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By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314
Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern, though. It increases your risk of diseases and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Being extremely obese means you are especially likely to have health problems related to your weight.
The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. You can usually lose weight through dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes. In some cases, prescription medications or weight-loss surgery may be options.
Obesity is diagnosed when an individual's body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. Your body mass index is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters (m) squared.
BMI | Weight status |
Below 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 — 24.9 | Normal |
25.0 — 29.9 | Overweight |
30.0 and higher | Obese |
40.0 and higher | Extreme obesity |
Because BMI doesn't directly measure body fat, some people, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI in the obese category even though they don't have excess body fat.
When to see a doctor
If you think you may be obese, and especially if you're concerned about weight-related health problems, see your doctor or health care provider. You and your doctor can evaluate your health risks and discuss your weight-loss options. Even modest weight loss can lessen or prevent problems related to obesity. Weight loss is usually possible through dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes. In some cases, prescription medications or weight-loss surgery may be options.
Although there are genetic and hormonal influences on body weight, obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through exercise and normal daily activities. Your body stores these excess calories as fat. Obesity usually results from a combination of causes and contributing factors, including:
- Inactivity. If you're not very active, you don't burn as many calories. With a sedentary lifestyle, you can easily take in more calories every day than you use through exercise and normal daily activities.
- Unhealthy diet and eating habits. Having a diet that's high in calories, eating fast food, skipping breakfast, eating most of your calories at night, drinking high-calorie beverages and eating oversized portions all contribute to weight gain.
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman's weight necessarily increases. Some women find this weight difficult to lose after the baby is born. This weight gain may contribute to the development of obesity in women.
- Lack of sleep. Getting less than seven hours of sleep a night can cause changes in hormones that increase your appetite. You may also crave foods high in calories and carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain.
- Certain medications. Some medications can lead to weight gain if you don't compensate through diet or activity. These medications include some antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications, antipsychotic medications, steroids and beta blockers.
- Medical problems. Obesity can sometimes be traced to a medical cause, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and other diseases and conditions. Some medical problems, such as arthritis, can lead to decreased activity, which may result in weight gain. A low metabolism is unlikely to cause obesity, as is having low thyroid function.
Risk factors
Obesity occurs when you eat and drink more calories than you burn through exercise and normal daily activities. Your body stores these extra calories as fat. Obesity usually results from a combination of causes and contributing factors, including:
- Genetics. Your genes may affect the amount of body fat you store and where that fat is distributed. Genetics may also play a role in how efficiently your body converts food into energy and how your body burns calories during exercise. Even when someone has a genetic predisposition, environmental factors ultimately make you gain more weight.
- Inactivity. If you're not very active, you don't burn as many calories. With a sedentary lifestyle, you can easily take in more calories every day than you burn off through exercise and normal daily activities.
- Unhealthy diet and eating habits. Having a diet that's high in calories, eating fast food, skipping breakfast, consuming high-calorie drinks and eating oversized portions all contribute to weight gain.
- Family lifestyle. Obesity tends to run in families. That's not just because of genetics. Family members tend to have similar eating, lifestyle and activity habits. If one or both of your parents are obese, your risk of being obese is increased.
- Quitting smoking. Quitting smoking is often associated with weight gain. And for some, it can lead to a weight gain of as much as several pounds a week for several months, which can result in obesity. In the long run, however, quitting smoking is still a greater benefit to your health than continuing to smoke.
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy a woman's weight necessarily increases. Some women find this weight difficult to lose after the baby is born. This weight gain may contribute to the development of obesity in women.
- Lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep at night can cause changes in hormones that increase your appetite. You may also crave foods high in calories and carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain.
- Certain medications. Some medications can lead to weight gain if you don't compensate through diet or activity. These medications include some antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications, antipsychotic medications, steroids and beta blockers.
- Age. Obesity can occur at any age, even in young children. But as you age, hormonal changes and a less active lifestyle increase your risk of obesity. In addition, the amount of muscle in your body tends to decrease with age. This lower muscle mass leads to a decrease in metabolism. These changes also reduce calorie needs and can make it harder to keep off excess weight. If you don't control what you eat as you age, you'll likely gain weight.
- Social and economic issues. Certain social and economic issues may be linked to obesity. You may not have safe areas to exercise, you may not have been taught healthy ways of cooking, or you may not have money to buy healthier foods. In addition, the people you spend time with may influence your weight — you're more likely to become obese if you have obese friends or relatives.
- Medical problems. Obesity can rarely be traced to a medical cause, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and other diseases and conditions. Some medical problems, such as arthritis, can lead to decreased activity, which may result in weight gain. A low metabolism is unlikely to cause obesity, as is having low thyroid function.
Even if you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn't mean that you're destined to become obese. You can counteract most risk factors through diet, physical activity and exercise, and behavior changes.
If you're obese, you're more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems, including:
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome — a combination of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum and prostate
- Sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts
- Depression
- Gallbladder disease
- Gynecologic problems, such as infertility and irregular periods
- Erectile dysfunction and sexual health issues, due to deposits of fat blocking or narrowing the arteries to the genitals
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat builds up in the liver and can cause inflammation or scarring
- Osteoarthritis
- Skin problems, such as poor wound healing
Quality of life
When you're obese, your overall quality of life may be lower, too. You may not be able to do things you'd normally enjoy as easily as you'd like. You may have trouble participating in family activities. You may avoid public places. You may even encounter discrimination.
Other weight-related issues that may affect your quality of life include:
- Depression
- Disability
- Physical discomfort
- Sexual problems
- Shame
- Social isolation
Preparing for your appointment
Talking to your doctor openly and honestly about your weight is one of the best things you can do for your health. You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor. In some cases, you may be referred to an obesity specialist — if one is available in your area. You may also be referred to a mental health provider, dietitian or nutrition specialist.
What you can do
Being an active participant in your care is important. One way to do this is by preparing for your appointment. Think about your needs and goals for treatment. Also, write down a list of questions to ask. These questions may include:
- Why can't I manage my weight on my own?
- What other health problems might I have?
- Should I see a dietitian?
- How can I overcome obstacles that keep me from being more physically active?
- What are the treatment options for obesity and my other health problems?
- Is weight-loss surgery an option for me?
- Will counseling help?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me?
- What websites do you recommend visiting?
In addition to your prepared questions, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
During your appointment, your doctor or other health care provider is likely to ask you a number of questions about your eating, activity, mood and thoughts, and any symptoms you might have. You may be asked such questions as:
- What and how much do you eat in a typical day?
- How much activity do you get in a typical day?
- During what periods of your life did you gain weight?
- What are the factors that you believe affect your weight?
- How is your daily life affected by your weight?
- How is your mood affected by your weight?
- What diets or treatments have you tried to lose weight?
- What other medical conditions, if any, do you have?
- Do you have any family members with weight problems?
- What are your weight-loss goals?
- Are you ready to make changes in your lifestyle to lose weight?
- What do you think might prevent you from losing weight?
- How committed are you to losing weight?
- What medications or over-the-counter herbs and supplements do you take?
What you can do in the meantime
If you have several days or weeks before your scheduled appointment, you can start making some changes on your own to your eating and activity levels as you begin the journey to lose weight.
- Start making healthy changes in your diet, such as eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and reducing portion sizes. Eat breakfast.
- Track how much you're eating or drinking each day so that you get a sense of how many calories you're taking in. It's easy to underestimate how many calories you actually take in every day.
- Begin increasing your activity level. Try to get up and move around your home more frequently. Start gradually if you aren't in good shape or aren't used to exercising. Even a 10-minute daily walk can help. If you have any health conditions, or if you're a man over age 40 or a woman over age 50, talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise program.
Tests and diagnosis
If your doctor believes you are overweight or obese, he or she will typically review your health history in detail, perform a physical exam and recommend some tests.
These exams and tests generally include:
- Taking your health history. Your doctor may review your weight history, weight-loss efforts, exercise habits, eating patterns, what other conditions you've had, medications, stress levels and other issues about your health. Your doctor may also review your family's health history to see if you may be predisposed to certain conditions.
- Checking for other health problems. If you have known health problems, your doctor will evaluate them. Your doctor will also check for other possible health problems in the examination and laboratory tests, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Calculating your BMI. Your doctor will check your body mass index (BMI) to determine your level of obesity. Your BMI also helps determine your overall health risk and what treatment may be appropriate.
- Measuring your waist circumference. Fat stored around your waist, sometimes called visceral fat or abdominal fat, may further increase your risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Women with a waist measurement (circumference) of more than 35 inches and men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches may have more health risks than do people with smaller waist measurements.
- A general physical exam. This includes measuring your height, checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, listening to your heart and lungs, and examining your abdomen.
- Blood tests. What tests you have depend on your health and risk factors. They may include a cholesterol test, liver function tests, fasting glucose, a thyroid test and others, depending on your health situation. Your doctor may also recommend certain heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram.
Gathering all this information helps you and your doctor determine how much weight you need to lose and what health conditions or risks you have. And this will shape what treatment options are right for you.
Treatments and drugs
The goal of obesity treatment is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. You may need to work with a team of health professionals, including a nutritionist, dietitian, therapist or an obesity specialist, to help you understand and make changes in your eating and activity habits.
You can start feeling better and seeing improvements in your health by just introducing better eating and activity habits. The initial goal is a modest weight loss — 5 to 10 percent of your total weight. That means that if you weigh 200 pounds (91 kg) and are obese by BMI standards, you would need to lose only about 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9.1 kg) to start seeing benefits.
All weight-loss programs require changes in your eating habits and increased physical activity. The treatment methods that are right for you depend on your level of obesity, your overall health and your willingness to participate in your weight-loss plan. Other treatment tools include:
- Dietary changes
- Exercise and activity
- Behavior change
- Prescription weight-loss medications
- Weight-loss surgery
Dietary changes
Reducing calories and eating healthier are vital to overcoming obesity. Although you may lose weight quickly at first, slow and steady weight loss of 1 or 2 pounds (1/2 to 1 kilogram) a week over the long term is considered the safest way to lose weight and the best way to keep it off permanently. Avoid drastic and unrealistic diet changes, such as crash diets, because they're unlikely to help you keep excess weight off for the long term.
Dietary ways to overcome obesity include:
- A low-calorie diet. The key to weight loss is reducing how many calories you take in. You and your health care providers can review your typical eating and drinking habits to see how many calories you normally consume and where you can cut back. You and your doctor can decide how many calories you need to take in each day to lose weight, but a typical amount is 1,000 to 1,600 calories.
- Feeling full on less. The concept of energy density can help you satisfy your hunger with fewer calories. All foods have a certain number of calories within a given amount (volume). Some foods, such as desserts, candies, fats and processed foods, are high in energy density. This means that a small volume of that food has a large number of calories. In contrast, other foods, such as fruits and vegetables, have low energy density. These foods provide a larger portion size with a fewer number of calories. By eating larger portions of foods less packed with calories, you reduce hunger pangs, take in fewer calories and feel better about your meal, which contributes to how satisfied you feel overall.
- Adopting a healthy-eating plan. To make your overall diet healthier, eat more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole-grain carbohydrates. Also emphasize lean sources of protein, such as beans, lentils and soy, and lean meats. Try to include fish twice a week. Limit salt and added sugar. Stick with low-fat dairy products. Eat small amounts of fats, and make sure they come from heart-healthy sources, such as nuts and olive, canola and nut oils.
- Meal replacements. These plans suggest that you replace one or two meals with their products — such as low-calorie shakes or meal bars — and eat healthy snacks and a healthy, balanced third meal that's low in fat and calories. In the short term, this type of diet can help you lose weight. Keep in mind that these diets likely won't teach you how to change your overall lifestyle, though, so you may have to keep this up if you want to keep your weight off.
- Be wary of quick fixes. You may be tempted by fad diets that promise fast and easy weight loss. The reality, however, is that there are no magic foods or quick fixes. Fad diets may help in the short term, but the long-term results don't appear to be any better than other diets. Similarly, you may lose weight on a crash diet, but you're likely to regain it when you stop the diet. To lose weight — and keep it off — you have to adopt healthy-eating habits that you can maintain over time.
Exercise and activity
Increased physical activity or exercise also is an essential part of obesity treatment. Most people who are able to maintain their weight loss for more than a year get regular exercise, even simply walking.
To boost your activity level:
- Exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that people who are overweight or obese get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity to prevent further weight gain or to lose a modest amount of weight. But to achieve significant weight loss, you may need to get as much as 250 to 300 minutes of exercise a week. You probably will need to gradually increase the amount you exercise as your endurance and fitness improve. To make your own exercise goal more doable, break it up into several sessions throughout the day, doing just five or six minutes at a time.
- Increase your daily activity. Even though regular aerobic exercise is the most efficient way to burn calories and shed excess weight, any extra movement helps burn calories. Making simple changes throughout your day can add up to big benefits. Park farther from store entrances, rev up your household chores, garden, get up and move around periodically, and wear a pedometer to track how many steps you actually take over the course of a day.
Behavior changes
A behavior modification program can help you make lifestyle changes, lose weight and keep it off. Steps to take include examining your current habits to find out what factors, stresses or situations may have contributed to your obesity.
Behavior modification, sometimes called behavior therapy, can include:
- Counseling. Therapy or interventions with trained mental health or other professionals can help you address emotional and behavioral issues related to eating. Therapy can help you understand why you overeat and learn healthy ways to cope with anxiety. You can also learn how to monitor your diet and activity, understand eating triggers, and cope with food cravings. Counseling may be available by telephone, email or Internet-based programs if travel is difficult. Therapy can take place on both an individual and group basis.
- Support groups. You can find camaraderie and understanding in support groups where others share similar challenges with obesity. Check with your doctor, local hospitals or commercial weight-loss programs for support groups in your area, such as Weight Watchers.
Prescription weight-loss medication
Losing weight requires a healthy diet and regular exercise. But in certain situations, prescription weight-loss medication may help. Keep in mind, though, that weight-loss medication is meant to be used along with diet, exercise and behavior changes, not instead of them. If you don't make these other changes in your life, medication is unlikely to work.
Your doctor may recommend weight-loss medication if other methods of weight loss haven't worked for you and you meet one of the following criteria:
- Other methods of weight loss haven't worked for you
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or greater
- Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 27 and you also have medical complications of obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea
Prescription weight-loss medications your doctor may prescribe include:
Orlistat (Xenical). Orlistat is a weight-loss medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use in adults and children 12 and older. This medication blocks the digestion and absorption of fat in your stomach and intestines. Unabsorbed fat is eliminated in the stool. Average weight loss with orlistat is about 5 to 7 pounds (2.3 to 3.2 kilograms) more than you can get from diet and exercise after one or two years of taking the medication.
Side effects associated with orlistat include oily and frequent bowel movements, bowel urgency, and gas. These side effects can be minimized as you reduce fat in your diet. Because orlistat blocks absorption of some nutrients, take a multivitamin while taking orlistat to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
The FDA has also approved a reduced-strength version of orlistat (Alli) that's sold over-the-counter, without a prescription. Alli is not approved for children. This medication works the same as prescription-strength orlistat and is meant only to supplement — not replace — a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Lorcaserin (Belviq). Lorcaserin is a long-term weight-loss drug approved by the FDA for adults in 2012. It works by affecting chemicals in your brain that help decrease your appetite and make you feel full, so you eat less. Your doctor will carefully monitor your weight loss while taking lorcaserin. If you don't lose about 5 percent of your total body weight within 12 weeks of taking lorcaserin, it's unlikely the drug will work for you and the medication should be stopped.
Side effects of lorcaserin include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation. Rare but serious side effects include a chemical imbalance (serotonin syndrome), suicidal thoughts, psychiatric problems, and problems with memory or comprehension. Pregnant women shouldn't take lorcaserin.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia). This weight-loss medication is a combination drug approved by the FDA for long-term use in adults. Qsymia combines phentermine, a weight-loss drug prescribed for short-term use, with topiramate, a medication that's used to control seizures. Your doctor will monitor your weight loss while taking the drug. If you don't lose at least 3 percent of your body weight within 12 weeks of starting treatment, your doctor may suggest either stopping use of Qsymia or increasing your dose, depending on your condition.
Side effects include increased heart rate, tingling of hands and feet, insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth and constipation. Serious but rare side effects include suicidal thoughts, problems with memory or comprehension, sleep disorders and changes to your vision. Pregnant women shouldn't take Qsymia. Qsymia increases the risk of birth defects.
- Phentermine (Adipex-P, Suprenza). Phentermine is a weight-loss medication for short-term use (three months) in adults. Using weight-loss medications short-term doesn't usually lead to long-term weight loss. While some health care providers prescribe phentermine for long-term use, few studies have evaluated its safety and weight-loss results long term.
You need close medical monitoring while taking a prescription weight-loss medication. Also, keep in mind that a weight-loss medication may not work for everyone. If the medication does work, its effects tend to level off after six months of use like any other method of weight loss. You may need to take a weight-loss medication indefinitely. When you stop taking a weight-loss medication, you're likely to regain much or all of the weight you lost.
Weight-loss surgery
In some cases, weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is an option. Weight-loss surgery offers the best chance of losing the most weight, but it can pose serious risks. Weight-loss surgery limits the amount of food you're able to comfortably eat or decreases the absorption of food and calories, or both.
Weight-loss surgery for obesity may be considered if:
- You have extreme obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
- Your BMI is 35 to 39.9, and you also have a serious weight-related health problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- You're committed to making the lifestyle changes that are necessary for surgery to work
Weight-loss surgery can often help you lose as much as 50 percent or more of your excess body weight. But weight-loss surgery isn't a miracle obesity cure. It doesn't guarantee that you'll lose all of your excess weight or that you'll keep it off long term. Weight-loss success after surgery depends on your commitment to making lifelong changes in your eating and exercise habits.
Common weight-loss surgeries include:
- Gastric bypass surgery. This is the favored weight-loss surgery in the United States because it has shown relatively good long-term results. In gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach. The small intestine is then cut a short distance below the main stomach and connected to the new pouch. Food and liquid flow directly from the pouch into this part of the intestine, bypassing most of your stomach.
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). In this procedure, your stomach is separated into two pouches with an inflatable band. Pulling the band tight, like a belt, the surgeon creates a tiny channel between the two pouches. The band keeps the opening from expanding and is generally designed to stay in place permanently. LAGB is popular because it is less invasive, generally causes slow, steady weight loss and the band can be adjusted if needed. However, as with other procedures, this won't work without changes in your behavior. Results are usually not as good as with other procedures. The LAP-BAND gastric banding device has also been approved for use in people who have a BMI of 30 to 34 and have an additional health condition related to their obesity.
- Gastric sleeve. In this procedure, part of the stomach is removed, creating a smaller reservoir for food. There are ongoing studies evaluating this procedure.
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. In this procedure, most of your stomach is surgically removed. This weight-loss surgery offers sustained weight loss, but it poses a greater risk of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, and you require close monitoring for health problems. It's generally used for people who have a body mass index of 50 or more.
Preventing weight regain after obesity treatment
Unfortunately, it's common to regain weight no matter what obesity treatment methods you try. But that doesn't mean your weight-loss efforts are futile.
One of the best ways to prevent regaining the weight you've lost is getting regular physical activity. Keep track of your physical activity if it helps you stay motivated and on course. As you lose weight and gain better health, talk to your doctor about what additional activities you might be able to do and, if appropriate, how to give your activity and exercise a boost.
You may always have to remain vigilant about your weight. Combining a healthier diet and more activity is the best way to lose weight and keep it off for the long term. If you take weight-loss medications, you'll probably regain weight when you stop taking them. You might even regain weight after weight-loss surgery if you continue to overeat or eat foods laden with fat and calories.
Take your weight loss and weight maintenance one day at a time and surround yourself with supportive resources to help ensure your success. Find a healthier way of living that you can stick with for the long term.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Your effort to overcome obesity is more likely to be successful it you follow strategies at home in addition to your formal treatment plan. These can include:
- Stick to your treatment plan. Changing a lifestyle you may have lived with for many years can be difficult. Be honest with your doctor, therapist or other health care providers if you find your activity or eating goals slipping. You can work together to come up with new ideas or new approaches.
- Take your medications as directed. If you take weight-loss medications or medications to treat obesity-related conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, take them exactly as prescribed. If you have a problem sticking with your medication regimen or have unpleasant side effects, talk to your doctor.
- Learn about your condition. Education about obesity can help you learn more about why you became obese and what you can do about it. You may feel more empowered to take control and stick to your treatment plan. Read reputable self-help books and consider talking about them with your doctor or therapist.
- Enlist support. Get your family and friends on board with your weight-loss goals. Surround yourself with people who will support you and help you, not sabotage your efforts. Make sure they understand how important weight loss is to your health. You might also want to join a weight-loss support group.
- Set realistic goals. When you have to lose a significant amount of weight, you may set goals that are unrealistic, such as trying to lose too much too fast. Don't set yourself up for failure. Set daily or weekly goals for exercise and weight loss. Make small changes in your diet instead of attempting drastic changes that you're not likely to stick with for the long haul.
- Identify and avoid food triggers. Distract yourself from your desire to eat with something positive, such as calling a friend. Practice saying no to unhealthy foods and big portions. Eat when you're actually hungry — not simply when the clock says it's time to eat.
- Keep a record. Keep a food and activity journal. This journal can help you remain accountable for your eating and exercise habits. You can discover behavior that may be holding you back and, conversely, what works well for you. You can also use the journal to track other important health parameters such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels and overall fitness.
Alternative medicine
Numerous dietary supplements that promise to help you shed weight quickly are available. But in almost all cases, the effectiveness and safety of these products are questionable. Talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
Herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals, all considered dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration, don't have the same rigorous testing and labeling process as over-the-counter and prescription medications. Yet some of these substances, including products labeled as "natural," have drug-like effects that can be dangerous. Even some vitamins and minerals can cause problems when taken in excessive amounts. Ingredients may not be standard, and they can cause unpredictable and harmful side effects. Dietary supplements can also cause dangerous interactions with prescription medications you take.
It's thought that acupuncture and hypnosis may complement other obesity treatments. Talk to your doctor if you're interested in adding acupuncture or hypnosis to your treatment.
Coping and support
Talk to your doctor or therapist about improving your coping skills and consider these tips to cope with obesity and your weight-loss efforts:
- Journal. Write in a journal to express pain, anger, fear or other emotions.
- Connect. Don't become isolated. Try to participate in regular activities and get together with family or friends periodically.
- Join. Join a support group so that you can connect with others facing similar challenges.
- Focus. Stay focused on your goals. Overcoming obesity is an ongoing process. Stay motivated by keeping your goals in mind. Remind yourself that you're responsible for managing your condition and working toward your goals.
- Relax. Learn relaxation and stress management. Learning to recognize stress and developing stress management and relaxation skills can help you gain control of unhealthy eating habits.
Whether you're at risk of becoming obese, currently overweight or at a healthy weight, you can take steps to prevent unhealthy weight gain and related health problems. Not surprisingly, the steps to prevent weight gain are the same as the steps to lose weight: daily exercise, a healthy diet, and a long-term commitment to watch what you eat and drink.
- Exercise regularly. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, you need to get 150 to 250 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to prevent weight gain. Moderately intense physical activities include fast walking and swimming.
- Eat healthy meals and snacks. Focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid saturated fat and limit sweets and alcohol. You can still enjoy small amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as an infrequent treat. Just be sure to choose foods that promote a healthy weight and good health more often than you choose foods that don't.
- Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat. Identify situations that trigger out-of-control eating. Try keeping a journal and write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you're feeling and how hungry you are. After a while, you should see patterns emerge. You can plan ahead and develop strategies for handling these types of situations and stay in control of your eating behaviors.
- Monitor your weight regularly. People who weigh themselves at least once a week are more successful in keeping off excess pounds. Monitoring your weight can tell you whether your efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gains before they become big problems.
- Be consistent. Sticking to your healthy-weight plan during the week, on the weekends, and amidst vacation and holidays as much as possible increases your chances of long-term success.
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- Completed safety review: Xenical/Alli (Orlistat) and severe liver injury. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213038.htm. Accessed Feb. 16, 2011.
- Sarwer DB, et al. A review of the relationships between extreme obesity, quality of life, and sexual function. Obesity Surgery. 2012;22:668.
- Bray GA. Health hazards associated with obesity in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed March 14, 2012.
- FDA expands use of banding system for weight loss. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm245617.htm. Accessed Feb. 7, 2012.
- Belviq (prescribing information). San Diego, Calif.: Arena Pharmaceuticals; 2012. http://invest.arenapharm.com. Accessed June 29, 2012.
- FDA approves Belviq to treat some overweight or obese adults. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm309993.htm. Accessed July 23, 2012.
- FDA approves weight-management drug Qsymia. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm312468.htm. Accessed July 18, 2012.
- Qsymia (prescribing information). Mountain View, Calif.: Vivus Inc.; 2012. http://www.vivus.com/products. Accessed July 18, 2012.
- Publication in Federal Register tomorrow moves Belviq (lorcaserin) closer to launch. Eisai, Inc. http://us.eisai.com/view_press_release.asp?ID=167&press=401. Accessed May 8, 2013.


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Pinecrest council members will compare two competing plans for dog parks — one at Veterans Wayside Park and one on what is now a parking lot in Chapman Field Park.
The council also asked dog-park advocates to meet with members of the American Legion, who were insulted at the prospect of turning Veterans Wayside into a dog park, to try to reach an accommodation.
More than 60 people filled the council chambers Tuesday night, some to talk about the dog park, and others to discuss disputes between vendors and the group running the village's popular farmers market. Mayor Cindy Lerner invited the market vendors to air their concerns, but after three hours of talk about the dog park, a majority of the council refused to hear from the vendors, prompting some to storm out.
Veterans Wayside was the original dog park site in 2010, but Lerner re-introduced the park last month after all other potential properties failed, including the lot at Chapman Field that Miami Dade County now wants to turn into a dog park by December 2014.
In a 4-1 vote, the council asked village staff to create a conceptual plan and costs analysis of a dog park at Veterans Wayside, so they may adequately compare it with the county's plan. Councilman Bob Ross dissented.
"I want a dog park," said Vice Mayor Jeff Cutler. "But we want it to be right. If we were voting for a dog park tonight, it would fail."
Meanwhile, members of American Legion posts in Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay, told the council that the transformation of the Wayside Park would dishonor the park's dedication as a veterans' memorial in 2007. They attended with a petition from veterans who live adjacent to the park, and other residents agreed.
Pinecrest resident Kathy Hersh had other concerns about the site's suitability as a dog park.
"It's the only open green space that we have left," said Hersh, adding that it has become a habitat for birds and a vibrant ecosystem for other animals that exist there. "And it's going to be congested and cause even more congestion in an area that is already very busy."
Dozens of dog park advocates sat in the council chamber dressed in white t-shirts that read "Speak to Support Pinecrest Dog Park at Veterans Wayside." They were accompanied by a man dressed in a dog costume.
They too showed up with 1,000 signatures they gathered over the span of two months and argued the park is underused and can better honor vets as well as dogs that assist vets if changed to a dog park.
Also on Tuesday, Miami-Dade parks department Deputy Director George Navarrete told the council that the county has already allocated $500,000 from a 2004 county bond referendum for a project at Chapman Field.
The site is located at the entrance of the park on Old Cutler Road and Southwest 136th Street, near the county's trash transfer station and just outside the village.
The country has identified 1.7 acres, but the future park will be less than an acre because it needs to include parking spaces, and it is next to mangroves and sensitive plants that can't be uprooted.
"I hate to make decisions when we know something is coming down the pike like that, which is exactly what we've wanted," said Councilman James McDonald. "When the county is willing to spend their money and it's next to Pinecrest, we owe it to ourselves to see all the information before making a decision."

subset: commoncrawl


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How Katy Perry got her 'Roar'-ing body
With a new album out Tuesday, the singer is looking hotter than ever. Steal her diet and exercise tips.
The Word: Owen Wilson knocked up his married personal trainer
Maybe Owen Wilson and Simon Cowell should start a support group for celebrities who unexpectedly knocked up married women.
How to avoid injury during your workout
Use these tips from the American Physical Therapy Association.
How to choose a personal trainer
Choosing a trainer is a lot like choosing a mate.
The Word: 'Star Wars' brass want Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill to lose weight
Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill will both reprise their roles in the new "Star Wars" saga, but their physiques have changed since their lightsaber days.
Phil Mickelson's trainer shares his diet and exercise tips for golfers
We got tips from Sean Cochran, the golfer's trainer


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Johanneke - a Dutch girl's name - is a very legible font recognizable by its special curly 'E'.
For those occasions when this fun touch is not wanted, the font contains an alternate 'normal E' as well. Johanneke comes in 6 different styles (regular, italic, light, light italic, heavy and heavy italic) and is available in Truetype, Opentype and Windows PostScript format.
available in all of the styles:


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You have to eat at this place even if you don't stay here. Chef Dan served my wife and me one of the best meals we've had, not just during our week long late October jaunt through West Virginia but best meal period. To find this kind of quality four course meal snuggled into southeast West Virginia was a delight.... More
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Featured on HGTV, the historic "Coal Heritage Trail" Elkhorn Inn & Theatre has 13 a/c guest rooms and offers fine dining by reservation. The Inn features free WiFi access, sat. television, and long distance telephone service, a Gift Shop/Gallery, fireplace, and rail-view balcony, front porch, and guest rooms. The art and antique-filled inn was restored by the owners, Dan & Elisse Clark, and offers down comforters and pillows, vintage and antique furnishings, bathrobes and signature toiletries. Our area offers THE best railfanning, flyfishing, and ATVIng in the eastern USA, as well as historic sites, hiking, golf, summer theatre, fall festivals and leaf-peeping, and other fun in the moountains! An inspected member of the WV Bed-and-Breakfast Association, the Elkhorn Inn is in the Great Country Inns of America Cookbook, and has been featured on Inn The Kitchen, Wandering Eduators, the NY Daily News, WV Living, WV South, Railfan & Railroad, ATV Illustrated, Preservation, Trains, WV Game & Fish, Eastern Flyfisherman, Wonderful West Virginia, Traveling the Mountain State, Charleston Gazette, etc. ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline, Hotels.com, Venere and Tingo so you can book your Elkhorn Inn & Theatre reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


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Grace Street Theater
934 W. Grace Street,
1 person favorited this theater
Opened on October 13, 1935 as the Lee Theater with seating for 588. The Lee Theater was designed by Richmond architect Henry Carl Messerschmidt in an Art Deco style. By 1950, it was operated by Fabian Theaters chain. In 1962 it was renamed the Lee Art Theater which showed adult films. This continued until closing in 1993.
Now operating as the Grace Street Theater, a live performance theater operated by the Virginia Commonwealth University. A detailed history of this theater along with many photos can be found at the link below.
Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
Here is a larger version of the 1937 photo seen on the official website:
Your "official website" photo comes from the same site as posted above. The Related Websites link IS the VCU Library.
I did that already, but it didn't work. I guess I have to order the larger size next trip.
Ads and photos for the Lee Art Theater can be found here.
Here are some great photos and information on the Lee/Grace Street Theatre.
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater


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Photo Gallery: Orange, Cilantro and Cumin Pork Loin
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by Susannah Chen
Featured Partners
- Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici Celebrate at Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
- Kelly Clarkson: Our Boy and Girl Baby Name Is the Same
- Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Pick Out Their Tree
- Mandela's Daughters Learn of Father's Death Midway Through London Film Premiere
- Christmas Cocktail Recipes: 20 Drinks To Try Out At Holiday Parties
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Cream Cheese Icing
- Ten Tips for Maintaining Your Home Kitchen Like a Restaurant Kitchen
- Three Great Books For Lovers of France (and Food)
- $450 Starbucks Metal Gift Cards Sell Out in Seconds
- Tablets Replacing Waiters; Why Do We Eat Bitter Foods?
- Colbert Defends the McRib, the 'Great American Mystery'
- McDonald's Accidentally Gives Bag of Cash at Drive-Thru
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- How to get your hands on a bottle of the elusive Pappy Van Winkle — Grub Street
- A beaut of a fruitcake — America's Test Kitchen Feed
- The peel-less guide to peeling that orange — HuffPost Taste
- Jon Stewart's hilarious take on the fast food wages strike — Eater
- How America learned to embrace sushi — Food52
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Event | Date & Location | |
Stagecoach Festival - 3 Day Pass | Friday, April 25, 2014 at [time TBA] Empire Polo Field | View Tickets |
Stagecoach Festival: Luke Bryan & Lee Brice | Sunday, April 27, 2014 at [time TBA] Empire Polo Field | View Tickets |
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Article Preview
Supergenius by B. Bruce-Briggs
Dan Seligman — April 2001
- Abstract
Kahn was a "policy intellectual" of unquestioned genius and dazzling quotability who was very much onstage and telling the world what to think about its major problems for something like a quarter-century.
About the Author
Dan Seligman is a contributing editor of Forbes.
December 2013
A GOP Civil War: Who Benefits?
Michael Medved & John Podhoretz -
Why Sunnis Fear Shiites
Hillel Fradkin & Lewis LibbyThe true nature of the Syrian conflict—and the Middle East's.
Obama the Scrivener & the Supine Court
Tara HelfmanObama won't enforce the law; the Court doesn't seem to mind.
Will We Never Be Free of the Kennedy Assassination?
Jacob CohenFifty years later, all the false conspiracies are converging into one.
Politics & Ideas
Men of Iron
Abe Greenwald -
Song of Ascent
Stephen Daisley -
Arrested Development
Armin Rosen -
The Hidden Hand
Seth Sacher -
Hey, Hey, JFK
James Pethokoukis -
They Loved Their Work
Andrew Roberts
Culture & Civilization
Nora Ephron's Secret Heart
Terry Teachout -
Clapboard Conservatives
Anthony Paletta -
Oliver Twit
Fernanda Moore -
The Media, on the Warpath
Andrew Ferguson
Special Report
The Chrismukkah Battalions
Jonathan S. Tobin
Explaining Obama's Foreign Policy
Our ReadersResponses to Elliott Abrams's "The Citizen of the World Presidency"
Arendt & Her Defenders
Our Readers -
Religious Equality at the Kotel
Our Readers
Enter Laughing


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IRV IS GOIN LIVE ON USTREAM @ 7:00 (KC TIME)IRV DA PHENOM'S REBELVISION 2NITE @ 7:00!! TUNE IN! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/irv-da-phenom-tv Started by whatahuss |
0 | Jan 8, 2010 |
the killa city prince of hip-hop/soul/r&b/HUMAN MUSICWHT IT DEWY! ITS NONE OTHA THAN YA BOI IRV DA PHENOM!!! yo, when we hit the road for this winter tour... be sure 2 tune into my show! htt… Started by irv da phenom' |
0 | Jan 7, 2010 |
YO! wht up wit it ?!wht it dewy, its none otha than ya boi IRV DA PHENOM'! currently in the lab, took a quick break figured id' c wht TRTN had poppin.. whts go… Started by irv da phenom' |
18 |
Dec 28, 2009 Reply by Jeff Overbay |
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM IRV DA PHENOM'YO, MERRY CHRISTMAS !! i guess this is the season of givin and whatnot, huh?... well check this out! HERE'S MY CHRISTMAS GIFT 2 YOU. c… Started by irv da phenom' |
54 |
Dec 25, 2009 Reply by Neville |
ILL BE GOIN LIVE ON AIR WIT THE HOMIE @CHRISSTARZ @ 8:00!!! TUNE INNNN!!! just click da link> http://www.blogtalkradio.com/starstatusradiokcTUNE IN! ILL BE GOIN LIVE ON AIR WIT THE HOMIE @CHRISSTARZ @ 8:00!!! TUNE INNNN!!! just click da link> http://www.blogtalkradio.com/star… Started by irv da phenom' |
3 |
Dec 25, 2009 Reply by Techn9cian4life |
JUST HEARD IRV DA PHENOM' IS GONNA B DOING A SHOW WITH TECH @ BEUMONT CLUB!!!!hyped 2 c dis one... i missed the K.O.D tour, heard it was cold. yo if yall dont know about irv chek out sum of his shit dood is sick!!… Started by whatahuss |
3 |
Dec 21, 2009 Reply by whatahuss |
DO YOU HAVE THE NEW IRV DA PHENOM' CD YET?http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/iRVDAPHENOM Started by irv da phenom' |
13 |
Nov 16, 2009 Reply by irv da phenom' |
IRV DA PHENOM' FEAT. KUTT CALHOUN"POP THAT THANG" I.D.P FEAT KUTTY CAL AND HOMEWORK JONES FOLLOW ON TWITTER----> www.twitter.com/irvdaphenom myspace: www.myspace.com/ir… Started by irv da phenom' |
1 |
Nov 2, 2009 Reply by Reid Christian Copeland |
Tech N9ne 'Therapy' Available Now!
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aberration: (noun) departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome; a deviation from the norm; abnormality
"Thomas Edison's last words were 'It's very beautiful over there'. I don't know where there is, but I believe it's somewhere, and I hope it's beautiful."
― John Green, Looking for Alaska
This is a photograph of John Green's Looking for Alaska actually taken in Alaska. I brought my copy with me when I went there on vacation this summer and I took it with me everywhere :)
This is actually a very interesting video about how schools stifle creative growth and discourage the use of the creative mind.
This is a video especially relevant to something my school Guidance Department said to the sophomore class contemplating future careers. Essentially, they encouraged those pursuing conventional jobs (doctors, lawyers, teachers etc.), while discouraging those who expressed an interest in the arts or other professions of creative expression. They basically told us that those who pursued more creative careers should consider a more realistic and reliable occupation, as we would most likely be unsuccessful in our creative endeavors.
We have a fantastic arts program at my school, and much opportunity to explore our creativity, both in the classroom and after school. However, the idea that the traditional subjects of math, english language arts, the sciences and the humanities being of higher value than the arts is something that transcends all levels of education.
It's pretty simple: academically enthusiastic kids are encouraged, kids enthusiastic towards creative expression and the arts are discouraged, and often molded into the more ideal student, effectively stifling the creative mind altogether.
What do you think? Let us know below! Do schools stifle creative growth?
My friends and I do this all the time! Thanks to girl-in-the-library!
Thanks to butterfliesandfrogs!


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To share this article: Enter the email address you want to send this article to in the field and click "Send"
By Roger Mercer
Your eyes may tell you your camellias are in bloom. But your nose doesn't have a clue.
Camellias are generally considered not fragrant. A few are. Breeders are working hard to create more.
I'll tell you about those efforts and some good-smelling camellia varieties you can grow in your own garden at a talk I'll give Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m. at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
The talk will be my way of celebrating the Fayetteville Camellia Club's amazing history of bringing dozens of exhibitors and thousands of blooms into a beautiful show for far longer than the 33 years I've been in Fayetteville.
The show opens at noon and closes at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3. If you've never seen the show, prepare to be swept off your feet by the diversity, colors, sizes, pure showiness and sheer numbers of the blooms.
On March 9, I'll give a talk on the world's toughest roses at 10 a.m. at the Fayetteville Technical Community College.
Go to the rose garden, then go inside the nearby classroom building and you'll find me. I'll have a handout on tough roses you can grow in your own gardens. You won't get this handout anywhere else but at my talk at 10 a.m. at FTCC.
After the talk, we'll do some serious rose pruning, so bring your heavy gloves and best pruners and learn from the Fayetteville Rose Society experts who will be on hand to teach you how to make your roses sparkle.
Today, the camellia club will be conducting a judged show beginning at 10 a.m. If you wish to enter a few blooms, bring them early, 8-9 a.m.
Even if you have never shown a flower before, you can win.
That happened last year when local gardener Chuck Umstead, who grows only a few camellias, took the top prize in the novice class.
To top it off, the camellia club has assembled perhaps its greatest-ever collection of spectacular camellia varieties for sale. They are well grown plants at exceptionally good prices. Don't wait too late to go to the sale or you'll miss some of these.
I would want them all in my garden. In fact, I do grow most of them. And I plan to buy the ones I don't already have, if they are still available.
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Sam is a general assignment reporter for FOX21 News.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- 55 shiny blue and red bikes all lined in a row.
The kindergartners who will ride them home, glowing with anticipation.
Thanks to support from Panera Bread, a group called "Wish for Wheels" is able to donate bikes to kids in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas.
The students at Queen Palmer Elementary couldn't sit still once they caught a glimpse of their shiny surprise.
Teaghan, a 6-year-old explained she "is going to ride so fast! Like a cheetah!"
Many students were at a loss for words. One even cried at the sight of so many new bicycles lined up just for them.
That's because for many this is their first bike-ride right in their own gym.
"Our kids sometimes don't have a lot of perks in their lives, so this is a blessing," School Principal Julie Fahey explained.
More than 90% of the students at her school are on free or reduced lunch. While that means helpful funding for their education programs, their usual assistance doesn't affect their little smiles as much as this one.
Seth said, "I love my bike it's just so cool!"
They even gave us some advice on how to ride in their school gym, now more of a velodrome. "There's a lot of people, so you gotta make sure you don't hit one!"
Teaghan told us why the donated helmets were so necessary: "It keeps your head safe so you don't crack your brain!"
These bikes are more than just a fun way to get around as summer break approaches.
"We're talking about health and wellness too, our kids are gonna be able to do some fun things this summer on bikes and exercise," Fahey said.
Their smiles will last the summer, too. Thanks to Panera and Wish for Wheels' desire to give them a little hope and excitement.
"It's just exciting for them to see somebody out there cares about them," Fahey explained. "They don't even have to know them and they want to help them in this way."


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Among the multitude of trading solutions available today, an often overlooked concept is utilizing brokerage offerings to fully empower trading. When considering the number of forex brokerages as well as their offerings, regulatory conditions and commission structures, the selection process begins to resemble thesis research. To simplify the broker selection process, the StockBrokers.com research team conducted a review of forex brokers. In total 16 online forex brokers, chosen because of their accessibility and applicability to retail investors, were broken down across seven categories to determine an overall winner.
Testing and review methodologies are based on team interactions with each brokerage as an actual live client to extract all information and data. The research process included spending several hundred hours conducting numerous calls to brokers, developing "spread recording" algorithms, downloading dozens of platforms and analyzing virtually every broker offering. Whether a trader is seeking to lower commission costs or extend platform capabilities, the following unbiased research will assist in maximizing the trading experience.
Trade costs
Trade commissions often are overlooked by casual investors, but their impact on large, active accounts is substantial. High commissions and poor market spreads on highly leveraged products like futures contracts and currencies will result in a large negative impact on returns. When comparing trade costs for trading stocks, options and futures the information is relatively straightforward. The brokers are offering access to the same markets with the only difference being their commission charged for entering and exiting trades.
Forex requires much more investigation to unearth hidden costs and commissions charged by each broker. Many brokers advertise "commission-free" accounts, but there's a catch: The spread between the bid and the ask price is increased to compensate the broker for the trade. This increased spread especially can be troublesome considering forex trading is done on such high leverage. Frequent traders easily can accumulate spread-based costs that eliminate otherwise profitable trades. Trade costs arguably are the most important factor if you are an active trader or managing a large account.
The broker from this group of 16 offering the most cost effective forex trading is MB Trading. Unlike many brokers, MB Trading provides their low-cost trade structure to all their traders. Whether investors have $500 or $50 million in their account, they will trade the same market with the same low commission rate. MB Trading delivers market spreads that can go as low as 0.1 pips on the EUR/USD while charging a flat commission rate. They advertise this commission rate very clearly ($2.95 per 100k USD in volume), which equates to $5.90 for round-trip market orders. In addition to their low market order rate, MB Trading recently started paying their traders back $1.95 of their commission for using limit orders in lieu of a market order. Limit orders create liquidity that helps MB Trading deliver their clients even tighter spreads. So traders that use limit orders will end up paying only $1-$2 per round trip.
Winner: MB Trading
Runners-up: Dukascopy, Alpari, FxPro, CitiFX Pro
Platforms & tools
A professional investor is only as good as the resources at his disposal. The trading platform and tools provided by brokers must be robust and flexible to fit every trader's needs. Compared for this section were each broker's premier trading platform, tools and automated trading functionality. Top finishers offered traders the best set of tools to get the job done.
Coming in at number one is FXCM. FXCM offers clients six different platforms to choose from, each with their own strengths while working in synergy as a whole. For example, FXCM's Strategy Trader platform can make automated entries that can be managed from one of their other manual trading platforms in real time. For professional investors, FXCM offers their Active Trader platform that features tighter spreads, level 2 quotes and indicators for short-term market liquidity. Although FXCM doesn't feature a single, all-inclusive platform, the quantity of high-quality trading tools and automated trading technology makes them an ideal starting point for any type of investor.
Winner: FXCM
Runners-up: GFT, thinkorswim (by TD Ameritrade)
Research & commentary
Because of the fast paced and highly leveraged nature of the forex market, we were on the hunt for brokers offering frequent and accurate updates to their research and commentary. When focusing solely on commentary, GFT leads all forex brokers. Daily professional reporting from GFT's Kathy & Boris, who combined have 30+ years of experience, includes market recaps and the current economic climate. Kathy & Boris also answer user questions from GFT clients that have posted feedback. Beyond GFT's commentary offering, the broker also offers notable research tools such as proprietary technical analysis and intra-day forecasts.
The overall winner in this category, however, was Dukascopy. Dukascopy managed to edge out GFT for the top spot with their comprehensive research tools that offer traders multiple insights into market events. Some of their most notable segments include the "Sentiment Index," which summarizes the long/short ratio of all currency pairs, and the "Currency Index," which reduces a particular currency to a sort of absolute value based on its movement against every other currency. Their "Dukascopy TV" also was impressive (see Mobile trading, page 6).
Winner: Dukascopy
Runners-up: GFT, FXCM
Investment offerings
Foreign exchange rates are affected by a myriad of factors ranging from central bank rates to fluctuations in commodities and stocks, and even global disasters. Sooner or later traders are going to want to incorporate investment strategies that include different securities outside the typically traded major pairs and crosses. For the investment offering category, we rated brokers on their range of markets based on the number of currency pairs offered, as well as futures, stocks and options. Other factors considered were unique account management services and technologies that give investors a market edge.
While multiple online brokers offer stock trading alongside forex, only two of them offer it in a seamless trading environment with a single account. MB Trading and thinkorswim offer a full range of markets including stocks, options, futures and a large number of currency pairs. Providing access to 117 different currency pairs, thinkorswim offers trading in many exotic currencies such as the Israeli new shekel and Korean won. MB Trading has other features for investors who are serious about emerging automated trading technologies. They offer free VPS hosting, a FIX gateway, quote API and even a development kit for traders looking to code their own systems directly to MB Trading's server backbone.
Depending on the client's investment goals and trading strategies, these brokerages can offer more than just the standard set of major currencies. Those traders looking to take advantage of emerging markets or hedge international business exposure should review the exhaustive list of currencies provided by thinkorswim. If they want to utilize the latest technology for rapid trade execution and millisecond monitoring of market depth, they should take a look at MB Trading. With rapid globalization taking place, forex isn't just for day traders anymore.
Winners: PFG Best, MB Trading, CitiFX Pro, thinkorswim (by TD Ameritade)
Mobile trading
Today's mobile technology enables traders to track positions, move stop levels, set alerts, execute trades and research markets from virtually anywhere in the world. Dukascopy's mobile trading application delivers more functionality than some brokers offer throughout their entire organization. Features such as full screen charting, "Movers & Shakers" and streaming news will absorb traders while offering them the ability to keep an eye on their positions.
What places Dukascopy above all other mobile applications from the group we examined is their inclusion of Dukascopy TV. From anywhere a connection is available, traders can tap into professional video commentary that is original, informative and insightful. Segments such as "consensus forecasts" and "midday snapshot" help to add perspective as well as provide a means to generate new trade ideas. Whether a trader is looking for powerful functionality or a casual way to watch prices, the functionality of Dukascopy's mobile phone app can accommodate virtually any need.
Winner: Dukascopy
Runners-up: Forex.com (Gain Capital), thinkorswim (by TD Ameritrade)
Unfortunately, we were not able to review all available forex brokers. However, the research was exhaustive and the metrics clearly defined, so if your broker was not included, you should be able measure where they are in comparison to the 16 brokers identified.
While the needs of every trader are different, our objective is to establish which brokers will accommodate each investor's particular trading style.
Click on the chart to enlarge...
Note: This review was based on the results of an analysis of 16 forex brokers by StockBrokers.com. For the complete 2011 review, including commentary about customer service and education, detailed breakdowns of the "runner-up" brokers and additional analysis visit StockBrokers.com.
Pat Mathieu & Kevin Maykovich are analysts with StockBrokers.com. They managed all research efforts, broke down key elements and presented these highlights. The entire review can be found at StockBrokers.com.


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Home » Western Saddles & Tack » Western Saddle Bags and Covers » Bridle and Halter Carrier and Organizer
Bridle and Halter Carrier and OrganizerCode: BHC540
Only $22.99
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For the Trailer or Tack Room!Keep all of your tack neat, clean, and in its place with this sturdy organizer. A halter/bridle bag and tack hook combination. Features a 3-hook, burnished steel tack rack, 2 roomy accesssory pockets with velcro closure, and an adjustable shoulder strap. Great for the horseman on the move. Constructed with sturdy 800 denier nylon and durable double side zipper.2012 Best Selling Stable Accessory - click here for more details. Comes in Black, Tan/Brown, Blue, Turquoise/Brown, Purple, Pink, Hunter Green, Lime, and Red (pictured). Measures 16" X 30". Customers who purchased this, also purchased these products: |
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Bikini Bottom has a new bank! And the name suits it perfectly.
Mr. Krabs just saw something surprising on TV, or he just really likes spitting.
Whoa, who could this mysterious new crustacean possibly be?!
Mr. Krabs looks really comfortable on that giant pile of loot!
Aww, how nice of Mr. Krabs to give that wall a nice big hug!
Well that's definitely an improvement as far as disguises go!
Looks like he's definitely got himself into a corner now!
These guys are totally capable of a daring rescue mission! ...Right?
Mr. Krabs just made some VERY valuable new friends.
Is it hot, or is just Mr. Krabs? Or is it all that fire?!
14 pictures
Mr. Krabs can't stand losing money. That's why he's the best business man in Bikini Bottom! He might do some odd things to save a buck, but at the end of the day, who's got more nickels? This guy! To be as successful as this crustacean, just follow these simple money saving tips.
9 pictures
It's time for some super fun, super fake SpongeBob cameos! Can you imagine what it'd be like if this little guy took a break from Bikini Bottom to eat wings with Sanjay and Craig? Or kick Kraang butt with the Turtles? We have a feeling it'd go a little something like this...
After participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the SpongeBob Squarepants balloon made a few pit stops and paid a visit to some friends. He's spreading holiday cheer everywhere he goes, so check out these fun float photos!
12 pictures
SpongeBob Squarepants is most famous for frying up patties at the Krusty Krab, but that's not all he's good at! This little guy actually has quite the resume and has worked almost everywhere. You name it, he's done it! Take a look at some of this sponge's silliest jobs.
15 pictures
Wanna make Krabby Patties like a pro? Then take a look at some of SpongeBob's best cooking tips, and you'll be flipping and frying five-star food in no time!
The day for tricking and treating has finally arrived, and awesome as it is, we bet your last pair of tube socks that no one is more excited than SpongeBob. He's been busy all morning trying on tons of costumes, and word goes, he's finally made a decision-- he's wearing 'em all! So sit back and catch him strutting his spooky stuff in these pics that will make you go anything but BOO!
10 pictures
Living in Bikini Bottom is pretty close to paradise, but sometimes even SpongeBob needs to get away from it all to really relax. One thing's for sure: this sponge sure knows how to take a vacation! Check out all these awesome moments that make up the coolest photo album in history, SpongeBob's Summer Vacation!
16 pictures
SpongeBob taught us that "F" is for friends who do stuff together, and he proves it all the time with his best buddy Patrick! These kooky critters have a blast wherever they go, and there's no better jellyfishing team in the deep blue sea. Check out these pics of the best BFFs in Bikini Bottom!


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SKU: z29-0300PD Weight: 21.50
In stock
List Price:$544.95 On Sale For:$216.32 You Save: $321.94 (59%) International customers, please view our shipping page for information on additional shipping fees. CLICK HERE
The Cricut Expression 24 Personal Electronic Cutter. You can now cut characters from 0.25" up to an impressive 23.5." Six new modes and several new functions offer greater customization of cuts, and new settings allow different units of measurement and languages. Use the Cricut Expression machine in your classroom, office, craft space, or home! Some of the features include:
This Cricut Bundle Includes
Machine has a built in voltage converter and accepts voltages from 100V to 240V. |


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675cc, 126bhp, 165mph, Insurance group 15
Faster, better handling, easier to ride and with an even angrier engine note, the 2013 Daytona 675R takes Triumph's supersport weapon to another level. Launched alongside the standard Daytona 675, it's the first major update since the 675's release in 2006. Every inch of the machine is different. A new short-stroke engine revs harder and moving the exhaust can from ...
798cc, 125bhp, mph, Insurance group
MV has now positioned the Brutale 675 as the entry-level bike in the range with the bigger, four-cylinder 1090R and 1090RRs capping the range. The Brutale 800 now occupies a gap in the middle. This is not a bike for novices; the power-to-weight ratio makes for some seriously impressive performance. The engine is a dominant part of the package and ...
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Intense light prevents, treats heart attacks
by Staff Writers
Aurora CO (SPX)
Future studies will try to understand how light is able to change heart metabolism in humans and how this could be used to treat heart attacks in patients. |
There are lots of ways to treat a heart attack – CPR, aspirin, clot-busters and more. Now CU medical school researchers have found a new candidate: Intense light.
"The study suggests that strong light, or even just daylight, might ease the risk of having a heart attack or suffering damage from one," says Tobias Eckle, MD, PhD, an associate professor of anesthesiology, cardiology, and cell and developmental biology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
"For patients, this could mean that daylight exposure inside of the hospital could reduce the damage that is caused by a heart attack."
What's the connection between light and a myocardial infarction, known commonly as a heart attack?
The answer lies, perhaps surprisingly, in the circadian rhythm, the body's clock that is linked to light and dark. The circadian clock is regulated by proteins in the brain. But the proteins are in other organs as well, including the heart.
Eckle and Holger Eltzschig, MD, a CU professor of anesthesiology, found that one of those proteins, called Period 2, plays a crucial role in fending off damage from a heart attack.
With an international team of expert scientists, including collaborators from CU's Division of Cardiology and the mucosal inflammation program, they published their findings in the research journal Nature Medicine.
During a heart attack, little or no oxygen reaches the heart. Without oxygen, the heart has to switch from its usual fuel – fat – to glucose. Without that change in heart metabolism, cells die and the heart is damaged
And here's where the circadian rhythm comes in. The study showed that the Period 2 protein is vital for that change in fuel, from fat to glucose, and therefore could make heart metabolism more efficient. In fact, Strong daylight activated Period 2 in animals and minimized damage from a heart attack.
Future studies will try to understand how light is able to change heart metabolism in humans and how this could be used to treat heart attacks in patients.
Related Links
University of Colorado Denver
Hospital and Medical News at InternDaily.com
Eating more berries may reduce cognitive decline in the elderly
by Staff Writers
London, UK (SPX)
The authors caution that while they did control for other health factors in the modeling, they cannot rule out the possibility that the preserved cognition in those who eat more berries may be also influenced by other lifestyle choices, such as exercising more. |
Blueberries and strawberries, which are high in flavonoids, appear to reduce cognitive decline in older adults according to a new study published in Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society. The study results suggest that cognitive aging could be delayed by up to 2.5 years in elderly who consume greater amounts of the flavonoid-rich berries.
Flavonoids are compounds found in plants that generally have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Experts believe that stress and inflammation contribute to cognitive impairment and that increasing consumption of flavonoids could mitigate the harmful effects.
Previous studies of the positive effects of flavonoids, particularly anthocyanidins, are limited to animal models or very small trials in older persons, but have shown greater consumption of foods with these compounds improve cognitive function.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, elderly Americans-those 65 years of age and older-increased by 15% between 2000 and 2010, faster than the total U.S. population, which saw a 9.7% increase during the same time period.
"As the U.S. population ages, understanding the health issues facing this group becomes increasingly important," said Dr. Elizabeth Devore with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass. "Our study examined whether greater intake of berries could slow rates of cognitive decline."
The research team used data from the Nurses' Health Study-a cohort of 121,700 female, registered nurses between the ages of 30 and 55 who completed health and lifestyle questionnaires beginning in 1976.
Since 1980 participants were surveyed every four years regarding their frequency of food consumption. Between 1995 and 2001, cognitive function was measured in 16,010 subjects over the age of 70 years, at 2-year intervals. Women included in the present study had a mean age of 74 and mean body mass index of 26.
Findings show that increased consumption of blueberries and strawberries appear to slow cognitive decline in older women. A greater intake of anthocyanidins and total flavonoids was also associated with reduce cognitive degeneration. Researchers observed that women who had higher berry intake delayed cognitive aging by up to 2.5 years.
The authors caution that while they did control for other health factors in the modeling, they cannot rule out the possibility that the preserved cognition in those who eat more berries may be also influenced by other lifestyle choices, such as exercising more.
"We provide the first epidemiologic evidence that berries may slow progression of cognitive decline in elderly women," notes Dr. Devore. "Our findings have significant public health implications as increasing berry intake is a fairly simple dietary modification to test cognition protection in older adults."
This study is published in Annals of Neurology. "Dietary Intake of Berries and Flavonoids in Relation to Cognitive Decline." Elizabeth E. Devore, Jae Hee Kang, Monique M.B. Breteler and Francine Grodstein. Annals of Neurology; Published Online: April 26, 2012 (DOI:10.1002/ana.23594).
Related Links
All About Human Beings and How We Got To Be Here
Health 'experts' propose over-the-counter contraceptives for children
By D Holt,
(NaturalNews) UK health experts say girls as young as 13 should be able to access the pill at pharmacies without prescription in the UK. As reported in the Telegraph, the rules regarding the treatment and prescription of contraceptives to under 16′s in the UK, are governed by the Fraser Guidelines. Rules that were put in place following legal challenges from parents. Under the guidelines, under 16′s were able to obtain contraceptives, if they were prescribed them by a doctor or health professional…
Holistic Health
The depression industrial complex and the real cause of depression
By Mike Bundrant,
(NaturalNews) Members of the Depression Industrial Complex (DIC) are still saying that their wonderful and effective antidepressant medication can treat your symptoms and wrestle your depression to the ground. However, the DIC evidence is built on a house of cards, mostly flimsy cards. It's been in the news, but it hasn't really penetrated the national psyche: In most cases, antidepressants work no better than placebo pills, i.e., fake pills, sugar pills, the tooth fairy, magic dust. And the finding…
Licorice is adding a new skill to its resume: Diabetes Slayer
By Raw Michelle,
(NaturalNews) The diagnosis rate of diabetes continues to rise despite widespread medical knowledge, pharmaceutical treatment, and improved understanding of the impact that diet has on the course of disease. Following the current trends, 10% of the world's population can be expected to suffer from diabetes by 2030. An inability to regulate blood sugar can lead to far more serious problems like loss of vision, widespread nerve damage, and an inability to fight off infection that can turn a tiny cut…
The best health-boosting supplements to take during pregnancy
By Willow Tohi,
(NaturalNews) Pregnancy is a profound time in a woman's life. As a rite of passage, it can be a magical time or a miserable time (sometimes both), in large part based on your state of health. Either way it is emotionally and physically challenging. Knowing how to keep your health in balance can make sure that glow is from happiness and health. Pregnancy, more than ever, is a time to go natural. It's best to get as much of your vitamins and minerals as you can from food. However it is difficult…
Pet Health
Corneal Ulcers
By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, About.com Guide
What is a Corneal Ulcer?
The cornea is the outermost, transparent portion of the eye. A corneal ulcer is the loss of cells (epithelium) from the surface of the cornea.
Corneal ulcers are characterized as superficial or deep. Superficial ulcers (corneal erosions) are similar to a scrape on the skin; the very outermost layers. Deep ulcers may involve the underlying corneal structures causing a bulge or, in severe cases, rupture of the eye.
Corneal ulcers are common in pets, especially dogs. This condition is also seen in cats, notably with concurrent illness, such as Feline Herpes.
Signs Seen With a Corneal Ulcer
When these signs are seen – and any time an animal exhibits a painful eye or pawing at eye – it is always considered an emergency to have the eye(s) examined as quickly as possible. Eye conditions may change rapidly and quick diagnosis and treatment will help prevent deeper damage to the cornea and inner eye. Left untreated, corneal ulcers may result in eye rupture and loss of the eye.
- Pain, squinting
- Excessive blinking (called blepharospasm)
- Cloudiness of the eye
- Tearing or drainage
- Pawing at, or rubbing the eye on other surfaces, such as furniture
- Sometimes the third eyelid will be up
- Some animals are lethargic or depressed
A dog with entropion of the lower eyelid. Scarring of the cornea has occurred in this case.
Joel Mills / Wikimedia Commons
Entropion describes a condition where the eyelid "rolls in" on itself. It can affect one or both eyes, and the lower and/or upper eyelids. This condition is the opposite of Ectropion, where the lids sag and roll outward. Also see: Eyelash disorders of dogs and cats.
It is seen in both dogs and cats, though it is more common in dogs. Entropion can occur as a result of structural abnormalities of the eyelids, or secondary to other causes such as painful eye condtions (e.g. conjunctivitis).
It can be seen in any breed of dog or cat, but there is likely some genetic component to the structural causes of entropion. Dog breeds predisposed to entropion include Chow Chows, Shar-Peis, Mastiffs, Bull Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Great Danes, and St. Bernards, among others. In cats, Persians and other flat-faced breeds are predisposed.
Rescue Stories
Dogs rescued from filthy puppy mill
UPLAND, Calif. (AP) — Thirty-three caged dogs standing in feces have been rescued at a Southern California puppy mill.
The dogs found Wednesday in an Ontario-Upland area barn included Shih Tzus, Yorkshire terriers, Pekingese, poodles, terrier mixes, basset hounds, Chihuahuas and a husky.
Animal control officials say there may be five pregnant females in the bunch.
The dogs were standing in their own feces and urine and they didn't have any water.
The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin says 45-year-old Luis Reynoso and 42-year-old Flor Sanchez will be charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.
Investigators say they were selling puppies for $100 apiece and the sales were their primary source of income.
joyful Andrew
Andrew was just wandering across a busy road in Standish, MI when I first saw him -and almost hit him. He willingly got into my car. He was quite bashful and skiddish for a while but with lots of love he's now a confident, happy Beagle. Although I looked for his owners, I was unsuccessful. It hadn't taken long and I was hopelessly in love anyway. Andrew has been the best dog I've ever had, loving and faithful and a snuggle pup. Don't know what I'd have done without him all these years.
(The Rev) Mary Shortt
West Branch, MI
Your Actions Here Fund Food And Care For Rescued Animals.
Positivity Mind and Body
Inspiration – Your Ultimate Calling, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Uploaded by ExpertCreditRepair on Jun 12, 2011
This is the most amazing piece of video I have ever seen on being inspired and living from the inside out. If you have any question on your purpose, this is the must watch video to understand your questions.
Warm Regards,
Ashwini Jindal (AJ)
[In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit, for research and/or educational purposes. This constitutes 'FAIR USE' of any such copyrighted material.]


text: What's Hot 2013 Gift Ideas Craft Whiskey Remembering Mandela GALLERIES Victoria Silvstedt Pics 0 31 Back to Top ▲ Victoria Silvstedt Pics Victoria Silvstedt Pics AskMen Editors Her stint as a poster bunny and secondary roles on small films have given her a start in her rise to fame, but she still has a long way to go. Continue reading Victoria Silvstedt's profile. Next Page Exclusive Access Get the best deals for men on Black Friday, Cyber Monday & more ✓ You're in!We'll be in touch soon. ✗ Something went wrong.Try again later. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


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Quote & Headlines
Market Currents
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FRFHF vs. ETF Alternatives
Company Description
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a financial services holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. The company has been under present management since 1985 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.... More
- All
- | Earnings
- | Dividends
- | On the move
Monday, Nov 45:00 AMFairfax has until tea-time to firm up BlackBerry offer
- Fairfax Financial Holdings (FRFHF) has until 5 pm today to firm up the preliminary $4.7B bid for BlackBerry (BBRY) that the Toronto-based firm made six weeks ago.
- The deadline comes amid reports that Fairfax, which is BlackBerry's largest shareholder with a 9.9% stake, has struggled to secure financing for the deal, while it is also yet to name partners.
- Other bids could come in by the deadline, although it could be extended. Those who are reportedly interested in the beleaguered cell-phone maker include a group that could eventually be comprised of the company's founders, Qualcomm (QCOM) and Cerberus.
Monday, Nov 45:00 AM| 6 Comments -
Tuesday, Sep 108:21 AMReport: Fairfax struggling to line up BlackBerry buyers
- Fairfax Financial (FRFHF.PK) is having a tough sell as it courts Canada's pension funds to join it in a buyout of BlackBerry (BBRY), reports The Globe and Mail. "Sources say none of the big funds have jumped on board with the idea, amid growing skepticism about the company's ability to turn around falling sales."
- Farifax itself is debating whether to buy the entire company or unload its 9.9% stake, and would prefer finding another tech industry player to buy BlackBerry, say sources, but "the company's loss of market share to bigger and more nimble competitors such as Apple has dampened potential acquisition interest."
- BBRY -3.1% premarket.
Tuesday, Sep 108:21 AM| 31 Comments -
Monday, Aug 193:36 PMFairfax Financial to sell reinsurance unit as part of acquisiton
- Prem Watsa's Fairfax Financial Holdings (FRFHF.PK +0.6%) agrees to sell American Safety Reinsurance to Catalina Holdings Bermuda for undisclosed terms.
- Fairfax is getting the reinsurance unit as part of its purchase of American Safety Insurance. Catalina had also bid for the company, but has agreed to vote its shares for Fairfax as part of the reinsurance deal.
Monday, Aug 193:36 PM| 1 Comment -
Tuesday, Aug 132:18 AMPossible buyout of BlackBerry by Canadian firms gains momentum
- Alberta Investment Management would think about investing in BlackBerry (BBRY) if the company were to go private.
- It's early days," AIMCo CEO Leo De Bever said. "No one has approached us with anything that is baked.
- AIMCo's public interest adds to that of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, as well as to a report that Prem Watsa's Fairfax Financial (FRFHF.PK) is is "exploring ways" to take the company private. Watsa resigned from BlackBerry's board after it formed a special committee to explore strategic alternatives, including a sale. Fairfax is BlackBerry's largest shareholder.
- More on BlackBerry
Tuesday, Aug 132:18 AM| 9 Comments -
Monday, Aug 128:22 AMBlackBerry going-private offer coming from Fairfax?
- Included in the BlackBerry strategic alternative news is Fairfax Financial's (FRFHF.PK) Prem Watsa resigning from the board to avoid a conflict of interest.
- Leading the special committee will be TPG Capital Senior Partner Timothy Dattels.
- The combination suggests some sort of going-private bid by Fairfax, perhaps partnering with the Canadian Pension Plan.
- BBRY is set to resume trading at 8:30 ET.
Monday, Aug 128:22 AM| 26 Comments -
Monday, Jul 232012, 9:07 AMCanadian investor Prem Watsa doubles down again on what was already a big investment in Research In Motion (RIMM), as a filing shows his Fairfax Financial (FRFHF.PK) goes to 51.9M shares - worth about $351M, a 9.9% stake. Watsa figures RIMM's undervalued and recovery could take three to five years. |Monday, Jul 232012, 9:07 AM| 27 Comments
Friday, Jan 272012, 9:47 AMCanada's Warren Buffett, Prem Watsa of Fairfax Financial (FRFHF.PK), has taken a large stake in troubled Canadian company Research in Motion (RIMM +2.6%). Watsa is known for betting against financial firms (and making billions) ahead of the financial meltdown and taking Fairfax from $4/share in the mid-1980s it to more than $400/share today. (submitted by Devon Shire) |Friday, Jan 272012, 9:47 AM| 4 Comments
Friday, Jan 272012, 9:36 AM
Thursday, Apr 222010, 3:52 PMA judge denies objections of a group of Zenith National Insurance (ZNT -0.1%) investors, clearing the way for a $1.3B takeover by Fairfax Financial Holdings (FRFHF.PK +0.4%). The group had viewed the $38/share buyout as too cheap. |Thursday, Apr 222010, 3:52 PM| Comment!
Friday, Feb 132009, 3:25 PMA massive probe into what appears to be collusion in trading of Fairfax Financial (FFH). SEC alleges hedge funds paid an analyst to publish negative research, and front-ran his reports. |Friday, Feb 132009, 3:25 PM| Comment!
Instablogs are blogs which are instantly set up and networked within the Seeking Alpha community. Instablog posts are not selected, edited or screened by Seeking Alpha editors, in contrast to contributors' articles.


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SmartWay Trends, Indicators, and Partner Statistics (TIPS)
Percentage of SmartWay Logistics Companies by Ranges of Total Carrier Miles
Posted September 11, 2013
This chart portrays the information in the previous graph in another way; this time as a pie chart, to represent the proportion of SmartWay logistics companies whose total carrier mileage correspond to each of the given ranges. Based on Partner data for 2011, each wedge of the pie diagram corresponds to the percentage of SmartWay logistics companies whose Carriers' cumulative mileage for those companies falls within a defined range of miles. As in the previous graph, this mileage includes all mileage contracted by individual SmartWay logistics companies with their carriers.
While about 61% of SmartWay logistics companies reported total carrier mileage under 10 million miles in 2011, the uppermost 13% of SmartWay logistics companies reported total carrier mileage over 100 million miles. This distribution demonstrates that SmartWay logistics companies range from those whose reported carrier mileage is relatively low, to the largest logistics companies in terms of mileage, having very large transportation footprints.
More Resources
Explore SmartWay Performance Data
View publicly available SmartWay data on carrier emissions performance.
Discover Program Resources
SmartWay offers a range of resources that provide more information about SmartWay and its activities.
What's New in TIPS
Key Resources
- Highlights Document (PDF) (1p, 61 K, EPA420-F-1-2057, August 2012)
- You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.


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Applications are suspended at this time! We are not taking any applications for the 2013-2014 School Year. Further updates will be available on this site as soon as possible.
The setting for your education is our dynamic 443-bed hospital, within a clinical site utilizing the most modern medical imaging equipment. As a student, you will work closely with board-certified radiologists and registered radiologic technologists, and collaborate with our entire health care staff.
Didactic instruction is conducted by registered technologists who are faculty of our Medical Imaging department and program. Your clinical, experiential learning will be with clinical staff, instructors and a clinical coordinator.
Holy Cross Hospital | 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 | 301-754-7000


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This is the zine (catalogue) of Postal Art T&T | Self-portrait project. The nature of the project suited this old school style that zines have.
It was fun the process of designing it. Cutting and pasting, and I'm not talking about Ctrl+X - Ctrl+V… there was real cut and paste, photocopies + scanning + printing + stapling = Fun old school work.
I created a rubber stamp that reads "Trinidada". I use it to stamp the wrapped band that seal the zine.
+ Size: 8.5 x 5.5 inchs (letter size folded)
+ 22 pages plus covers
+ With a handmade wrapped band to seal it