinsky-Boldyrev-Lukin bloc refused to sign.
In June Russia's Choice announced the formation of a new political party, Russia's Democratic Choice, headed by Gaydar. In October Zhirinovsky's Liberal Democrats boycotted the Duma in protest against what they called an official campaign of harassment against the party. They were joined by the Agrarian Union and the Communist Party, and this led to the Duma's being deprived for a time of a working majority.
Matters took an alarming turn beginning in September when the currency began dropping in value; on October 11, dubbed Black Tuesday, the ruble lost over 20% against the U.S. dollar. The president dismissed the acting minister of finance, Sergey Dubinin, and demanded that the Duma remove Gerashchenko. When the Duma refused, he dismissed the central bank chairman himself, a violation of the constitution.
Chernomyrdin also lost face in the episode, and it appeared that the president might sacrifice him. On October 27 the prime minister narrowly survived a vote of no confidence. Only 54 deputies sided with the government, which revealed how thin support for the reform program was. Opposition was marshaled by the Communists, but the Agrarians were divided in their votes. Yeltsin dismissed the liberal minister of agriculture, Viktor Khlystun, and replaced him with the Agrarian Aleksandr Nazarchuk. This deal appeared to save the day for the government. The fallout from Black Tuesday permitted the president on November 4 to appoint Vladimir Panskov the new minister of finance and accept the resignation of Aleksandr Shokhin as deputy prime minister and minister of economics.
Pessimists thought that this meant a lurch to the right by Yeltsin, but he appointed Anatoly Chubais first deputy prime minister and Yevgeny Yasin, an academic who had worked on Mikhail Gorbachev's 500-day program, minister of economics. It appeared that the president's tactics were to include in his government all shades of opinion, from radical reformer Chubais to ex-Communist Nazarchuk. The Communist Party was offered a place in government, but it declined. Thus, three levels of executive power evolved: the president, the Security Council (which was concerned mainly with security, defense, and police affairs), and the government. Foreign affairs came directly under the president, while the government was mainly responsible for economic policy.
During the year Yeltsin distanced himself from all groups and attempted to placate pro-communists, nationalists, and reformers from time to time. He did not commit himself to a coherent policy of political or economic reform. The main information agencies remained under state control, and major initiatives were still launched by presidential decree. In some ways Yeltsin began to resemble Gorbachev in 1991.
A crisis of a different sort beset Yeltsin in the latter half of the year. Following the withdrawal of Russian troops from Eastern Europe and the Baltic states, Moscow signed an agreement with the government of Moldova on the eventual withdrawal of the Russian 14th Army from the territory of the self-declared "Dniester republic." At the same time, it also began to increase the support for a group in the southern oil-producing area of Chechnya that opposed that republic's nationalist president, Dzhokhar Dudayev (see BIOGRAPHIES), and his drive to take Chechnya out of the Russian Federation. Dudayev had declared Chechnya's independence in 1991.
Fighting between the Chechen government and the opposition escalated slowly throughout the fall, then intensified sharply at the end of November. On December 10 Yeltsin ordered the borders of Chechnya sealed, and the following day Russian troops entered the heavily Muslim-populated republic. They made slow, very costly progress toward Grozny, the capital, amid a growing chorus of criticism of Russian involvement--in Chechnya itself, among many Russian civilians and politicians, as well as some in the military, and almost universally abroad. Russian troops had not secured Grozny by year's end, and there seemed to be confusion among the leaders in Moscow about who was in charge.
The Economy
The economy appeared to be in free fall for most of the year. Gross national product declined by 27%, production by 28%, and investment by 27% during the first half of the year. Gross domestic product (GDP) was expected to fall 15% over the year. Agriculture suffered badly, with the private sector accounting for less than 10% of arable farming. Most food on sale in Moscow was imported. About 18% of the population lived below the poverty line. On the other hand, Russia enjoyed a balance of payments surplus, and by autumn about $500 million in venture capital was flowing in monthly. The service sector was booming, and privatization had resulted in about half the labour force working in the private sector. Small- and medium-scale privatization was almost completed, and Chubais envisaged 1995 as the year when large-scale privatization could really get under way.
Most conflict centred on the budget. The 1994 budget was passed by the parliament only in June, but the 1995 budget was already being hotly debated in November. This was an austerity budget, strongly backed by Chernomyrdin, and was tailored to please the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rather than the Duma. The draft abandoned the previous gradualist approach in the battle against inflation. There was to be a pegged exchange rate, strict rules against printing money to cover the budget deficit, and a planned $13 billion in Western aid. Tax revenues would most likely fail to meet targets, however (in 1994 tax revenues were only 11% of GDP). Spending cuts were implied, but the agrarian and military-industrial lobbies fought fiercely for large increases. Budget deficits would be financed by bond sales and help from outside. Demand for government bonds was weak in 1994, as there was little faith in the ruble. Half of all savings were being placed into foreign currencies.
Foreign Affairs
In December, at the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe session in Budapest, Yeltsin launched a blistering attack on NATO's plans to expand eastward and embrace the Eastern European states. He talked about the Cold War giving way to the Cold Peace. After some vacillation, in November Russia declined to join NATO's Partnership for Peace program, a rude shock for the U.S., which had doggedly stood behind Yeltsin throughout the year (Pres. Bill Clinton had visited Moscow in January). These moves signaled a toughening of the Russian position on relations with the West and made it clear that Moscow still regarded Eastern Europe as lying within its zone of influence.
In the area Russia had called the "near abroad," Moscow continued to expand its political, economic, and military influence as well. An Interstate Economic Committee was set up in the CIS (see COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES), which pointed toward gradual economic integration. Russia also moved to improve relations with China and Japan, and a number of agreements were signed, but the key question of Russo-Japanese relations, the fate of the Kuril Islands, remained unsolved. Russia upgraded its relations with Iraq and sought to mediate in the Iraq-Kuwait conflict. Russia strongly opposed an expanded role for NATO in Bosnia and Herzegovina, although it did on occasion sanction NATO bombing of Serb positions and pressed for a negotiated settlement.
The conflict between Westernizers (those who favoured an Atlanticist foreign policy and close relations with the West) and nationalists (those who favoured a Eurasian and Russocentric foreign policy) appeared to be tipping in favour of the latter. Several influential scholars known for their Atlanticist position gradually moved toward the nationalists, and in May author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn returned to his homeland after 20 years in exile. Rumours about Yeltsin's health, his passion for vodka, and his fitness to rule were fueled by his failure to keep a date with Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds at Shannon Airport on September 30 on his way home from an official visit to the U.S. He was severely criticized in the Duma, and one deputy claimed that his behaviour had shamed Russia. Earlier, in Berlin for the withdrawal of the last Russian troops in August, Yeltsin had seized the bandleader's baton and delivered a rendition of a Russian folk song. His conspicuous absences and erratic decision making during the Chechen crisis led to speculation about the degree to which Yeltsin was in control of the country.