text:
This privacy policy applies between you, the user of this website and MYDRUGS Limited, the owner and provider of this website. MYDRUGS Limited takes the privacy of your information very seriously. This privacy policy applies to our use of any and all data collected by us or provided by you in relation to your use of the website.
This privacy policy should be read alongside, and in addition to, our terms and conditions, which can be found here
Definitions and interpretation
1) In this privacy policy, the following definitions are used:
Collectively all information that you submit to MYDRUGS limited via the website. The definition incorporates, where applicable, the definitions provided in the Data Protection Laws;
A small text file places on your computer by this website when you visit certain parts of the website and/or use certain features of the website. Details of the cookies used by this website are set out in the clause below (Cookies);
Data Protection Laws
Any applicable law relating to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to the Directive 96/46/EC (Data Protection Directive) or the GDPR, and any national implementing laws, regulations and secondary legislation, for as long as the GDPR is effective in the UK
The General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
MYDRUGS Limited, we or us
MYDRUGS Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales with registration number 10913546
UK and EU Cookie Law
The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 as amended by the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2011;
User or you:
Any third party that accesses the website and is not either (i) employed by MYDRUGS LIMITED ad acting in the course of their employment or (ii) engaged as a consultant or otherwise providing services to MYDRUGS LIMITED and accessing the website in connection with the provision of such services; and
The website that you are currently using, www.mydrugs.co.uk, and any sub-domains of this site unless expressly excluded by their own terms and conditions
Pharmacy regulations
Pharmacy regulations involving the standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council to create and maintain the right environment for the safe and effective practice of pharmacy and to improve the quality and safety of services provided to patients and the public.
2) In this privacy policy, unless the context requires a different interpretation:
a) the singular includes the plural and vice versa; b) references to sub-clauses, clauses, schedules or appendices are to sub-clauses, clauses, schedules or appendices of this privacy policy; d) 'including' is understood to mean 'including without limitation' e) reference to any statutory provision includes any modification or amendment of it; f) the headings and sub-headings do not form part of this privacy policy
Scope of this privacy policy
3) This privacy policy applies only to the actions of MYDRUGS LIMITED and users with respect to this website. It does not extend to any websites that can be accessed from this website including, but not limited to, any links we may provide to social media websites.
4) For purposes of the applicable Data Protection Laws, MYDRUGS LIMITED is the '"data controller". This means that MYDRUGS limited determines the purposes for which, and the manner in which, your data is processed.
Data Collected
5) We may collect the following Data, which includes personal data, from you:
• Name
• Address
• Contact information such as email addresses and telephone numbers;
• IP address (automatically collected)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Medical history
• Any other information related to your health that MYDRUGS LIMITED feels necessary to help protect your health
How we collect data
6) We collect data in the following ways:
a) data is given to us by you; b) data is received from other sources; and c) data is collected automatically
Data that is given to us by you
7) MYDRUGS Limited will collect your data in a number ways;
a) when you contact us through our website, by telephone, post, e-mail or through any other means;
b) when you register with us and set up an account to receive our products/services;
c) when you complete 'pharmacy medicine assessment' before purchasing pharmacy medicine(s)
d) when you complete surveys we use for research purposes (although you are not obliged to respond to them)
e) when you enter a competition or promotion through social media channel
f) when you make payments to us, through this website or otherwise;
g) when you elect to receive marketing communications from us;
h) when you use our services
in each case, in accordance with this privacy policy
Data that is received from publicly available third parties sources
8) We will receive data about you from the following publicly available third party sources: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms
Data that is collected automatically
9) To the extent that you access the website, we will collect your Data automatically, for example;
a) we automatically collect some information about your visit to the website. This information helps us to make improvements to website content and navigation, and includes your IP address, the date, times and frequency with which you access the website and the way you use and interact with its content
b) we will collect your data automatically via cookies, in line with the cookie settings on your browser. For more information about cookies, and how we use them on website, see the section below, headed "Cookies".
Our use of Data
10) Any or all of the above data may be required by us from time to time in order to provide you with the best possible service and experience when using our website. Specifically, data may be used by us for the following reasons:
a) Internal record keeping and audit;
b) Improvement of our products/services
c) Ensure safe and correct medicine(s) supply is made to you
d) Transmission by email of marketing materials that may be of interest to you;
In each case, in accordance with this privacy policy
11) We may use your Data for the above purposes if we deem it necessary to do so for our legitimate interests. If you are not satisfied with this, you have the right to object in certain circumstances (see the section headed "your rights" below)
12) For the delivery of direct marketing to you via e-mail, we'll need your consent, whether via an opt-in or soft-opt-in
a) soft opt-in consent is a specific type of consent which applies when you have previously engaged with us (for example, you contact us to ask us for more details about a particular product/service, and we are marketing similar product/services). Under soft-opt-in consent, we will take your consent as given unless you opt-out)
b) for other types of e-marketing, we are required to obtain your explicit consent; that is, you need to take positive and affirmative action when consenting by, for example, checking a tick box that we'll provide
c) if you are not satisfied about our approach to marketing, you have the right to withdraw consent at any time. To find out how to withdraw your consent, see the section headed ''your rights'' below
13) when you register with us and set up an account to receive our services, the legal basis for this processing is the performance of a contract between you and us and/or taking steps, at your request, to enter into such a contract
14) We may use your Data to show you MYDRUGS Limited adverts and other content on other websites. If you do not want us to use your data to show you MYDRUGS limited adverts and other content on other websites, please turn off the relevant cookies (please refer to the section headed "Cookies" bellow)
Who we share Data with
15) We may share your Data with the following groups of people for the following reasons:
a) any of our group companies or affiliates – to ensure the proper administration of our website, business and ensure compliance with pharmacy regulations
b) our employees, agents and or/professional advisors – to ensure we make a safe and correct supply of medicine(s) to you and ensure we comply with pharmacy regulations
c) third party service providers who provide services to us which require the processing of personal data – to help third party service providers in receipt of any shared data to perform functions on our behalf to help ensure the website runs smoothly, ensure a safe and correct supply of medicine(s) is made to you and ensure we comply with pharmacy regulations
Keeping Data secure
Data security is of great importance to MYDRUGS LIMITED and to protect your data we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure Data collected via this website.
16) We will use technical and organisational measures to safeguard your Data, for example
a) access to your account is controlled by a password and a user name that is unique to you
b) we store your Data on secure servers
c) any Data stored on hard copy is secured in locked cupboards
a. Hard copies of the following may be stored;
i. Your order details with your name, address, email and telephone number
ii. pharmacy medicine assessment(s) answers relative to sale of pharmacy medicine(s)
iii. Intervention notes taken relative to ensuring a safe and correct supply of medicine(s) is made to you
17) We are certified to PCI DSS. This family of standards helps us manage your Data and keep it secure
18) Technical and organisational measures include measures to deal with any suspected data breach. If you suspect any misuse or loss or unauthorised access to your Data, please let us know immediately by contacting us via this e-mail address: email@example.com
19) if you want detailed information from Get Safe Online on how to protect your information and your computers and devices against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other online problems, please visit www.getsafeonline.org. Get Safe Online is supported by HM Government and leading businesses.
Data retention
20) Unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law, we will only hold your Data on our systems for the period necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in the privacy policy or until you request that the Data be deleted.
a) Data stored on hard copies mentioned above will be stored for one year or more if required to ensure pharmacy regulations compliance
21) Even if we delete your Data, it may persist on backup or archival media for legal, tax or regulatory purposes.
Your rights
22. You have the following rights in relation to your Data:
a) Right to access – the right to request (i) copies of the information we hold about you at any times, or (ii) that we modify, update or delete such information. If we provide you with access to the information we hold about you, we will not charge you for this, unless your request is "manifestly unfounded or excessive". Where we are legally permitted to do so, we may refuse your request. If we refuse your request, we will tell you the reasons why.
b) Right to correct – the right to have your Data rectified if it is inaccurate or incomplete
c) Right to erase – the right to request that we delete or remove your Data from our systems
d) Right to restrict our use of your Data – the right to "block" us from using your data or limit the way in which we can use it
e) Right to data portability – the right to request we move, copy or transfer you Data
f) F) Right to object – the right to object to our use of your Data including where we use it for our legitimate interests
23) To make enquires, exercise any of your rights set out above, or withdraw your consent to the processing of your Data (where consent is our legal basis for processing your Data), please contact us via this e-mail address: email@example.com
24) If you are not satisfied with the way a complaint you make in relation to your Data is handled by us, you may be able to refer your complaint to the relevant data protection authority For the UK; this is the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO's contact details can be found on their website at https://ico.org.uk/.
25) It is important that the Data we hold about you is accurate and current. Please keep us informed if your Data changes during the period for which we hold it.
Links to other websites
26) This website may, from time to time, provide links to other websites, we have no control over such websites and are not responsible for the content of these websites. This privacy policy does not extend to your use of such websites. You are advised to read the privacy policy or statement of other websites prior to using them.
Changes of business ownership and control
27) MYDRUGS LIMITED may, from time to time, expand or reduce our business and this may involve the sale and/or transfer of control of all or part of MYDRUGS LIMITED. Data provided by users will, where it is relevant to any part of our business so transferred, be transferred along with that part and the new owner or newly controlling party will, under the terms of this privacy policy, be permitted to use the data for the purposes for which it was originally supplied to us.
28) We may also disclose data to a prospective purchaser of our business or any part of it
29) In the above instances, we will take steps with the aim of ensuring your privacy is protected
30) The Website may place and access certain cookies on your computer. MYDRUGS LIMITED uses cookies to improve experience of using the website and to improve our range of products and services. MYDRUGS LIMITED has carefully choses these cookies and has taken steps to ensure that your privacy is protected and respected at all times.
31) All cookies used by this website are used in accordance with current UK and EU Cookie Law
32) Before the website places cookies on your computer, you will be presented with a pop-up requesting your computer to set those cookies. By giving your consent to the placing of cookies, you are enabling MYDRUGS LIMITED to provide a better experience and service to you. You may, if you wish, deny consent to the placing of cookies, however certain features of the website may not function fully or as intended.
33) The website may place the following cookies:
Strictly necessary cookies: These are cookies that are required for the operation of our website. They include, for example, cookies that enable you to log into secure areas of our website, use a shopping cart or make use of e-billing services.
Analytical/performance cookies: They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. This helps us to improve the way our website works, for example, by ensuring that users are finding what they are looking for easily.
Functionality cookies: These are used to recognise you when you return our website. This enables us to personalise our content for you, greet you by name and remember your preferences (for example, your choice of language or region)
Targeting cookies: These cookies record your visit to our website, the pages you have visited and the links you have followed. We will use this information to make our website and the advertising displayed on it more relevant to your interests. We may also share this information with third parties for this purpose.
34) You can choose to enable or disable cookies in your Internet browser. By default, most internet browsers accept cookies by this can be changed. For further details, please consult the help menu in your internet browser.
35) You can choose to delete cookies at any time; however you may lose any information that enables you to access the website more quickly and efficiently including, but not limited to, personalisation settings.
36) It is recommended that you ensure that your internet browser is up-to-date and that you consult the help and guidance provided by the developer of your internet browser if you are unsure about adjusting your privacy settings.
37) For more information generally on cookies, including how to disable them, please refer to aboutcookies.org. You will also find details on how to delete cookies from your computer.
38) You may not transfer any of your rights under this privacy policy to any other person. We may transfer our rights under this private policy where we reasonably believe your rights will not be affected.
39) If any court or competent authority finds that any provision of this privacy policy (or part of any provision) is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision or part-provision will, to extent required, be deemed to be deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the other provisions of this privacy policy will not be affected.
40) Unless otherwise agreed, no delay, act or omission by a party in exercising any right or remedy will be deemed a waiver of that, or any other, right or remedy.
41) This agreement will be governed by and interpreted according to the law of England and Wales. All disputes arising under the Agreement will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English and welsh courts.
Changes to this privacy policy
42) MYDRUGS LIMITED reserves the right to change this privacy policy as we may deem necessary from time to time or as may be required by law; Any changes will be immediately posted on the website and you are deemed to have accepted the terms of the privacy policy on your first use of the website following the alterations.
You can contact MYDRUGS LIMITED by email at email@example.com
01 June 2018


text:
Show Filters
No results for Vitamins and Nutrition Quantum Wellness
More results from our partner:
Recently Viewed Vitamins and Nutrition
Latest Products
Popular Brands In Vitamins and Nutrition
Top Vitamins and Nutrition
Related Categories
What to consider when shopping for vitamins and nutrition products Our daily diet doesn't necessarily cater to our body's needs, making it important for us to go the extra mile and supplement our food intake with vitamins and nutrients. Vitamins are organic compounds that can be produced by our bodies, but just not quickly enough to maintain normal physiological functions. Minerals, needed in small quantities, vary in each food item. So if you need to the extra nourishment, be sure to invest in a multivitamin appropriate for you.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
MLB All-Star Week in New York, by the numbers
NEW YORK -- It was a Mets-flavored All-Star Week that will be remembered for Mariano Rivera's "Mo-ment," Yoenis Cespedes' power and Tom Seaver leading a parade. It also was a week in which Major League Baseball reached records and registered increases in attendance, ratings, digital traffic, merchandise sales, media coverage and more.
As the second half is about to get underway, here's a last look at All-Star Week 2013, by the numbers:
129,849: T-Mobile All-Star FanFest's attendance, second best in the event's 22-year history and nine percent higher than last year in Kansas City.
40: Percent increase year-over-year in MLB.com Shop All-Star merchandise sales. Overall MLB All-Star merchandise sales exceeded every other year in history with the exception of 2008. All-Star figurine collectibles (Apples) were up 618 percent from last year at the Shop.
27,924.71: Total dollars bid through Thursday at the All-Star Week Live Auction, including 206 total bids. Items range from $75 to $7,500 -- including a ball Cespedes crushed in winning the Chevrolet Home Run Derby -- and listings close starting Sunday to July 28. The All-Star Game Autographed Jersey Auction will continue at the conclusion of the Live Auctions.
495,857: Number of minutes fans logged on the Home Run Derby mobile game during the actual Chevrolet Home Run Derby broadcast Monday night.
45,186: The largest crowd in Citi Field history for the All-Star Game. The three days of ballpark events saw a total attendance of 127,919, the best three-day attendance for the stadium, which opened in 2009.
44: Percent advantage FOX had over the nearest competitor during its telecast of the All-Star Game, which increased in both TV rating and viewership. It was FOX's highest-rated and most-watched broadcast since the American Idol finale in May.
27.9 million: The All-Star Game's total audience, the best number since 2010. Total audience represents the number of people who watched six or more minutes of the broadcast.
1: Number of balls American League winning pitcher Chris Sale from the White Sox allowed to leave the infield during his two perfect innings.
20.3: Detroit's rating for the All-Star Game, that market's highest rating for the Midsummer Classic since 2005. They had a special interest: starting pitcher, manager, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder both with extra-base hits, and most importantly, knowing this fall could be home-field advantage for another Motown World Series.
463 million: Votes cast online during the three phases of balloting -- All-Star Game Online Ballot sponsored by freecreditscore.com; All-Star Game Final Vote sponsored by freecreditscore.com; and the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the All-Star Game MVP Vote sponsored by T-Mobile.
851,192: Social media comments for the All-Star Game. Those came from 477,795 unique users. Both are All-Star Game records.
868,878: Social media comments for the Chevrolet Home Run Derby. Those came from 496,458 unique users. Both are Derby records.
35: Number of All-Stars who engaged with fans on social media during the All-Star Game and Chevrolet Home Run Derby.
0: Number of breaths the average Yankees fan took in the minute immediately following Matt Harvey's plunking of Robinson Cano. Also the number of National League runs.
6.5 million: Dollars committed by MLB for national and local charities. That includes $1.25 million for Superstorm Sandy Relief, generated by the two Saturday events: the All-Star 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike, and the All-Star Charity Concert featuring the New York Philharmonic and Mariah Carey in Central Park. It also includes $529,000 from the Chevrolet Home Run Derby.
1,515,813: Number of Twitter votes in final stage of the All-Star Game Final Vote sponsored by freecreditscore.com. That was 145 percent more than the previous year.
5: Number of the dozen-plus MLB sponsors who activated heavily around All-Star Week, leveraging the national telecasts to debut new advertising launching a new product, service, initiative or new baseball-themed creative. These included Chevrolet, T-Mobile, MasterCard, Anheuser-Busch and Pepsi.
3: Number of NL hits. Also the number of Aroldis Chapman's 13 pitches that were clocked in triple digits during the top of the seventh. That included his final two 101-mph fastballs to set down Adam Jones.
3,500: Credentials distributed to media for the All-Star Game from 16 countries, nearly double the number distributed last year (more than 2,000).
18:02: Vivien Wadeck's net time (5:49 pace) in winning the All-Star 5K female title for the third time in as many tries (also 2009 in St. Louis and '10 in Anaheim).
18: Record number of international broadcasters that sent crews to report on-site at the All-Star Game, nearly double the number from last year (10).
Infinity times Infinity: Number of laughs, guffaws and chortles throughout the annual Taco Bell Legends & Celebrities Softball Game on Sunday. Also the number of references by fans since Tuesday to the new history index term "Mo-ment."


text:
About this paper
This white paper discusses the findings of a study conducted by SAS and Health Data Management in an effort to shed light on the attitudes of senior actuarial executives toward the use of analytics. According to study findings, SAEs are not fully aware of tools that offer advanced functionality, such as forecasting, predictive modeling and optimization capacity. The study, which was conducted via in-depth interviews with health plan actuarial executives from across the country, uncovers opinions on the use of analytics in managing and leveraging data, forecasting, trend analysis, reserve management and related matters.
About SAS
SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.
Have a SAS profile? To complete this form automatically Sign In
Welcome, . Edit Profile Log Out


text:
Earlier this week, Moody's credit rating agency announced it is reviewing the credit of Maryland and four other AAA rated states in light of the debate in Washington about the possible default of U.S. government debt — even though Maryland pays its bills on time.
It may seem myopic to focus on what U.S. government default would mean for Maryland, but our state's members of Congress should think about it as they consider the willingness of some Republicans in Congress to default rather than vote to raise the nation's debt limit.
Maryland's own debt has had a AAA bond rating for 50 years. Obviously, it has saved taxpayers' money by allowing us to pay lower interest rates on state borrowing. More importantly, it has been a lodestar for fiscal responsibility and a metaphor for the good fiscal management Maryland has had for decades.
Maryland is one of the most fiscally responsible states in the union. Members of Congress from Maryland like Sen. Ben Cardin and Reps. Steny Hoyer, Chris Van Hollen, Elijah Cummings and Andy Harris know from first-hand experience in our legislature how we've done it. When we need to cut spending or raise revenue, we do it.
It's always politically tough to cut spending or raise revenue. All of us want great schools, good roads and transit, safe neighborhoods, a clean environment — and low taxes. But there is no free lunch — despite tea party theories to the contrary.
That's why the debt limit debate in Washington is important to our country, our world — and our state.
Our AAA bond rating is based on the credit rating agencies' belief that the risk of Maryland defaulting on our state debt is not much greater than the risk that the US government will not pay back its bondholders.
But international bond buyers — from Shanghai to Zurich — don't know Annapolis, Maryland from Ankara, Turkey. If America defaults, they'll wonder, will U.S. states be far behind? I know from my work in international investing that "country risk" (if the U.S. defaults, U.S. states, cities, and companies may too) is a major determinant of subnational and corporate risk.
A totally rational market — what the right wing believes every market to be, despite evidence from the Dutch tulip bubble of the 17th Century to the Great Recession of the last few years — would reward Maryland for its fiscal responsibility by selling U.S. Treasuries and buying Maryland bonds, protecting our AAA rating.
But, as the great economist and investor John Maynard Keyes explained, financial markets aren't driven only by rationality, but by "animal spirits." A less diplomatic term would be irrationality.
I saw this in 1998 when I was U.S. Ambassador to Romania. That summer, Russia defaulted on its government debt, just as many tea party Republicans are urging the U.S. to do today. Romania had paid its debts for years and was committed to keeping its record intact, but suddenly, traders were selling its bonds at 50 cents on the dollar, as if they had suddenly become junk. Why? We joked that bond buyers in London, Zurich, and New York couldn't tell the difference between two eastern European countries whose names begin with the letter R. But the truth was that Keynes was right. Financial market prices are a mix of economic fundamentals — and "animal spirits." (Incidentally, Romania didn't default on its debt.)
A U.S. default shouldn't raise Maryland bond interest rates — but it will. And it may well cost us our AAA bond rating — even if we pay our bills.
They call it credit for a reason — in Latin, it means trust. Lenders can trust that borrowers will repay their debts. Lenders to Maryland have been able for decades to trust we'll pay them back.
Shouldn't lenders to our federal government have that confidence too?
Sen. Jim Rosapepe, a Democrat representing College Park, was vice chairman of the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee (1995-7) and U.S. Ambassador to Romania (1998-2001). He now heads an investment firm active in the U.S., Europe and emerging markets. His email is email@example.com.
- Business
- Finance
- Credit Ratings
- Manufacturing and Engineering
- Automotive Equipment
- Government Debt
- Politics and Government
- Diplomacy
- Turkey
- Credit and Debt
- Financial Markets
- Ratings
- Money and Monetary Policy
- Tea Party Movement
- Republican Party
- Moody's Corporation
- James C. Rosapepe
- Chris Van Hollen
- Ben Cardin


text:
"Super"- Dr Daljit Singh of Amritsar
Rashmi Talwar
Other than the Magnificent Golden Temple and stimulus to the Freedom Struggle of India- the Jallianwala Bagh, much of world knew Amritsar as the place of renowned ophthalmologist Dr Daljit Singh, the inimitable surgeon and researcher who revolutionized eye care for the world.
"Being true to your Profession is the Biggest Patriotism!" Dr Daljit Singh believed, and followed this focus throughout his glorious innings.
True to his words his children Dr Ravijit Singh Dr Kiranjit Singh completed their surgeries while Dr Indu and Dr Seema prepared Dr Daljit Singh's body for his last Journey, to join in, when he quietly passed away, after being in coma for a week.
This amply exhibits the dedication of this family towards a lofty mission of attending to the suffering, keeping all else on hold, before proceeding to their various tasks and toils.
Dr Ravijit Singh took the mike on the last condolence meet of the Bhog Ceremony of his beloved father Dr Daljit Singh- "Every father is a Superman for his children", he started.
"My father too was a superman for us!"
As a boy nick named Ghuggu since he spoke nearly a year after his birth on 11 October 1934, Ghuggu became Daljit Singh, born to Sahib Singh, a Sikh academic of Sikh literature.
In the eyes of his children, he was a 'Super Son' who served his parents through their long illnesses.
Ravijit extolled, peeling away bit by bit to share hidden glimpses of the life and memories of his father, before a crowd of nearly 5000 people gathered, to pay respects to Amritsar's Lofty son Dr Daljit Singh.
Our father was a – 'Super Student' making sketches of his teachers who often shunted him out of their class and like Aamir Khan of Three Idiots – a born learner, who would sit in the library and score more marks than the best of them!
A 'super husband' who had a love marriage in such times as in 1957. Dr Daljit wrote in his fiancée Sawarn's gifted diary– 'Professional competence is the best Patriotism' and stood by it throughout.
A 'super sportsman' wherein his sons couldn't beat him in carom, chess, table tennis or Billiards. A city club etched Dr Daljit Singh's name twice as a Billiards Champion.
A 'Super worker' who worked 16-18 hours a day and rose at the crack of dawn.
A 'Super Innovator' who picked up a liquid from a dentist's table and used it to create his revolutionary first intraocular lens.
A 'Super Ophthalmologist' who needs no introduction suffice to say, he won the Padam Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in 1987. A Dr BC Roy Award credited with isolating three new genes causing congenital cataract and invented "plasma scalpel" for glaucoma and cataract surgery and pioneered a number of innovative and revolutionary surgical instruments.
At the same time a 'Super instrumentalist', who played the harmonium, the Tablaa, the flute and eventually left the world trying to master the elusive saxophone.
A 'Super Techno' who mastered every new technological innovation that emerged– "He would tell me my laptop or mobile needs upgradation, which meant that he was going to pass on his old laptop or phone to me to buy a new one for himself," Dr Ravijit inserted with a smile.
A "Super Wi-Fi" with a super antenna to connect to people, track a needy, and help him without boasting. Keeping a Thursday free OPD for poor patients, since years. Also, helping hundreds of Kashmiri boys with pellet injuries who came in droves from trouble torn Kashmir valley. Many a times the family encouraged victims towards the path of education instead of a pointless future in stone pelleting. No wonder, on the sound of my hometown being 'Amritsar', many Kashmiris pounced on – 'Do you know Dr Daljit Singh?', during my many trips to Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Daljit Singh's crowning glory was however restoring vision of 11 children, who had lost their eyesight in LPG cylinder blast at Independence Day celebrations in Orissa in 1986.
A "Super photographer" who bought new Cameras with each of his monthly salaries and took perfect shots- "We found his cameras in drawers, cupboards, every nook and corner of the house."
A "Super Painter" who even intended to take a hobby course in painting towards the fag end of his life at the local Thukur Singh Art Gallery and painted 30 water colour landscapes in a go, along with a repertoire of hundreds of sketches, he left behind.
A 'Super Author' who penned over a dozen books on ophthalmology, Dr Singh wrote two poetry and three anthologies of essays: "Sach di Bhal Vich" (In search of truth), "Dooja Passa"(The other side) and "Badi di Jarh" (The root of evil) to educate rural masses about national and international issues. Noted Punjabi author and close friend Kulbir Singh Suri, son of late legendary Punjabi novelist Nanak Singh, said- Dr Singh wrote a book titled 'Naroi Akh' (Healthy Eye) in Punjabi decades ago. His three poetry books —'Dharti Tirhai', 'Sidhre Bol' and 'Babre Bol' have been translated into Urdu, English and Hindi.
'Super Simple' with no clue of his shirt matching his trousers or turban; often a red socks synchronised his step with a blue one.
And towards the conclusion when I and many amongst us assumed that the last Super-lative by Ravijit would be "Dr Daljit Singh was a 'Super-Human!", Dr Ravijit surprised us by adding –Our father was a "Super Teacher" – One who loved teaching, spreading, sharing his vast knowledge in the most simplistic way with everyone including on topics as diverse as economics, politics, finance, anything.
It is not every day a true human is born, with all his fullness, feelings, faults and fallacies.
In 2007-08, Dr Daljit Singh made noble efforts to set up a speciality charitable eye hospital in Nankana Sahib Pakistan along with a university to be named Guru Nanak Dev University in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of the founder Sikh Guru Nanak Dev along with his Pak friend Prof TH Kirmani. Even offering to send Indian doctors to tutor Pak doctors and bring excellent eye care to the sacred land of Sikhs. Lamentingly, the agreement fell through. The demarcated land donated by a local resident Fazal Rabbani was occupied by Pak army and relations soured, over the years between the two nations.
At another juncture, Dr Daljit Singh, the surgeon, with as sharp a wit and forthrightness as his invented scalpel, remained unmindful of anyone's stature or status and therefore couldn't successfully win the diplomatic and flattery-ridden field of politics as an AAP candidate.
Alternately, he snatched 80,000 votes, a clean sweep by many standards as a greenhorn in politics, during MP elections 2014, from political heavyweights Arun Jaitley- and Capt Amarinder Singh- who went on to become Union Finance Minister and Chief Minister of Punjab, respectively. Dr Singh intended to bring clean governance from a political platform but couldn't be manipulated to tell lies, half-truths or stoop to briberies.
Even though holding abhorrence for the political climate of our country, I became Dr Daljit Singh's Media Manager, solely because he was a father figure to me. And I landed an opportunity to relive some times of our childhood days with him. In the late 60s and early 70s, Dr Daljit occasionally bicycled to our home from the Government Eye hospital opposite our house.
As children then, we lined up to see his bicycle with gears, a rare contraption those times, that held contiguous fascination for me for a long time. Sometimes he even took a shot at our Table Tennis table and once took multiple close-shot pictures of my sister's hazel eyes, ever since, he focused they possessed rare blue specs in them.
"Fer Chaa piyao!" he would say on a rare chilly evening, while visiting home. And merrily slurp his tea, savouring every masala and mazaa of it.
On a closer note Dr Daljit told me – 'Tu acha likhdi hain' that sounded in present times like the Dangal 'Shabaash' of Mahavir Singh Phogat to his daughter Geeta winning the gold. And in return – 'le meri kitab par' and handed me a number of his books written by him originally in Punjabi.
Dr Daljit Singh's family -Dr Ravjit Singh and Dr Kiranjit Singh – and daughters-in-law, Dr Indu R Singh and Dr Seema Singh, form a formidable team of eye surgeons.
On my visit to Dr Daljit Singh's home after his passing away, I could sense that the home still held his warmth of touches, thoughts, his genius, and ensconced his family most lovingly.
I wish, I could bring that warmth in my home with one of his paintings, to get inspired by the Master by his Master strokes, never saying adieu to him.


text:
I don't know what it is about a Mexico sunrise that makes them so unique but they are unlike any other sunrise I've ever shot.
On all my trips I make sure I'm up to watch the sun come up at least once while I'm there, my recent trip to Puerto Penasco, Mexico was no different. Sometimes it's a bust and there isn't much to see, but the experience of watching the world come to life in a new place is still amazing. Occasionally, though, my early morning wake up is rewarded with an incredible show of light and color. That's what my wife and I were rewarded with on our most recent trip to Mexico.
We were lucky enough to get to stay in a great little condo rental at the Sonoran Sun, right on the beach with great balconies overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Both mornings I managed to get up in time to see some of the great, soft pastels that seem to be unique to Mexico. The gradual transformation from star lit dark, to soft light with deep blues, to a dome of changing colors spotted by puffs of softly colored clouds makes for quite a show over a hot cup of coffee. It's especially fun in these coastal fishing towns where the quiet surface of the water is dotted with boats of all shapes and sizes collecting the morning's bounty for the fish market.
We used to go to Puerto Penasco all the time, at least a couple times a year, but it has been a long while since I've been down there. It has changed quite a bit, but there are still aspects of it that are familiar and remind me of why I love Mexico so much. It's close enough to us here in Arizona that there really is no good reason why we don't go more often. I'll have to make more effort to get us down there again soon.
Thanks to Seaside Reservations for setting up the trip and providing the condo. They were great to work with and we will use them again.
If you are interested in seeing more images from this Mexico trip you can visit my travel gallery here.


text:
Cocoa's question for this week's Wordfull Wednesday is "What are the three most important things to you in marriage?"
I thought of my three real quick. Forgiveness, Kindness, and Friendship.
1) Forgiveness - It has to be sincere and quick. And it needs to happen often. I call my husband Mr. Wonderful, but he is not perfect and neither am I. We both make mistakes, forget things, make messes, or do things that frustrate the other. Sometimes it is harder to forgive than at other times. When it is harder, I get on my knees and pray for help. And I get it. My anger goes away, I remember how dearly I love Mr. Wonderful, and I am able to forgive and forget. Quite often I end up loving him even more.
2) Kindness - This shows up in so many different ways. One way for us to show kindness is to have a good attitude about taking care of our family and fulfilling our responsibilities as a husband and wife. Another way is in the way we speak, the words we choose, our tone of voice, and even the thoughts we have. There are also many, many extra little ways to show kindness. I love it when Mr. Wonderful chooses to watch a movie that he doesn't particularly enjoy, but he knows that I really like. Or when he puts his warm feet on my freezing cold feet. Or when he tells the kids that he loves me and thinks I'm the most beautiful woman on earth. I know what he appreciates too. Chocolate chip cookies (made with real butter), extra long kisses, and quick phone calls or emails while he is at work, just to tell him I love him. None of these things take huge effort, but they add so much to our marriage.
3) Friendship - Again, this is something that takes effort sometimes, and has lots of different aspects to it. Mr. Wonderful and I don't really have a lot in common in terms of hobbies and activities that we enjoy. He loves the outdoors and engineering electronic devices. I love sewing and shopping at thrift stores. We do enjoy reading together, although it is hard to choose a book sometimes. And we love walking together. Every date we go on includes a walk, and has since long before we were married. The important thing is that we spend time together. Communication is a big part of our friendship as well. As we have worked at spending time together and really talking/listening to each other we enjoy each other more and more all the time.
I asked Mr. Wonderful what he thought are the three most important things in marriage. He said, "Forgiveness, service, and rosy cheeks and beautiful eyes." He sure is Wonderful!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Top 3 in Marriage
Labels: marriage, wordfull wednesday
6 comments:
- Luv 2 Kreate said...
You are so right!
- January 27, 2010 at 7:11 AM
- Montserrat said...
My husband often says I can kill him with kindness. :) Love your husband's response!
I added the url to your post on Mr. Linky for you since you are without a computer.
- January 27, 2010 at 11:09 PM
- Momza said...
HA! YOU have a Mr. Wonderful TOO?!!!
So do I! Really fun advice! Thanks for sharing!
- January 27, 2010 at 11:35 PM
- Lynsey said...
Those three are perfect and you sure do have a Mr. Wonderful!
- January 28, 2010 at 11:39 AM
- Becky said...
Sounds like your Mr. Wonderful is an excellent man.
- January 29, 2010 at 5:28 AM
- Jennifer @ Fruit of My Hands said...
Yes, one MUST have real butter in cookies! I completely agree.
What a nice list, it sounds like the two of you are a great couple.
I think my 3 would be
-Common interests
Confession Time: Morning People
- February 8, 2010 at 7:43 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
I happen to agree with him. I think you are a nut job.
Dimitri M wrote: By the way SupaEZ so you know this video was made in "Naples" Florida and not on the Outer Banks. So what is your next excuse!!!!
Dimitri M wrote:I would like to thank you for doing this because you don't know how many INFINITY kites we have sold for the past 6 months, it's crazy. Maybe I should give you guys a commission for all the great work you have done with this thread.
Haha! Good one Supa . It's crazy , but I'm pretty sure two "Screamers", one "Renegade", a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, some Saganaki, and Halloumi, has just been sold because of THIS one post.SupaEZ wrote:2-4% commission max per kite sold...i feel it is over the top generous....the BS check is in the mailknotwindy wrote:supa,
how much is Dimitri paying you to keep this thread up?
i want a piece of it for this post, too.....
And one more INF kite just got sold just from this single post....it's crazy
........Hey knotwindy will you take 1% ?..... ................................................................................
Exactly!!! ...You hit the nail right on the head. Nice job!!flyingweasel wrote:So...let me get this straight?
Dimitri flew his kite in low winds and was real pleased with himself, how cool is that?
Thanks for asking Flying w. Here's a summary:flyingweasel wrote:I have been away and missed this topic.
It looks like it was busy...anyone care to sumarise?
The problem with designing a ~16m kite (Infinity V2 and V3) for "light winds" is that the luff curve has to be very deep to "milk" as much low end as possible. This causes the kite to sit VERY deep in the window, leading to the problems "Laughingman" outlined, i.e. poor upwind ability, a tendency to yank the rider downwind, extremely poor top-end, and poor ability to absorb gusts.Laughingman wrote:1. (for me) it sat too far back in the window making edging up wind almost impossible unless you were on a light wind specific board
2. and if you were on a light wind board it was easy to lose speed control since edging against it was near impossible … but it still yanked me downwind because it sits so far back in the window.
Objective testing of previous versions of the "Infinity" showed it had inferior power to other kites in light winds: http://www.thekiteboarder.com/2011/05/e ... te-review/davesails7 wrote:I've been riding a 2011 18m Dyno for the last few months and have been really impressed. I've ridden it while others rode…Epic Infinity…, so can compare low end by how I was able to get on the water vs. the others. Who knows what actual wind speeds were up in the air at the kite. I think side by side comparison is much more helpful than endless videos of a kite riding alone on glassy water.
vs. Infinity: Dyno was stable in the air, never fell out of the sky for 4 hours of light wind riding. Two guys with Infinities were struggling to keep their kites in the air most of the time.
The Infinity V3 failed in 8 knots (see below). The V2 performing in 5k? Complete bullshit.Dimitri M wrote: I have video of the Infinity V2 in action from 5 to 10 knots real soon. Did I say 5 knots!!!! No way..... !
SupaEZ wrote: I would have written (Dimitri M) a check right there and then if his kite was better than mine...but it was not. I did get going earlier in the light wind that we had 7-9k max avg 8k. But he needed 7-11kn avg 9k.......which never happened.
Epic's Bad Sportsmanship & Fundamental DishonestySupaEZ wrote:His kite needed more wind to get going.
I was 100 ft away from beach on a full plane in 8k. He was 10 ft away from the beach on a sub-plane working hard not to end up on beach also in 8k. Right before we crossed (dead onshore wind) … Made sure he saw me...i looked into the white of his eyes. Did a 6 ft air forward 1 1/2 transition with kite downloop to toeside and planed off on the other tack
For the short time we were both able to go out i did 5 type jumps/ transitions. Many with looping the kite effortlessly.
He was only able to get one 4ft air back roll transition and landed in an insufficient amount of water. He was then grounded.
End of story.
…the issue here is who is BS "ing" who here about LW performance.
I felt like i was riding against someone with a smaller size kite.....OOOPS i was !
It is IMPOSSIBLE to give a kite more high end without compromising low end. Hence, the Epic Infinity V3 will become even more INFERIOR in light winds.DimitriM wrote:…we are still working on perfecting the High end of the INFINITY v3.
Compared to the Core19m kite, the Epic Infinity V3 was noticeably INFERIOR; it certainly didn't have the "power of a 19m".Dimitri M wrote: Infinity V2 has the power of a 19 meter but turns like a 14 meter.
Dimitri M wrote:Hello Paoloe or should I call you Mr.PVITfrumBYRAM? I wish I knew who I am talking to. You said on your post above that you like my kites but don't like the approach as much!!! What do you mean by that?Poster: PVITfrumBYRAM
....Personally I like your kites, I just don't like the approach as much. That's great you are getting people stoked at how well the kite can fly in such light conditions, but the reality is it was more than 2-4 knots. Maybe it was that light during a lull on the water and that's why you dropped the kite in the water, but there was a steady breeze.
As for the gentleman with the 21 meter foil, he was inexperienced and could barely fly that kite in 8-10 mph on a different day.
I remember that day Chris Moor who is the manager of theKitty Hawk Kites store and probably your boss …. Are you Paulo the one who works and teaches at KHK on RRD!!!
In addition, at a recent visit to Cocoa Beach, Epic's owner claimed the ability to SUP-kite in:UKSurf wrote:Translation: If you question my over the top claims again I will tell your boss who sells my kites
In response, the following was posted by a knowledgeable local:Dimitri M wrote:3 to 6 knots
Despite the claimed performance in "2-4" or "3-6k", quite clearly, the Epic Infinity cannot perform on a SUP until >10mph (9k). This has been confirmed by reliable objective observers and wind speed measurements. It is interesting to note the hostile and personalised nature of the attacks by EpicSupaEZ wrote: ... the Patrick Air Force Base windmeter reading (is) just a few miles upwind of Dimitri: Wind was SSW 200 degrees...that is why the ocean is so glassy...i should know i live here 30 years. He was out between 2 and 4 pm.... we see clearly that the wind was always more than........... 10 mph .......those are government's wind meters....very accurate...
Light Wind ShowdownUKSurf wrote:Why did Momi design an inferior kite for Blade? I honestly think this claiming your kites are superior to everyone else's will only backfire. If it is better at one thing then it will be worse at something else, most people appreciate that kite design these days is about finely balanced trade-offs NOT one kite being better than another.Dimitri M wrote:The difference from the INFINITY V2 vs the FAT LADY is that the INFINITY v2 turns faster and has better pop. But the power is piratically the same after testing them.
Now the INFINITY V3 is something different.
Kiteus Maximus wrote:Whatever dude. You created me. If you don't like me then stop creating me.
Of course, walking backwards with a kite is not a recognised way of testing its low-end, UNLESS you are making claims that it can fly in "2-4 knots". It would be EASY to test Epic's "2-4 knot" claim by putting up the Infinity in a school hall or similar & walking backwards at the standard walking velocity of 2.7 knots. The lies promoted by EPIC are even more appalling when they are couched in the fake bonhomie, oh so *HILARIOUS* pics of goats, and apparently friendly banter, not to mention the overt aggression and threatening behaviour of the "Kite2Heaven" persona.Kite2Heaven wrote:PMU - you really are stupid if you are resorting to walking backwards with a kite !!! … Otherwise "ALL" wind readings are BULLSHIT just like yourself !!
Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot] and 130 guests


text:
Delectus Photography
A selection of photographs featuring scenes of planet earth
Skip to content
Elgin Marbles
Monuments and Statues
© Delectus Photography
Toggle Sidebar
The Millenium Bridge Set
A November Morning
The start of Autumn
A few days in Bulgaria
Westbourne Grove and the Grand Union Canal
The City Hall Collection
Taplow Court
Gathering clouds over the city
Wapping, Shadwell and a grim prospect
From Wapping to Tower Bridge
Views from Shadwell Basin
When the bottom falls out
Easter Sunday in Camden Town
More from the Heath
Around King's Cross
Nature always finds a way.
Another trip to the heath
Autumn Fair
Post to
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy


text:
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews
2013 Santa Fe New Car Test Drive
The Hyundai Santa Fe mid-size crossover utility is all-new for 2013, built on a new lighter-weight, higher-strength platform. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in two handy family sizes.
The two-row, five-passenger 2013 Santa Fe Sport, about the same size as the outgoing 2012 Santa Fe, competes in the fast-growing field of domestic and import compact crossovers that includes the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Toyota RAV-4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Murano.
The larger, three-row, six- or seven-passenger 2013 Santa Fe is 8.5 inches longer on a 3.9-inch-longer wheelbase to take on the Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9.
The compact Santa Fe Sport fits neatly between Hyundai's smaller Tucson and the larger Veracruz. The long-wheelbase (LWB) Santa Fe will replace the Veracruz. Santa Fe (and Tucson) are crossover utility vehicles, or CUVs, meaning they are car-based sport utilities, essentially tall wagons, which offer more car-like driving dynamics and fuel efficiency than truck-based SUVs.
Two engine choices are available in the Santa Fe Sport: a 190-hp 2.4-liter non-turbo inline-4 and a 264-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The LWB Santa Fe comes with a 290-hp 3.3-liter V6. All three engines benefit from high-pressure gasoline direct injection (GDI) and drive through 6-speed automatic transmissions with SHIFTRONIC manual capability, and all models offer available Active Cornering Control (ACC) all-wheel drive.
EPA fuel economy ratings range from 22 City, 33 Highway, 26 Combined for the base front-wheel-drive four-cylinder Santa Fe Sport to 19/26/22 mpg for the LWB FWD Santa Fe with its V6.
Hyundai's ACC all-wheel drive continuously monitors driving conditions and enhances stability by managing brake and engine torque and vectoring one or the other toward or away from individual wheels to balance side-to-side and front-to rear traction. The result is improved cornering stability, reduced understeer (loss of front-wheel traction) or oversteer (loss of rear-wheel traction) to help the driver maintain control in tricky conditions. Standard Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) minimizes roll-back on steep uphills, while Downhill Brake Control (DBC) manages speed and enhances control on steep descents.
To our eyes, this new Santa Fe is a handsome piece that's more distinctive than most of its compact CUV competitors. Its styling follows Hyundai's recent fluidic sculpture design direction, though slightly toned down from the level of boldness that has helped lift the company's Sonata to a major player in the super-competitive mid-size sedan segment.
The 2013 Santa Fe's new interior is modern and stylish, with an obvious focus on soft-touch materials and thoughtfully arranged, well-marked controls. The base Santa Fe Sport offers YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats, a trip computer, Hyundai Blue Link (similar to GM's OnStar) safety and convenience connectivity and a 40/20/40 split folding second-row seat to accommodate skis, golf clubs or surfboards along with one or two rear passengers. The Sport 2.0T and Santa Fe add more equipment, and a plethora of comfort, convenience and communications features, some exclusive, are available.
The longer Santa Fe boasts 1.9 inches more second-row legroom and 5.6 cubic feet more total cargo capacity than the shorter Sport does. Santa Fe comes with second-row climate controls and vents and a 50/50 split folding third seat with 31.5 inches of legroom. The second row is the 40/20/40 split folding bench in the GLS trim, twin Captain's chairs in the Limited.
The new, lighter structure is built with 37.7 percent high-strength steel, part of the reason the base Sport model is some 266 pounds lighter than the outgoing 2012 Santa Fe and the LWB Santa Fe nearly 400 pounds lighter than the Veracruz it will replace. This also makes it stiffer, which enhances both ride and handling for driving enjoyment, and better manages crash energy should something bad happen. The suspension is lightweight MacPherson struts in front, independent multi-link in back, with stabilizer bars at both ends.
We found our test Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T fully competitive and pleasant to drive. Its performance was impressive when needed, its ride was smooth and controlled over most surfaces, its braking was strong and stable, and its handling was at least as good as most competitors in its class. Aside from a few minor niggles, our only disappointment was averaging 21-22 mpg in mostly freeway driving, well short of its 27-mpg highway government rating.
The 2013 Santa Fe comes in two lengths and four powertrain/trim variations.
Santa Fe Sport, the two-row version, is offered in base four-cylinder ($24,450) or 2.0T ($27,700) turbocharged versions, the latter with more standard equipment. Santa Fe Sport comes standard with 6-speed automatic transmission with a fuel-saving Active ECO mode.
Santa Fe, the long-wheelbase, V6-powered, three-row version is offered in GLS and Limited trim levels.
All models are available with all-wheel drive ($1,750).
Standard equipment on the Santa Fe Sport includes YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats, two-way power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, air conditioning with cabin air filter, power windows, locks and mirrors, electric power steering, trip computer, outside temperature display, tilt and telescoping three-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, AM/FM/CD/XM/MP3 six-speaker audio with iPod/USB/Aux input jacks and a three-month XM Satellite Radio trial subscription, 40/20/40 split folding second-row seat, windshield wiper de-icer, rear window wiper, Hyundai Blue Link connectivity with up to a one-year free subscription, P235/65R17 all-season tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, a multitude of handy storage bins, pockets and cup holders, under-floor storage in the cargo area and four 12-volt power outlets.
Santa Fe Sport 2.0T adds an eight-way power driver seat with four-way adjustable lumbar, heated front seats and outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, front fog lights, chrome twin-tip exhaust, roof side rails, proximity key entry with pushbutton start, automatic headlight control, driver-selectable steering modes (DSSM), P235/55R19 tires on 19 inch alloy wheels, an electroluminescent gauge cluster and a trailer prep package. Saddle interior trim is available at no extra cost.
The seven-passenger Santa Fe GLS rides on 18-inch wheels and tires and offers the 2.0T's features minus the power driver's seat, heated front seats, proximity key, automatic headlamps, heated outside mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, roof side rails and leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob.
Santa Fe Limited restores those items and adds leather-trimmed seats and door panels, twin second-row Captain's chairs, 19-inch wheels and tires, dual-zone front automatic climate controls with a CleanAir ionizer and a 4.3-inch color audio system touchscreen with a rearview camera.
Options include the Popular Equipment Package ($950), which adds most of the 2.0T's features to the base 2.4L Sport. The Leather and Premium Equipment Package ($2,950) piles on the leather interior, proximity key, a power front passenger seat, sliding and reclining second-row seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, the 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display and rearview camera and more. A Technology Package ($2,700) completes the feature list with satellite navigation with an eight-inch touchscreen, Dimension premium audio, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel and manual side-window sunshades. The latter two packages are also available for the 2.0T Sport, except that the Leather/Premium set costs $500 less because that model already has some of its equipment, and the Technology Package $200 more because it substitutes a 550-watt 12-speaker Infinity Logic 7 surround-sound audio system for the Dimension premium audio. Stand-alone options include a cargo net ($50), carpeted floor mats ($100), a cargo cover screen ($150) and remote engine start ($350).
Standard safety features include the mandated dual front airbags plus side-curtain airbags for head protection, side-impact airbags for torso protection and a driver's knee bag. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hillstart Assist Control (HAC), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Front Seat Belt Pretensioners, a windshield wiper de-icer, a rear window wiper, Lower Anchors and Upper Tether Anchors (LATCH) and Hyundai Blue Link connectivity with up to a one-year free subscription. All-wheel drive ($1,750) and a rearview camera are available, the latter as part of a Leather and Premium Equipment Package ($2,950). Not yet available are such state-of-the art features as lane departure and blind spot warnings, active cruise control and collision avoidance systems.


text:
Dave Pedigo of CEDIA talks emerging trends including TV technology and voice control.
More CES Videos
Videos In Other Channels
NewsdeskFTC Open to Breaking Up Big Tech
Corner OfficeKlipsch and SnapAV Discuss Their National Distribution Partnership
Business ManagementThe F Word: Prep and Polish Your Story
CE WeekCE Week Panel Highlight: Renovating the Future of Smart Homes
ReviewsUNBOXED: ifi nano iDSD Black Label DAC
CEDIAScreen Innovations at CEDIA, Showcase Zero-G Rollable TV
Industry EventsMeet The Dash by Bragi. The Wireless Earbud that Puts an Entire Computer in Your Ear.
Emerging TechMommyTech TV 2016 - Digital Kids Media
Training CenterLuxul Webinar Secure Remote Network Access
Connected CarTed Cardenas of Pioneer Dishes on the Connected Car Market


text:
Take advantage of the latest artificial intelligence (AI) innovations in SAS Viya 3.4, a cloud-enabled and open analytics engine that delivers everything you need for quick, accurate and consistent results – every time. Now with enhanced AI capabilities for built-in intelligence, simplicity, collaboration and transparency.
Embedded automation, increased productivity.
The latest SAS Viya release leverages AI to automate analytics – enabling you to address more business problems with the same set of resources. A suggestion engine simplifies data prep, and intuitive machine learning algorithms find hidden insights and emerging trends faster so you can focus on predicting outcomes and making data-driven decisions.
Added transparency and accountability.
Black-box artificial intelligence solutions make AI adoption difficult for most organizations, especially in highly regulated industries such as health care delivery, pharma and banking. SAS Viya 3.4 provides "explainability" out of the box by including support for modeling nodes such as PDP, LIME and ICE. With embedded machine learning attributes, predictions are more explainable, transparent and accountable.
Enhanced integration with open source.
A significant enhancement to SAS Viya 3.4 gives you the ability – and flexibility – to integrate with open and third-party applications, as well as take full advantage of all your AI assets. With the ability to embed open source models, you can easily access reporting and dashboards for a variety of models, including the CRM platform Salesforce, as well as MongoDB, JDBC, Amazon S3 and Python decision flows.
Simplified user experience.
SAS Viya 3.4 offers an intuitive experience with a highly interactive visual interface. Whether you're a data scientist, domain expert, analyst, developer or business decision maker, you can get maximum value from your AI solutions running in the cloud, at the edge, in database or in memory.
Customized mobile apps.
The latest release of SAS Viya also gives you the ability to build and customize high-performance mobile apps for accessing content wherever you go. Access the latest AI-powered insights during any part of the analytical life cycle – from data to discovery to deployment – then share, collaborate and make decisions with greater confidence.


text:
Welcome to Our Practice
Dermatologist Grand Rapids, MI
Welcome! Since 1995, Mary A. Yurko, MD, Dermatology PLC has been working with patients to provide the best dermatological care for patients in the Grand Rapids area. Mary Yurko's experience in dermatology is coupled with genuine concern for their patients. All of our staff is dedicated to your comfort and prompt attention as well. Our goal is to help you maintain healthy, beautiful skin.
This web site provides you with an overview of our practice and the field of dermatology. As you navigate the site, you'll find information about Mary A. Yurko, MD, Dermatology PLC's practice philosophy, physicians, our Grand Rapids office location, insurance policies, and appointment scheduling procedures. Please browse the site at your convenience and feel free to contact us with any questions. You can also schedule an appointment by clicking here.
You'll find a lot of valuable information on the web site about skin problems, diagnoses and treatments. We believe informed patients are better prepared to make decisions about their health and well being. We encourage you to review this information to help you understand any health concerns you may face.


text:
Miguel Sano comes to agreement with Twins
Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com
Agent Rob Plummer has confirmed that his client, Dominican shortstop Miguel Sano, has come to terms on an agreement with the Minnesota Twins.
Multiple sources confirmed that Sano will sign for a $3.15 million bonus. The signing is expected to take place in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. According to GM Neal Huntington, the Pirates were never asked if they would meet such an offer.
"[Sano] asked me, 'What team, what team?'" Plummer said on Tuesday. "I told him the Twins. He said, 'Oh my God, Oh my God! My dream finally come true.' With a huge smile. It was like the weight of the world was lifted from his shoulders.
"It's my job to take the weight off of Miguel's shoulders. I was there to reassure Miguel he was going to sign and he was going to get the most money of anyone this year. [I've] been doing this for 15 years and Miguel is one of the best players I've seen. And he's a tremendous human being. He just loves baseball. He said, 'I just want to sign. I don't care for how much.' I told him, 'You will later.'"
Through much of the summer, the Pirates were believed to be frontrunners in the bidding for the Dominican infielder. They were the first club to make him an offer, doing so when the international signing period opened on July 2.
Knowing that other team's were skeptical of Sano's age — which he reported as 16 — Plummer wanted to wait until after Major League Baseball completed its investigation of Sano's age and identity before accepting any offer, hopeful that such confirmation would increase the number of team's interested. In late July, MLB confirmed Sano's identity, but the results on his age were inconclusive.
That didn't stop the Pirates from continuing to try and sign Sano. The organization made him a second offer after the investigation's completion. That offer, too, was rejected by Plummer and Sano.
Huntington, in responding to reports that Sano will sign with the Twins, had this to say about the contentious negotiation process between the two sides:
"While I am uncomfortable commenting on a transaction that at this point is unofficial, I will confirm we were aggressive in our attempts to sign Miguel Sano. We made an aggressive offer on July 2, but were told by the agent that they were not prepared to negotiate at that time. Per our standard practice, we remained in contact with the player and the agent throughout the summer. In an effort to expedite the process, we made a second offer of significantly higher dollars. We were again told by the agent that he was not prepared to commence negotiations, but we left those conversations with a clear understanding that the agent would contact the Pirates when he was prepared to begin negotiations. Miguel Sano has apparently agreed to terms with another organization without his agent engaging the Pirates in legitimate negotiations. While we are disappointed in the process and outcome, we wish Miguel nothing but success in his future."
All along Plummer said that he wanted his client to receive the largest bonus offered to a Latin American player this year. He acheived that in this deal with Minnesota.
"It was a long process because of what was happening with the investigation," Plummer said. "The Twins were really patient. I communicated with [vice president of player personnel for the Twins] Mike Radcliff weekly through the process. Once he was cleared to sign with a team, I spoke with Mike. Once he got the OK for the money with the owner — they had a four-hour meeting — we negotiated for 15 minutes on the phone. We did a deal without even having a second phone call. The major reason it happened like that is I've known Mike for something like 14 years. We trust each other.
"Back in 1997, I had a workout for one of my players in Ft. Myers. We didn't have enough people to shag balls. Radcliff and then-GM Terry Ryan went and picked up baseballs with me then. Ever since that day, I have so much respect for those two individuals. I think I put Miguel in good hands with the Twins. I totally trust the Twins."
Radcliff used to serve as the Twins' scouting director.
Follow me on Twitter: @LangoschMLB
3 Comments
While I believe money was a factor in Sano signing with the Twins I also belive it was more that the Pirates have become the laughing stock of baseball. What young player dreams of being part of this? Not to many, even in other countries!
If you were living in a poor country were things like playing Major League Baseball seems like an impossible dream, and you actually had the chance to do it, would you really care what team you play for? And it's not like all the games are televised were he can actually see how bad the Pirates have been.
Never doubt the possibilities to be,
and obstacles will never become a reality.
We create our own success you see
but only with a positive mentality. Do you think so?


text:
West Broadway Clinic has three physicians and two PA's – all three physicians successfully attested to Meaningful use on April 20, 2011. The practice encompasses multiple specialties including family medicine, internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, women's healthcare and offers onsite x-ray, dexa scan and vasectomies. The following interview is with Jan Patterson, the Practice Manager who drove the MU process and attestation.
At West Broadway Clinic in Council Bluffs, Iowa, we learned about Cerner Corporation through a local hospital. After extensive research into Cerner and several other vendors, we made the decision that the integration of Cerner's Practice Management System and Ambulatory EHR would be the most beneficial to our organization.
The EHR certification is a vital piece for being able to meet the CME incentive requirements, and we feel that we are practicing better medicine and using our EHR solution more efficiently after receiving certification. We selected our EHR well in advance of the reporting process, so it was not a major influence in the selection process. Still, we have been very pleased with how efficient our EHR solution has been with assisting us in reaching certification.
West Broadway Clinic started using an EHR in May of 2008 when our office opened. Prior to the clinic opening the providers were not using an EHR – but the providers made it an initiative to start the clinic on an electronic solution. We knew we would be up and running with an electronic solution on day one. This included an EHR and practice management solution.
4. Would you walk us through the process you followed to meet the meaningful use requirements and how did Cerner assist you in the process?
In order for West Broadway Clinic to be able to meet the Meaningful Use requirements an extensive amount of time was spent by the practice administrator attending webinars provided by Cerner Corporation regarding Meaningful Use, as well as researching the CME website and examining materials available through Medical Group Management Association, MGMA. In addition, Cerner arranged a Meaningful Use summit at our office for our office along with several of the Cerner user groups in our area – this consisted of several Cerner associates highlighting important parts of Meaningful Use, answering questions and making suggestions to assist with the process to successfully attesting. Upon compiling the requirements, time was spent one-on-one with both the providers and the clinical staff to ensure that everyone fully understood the requirements and how to use the EHR to meet the requirements.
5. How many of the meaningful use requirements were you able to meet with little or no effort because you were already doing them? Did the Cerner EHR affect this?
West Broadway Clinic was able to meet 9 of the meaningful use requirements with little or no effort since as were already conducting several of these requirements through the use of our EHR. The use of the Cerner EHR and the elements that were already built into the EHR were the major factor we were able to meet these requirements so easily. Additionally, as we ran into any issues – we were able to contact Cerner's Meaningful Use team (a group of designated associates) to assist, which eased the process.
Probably the most challenging Meaningful Use requirement for our clinic was encouraging all of the providers to use the electronic prescription function. However, once they understood the necessity of using electronic prescriptions and became comfortable with the function they have continued to increase the number of electronic prescriptions they are sending to the pharmacies.
West Broadway Clinic worked in earnest to be fully complying with the Meaningful Use requirements as quickly as possible after the beginning of 2011. These efforts allowed us the opportunity to be able to attest on April 20, 2011 – two days after attestation opened.
West Broadway Clinic has seen many positive changes in patient care with the use of a certified EHR. With the use of Cerner's Ambulatory EHR our staff has the ability to have the most current visit information and patient history at our fingertips. Patients receive more continuity of care due to the fact that regardless of what provider they are seeing within our office the provider can quickly and easily track what services and/or medications a different provider has provided the patient. We deliver a better quality of care and we've enhanced safety measures through our use of the EHR. Components such as eprescribe, medicine/drug interactions, allergy checks, complete documentation, immunization schedules, growth charts, etc., have made us more efficient throughout the office from billing to practice management to prescribing medications and providing more thorough care in the patient's room.
West Broadway Clinic is committed to providing excellent patient care and providing patient's with the opportunity to benefit from the latest in technology. With meaningful use of an EHR our patients are afforded these opportunities. By being one of the first groups of providers to meet the Meaningful Use requirements and report on them successfully, we are further able to show our commitment to our patients and their healthcare.
10. As a practice manager, what techniques did you use to get your physicians on board with meaningful use and EHR?
As a practice we had been discussing Meaningful Use for over a year and as the time grew near to implement the process the physicians were fully aware of the expectations and requirements and the benefits that would be provided to our patients. A lot of communication went into ensuring that all of the physicians were on board.
11. Would you recommend that every health clinic show meaningful use and adopt an EHR? Why or why not?
After being on an EHR for more than three years I cannot imagine trying to function efficiently with a paper system. While the training period was stressful at times and it took the physicians a while to adjust, the benefits far outweigh any of the pain points. In addition, the opportunity to be able to transmit and receive patient information from other facilities in the future will only continue to enhance our patient care and the delivery of quality patient care is why we are practicing medicine in the first place.
12. For all healthcare professionals reading this interview, what advice would you give them in starting the meaningful use process?
For anyone starting the Meaningful Use process, my advice is to first gather all of your information and facts. It is vital to be clear on the direction you need to take in order to ensure that all of the requirements are being met. In addition to thoroughly explaining all of the requirements to your physicians/staff and gaining their buy-in communicate with your staff and ensure that they fully understand the benefits and the necessity of meeting the Meaningful Use requirements, which is primarily to use your electronic records in a successful, meaningful way that will enhance the delivery and quality of care that your office provides. Remember the main reason why you are attesting, the money is a great incentive – but the biggest factor in successfully attesting is the benefit to your patients. Anyone can purchase an EHR and use it unsuccessfully or at its minimal functionality – to use it to it's very best ability and to meet the requirements set forth by the Meaningful Use standards is to practice better medicine for your patients and to encourage others in your field to make quality care the highest priority.
13. What remains your greatest EHR challenge post EHR implementation and meaningful use?
The greatest challenge for EHR and Meaningful Use continues to be the necessity to ensure that all the physicians and staff are continuing to maintain their high level of entering the correct and necessary data in patient's charts to enable us to increase our reporting requirement levels far after successfully attesting. I have continued to monitor my staff's levels after attestation and I've found that their numbers continue to increase – which is a positive realization for our staff and for our patients. It will also be imperative that we continue to monitor any new information coming out of CME and Cerner regarding meaningful use requirements especially as we gear up for Phase 2.
14. What's been the biggest benefit to your clinic of having an EHR?
West Broadway Clinic has benefited from having an EHR in multiple ways from never having to track down a paper chart to the continuity of care it provides for our patients. Having an EHR that integrates with our Practice Management System has reduced the amount of time it takes for charges to be entered and then forwarded to insurance companies. The adoption of an EHR has enabled West Broadway Clinic to become more efficient and be able to focus more upon the patient as a person. The increased benefits of safety cannot be undersold. With the assistance of the EHR, we are practicing better, safer medicine than we could on paper records.


text:
Power arms bringing the heat in Marlins' rotation
PITTSBURGH -- Matching power with power is the fastest way the Marlins anticipate getting back into contention.
Miami's strongest area is power arms in their rotation.
Jose Fernandez and Nathan Eovaldi, specifically, boast big-time power fastballs.
While Fernandez, who turned 21 last week, has gained more notoriety, Eovaldi actually right now boosts the highest average fastball velocity of any starting pitcher in the Major Leagues.
According to the FanGraphs web site, Eovaldi's average fastball is 96.2 mph, which is a few ticks ahead of Pittsburgh's Gerrit Cole, who ranks second at 95.9 mph.
With his fastball being such an effective pitch, Eovaldi is throwing it 71.4 percent of the time, FanGraphs says.
"I think to win, you've got to have some power arms," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "I really believe in that."
As a player, Redmond was part of the Marlins' 2003 World Series title team, which featured a number of hard-throwers, including Josh Beckett, Brad Penny and A.J. Burnett, who missed most of that season due to injury. But in '03, Dontrelle Willis was a rookie left-hander who at the time was throwing his fastball in the 93-95 mph range.
When Redmond was with the Twins, his teams went to the playoffs, but had trouble advancing.
"The years I was with the Twins, we didn't have power arms," Redmond said. "We had more finesse pitchers, guys who threw 89-90-91, and they logged the 200 innings a year. They were good. But we never had enough to beat the Yankees or the Red Sox [in the playoffs]."
A rookie sensation, Fernandez's fastball averages 94.8 mph, and Tom Koehler is sitting at 93 mph.
Henderson Alvarez has touched 98 mph this year, but his fastball averages 92.5 mph, and Jacob Turner is at 91.8 mph.
"I think to match up against the good teams, you've got to have power," Redmond said. "We did it in 2003 with Beckett, Penny, all those guys. We had power. So when we went in against good teams, we could out-pitch 'em.
"I think that's important. We definitely have those guys, and those pieces. Now, we've got to let them go, and let them learn. There are going to be bumps in the road. You never know from year to year. It's an adjustment. Eventually the league is going to adjust to Fernandez and he's going to have to adjust. The same with Eovaldi, and all those guys."


text:
NEWMIRROR's Blogs
Team weightloss challenge
Sunday, December 29, 2013 3 comments
gid=61708 Hi- I just signed up for a SPARKPEOPLE team challenge... saw it on PINKHOPE'S blog. " Beyond the Scale" starts in January! ... Read more
Friday, August 30, 2013 4 comments
We have a Fall fitness challenge starting at work on 9/9. I am probably going to jump on doing Medifast. The frequent 100-calorie packets of food don't leave me hungry and they seemed to be a better balance of nutrition than say a 100 calorie sn... Read more
General Mills Peanut Butter Toast Crunch
Tuesday, March 05, 2013 2 comments
Not a fan of this new cereal. There's no zing to it, like original cinnamon toast crunch would have. For some reason, I thought it would have the zippy burst of cinnamon, in addition to the penaut butter, but it didn't. ... Read more
Aldi's butternut squash pasta sauce
Monday, January 14, 2013 2 comments
Yum yum yum. If you get a chance, pick this sauce up at Aldi's. Very smooth- tastes amazing. Had it over garden pasta tonight.. well for lunch and them dinner leftovers! Soooo good. Its a limited time only sauce at Aldi's.. worth the trip pu... Read more
Cabbage Casserole- eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeasy
Friday, January 11, 2013 4 comments
I love this recipe- It's not a diet recipe but its not bad for you! Cabbage Casserole 2lbs. Ground beef 1 medium head cabbage, chopped 1 onion, diced 1/2 C rice ( not instant) 2 Cans tomato soup 1 Can water salt and pepper ... Read more
It's not a diet
Thursday, September 20, 2012 1 comments
ts-not-a-diet/#.UFujNK7y-dA ... Read more
Flourless cookies- Quick and Easy
Sunday, September 16, 2012 2 comments
I made flourless cookies this weekend. This recipe has been around for a while. I saw mine from carrotsncake.com 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies Serves: 12 Ingred... Read more
working out at work
Monday, March 26, 2012 2 comments
Well, I wanted to work out before work but that didn't happen. I did manage to hop on and do my 500 calories after work. I had to close my eyes around the 350 calorie mark and remind myself that I wanted it, because I really didn't want to co... Read more
Lots of links
Saturday, March 10, 2012 1 comments
Dueling piano pars in the Twin Cities www.vita.mn/story.php?id
=137118113 A good looking cookie- No Bake Cranberry Nut Drops www.eatbetteramerica.com
-nut-cookies/6bc78d00-004... Read more
Recipes with Basil
Tuesday, March 06, 2012 2 comments
I'm not a fan of basil but I assume someone out there likes it :) Saw this on eatbetteramerica.com as a 5star recipe Tomato Basil Chicken www.eatbetteramerica.com
9-463... Read more
Raspberry Chocolate Parfait, and a new dress
Sunday, February 12, 2012 4 comments
Anybody watching the Daytime TV show- The Revolution? I'm not but this excerpt on Hulu.com caught my eye.... Recipe for a quick and easy -raspberry-chocolate-parfait www.hulu.com/watch/32759
aspberry-... Read more
Eat more fish!
Sunday, January 22, 2012 2 comments
This recipe gets high ratings, and who DOESN'T need to eat more fish! Recipe Here- From Real Simple Magazine- Soy Glazed Fish www.realsimple.com/food-
uash-recipe-00... Read more
Stock-up day
Sunday, January 22, 2012 2 comments
Today I'm making Chili: ground turkey, 1 can black beans, 1 can kidney beans, 1 large can tomato juice, 1 can chili-seasoned diced tomatoes, and 1 packet chili seasoning. THe two "bad for you things were the canned tomato juice ( I'm su... Read more
Saturday, January 21, 2012 1 comments
I went grocery shopping today at Aldi's. Picked up a bag of their "Vegetable Chips" that are supposed to be a "healthier" alternative to potatoe chips. I absentmindedly ate the whole bag. DO NOT SNACK WHILE SURFSHOPPING THE WEB- Pretty... Read more
Make your own playdough
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 2 comments
Doesn't that sounds fun?? And Spring-like? www.simpleorganizedlivin
-own-play-doh/ ... Read more
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Last Page »


text:
LOVE COUNTY — A three-semi smash-up Tuesday afternoon on Interstate 35 near the 20 mile marker sent one Texas truck driver to a metro medical facility.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Juan Escoto, 33, Rowlett, Texas, was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital Ardmore and later transferred to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Escoto was admitted to the hospital in stable condition with multiple injuries.
Patrol reports indicate a "sleepy" Escoto was southbound behind the wheel of a 2006 Freightliner when he hit the back of a southbound 2012 Peterbilt, driven by Billy Valdes, 48, Grand Prairie, Texas. Escoto's truck then ran off the road. He over-corrected, and as the semi came back onto I-35, it hit a southbound 2012 Freightliner, driven by Kenneth Howard, 49, Fort Worth, Texas.
Neither Valdes or Howard were injured in the 4 p.m. crash.
All three men were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.
Cause of the accident was listed as inattention.


text:
Thailand Books for Travellers; a KSR Guide to the Backpackers' FavouritesAnne Merritt
The Beach by Alex Garland
Yes, this novel inspired the movie of the same name, an eye-candy film of lush beaches and lush Leo DiCaprio which likely caused a hefty climb in Thai tourism when it was released in the nineties. But before the clutch of Hollywood, Garland's novel stood firmly on it's own feet; a Heart of Darkness meets Lord of the Flies meets Lonely Planet's Guide to Thailand's Beaches medley. Amid Garland's sexy vagabond characters and Edenic beach descriptions, there's a psychological story that's both glossy and gritty. With a twisting plot and an immediately likeable wrong-place-wrong-time protagonist, this suspenseful book will leave you grateful for another quiet, lazy day on the beach. A good story told with good style. Plus, your copy might have Leo on the cover.
Phra Farang: An English Monk in Thailand by Phra Peter Pannapadipo
At the age of 45, successful English businessman Peter Robinson gave up the rat-race and moved to Thailand and joined a Buddhist monastery. Peter, a likeable, witty narrator to the memoir, has to un-learn all his fast-paced Western tendencies and adjust to the monk lifestyle, tackling barriers in culture, language, and upbringing. The author's tender sense of humour weaves personal stories with the theories of Buddhism the he picked up in temple. It narrates his journey of spiritual enlightenment in a down-to-earth way, with witty observations about eastern-western differences, and tales of culture shock that any visitor to Thailand can instantly relate to.
Backpack by Emily Barr
While the book may strike you as generic chick-lit, and the main character might strike you (in the first few chapters at least) as being immensely dislikeable, Emily Barr has taught me that first impressions can be faulty. As we follow selfish, shallow Tansy as she pouts her way along the backpacker trail, we watch her experience those wonderful epiphanies of introspection and self-awareness that come with being in a foreign land. By the time she finds herself in a burgeoning backpacker romance, you'll be cheering for the reformed snob.
There's a subplot with a string of murders, each victim a cute white backpacker. It moves the plot along, but the meatiest parts of the story are in the small moments when Tansy, piece-by-piece, shakes off her layers of insecurity and gains a better sense of self. This book is a great read for those who are traveling on a soul-searching life journey. Plus, you'll laugh out loud at her spot-on descriptions of every hippie-snob backpacker who's ever joined you at a beach bar.
The Damage Done: Twelve Years of Hell in a Bangkok Prison by Warren Fellows
This book will have you on the edge of your seat (albeit, semi-nauseous) as you see the author go from a dislikeable criminal to sympathetic, suicidal prisoner. Fellows' memoir is brash and honest; he doesn't ask the reader for sympathy as he narrates his jail term for trafficking. Rather, his anecdotes range from suffocation-by-sewage to death-by-elephant, are all narrated with a grim honesty. The book is graphic and shocking, the type of story whose hellish details will stay in your mind for ages. The squeamish may find the vivid details difficult to take, but be sure to pass it on to any travelmates lacking in self-control.
Bridget Jones; Edge of Reason by Helen Fielding
Though Fielding's beloved title character may only spend a third of the book in Thailand, it gives you a hearty taste of the Thai tourist experience, gone comically awry. Though Bridget Jones may not be the first person to go to Thailand as an escape from life's complexities, her fussy, honest reactions to the land of smiles will have you laughing on the outside and guiltily agreeing with her on the inside. As an endearing fish-out-of-water, Bridget calls to attention all the foreigner reactions you're embarrassed to share out loud.
Though Bridget's stint in Thai prison may come across as summer-camp fluffy, it makes for a funny, sympathetic story. This book may not be the best resource for Thailand-related facts, but for smart, relatable observations expressed in all the wrong ways, Bridget Jones is the master. As a writer of guilty-pleasure reads, Helen Fielding is the master. Ladies, prepare to laugh out loud.
Thai Girl by Andrew Hicks
Hicks addresses the age old question that crosses the mind of every single visitor to Thailand; in a white-guy-meets-Thai-girl relationship, who's really holding the chips? When a tourist splits with his girlfriend on a holiday in Thailand, he finds himself enraptured by a charming-yet-mysterious local woman. The novel's Thai heroine is a multilayered character, at times passive and helpless, at times wry and controlling.
What comes across as a couple wrapped up in mind games will get you thinking about power dynamics in general, and how gender, age, ethnic and economic differences all factor together. The endlessly complex characters will leave you guessing until the very end. Feminists may find this relationship hard to handle, men who date Thai women may find it instantly relatable. Regardless of your opinions on the falang/Thai romance phenomenon, Hicks' honest dialogues and relatable themes makes this book an absorbing read.
Anne Merritt is Canadian and has an English Literature degree. She has worked as a journalist for a university newspaper. She is currently living in Ayutthaya as an ESL teacher and is sharing her experience of Thailand with KhaoSanRoad.com.


text:
On April 25, 2012, Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) introduced HR 4624, the "Investment Adviser Oversight Act of 2012." The bill would authorize the SEC to designate one or more "national investment adviser associations" that would have broad authority to regulate and oversee thousands of investment advisory firms. Here are some questions—and answers—about this important legislation.
Q. Does HR 4624 specifically name FINRA as the investment adviser SRO?
A. No, but let's be real: FINRA is the only viable option that has been identified. Rep. Bachus clearly contemplates that the SRO will be an offshoot of FINRA. FINRA is lobbying heavily in favor of the legislation in an effort to expand its revenue base and jurisdictional turf.
An economic analysis prepared by the Boston Consulting Group in December 2011 estimates set-up costs alone for a new SRO would be in the $255 million to $310 million range. An analysis of the bill prepared by the law firm Jorden Burt states that, "as a practical matter…the broad functions…that this bill envisions for an SRO will probably increase the resources required and discourage non-FINRA-related applicants for SRO status." The bottom line is that no realistic alternative to FINRA exists. In fact, the 38-page bill largely mirrors the 1938 law that spawned the creation of NASD (which merged with the regulatory arm of NYSE in 2007 to become FINRA).
Q. How will the SRO fund its operations?
A. Through membership and other fees paid to the SRO. Trying to get a handle on all of FINRA's current fees to its broker-dealer members is no easy task, and it's a moving target. Last month, FINRA's CEO Rick Ketchum notified his members that the "broader economic downturn continues to affect trading volumes and industry revenues, which in turn has led to a decrease in Finra's revenues and resulted in a significant loss for fiscal year 2011."
As a result, FINRA is "proposing adjustments to a number of user-based fees," which will include advertising reviews, corporate financing, new-member applications, a 25% increase in the trading activity fee and an unspecified "regressive tiered rate" for branch office assessments. Under HR 4624, the SRO would have broad authority to set the fees its members would have to pay to finance the SRO's operations. My guess is that, at first, FINRA's fees for an investment advisor SRO will be relatively modest. But over time, one should realistically expect the fees to go up and up…
Q. Which investment advisory firms will have to belong to the SRO?
A. Okay, stick with me here. First, all state-registered investment advisors must be members of the SRO (another part of the bill states that the SRO will not have authority to inspect advisors that are in states that have a program to inspect advisors at least every four years, but that doesn't appear to negate the requirement to join the SRO).
The legislation is more complicated for SEC-registered advisors. It exempts two major categories of advisory firms.
First, an advisory firm with at least one mutual fund client is exempt from SRO membership (and would continue to be subject to SEC jurisdiction). Second, an advisory firm will be exempt from SRO membership if 90% or more of its assets under management is attributable to private funds, qualified purchasers (individuals with at least $5 million in invested assets or institutions with at least $25 million in invested assets), non-U.S. investors; other investment advisors and broker-dealers, or certain other types of institutional investors.
So if this bill became law, you could have two firms with virtually the same characteristics (AUM, number of employees, investment style, etc.), except that one has a small mutual fund client and the other does not. he one with the mutual fund would be exempt from SRO membership, the other would not. Under HR 4624, many larger advisory firms will likely be exempt from SRO membership. While there are no precise data to determine which firms are in and which are not, it seems safe to say that the thousands of advisory firms that must belong to the SRO generally will consist of smaller businesses.
As Professor Mercer Bullard has written, "the bill would impose a tax on small advisory businesses and, indirectly, the mainstream investors they advise, from which large advisors and their high net worth clients would be exempt."
I have much more to say about this ill-advised legislation but for now, I've reached the word count that Jamie Green gives to me.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. And I hope that you will communicate your views on the Bachus bill to members of Congress.