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Choosing an Organizational Structure for your Aquaculture Business
There are approximately 2.3 million farms in the United States, ranging in size from small part-time farms to very large operations. Regardless of size, all farms are a form of business and can be organized or structured in several ways. Individuals involved in th business of fish farming need to be aware of the various organizational structures available to them, including sole proprietorship, partnerships (general and limited) and corporations (regular and subchapter-S).
The specific circumstances of the fish farm business dictate which of these structures is most suitable. For example, large farms with numerous employees and a large investment requirement may find it advantageous to consider a more formalized structure, such as a corporation. However, most farms are not in this category. In fact, 70% of the farms in the United States fall at the lower end of the income scale. This group is highly dependent on non-farm income. Overall net off-farm income has increased from 10% in 1960 to 42% in 1986. Nevertheless, these small farms or operations may still benefit from particular organizational structures.
This paper reviews the various forms of organizational structures which can be utilized in fish farming businesses and presents the advantages and disadvantages of each structure as they relate to such businesses.
Organizational Structures
Sole Proprietorship
Most farms in the United States are organized as sole proprietorships. Under this structure the farmer is the sole owner, has legal title to the property, and is self employed. Management decisions are solely under the control of the farmer. Resources for the operation are limited to that available to the sole proprietor. With this organizational structure, personal and business assets of the owner are jointly at risk in the operation. Liability is not limited to only that which is invested in the business. The farmer has total liability for all payments or actions, whether incurred personally or through the farm business. If aquaculturists are sued for a farm accident, their home and personal assets may also be in jeopardy. This is a risky situation for a farm business that may be a part-time venture. Especially, if a substantial amount of personal assets are involved.
Sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business organization as far as start-up and record-keeping are concerned, but it has its disadvantages. Sole proprietorship has been described as a hindrance to estate planning, farm transfer, and farm efficiency. However, if the farm operation will cease upon the death of the sole proprietor, it is the simplest structure to liquidate. Alternative organizational structures should be considered if "continuity of life" of the business is a concern.
Farm efficiency varies with the age of the sole proprietor. In the early years of an operation, efficiency is low, as assets are being accumulated. Mid-way in the operation, as the farmer's net work and risk increase, the farm is at peak operating efficiency. But as the years go on and retirement is considered, the operator usually becomes more conservative and is less willing to assume risk, thus efficiency generally declines. This cyclic pattern can be avoided by transferring the estate during the time of its peak efficiency. In most cases, however, transfer of assets such as land, buildings, livestock, machinery, etc., does not normally occur until the owner's death.
Landlord-tenant arrangements may be a practical alternative for older farm operators. Under this alternative, the landlord is still the owner of the property, but he/she receives income through rental. This option allows the conversion of farm income (earned) to investment income. Rental income is not considered "earned income," therefore it is not subject to social security tax, nor does it reduce social security benefits. The rental option is also attractive if several heirs are involved but not all are personally interested in continuing the operation.
Partnerships are the organizational structure of nearly 12% of the farm business nationwide. This arrangement is similar to a sole proprietorship, except that it consists of two or more persons as co-owners. In agriculture, parent/child partnerships have been popular.
There are two types of partnership: general and limited. In a general partnership, each partner shares in the ownership, management, and liability of the farm business. Each partner is equally liable for any and all payments or actions of the business whether incurred personally or by partner. The individuals, not the partnership, are the taxpayers as is the case in a sole proprietorship. No legal agreements are required to establish a general partnership. This informal arrangement may be dissolved with the same ease with which it was formed. One co-owner may dissolve the partnership.
The main advantage of the partnership arrangement is the increase in resources brought to the business as additional partners enter into the operation. But with this increase in resources, comes a loss of total management control.
Partnerships have disadvantages when considering estate planning and transfer. If a partnership is dissolved, property transfer becomes complicated. In the event of the death of a partner, the survivors are generally required to liquidate the business and distribute the assets. If a partner is planning for the business to continue after his death, an agreement with that stipulation should be drawn up. That certainly would be the case in parent/child partnership. However, if additional partners are involved, they are not obligated to accept an additional general partner, especially if the added partner is a minor.
A limited partnership is made up of both limited and general partners. The limited partners share in the business's profits and losses, but are not involved in management. The general partner views the limited partner as an additional source of resources without obligation of sharing management decisions. The limited partner's risk and liability are only to the extent of their investment in the business. Therefore, for limited partners, the business is an investment in which they have neither management responsibility nor the unlimited liability of a general partnership or sole proprietorship. The limited partner is essentially trading a voice in management for limited liability.
Generally, profits are not equally shared among general and limited partners in a limited partnership. The general partners are normally paid a salary for managing the operation, and the remaining profits are proportionally distributed. As is the case with sole proprietorship and general partnership, the individuals are still the taxpayers. Occasionally, a limited partnership may be perceived as a corporation by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and taxed accordingly. Care should be taken that the limited partnership does not have the corporate features of:
- Continuity of life
- Centralized management
- Transfer of partnership interests to another individual, and
- Limited liability
The future of "continuity of life" is normally not applicable since partnership may be dissolved by a general partner. A limited partner may terminate involvement without disrupting the business or partnership.
The limited partnership does require a formal legal arrangement that meets state requirements. It is required that the agreement be legally filed, normally with the Secretary of State or similar office.
Fewer than 5% of the farming operations in the United States are incorporated. However, corporations are the most rapidly growing type of farm business organization. A corporation is a legal entity. The rights of a corporation are similar to those of individuals. Corporations can enter into contracts, own real and personal property, and sue or be sued independently of the stockholders. Ownership of a corporation is held as shares of stock which are claims on the net worth of the business. The two primary classes of stock are preferred and common.
Management and control of a corporation are shared among the following three groups: the stockholders, the board of directors, and the officers. Basic decisions are made by stockholders, while the board of directors sets the policies for the corporation. The day-to-day decisions are made by the officers. The individual may manage and operate the farm just as any business manager would, but does so as an employee of the corporation. Although the corporation is owned by the stockholders, the corporate structure provides a means of separating ownership from management and of protecting both parties from risks or liabilities associated with the corporation. Accordingly, unlike sole proprietorships or partnerships, stockholders are not personally liable for actions of the corporation. Liability is limited to the individual investments of the stockholders. A corporation is the best organizational structure as far as protection of personal assets is concerned. A corporation, like a partnership, provides a means by which related or unrelated individuals may combine their funds and operate a business. However, in the case of a corporation, the organization is considerably more structured and legally binding.
A corporation can be organized to exist perpetually or for a term of years. It is legally created and can only be terminated through the legal process. Incorporation of a farm business can help to hold the farm together through generations. Death of stockholder, including the head of the farm business, doesn't result in the dissolution of the business. Likewise, any stockholder can sell their shares without breaking up the business. The stock can simply be transferred to a new owner. Estate planning is also simplified, because stock shares can be transferred to heirs more easily than titles to land and buildings.
As far as organization and taxation are concerned, two types of corporations exists. They are the regular or subchapter-C corporation and the pseudo or subchapter-S corporation. When the structured as a C corporation, the corporation is the taxpayer. Earnings and profits are distributed to the shareholders as dividends, and the dividends are taxed as ordinary income. Stock holders do not directly share in the losses of the corporation.
The subchapter-S corporation was authorized in 1958, especially for small business including agriculture. In order for stockholders to request subchapter-S classification, the following criteria must be met:
- only one class of stock.
- less than 35 initial stockholders.
- consent of all stockholders to the subchapter-S choice.
A husband and wife are treated as one stockholder. If a corporation ceases to meet the requirements of an S corporation, it is terminated. The corporation charter may also be revoked if it is the desire of greater than half of the stockholders. The primary difference between a C and an S corporation, besides the class of stock, is taxation. The S corporation is taxed as a partnership. Both profits and losses are passed on to the stockholders. As is the case with a limited partnership, the officers of the corporation are compensated before the remaining profits are distributed.
The corporation is the most involved as far as organizational costs and record keeping are concerned. Articles of incorporation are required, officers must be elected, and a board of directors formed. Most states require stockholders to meet at least once annually and annual fees and taxes may be imposed on the corporation. In many instances, federal, state, and social security taxes have actually increased following incorporation. Regulations concerning incorporation must be adhered to strictly; otherwise, the stockholders stand the risk of having "the corporate veil pierced." In that case individual stockholders are personally liable for the actions of the corporation.
The issues concerning the choice of organizational structure for farm businesses are:
- resources
- liability
- management control
- taxation
The most suitable choice for a given farm business depends upon how one or more of these factors affect the financial and personal well-being of the individuals involved.
In the case of sole proprietorship, the primary advantage is total management control. Resources are limited to that available to that sole proprietor. The sole proprietorship offers little protection of personal assets which are not a part of the operation. It is the least effective in maintaining the operation at peak efficiency. Transfer of assets and estate planning also are difficult.
The general partnership is similar to a sole proprietorship, but it involves more than one individual. The primary advantage of the general partnership over the sole proprietorship are additional resources. There is no further liability protection, and in fact, risk increases because each partner is liable for the actions of the other. Additionally, management must be shared. This can be a disadvantage unless partners are involved in different aspects of the operation. It has no advantages over the sole proprietorship concerning continuity or estate planning.
The limited partnership also provides additional resources. Its advantage over the general partnership concerns the issues of management and liability. A limited partner does not dilute the management of an operation. The departure of a limited partner does not affect the business as greatly as the departure of a general partner. More paperwork is involved in a limited partnership. It offers no advantages for estate planning or continuity of the operation.
The most formalized organizational structure is the corporation, either subchapter-C or S. Unless the operation is very large, most farmers wishing to incorporate will most likely choose the subchapter-S format. The primary advantages are limited liability of participants and continuity of the operation. Since all profits are passed on to the stockholders as income, there are few if any tax advantages. On the other hand, very large corporations may benefit from C corporation status. This is the only organization structure in which the individual is not the taxpayer. Tax laws have been designed to make the C corporation structure beneficial only to large operations with numerous employees and large capital requirement.
Fish farming is a business, and as is the case for any other business, individuals should use the organizational structures which offer them the most advantages. Because fish farming is such a diverse business activity, no single structure can meet the needs of individuals or for all situations. Therefore individuals involved in the business of fish farming should weigh the pros and cons of the various organizational structures and make decisions that best meet their needs.
The contents of this bulletin reflect the opinions of the authors. It is not legal advice. Readers should consult with their legal and/or tax advisers concerning the applicability to their individual situations of the forms of organizational structures dicussed in this bulletin.
Series Editor: Joseph E. Morris, Associate Director, North Central Regional Aquaculture Center.
Design and editing by Muktha Jost, Consultant, Ames, IA.
Originally published at Iowa State University, Ames Iowa.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Agriculture.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Daily Show Correspondent Jason Jones Joins #WellEndowed Twitter Campaign
Edge Shave Gel has handed its Twitter account over to Daily Show Correspondent Jason Jones as part of its latest social media marketing campaign, which casts him as an "Edge fund manager."
The brand is encouraging people to tweet an explanation of why they should receive a "micro-grant" of $50, $200 or $500 to its @EdgeShaveZone Twitter account using the hashtag #wellendowed. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Jason Jones personally responded to some entrants tweets from the account.
"Sounds like you don't need money," he tweeted, for instance, to one entrant who mentioned his life goals included not sweating the small stuff.
Jones says his favorite entry so far is by someone who wants to make leopard-print tape.
Most tweets with the #wellendowed hashtag so far are from Twitter accounts dedicated to entering contests (not to mention Twitter handles such as @SweepsMama). But Edge has plenty of time to find participants who don't enter Twitter contests like it's their job. The Twitter campaign, which is part of a larger online sweepstakes, continues until July.
Edge's now 24,000-follower strong account has run successful campaigns in the past.
Last year the brand's anti-irritation campaign spontaneously rewarded tweets that included the hashtag #soirritating with random acts of kindness. As part of the campaign, a full-time team of two gave out everything from iPads to dancing panda YouTube videos in an effort to "solve irritation," and the hashtag was used about 6,800 times in two months.
Giving out cold, hard cash is bound to get at least as much attention.


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Hunt saboteur hospitalised after being run over by horsebox at Four Burrow Hunt
A hunt saboteur came close to losing his life today after he was run over by a horsebox at a meet of the Four Burrow Hunt in Cornwall.
In an incident bearing horrifying similarity to one which claimed the life of hunt saboteur Tom Worby in 1993, hunt saboteur Andy Pollock was run over by a hunt supporter's horse trailer. After a successful day's sabotage against the Four Burrow Hunt, Andy was walking down a lane late this afternoon, when a Four Wheel Drive vehicle and horse trailer drove towards him. He moved to the side of the lane and pressed himself into the hedge. However, the vehicle was allegedly steered straight towards him. The vehicle narrowly missed him, but the horse trailer hit him. Andy said "It was only pure luck that I managed to get into the hedge as close as I did and the vehicle missed me. The horse trailer took my legs from under me."
An ambulance was called and he was taken to Treliske hospital with a suspected fractured fibia. Following X-rays he was released from the hospital.
The driver of the vehicle did not stop, and despite the incident being a serious "hit and run" incident, police did not arrive for almost 2 hours. One officer at the scene said that it was "difficult to prove it was a deliberate act". The police are still making enquiries.
Two hunt saboteurs have died under the wheels of vehicles driven by huntsmen and a third was recently critically injured. In 1991, Mike Hill died under the wheels of a vehicle belonging to the Cheshire Beagles. In 1993, Tom Worby died under the wheels of a vehicle belonging to the Cambridgeshire Hunt. In September 2000, Steve Christmas was run over at a meet of the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent Hunt, and air-lifted to hospital with a crushed pelvis, four broken ribs and internal bleeding. Someone was apparently charged but the victim not informed fully.
HSA Press Officer, Nathan Brown commented "When I heard the news that Andy had been run over by a horsebox, I feared that I was going to have to break the news that another sab had been killed. What we have seen happen in the past leads us to have little faith in any prosecution being brought. How many more lives - human and animal - have to be taken before Labour will live up to their manifesto pledge and ban hunting?"


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NAMM (Hall A, Booth #6400), Anaheim, CA, 23 January 2014 – Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced that over 850 plug-ins from more than 80 Avid development partners are now available in the new 64-bit AAX format for Pro Tools 11, the digital audio workstation that sets a new standard for audio production. Avid also announced that Avid Space, a premium reverb plug-in used by countless artists and music professionals, has now been released in the 64-bit AAX format. The release completes the transition of Avid-designed plug-ins to the new AAX format for Pro Tools 11 software.
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed on a two-year contract with quarterback Dennis Dixon, who spent the past season with the Super Bowl-champion Baltimore Ravens on their practice squad.
The move, announced Thursday, comes three days after the Eagles restructured Michael Vick's contract, bringing him back to compete with Nick Foles for the starting job.
The 28-year-old Dixon had a standout career at Oregon when Chip Kelly was Ducks offensive coordinator. Kelly replaced Andy Reid as Eagles coach after leading Oregon to a 46-7 mark the past four years.
A fifth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2008, Dixon has started three NFL games in five seasons. He has 402 yards passing and one touchdown on 35 for 49 passing. He's also rushed for 56 yards and one score.


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National database may help identify woman's body found in Ixonia
You could help identify the body of a woman found over the weekend in Ixonia.
A national database that anyone can search may hold the key to solving the case.
"It's somebody's little girl, and it's sad," witness Dennis Lauersdorf said.
Lauersdorf saw her in a farm field in Jefferson County over the weekend and wonders how and why the woman was naked and dead. He wonders who she was.
"The body was right next to the road almost. It was only like 12, 15 rows in," Lauersdorf said.
"There's probably in the area of 40,000 unidentified bodies across the nation and the majority of those are murder victims," said Todd Matthews of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS), a database run by the federal government.
Matthews said it's possible law enforcement in Jefferson County could soon turn to help from the database, cross matching DNA, dental records and descriptions of missing women.
"We have the medical component from the coroner or the medical examiner, and then the investigating agency can put all their information into NamUs and be working from the same page," Matthews said.
Milwaukee's missing Kelly Dwyer is listed in the database, but DNA ruled that the Jefferson County body was not her.
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"At least help wherever the family is from, find closure and maybe find out what happened," Lauersdorf said.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office described the victim as:
--Younger than 50
--Weighs more than 127 pounds
--Was between 4 feet 10 inches and 5 feet 5 inches tall
--Has a tattoo on her right lower abdomen and on her right wrist and a chin piercing.
Investigators haven't listed a cause of death.
Visit the Missing Persons Database at www.findthemissing.org/en.


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A casual observer of the world's financial markets would have been forgiven two weeks ago for assuming that Spain's fiscal situation no longer threatened the integrity of the euro. The Iberian country's cyclically adjusted debt-to-GDP ratio is an extremely manageable 66%, and as recently as March 20, its government had auctioned one-year treasury bills at just over 1.4% in annual interest, the lowest yield in nearly two years.
However, it's now clear that any such relief was premature. On March 22, Spain's 10-year bond yield jumped to 5.5%, the highest rate in three months. The concern? A growing number of economists and analysts are warning that the Spanish economy -- the continent's fourth largest after those of Germany, France, and Italy -- is in much worse shape than once thought.
It's all about the deficit
The main problem can be summed up in two words: fiscal deficit. As a party to the Maastricht Treaty, the agreement that lays out the criteria for membership in the euro's monetary union, Spain is prohibited from running an annual fiscal deficit that exceeds 3% of its GDP. While this wasn't an issue from 2000 to 2008, during which the country regularly recorded fiscal surpluses, it has since become one. For much of the intervening time period, Spain's quarterly deficit has been anywhere in a range from 8% to 11.5% of the country's GDP. In the most recent quarter on record, it was just short of 9%.
Sources: Eurostat and author's own calculations.
The country has adopted a three-pronged approach to comply with its treaty obligations by the end of 2013. The first prong includes tax increases to increase the central government's revenue. All told, the increase is estimated to be in the range of 12.3 billion euros, with 2.5 billion euros coming from a temporary amnesty on unpaid taxes in the black market, and 5.3 billion euros coming from corporate-tax adjustments, such as the elimination of a goodwill tax break that made it easier for Spanish companies to buy foreign rivals and boosted overseas expansions by the likes of Telefonica
The second prong includes a 13.4 billion euro reduction, or 17%,in the central government's budget. The ministries of industry and agriculture, for instance, will lose approximately 30% each, and the ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation will lose 54% of its funding. In addition, the government said it will slash energy subsidies and increase electricity bills for consumers by 7%, as the government looks to tackle a 24 billion-euro so-called electricity tariff deficit used by recent governments to encourage the adoption of clean energies.
The final prong includes a number of structural adjustments to the country's notoriously rigid labor market designed to encourage business and reduce the country's record 23% unemployment rate. To name a few, the maximum severance payment possible will fall from 42 months to 24 months; struggling companies will be allowed to reduce employees' working hours; and in a policy focused on endemic youth unemployment, which stands at 50% in some regions, companies that have fewer than 50 employees will receive a 3,000 euro tax break for hiring workers that are under 30 and seeking their first job.
The promise and perils of austerity
To say that these measures are controversial both domestically and internationally would be an egregious understatement. On the day before the austerity package was revealed, as is becoming all too common in cities across Europe, Spanish workers took to the streets in protest. Factory workers, teachers, and public-transport employees joined the strike in large numbers. More than half of scheduled passenger flights were cancelled by mid-morning last Thursday. And demand for electricity fell by up to a quarter from normal levels. According to the interior ministry, 58 people had been arrested and nine injured.
The measures also place Spain at the center of an increasingly visceral debate among economists about the prescience and utility of austerity during economic contractions. Classical economists, among them Harvard professor Alberto Alesina, believe that measures like those enacted by the Spanish government not only decrease a country's debt-to-GDP ratio but actually trigger economic growth. Sometimes -- even often, according to Alesina -- economies prosper nicely after a government's deficit is sharply reduced because the program boosts confidence in such a way as to ignite a recovery.
Alternatively, Keynesians like Princeton professor and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman and former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers argue that such measures are counterproductive. To summarize their position, which I more or less ascribe to, they believe that spending cuts and tax increases will only force Spain deeper into recession and thereby exacerbate the country's already intolerably high level of unemployment. The answer to Spain's problems, according to Krugman and Summers, is more spending, not less.
And on a final and more fundamental level, the simple fact that Spain feels obliged to enact such extreme measures in response to pressure from the European Union calls into question the very structure of the continent's monetary bloc. In this regard, it's important to note that Spain's public debt-to-GDP ratio of 66% places its government in a markedly better fiscal position than the majority of its European peers. The rest of the so-called PIIGS -- Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and Greece -- all have public debt-to-GDP ratios near or exceeding 100%. Even Germany, the ostensible pillar of fiscal and economic conservatism, has a ratio of 83%. Thus, to subject Spain to similar measures as those forced upon Greece or Ireland seems both inequitable and unwise.
Cutting off your nose to spite your face
Make no mistake about it. Spain's unemployment situation and fiscal deficit are serious problems. Yet for the European Union to potentially compound these issues by hoisting draconian austerity measures upon it seems counterproductive to say the least. And if this experiment goes poorly, it isn't much of a leap to see how companies in other European countries, such as Greek shipper DryShips
It's for these reasons, in turn, that the only stocks I'll be buying in the foreseeable future are strong Americam companies that have globally diversified operations like the ones identified in a recent free report by The Motley Fool. Specifically, the report reveals the identity of three U.S.-based companies that are set to dominate the world and reward their shareholders handsomely. If you want to discover which companies these are, get the report now.


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2015 Jaguar XK New Model : When Will 2015 Jaguar XK New Model Be Released
The 2015 Jaguar XK now will get versatile headlights and HD radio as customary. The Touring and constrained launch XKR-R GT trim ranges are not any extra accessible. The previously discretionary versatile journey management and ahead crash warning have been erased additionally. Panther has likewise reported that 2015 would be the final yr of era for the Jaguar XK. This shall be remembered with an distinctive Final Fifty Limited Edition. Chances are in case you are searching for an extravagance sport roadster or convertible you are trying to find greater than merely negligible transportation. You crave an auto that's luxuriously ready, match for tire-turning execution and delightfully styled. The 2015 Jaguar XK utterly grasps these beliefs.
The XK's declare begins with what's beneath the hood. Panther simply places H.zero-liter V8 motors within the XK, and the yields vary from a heavy 385 torque the gap as much as a loopy 550 hp. Step on the gasoline pedal and the XK propels with straight-line velocity that's principally thrilling. Taking care of is amazingly sharp too (notably on the extent topping XKR-J), but each XK is ultimately a implausible touring auto, or GT. That means its suited to prolonged drives alongside the coast or by way of the nation on account of a surprisingly agreeable trip and a lavishly trimmed lodge.
The 2015 Jaguar XK is accessible in three trim ranges: base XK, XKR and XKR-R. All are accessible as a automobile or convertible. Later within the mannequin yr, Jaguar will moreover discharge the XK Final Fifty Limited Edition. The entrance stage base XK comes decently outfitted with 20-inch wheels, a flexible suspension, keyless ignition and passage, programmed bi-xenon headlamps, LED operating lights, again foglamps, power collapsing and auto-darkening mirrors, a again spoiler, back and front stopping sensors, a rearview Polaroid and programmed wipers.
The 2015 Jaguar XK is managed by a H.zero-liter V8 that processes 385 hp and 380 pound-toes of torque. Similarly as with every XK, again wheel drive and a six-velocity programmed transmission are commonplace. EPA-assessed mileage is nineteen mpg joined collectively (sixteen metropolis/24 expressway). The convertible accomplishes 18 mpg consolidated (sixteen metropolis/22 expressway).
More energy is accessible from the XKR, which will get a supercharged rendition of the identical motor to deliver yield as much as 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds execution testing, a XKR convertible went from zero to 60 in an exceptionally fast A.H seconds (the lighter automobile must be a smidge snappier). EPA-assessed effectivity is eighteen mpg joined (15/22) for the roadster and 17 mpg consolidated (15/22) for the convertible.
Standard wellbeing gear on the 2015 Jaguar incorporates footing and steadiness management, electronically monitored slowing mechanisms, entrance seat facet airbags, dynamic entrance head restrictions, back and front stopping sensors and a rearview Polaroid. Side blind airbags aren't marketed. The convertible consists of pop-up rollover bars.
It's no astonish that the 2015 Jaguar XK is an incredible straight-line cruiser. The XK might not be as responsive as a Porsche 911 or Jaguar's E-Type on a curvy approach, nevertheless its extra deft than the newest BMW S Series. Ride high quality on the XKR-R is expectedly firmer than that of the usual XKR, but its nonetheless shockingly agreeable and appropriate for approach outings.
Here is crucial science on 2015 jaguar xk convertible. We have the prime resources for 2015 jaguar xk convertible. Check it out for yourself! You can gather When Will 2015 Jaguar XK New Model Be Released guide and look the latest 2015 Jaguar XK New Model in here.
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When Marc Burch spoke with his agent about potential landing spots in Thursday's Re-Entry Draft, Colorado was at the top of the 29-year-old defender's list.
Three tough matchups with the Rapids last season gave the then-Sounder a long look at the young Western Conference foes, and sure enough, Burch was selected by Colorado with the 11th pick in the first stage of MLS' Re-Entry Draft on Thursday. Burch will be counted on to provide depth along the backline and maybe shifting into the midfield as well, but wherever it may be, he said he's happy with his new home.
"I'm open to anything, really," Burch told MLSsoccer.com by phone on Thursday. "I think left back and left midfield are my top two [positions], but I've played some center back and I'm not afraid to adjust and go to the other side of the field. It doesn't really matter to me."
WATCH: Breaking down Re-Entry Stage 1
The Rapids want certain types of fullbacks, ones that are able to push forward and help supplement the attack. Burch's four assists in only 13 starts last year show that he has the offensive ability that head coach Oscar Pareja craves out of his fullbacks, perhaps making Burch – a self-admitted attack-happy defender – an ideal fit at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
"I've never really thought of myself as a stay-at-home defender," the University of Maryland product said. "I enjoy getting in the attack, I enjoy spreading the ball, I love whipping in crosses. I think that's a commodity that people have tried to use when I've been on different teams."
Although left-footed and preferring the left side, the Cincinnati native said he is open to playing right back and anywhere he is asked to do so. Another one of Pareja's preferences are players who can play multiple positions, and Burch's versatility is something that will likely help him earn playing time with Colorado in 2014.
"I'm going to go there with an open mind, I'm open to any decision the coach makes," said Burch, who will be joining his fifth team over an eight-year MLS career. "Wherever he'd like me to play, I'm going to be happy to do it."
Chris Bianchi covers the Colorado Rapids for MLSsoccer.com.


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True Blood will finally have a conclusion, in some form or another. Charlaine Harris, who wrote the books that inspired the television series has revealed that her next book will be Sookie's last!
Harris revealed this big news In an interview with PopcornBiz (NBC Miami):
"I think it'll be total closure. I don't go back to things once I've finished them. That's kind of what I do. I don't want to write Sookie after I get stale. Yeah, I'll miss them, I'm sure, because I have lived with them for quite a long time — 12 years now. And it did take two years to sell the first book. But I think writers like to do different things. At least this writer does."
Total closure, what would you need from Sookie for total closure? Also, does this mean True Blood is going to have to stop airing after 12 seasons? Boo.
But in happier news Harris already has next project lined up, a comic book with Christopher Golden titled Cemetery Girl.


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3-time Winfield Mandolin Champion Solly Burton brings us a swinging arrangement of this baseball classic played beautifully on his 2018 Pava F5.
Solly is an unassuming jet ski mechanic and farmer from Indiana, but he's been impressing many with his mandolin prowess since a young age. He won his first Winfield Walnut Valley National Mandolin Championship at the age of 16 and has gone on to win two other


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Bob Lenz
Executive Director, Buck Institute for Education, Novato, CA
Bob Lenz, Executive Director of the Buck Institute for Education (BIE), the world leader in Project Based Learning professional development and district implementation of PBL, previously co-founded Envision Education and served as the CEO and Chief of Innovation until 2015. Under Bob's leadership, Envision Education put in practice a highly successful redesign model that has opened a path to college and college retention for underserved urban students at Envision's three Bay Area arts and technology high schools.
Bob also launched Envision Learning Partners. Envision Learning Partners fulfills the original promise of charter schools to serve as demonstration sites for innovative educational practices to transform the broader public school system. Envision Learning Partners is working with schools, districts and networks of schools across the country as they adopt the Envision Schools College and Career Ready Student Performance Assessment System.
He is recognized nationally as a leader in high school redesign, project-based learning, 21st Century Skills education and performance assessment. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation have recognized Bob as a Senior Deeper Learning Fellow and recently he published Transforming Schools: Using Project-based Learning, Performance Assessment and the Common Core Standards with Jossey-Bass Wiley.
Previously, Bob founded Academy X, an award-winning leadership and humanities program at Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo, California. In 1999, Drake High was named one of thirteen New American High Schools by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley. In 2000, the school was featured on the cover of U.S. News & World Report as an example of successful high school reform.
Bob was the first in his family to receive a four year college degree, obtaining a BA degree from St. Mary's College and an MA degree in education from San Francisco State University. When he is not spending time with his family San Rafael, CA, he is stand-up paddling, riding his bike and playing rugby.


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As boastful as the title Trap God is, it's evident that Gucci Mane's loyalties reside in the streets, a dynamic that will never change. Likewise, what also hasn't changed is his inability to grow as an artist, with his latest mixtape sticking to an exhaustive routine of drugs and dollar signs.
If there were any reason to praise Trap God, it would come by way of Gucci's collaborators. "That's That" is a catchy, upbeat cut courtesy of Kevin McCall, while "Crazy" displays a surprisingly focused Waka Flocka Flame and Drumma Boy's menacing production. With 808 Mafia suitably simulating Lex Luger's sound, "Get Money Nigga" is the closest the project gets to solid execution as Meek Mill spearheads the record with his animated delivery. In retrospect, this is a similar formula utilized on his last mixtape I'm Up, which featured a Rap-stacked deck to masked Gucci Mane's weaknesses.
At 20 tracks, the listener is either burdened with the grueling task of getting through a disparaging collection of audible carelessness, or skipping nearly half the project to find something worthwhile. Underscored by a lethargic demeanor, "Shooter" feebly attempts to build on a concept that is generously overplayed. Also, it's safe to say no one is intimidated when Gucci Mane warns he's going to "Waka Flocka Flame a nigga." Interchangeable records like "Dead Man" and "Act Up" bring little to the conversation from a depth standpoint, and "Baby Wipes" plays on a ludicrous metaphor that even Gucci has to be aware of. Needless to say, the question of Gucci's validity as an emcee should immediately be dismissed with his performance on "Fawk Something" ("Yeah my diamonds dancing, my dick taste just like candy / I'm cooking dope in Burberry because I'm kind of fancy").
Gucci Mane recently stated that he plans on being holed up in the studio for the next few months to work on new material. Whether that involves a look in the mirror and a lyrical spark on the microphone is something we'll end up discovering when the time comes. After Trap God though, the only direction he can go is up.
DX Consensus: "Just a Mixtape"


text: Michael Eugene Archer (born February 11, 1974), better known by his stage name D'Angelo, is an American R&B and neo soul singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is known for his production and songwriting talents as much as for his vocal abilities, and often draws comparisons to his influences, Marvin Gaye, and Prince. D'Angelo was one of the most influential artists during the rise of the neo-soul movement.


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Shanghai hotels
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Book your hotel with British Airways and enjoy all these great benefits:


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The Benefits of Working Here
Experience the latest in marketing initiatives and consumer savings platforms. SurfMyAds.com, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package and a friendly, yet challenging environment to contribute and expand your skills. A short walk from the beach, SurfMyAds.com, Inc. operates in the heart of Santa Monica, CA.


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Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, Nashville
Bass Pro Pyramid, Memphis
Beale Street Landing, Memphis Riverfront
Beale Street, Memphis!
Bluff View Art District, Chattanooga
Broadway, Nashville
Chattanooga town
Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock, Arkansas
Coolidge Park, Chattanooga
Gatlinburg town
Graceland, Memphis
Grotto Falls, Great Smoky Mountains
Hunter Museum of Art, Chattanooga
Market Square, Knoxville
Memphis Botanical Garden
Mingus Mill, Great Smoky Mtns
Mississippi Children's Museum (3 hrs from Memphis)
Mississippi Sports Museum (3 hours from Memphis)
Mountain Farm Museum, Great Smoky Mtns
Newfound Gap Overlook, Great Smoky Mtns
Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas
Rock City Gardens, Chattanooga
Ruby Falls, Chattanooga
Shelby Farms Park, Memphis
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, Memphis
Sun Studio, Memphis
Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga
Tennessee Riverwalk, Chattanooga
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, Nashville
Sweet flower.
Learn more about Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, Nashville
Location Summary
The house of President Andrew Jackson, with an awesome audio tour just for kids!
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Here's one less reason for you to be "stuck" on GMail, as Douglas Pearce on the Outlook Blog put it. In the announcement on May 14, Microsoft said they are enabling Outlook.com users to chat with their Google contacts just like they do today with Messenger and Facebook contacts. This, they say, would make it easier for GMail users to switch over to Outlook.com.
As you may know, Outlook.com is in fact a suite of consumer web apps in the form of Outlook.com email, Outlook.com calendar (which was recently updated to be more Metro-styled), SkyDrive personal cloud storage, and People, which is the "universal address book". The reason I say People is a universal address book is that it allows you to connect various services like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and link identities across these services and your actual address book to create a unified contact. That way, you can see everything about a contact all in one place — Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn updates. In addition, it also allows you to seamlessly chat with your contacts via the messaging pane in Outlook.com email, and when collaborating with someone in SkyDrive via Office Web Apps.
In addition to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others, Outlook.com also supported Google Contacts to be linked to your Microsoft account. What the Outlook.com team has done is that starting today, you can not just see the Google Contacts but actually chat with them in the messenger pane just like you do with your Messenger/Facebook contacts. When Windows Live ID (what then became Microsoft account) enabled linking to Google for contacts, I had speculated that Google Talk/Chat may not be far away. It took a while since then, but it has materialized now.
This is a great move by Microsoft. Not only can they claim "openness" which Google seems to tout all the time, they are actually reducing the friction of switching over from GMail to Outlook.com. In the new form of being a "Devices and Services" company, Microsoft is best served when they have a large user base and taking "market share" away from Google is always a nice thing for Microsoft.
Do you use GMail? Would this make you consider switching? Let me know in the comments.
Image from Office Blogs.


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Who are they?
The NTUSA is troupe of professional entertainers and theater makers. They exist for your entertainment, enlightenment and greater glory. Its members are seven in number, its collaborators countless, its reach – like the universe itself – ever and eternally expanding. And like the universe, the NTUSA has its share of exploding stars, white dwarves and black holes – shows that dazzle, repel and leave you swirling in a vortex of confused space and time. Though they are not a government agency, a fact that their lawyers were quite clear should be laid plain, they are here to fill that tragic void in our national enterprise. This internet website shall attest to their history, dedication and their forbearance in the face of a thousand obstacles to bring you the very best in theatrical art and entertainment, for cheap.
Happening Now!
May 18 - June 11 A New Practical Guide to Rhetorical Gesture and Action, illustrations from our book project (53rd State Press) documenting some of New York's finest performers! Book Launch Party at Abrons, May 27, 6:30-9:30!
"The utterly original downtown outfit, National Theater of the United States of America..."—The New Yorker
"An underground theatrical coup, a triumph of style and stagecraft."—TimeOut NY
"Not for the faint of heart or conventional of mind."—The New York Times
"NTUSA left me stunned and speechless and completely in awe."—Malcolm Gladwell
- 2006 OBIE for Design
- 2007 Spalding Gray Award
- 2010 LMCC President's Award
- 2012 Henry Hewes Design Award Nominations in Design and Costumes


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There is a lot of science behind these playful,innovative and edgy glasses but what matters the most to all the fashion forward folks out there is their look ...and their individuality sets them apart from the masses. I find that they are a refreshing change from the run of the mill and for the glossy,grown up who has out grown his WayFarers.
They have collaborated with avant garde designers but the collection that drew my attention was the Mykita-Moncler Collaboration this past winter. Even though the sun has come out and the down filled jackets have been sent to storage I had to share them with you:
A homage to the mountain and its conquerors was created in the form of the two models, LINO and ACHILLE, which are suitable both for downhill runs and also as classic sunglasses for everyday use – they are sporty as well as the perfect everyday accessory. The frames are inspired by the look of 1950s Alpine goggles, which featured round lenses in metal rims with leather side pieces for ultimate protection against the light. LINO's (as you will see below) sweeping top line and slim frame make this model a modern counterpart to the glacier snow glasses of yesteryear.
The swept-back frame edge in both unisex models reflects the look of that era; the original leather sections on the sides and bridge to protect against the glare are today revisited via the flared frames.A critical factor for the design process was the new material MYLON , developed and patented by MYKITA after years of research. The polyamide-based material is being used in eye wear production for the first time and displays the features of the desired attributes: light, extremely durable and individually adjustable to the wearer are the key advantages of this new material.
Now for the "cool" factor:All lenses reveal the MYKITA & Moncler logo when breathed on. An anti-fog finish on the inside of the lenses plus an anti-scratch outer coating make these spectacles a top-calibre sporting companion.The glasses come with a padded sleeping bag style carry pouch for easy transport in addition to a black glasses case and box.
So if you want to chillax on a glacier or sip Mojitos on a beach; MYKITA has fun,functional and fashionable frames for you.
Visit their website for more details and styles at:http://www.mykita.com/
If you want to be chic and discreet....when Dior, Chanel and RayBan don't cut it for you anymore....MYKITA is for you.


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The Postal Service
formed January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005 (age 4)
Named for the courier service that allowed them to trade song ideas while living in different locales, the Postal Service were a short-lived supergroup featuring Jimmy Tamborello (leader of the electronica bands Dntel and Figurine) and Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard. Adding to the project's star status were Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis and former Tattle Tale member Jen Wood, both of whom contributed backing vocals to the band's mix of bubbling electronica and indie pop. Tamborello and Gibbard first worked together in 2001, when Gibbard provided vocals for the title track of Dntel's This Is the Dream of Evan and Chan EP. From there, the duo continued to collaborate via mail, with Tamborello sending instrumental tracks and Gibbard adding guitars, vocals, and lyrics. The results were packaged into the group's only album, Give Up, which was released in 2003 by Sub Pop. The disc had sold over 500,000 copies by 2005, prompting the band's co-founders to begin work on a second album. Work stalled as both musicians found themselves devoting more time to their main projects, however, and the Postal Service remained on indefinite hiatus for the rest of the decade. During that time, Tamborello continued to work on Dntel albums such as 2007's Dumb Luck and 2012's Aimlessness. Likewise, Gibbard resumed work with Death Cab for Cutie on albums like 2003's breakthrough Transatlanticism; in 2012, Gibbard released his first solo album, Former Lives. The following year, Gibbard and Tamborello reunited to commemorate Give Up's tenth anniversary, an event that included the release of a deluxe reissue of the album as well as dates at that year's Coachella Festival and other festivals. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi
The Postal Service - Such Great Heights [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
The Postal Service Zoom Auditions
The Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
The Postal Service - Nothing Better
The Postal Service - We Will Become Silhouettes [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
The Postal Service - Sleeping In
The Postal Service - Clark Gable


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Bottled Water Industry Stands Ready to Help Those Affected by California Wildfires
Media Release
August 28, 2013
Alexandria, VA – Members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) stand ready to assist people living and working in areas affected by the California wildfires, to make sure they have access to clean, fresh, safe, and reliable drinking water. Ash from the massive Rim wildfire has already begun to fall on Yosemite National Park's Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a major source of San Francisco's drinking water, and utility officials have expressed concern about maintaining the quality of reservoir water. About 2.6 million people in the San Francisco Bay area get 85 percent of their drinking water from the Hetch Hetchy.
As always, in times of emergency and natural disaster, the bottled water industry provides clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to those in need, including first responders and firefighters. Throughout the years, bottled water companies have immediately responded to the need for clean water after disasters such as hurricanes – most recently when Sandy extensively impacted the Northeast, earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, and tornados – like the one that devastated the town of Moore, Oklahoma.
Unfortunately, in 2007, San Francisco shortsightedly banned any city department or agency from using city funds to purchase bottled water. The enacting rule, Executive Directive 07-07, provides no emergency waiver from this permanent ban. Therefore, if municipal water supplies are suspended, city and county employees may be left without clean water in the workplace. They would then likely be forced to purchase their own safe and reliable bottled water with their own funds, even when at work.
Having access to safe, clean drinking water is important to everyone's health and well-being, but this becomes paramount during disasters such as this when municipal supplies may become compromised. During these times, bottled water is a necessary and reliable option to deliver clean, safe drinking water.
Bottled water is comprehensively regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a packaged food product and it provides a consistently safe and reliable source of drinking water. By federal law, the FDA regulations governing the safety and quality of bottled water must be at least as stringent as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards that govern tap water. And, in some very important cases like lead, coliform bacteria, and E. coli, bottled water regulations are substantially more stringent.
# # #
Media Contact:
Chris Hogan
[email protected]
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters. Founded in 1958, IBWA's membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, and state governments to set stringent standards for safe, high quality bottled water products.
In addition to FDA and state regulations, the Association requires member bottlers to adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is an annual plant inspection by an independent, third party organization. Consumers can contact IBWA at 1-800-WATER-11 or log onto IBWA's web site (www.bottledwater.org) for more information about bottled water and a list of members' brands. Media inquiries can be directed to IBWA Vice President of Communications Chris Hogan at 703-647-4609 or [email protected].


text: Spring 2016 GTA Orientation Posted on January 4, 2016January 19, 2016 by Monica E. Vaca-Cárdenas About Monica E. Vaca-Cárdenas Mónica Elva Vaca-Cárdenas is a Ph.D student at Kansas State University in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She has also been the Graduate Research Assistant at the Teaching and Learning Center of the Kansas State University for the last two years. Monica is from Ecuador, where she obtained the following qualifications: Doctor in Languages, mention International Cooperation, Diploma in teaching (EFL) English as a Foreign Language and a Master degree in Linguistics applied to EFL. Teaching experience: Monica has been teaching English as a Foreign Language for fifteen years in Ecuador, at elementary, high school and University level; and teaching Spanish for a couple of semesters in the International Student Center of K-State. View all posts by Monica E. Vaca-Cárdenas


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No news.
fuck authority smoke weed errydayoh and here's a free videogame.
I'm gonna go all Gimfalisette on you guys and lay down some numbers.
A Kuraci regular shouts, in sirihish: "Bad move, fool!"A Kuraci regular slashes a filthy grey rat on its body.
I AM AMAZING.I wish I could tell you all why. /tease
Sometimes, Laura, I want to borrow your life. Just for a little bit.
Quote from: brytta.leofaLaura, did weird tribal men follow you around at age 15?If by weird tribal men you mean Christians then yes.
Laura, did weird tribal men follow you around at age 15?
She was teabagging me.My own mother.
Oddly, one of the things I'm most happy about today is that I drunkenly stumbled in upon the tattoo artist I want to use and now I've got a three hour appointment for next week. My first tattoo in a series of others I think. Not only that he can hook me up with someone who can do brand work which makes me (again oddly I guess) really excited.
My phone now autocorrects "damn" to Dman.
The young daughter has been filled.
Happy birthday to Is Friday and myself! Yay! We lived another year!Yes, I'm wishing myself a happy birthday.
Dammit Kol you made me laugh too.
A staff member sends: "Hi! Please don't kill the sparring dummy."
There is only one boog.
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This is an extended version of the article that appeared in the October 2012 issue of Investment Advisor.
Good ol' money-market funds—the ultra low-risk, pretty-much-the-same-as-cash-plus-a-dividend funds that offer investors liquidity and a respite from market volatility. They've been go-to funds for decades, but in recent years just about everything in the investment world has changed and money funds are no exception. It's not that the funds themselves have changed; it's the dynamics in the marketplace.
Money funds are still used primarily to reduce portfolio risk by limiting exposure to asset markets and to maintain liquidity. Regulations haven't changed (yet) either. Rule 2a-7 of Investment Company Act of 1940 restricts the quality, maturity and diversity of investments by money-market funds, which may invest in commercial paper, repurchase agreements, short-term bonds and other money funds. Money funds are required to invest primarily in the highest rated debt and maintain a weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and invest no more than 5% in any one issuer, except for government securities and repurchase agreements. They seek to maintain a stable value of $1 per share and pay dividends to investors, which emphasize their relative safety.
Historically Low Yields
Returns on money funds are at zero and any improvement seems impossible in the near-term. This has driven some investors to FDIC-insured CDs and interest-paying bank accounts. Of course, these vehicles can be cumbersome and aren't as liquid as money market funds, but with no immediate sign of higher interest rates and continued uncertainty around stocks and bonds, investors aren't demanding as much liquidity as they have in the past.
Interest rates on money funds' underlying investments have been just a whisper above zero for several years now, and many funds have been forced to shut because there's no profit to be had. Many of the funds still operating waive or drastically reduce their fees just to avoid "breaking the buck."
Increased Risks
Thankfully, over their almost 40-year history, only a few funds have broken the buck. After the Reserve Primary Fund did so in September 2008 as a result of the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy, it became clear that the risks of investing in money market funds are real. Regulators have been talking about reforming the rules around money market funds, but have taken no real action, despite several warnings from those in the know.
In an April 9 article in The Wall Street Journal, Kristina Peterson and Michael Derby reported comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that highlighted his concern. At a conference, he said, "The risk of runs created by a combination of fixed net asset values, extremely risk-averse investors and the absence of explicit loss-absorption capacity remains a concern. Additional steps to increase the resiliency of money-market funds are important for the overall stability of our financial system." He also said that the repo market, where dealers finance their bond-trading positions, is a source of concern. He suggested that if there were a default of another major financial institution, the repo market could be exposed to some serious risks. This was at least the second time the Fed chairman made such comments publicly.
In the May 2012 issue of PIMCO's Viewpoint, Jerome Schneider, a fixed income portfolio manager at the firm, wrote, "We believe there are three 'plumbing' issues short-term investors should constantly monitor during 2012 and beyond, because they will likely affect the performance of their cash management portfolios. The operational and funding components of our financial system – repurchase, or "repo," agreements, collateral posting and funding transactions of collateralized and uncollateralized natures – are now important indicators of whether investors can expect to bathe in the warm waters of liquidity or suffer from unheralded waves of credit risk or ebbs in liquidity.
"Repurchase agreements are usually over-collateralized borrowings in which the holder of securities sells the securities to an investor with an agreement to repurchase them at a fixed price on a specified date. In the [United States], recent efforts by the Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission to review the inner workings of the repo markets and money market funds only serve to highlight the importance of these pipes of liquidity and credit creation. However, this is a truly global problem that needs consideration and action by investors and regulators alike."
Some observers are concerned that fund companies are being compelled to reach for yield. On its own, a repo is a simple and straightforward transaction, as long as the borrower has the ability to repurchase the collateral. Repos can also be manipulated in a way that creates leverage for banks. One of the main reasons MF Global failed was so-called "repo-to-maturity" transactions, which extended the repurchase date far into the future, thus increasing the risk of the transaction. Repos also played a key role in the failures of Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers.
The risks realized by investors in the Reserve Primary Fund, which broke the buck after writing off debt issued by Lehman, could have been felt in other funds, and most certainly would have if the Lehman default would have resulted in a run on the shadow banking system. Redemptions from money market funds result in a drop in demand for commercial paper, which may prevent companies from rolling over their short-term debt and potentially cause a liquidity crisis. In such a scenario, if companies cannot issue new debt to repay maturing debt and do not have cash on hand to pay it back, they will default on their obligations and may have to file for bankruptcy. Thus, a run on money funds could cause extensive bankruptcies and a debt devaluation spiral.
Of course, we can speculate about how markets might react in any number of situations. Such thought experiments are certainly healthy. The point is, given the observable risks—to say nothing of the unknown risks that hide in the dark corners of the shadow banking system—combined with the fact that returns on money funds at historic lows, it would be wise to consider some alternatives.
Money Market Alternatives
Recently, our firm decided to expand our universe of "safe haven" funds. As a tactical asset manager, we rely heavily on such funds, especially during weak market conditions, when we rotate investors' portfolios out of the stock market.
We looked at several alternatives and these four—two ETFs and two mutual funds—made our short list. The ETFs were more traditional, giving us more of a pure play fixed income assets; while the mutual funds were true alternative investments, offering non-correlated exposure to specialized asset classes within a relatively conservative, actively managed investment strategy.
iShares Barclays Short Treasury Bond ETF (SHV). SHV is a plain-vanilla fund that tracks the Barclays U.S. Short Treasury Bond Index, which measures the performance of Treasury securities that have a remaining maturity of one to 12 months. This is an attractive money market alternative because it avoids the underlying exposures that most traditional mutual funds have, including repos and other collateralized and uncollateralized transactions. And, of course, the ETF structure is a good way to maintain liquidity.
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Strategy ETF (MINT). MINT, as described by PIMCO, "is an actively ETF that seeks greater income and total return potential than money market funds, and may be appropriate for non-immediate cash allocations. MINT will primarily invest in short duration investment grade debt securities. The average portfolio duration of MINT will vary based on PIMCO's economic forecasts and active investment process decisions, and will not normally exceed one year. MINT will disclose all portfolio holdings on a daily basis, and will not use options, futures or swaps."
The fund's portfolio manager, the above-mentioned Jerome Schneider, is keenly aware of the risks that Bernanke and others have expressed. This fact offers some measure of confidence that he may be able to manage through bumps in the landscape.
We like that the fund seeks to outperform typical money market funds by owning longer maturity bonds and a broader universe of investment-grade fixed income securities. As the well-known leader in fixed income, PIMCO has always had talented portfolio managers and analysts. The ETF structure, which provides daily liquidity and full transparency, is also a positive.
Bishop Volatility Flex Fund (BVFVX). This fund takes a step out on the risk spectrum—a rather small step. The prospectus says that it holds 90% of its assets in U.S. Treasury securities; the other 10% of assets are used to purchase options on the S&P 500 Index.
The fund seeks to monetize volatility using a non-directional methodology that invests in option spreads. The objective is to preserve principle while generating upside return regardless of market direction. The Volatility Fund uses an unleveraged approach, simultaneously holding both long and short positions providing the potential to capture returns in both rising and falling market volatility environments.
This fund can be used as an alternative to money market funds or to add another level of diversification. Bishop says the fund was designed to act as a "shock absorber" for investors' portfolios.
The fund is relatively low-risk and because it trades off volatility—market movement both upward and downward—the fund's performance is neither positively correlated nor inversely correlated to other asset classes. In fact, the correlation numbers on this fund are excellent. It is uncorrelated to all of the asset classes we measured, including domestic and international stocks and bonds, real estate, currencies, commodities and managed futures.
Sarasota Capital Strategies Currency Strategies Fund (FOREX). Like the Volatility Fund, this fund is also more risky than traditional money market funds. It too is uncorrelated to most other asset classes, making it a good tool for portfolio diversification and reduced volatility, and has the potential to enhanced returns.
The currency markets are very dynamic, in part because currencies are valued relative to each other. If currencies are a zero-sum game, they must be traded in order to generate profits. The portfolio managers at Sarasota say, "The trading models with the most explanatory power are those that emphasize order flow in a multiple dealer, simultaneous trade market." In other words, the supply and demand for currencies best explains exchange rate fluctuations. The best way to measure supply and demand is through technical analysis.
The portfolio managers run multiple, equally-weighted indicators that are diversified across time frame and strategy to achieve three main goals:
- Achieve low correlation to other asset classes
- Limit volatility (They target a standard deviation of less than 1% based on monthly returns.)
- Provide investors with an additional asset class for diversification and hedging purposes
It is impossible to accurately measure the risks of exposure to the U.S. shadow banking system, which may alone be a good enough reason to avoid it. But that doesn't mean risk assessment can't be done.
As the investment management industry continues to innovate, offering investors a vast array of alternative investment solutions, advisors should take the time to learn about how these alternatives can benefit their clients and their practice.
Interest in alternative investments has exploded in recent years because investors are demanding a greater emphasis on risk management. Investment managers and innovative fund companies are responding by creating products to meet the demand for greater diversification, reduced volatility and the potential of returns regardless of the performance of traditional asset classes.
Schreiner Capital Management has a portion of client assets invested in BVFVX.


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Northern assays require RNA (total- or poly(A)- selected) to be resolved on a agarose gel under denaturing conditions, transferred to a membrane and immobilized for subsequent hybridization. Various inconsistencies in the procedure, particularly the transfer set-up, can greatly effect the assay's outcome. Here, we describe several technical points which can make any Northern analysis a success.
Gel Parameters - Less is More
- Pour gels as thin as possible. The gel must be thick enough to provide well depth to accommodate sample volume, but the thinner the gel, the faster and more efficient the transfer will progress.
- Transfer is also impeded by agarose gel concentrations greater than 1.2%.
Gel Transfer to Membrane
Transfer of RNA to a membrane (Northern blotting) can be accomplished using capillary transfer or electroblotting. Electroblotting utilizes a manufactured apparatus and is extremely efficient as long as the manufacturer's instructions are followed. Capillary transfer utilizes a stack of dry paper towels to draw the transfer solution though a wick of blotting paper (such as Whatman 3MM), the gel, the membrane and into the dry towels. The capillary transfer set up can be upward or downward (Figure 1). Regardless of the method chosen there are hints that can optimize any capillary transfer.
Figure 1. NorthernMax® Downward Capillary Transfer Versus Standard Upward Capillary Transfer.
- Measure twice, cut once—Capillary transfer requires not only a membrane cut to the size of the gel, but also several sheets of blotting paper and a stack of paper towels several centimeters in height. To conserve transfer solution and materials, it is useful to cut any excess gel away from your samples and measure the gel prior to cutting blot materials. A standard office paper cutter aids this process considerably. The stack of paper towels, which should be three or more centimeters high, is easily cut using a sharp razor blade or utility knife and a straight edge.
- Hands off—When cutting the membrane, it is useful to keep the protective paper on either side of the membrane while cutting and handling. Otherwise, the membrane should be handled only by its edges and with forceps. Fingerprints or gloveprints can contribute to background signal seen on autorads, this is especially true for membranes subjected to nonisotopic detection.
- Get oriented—It is useful to mark the membrane for orientation prior to wetting; e.g. cut off a corner or write the date on the upper right corner. The date can be lightly marked with a pencil on the back of the membrane (opposite side from the RNA).
- Tiny bubbles—When setting up the transfer take care not to introduce bubbles in any of the layer; it is especially important to avoid bubbles between the gel and membrane. As each component is added to the blot, a pipette can be used to gently roll out any bubbles.
- Dodging the issue—It is important that the transfer not be "short-circuited". This occurs when any of the blotting materials come into contact with the transfer solution wick. For efficient transfer, the solution must only pass through the gel and membrane with no route around the two. To avoid "short circuiting", cut all materials to the size of the gel and mask around the gel with strips of parafilm or plastic wrap.
- Bottoms up (or down, as the case may be)—Be sure the side of the gel corresponding to the bottom of the wells is against the membrane. This minimizes the distance the RNA must migrate out of gel to the membrane.
Cross Linking
After transfer is completed the membrane should be treated to immobilize the nucleic acid, otherwise there is a loss in signal intensity (Figure 2). There are several ways in which this is accomplished, including baking in a vacuum or conventional oven (30 min to 2 hours at 80°C), UV crosslinking or microwaving. At Ambion, we find UV crosslinking to be the most convenient and effective method.
Figure 2. Effect of various methods of crosslinking on Northern sensitivity. Replicate dilutions of rat thymus total RNA were electrophoresed and transferred to BrightStar®-Plus Positively Charged Membrane according to the NorthernMax® protocol. The membrane was cut into three pieces and the RNA on each blot was crosslinked by the method described. The blots were hybridized to an RNA probe complementary to rat Beta-actin at a concentration of 1 x 106 cpm probe/ml NorthernMax® Hybridization Solution at 68°C overnight, washed and exposed to the same piece of film.
Should RNA Samples in Northern Analysis Be Stained With Ethidium Bromide?
Whether or not a Northern gel should be stained with ethidium bromide (EtBr) is a point of debate. Most sources recommend staining with EtBr after electrophoresis to check sample integrity followed by destaining prior to transfer. Staining after the gel has been run is recommended because EtBr in the samples can supposedly alter migration of the RNA and inhibit complete transfer of the RNA to the membrane, resulting in a loss in sensitivity. However, it is extremely convenient to add EtBr to your samples prior to electrophoresis. This allows for several additional checks in the procedure. The migration distance and integrity of the RNAs can be monitored during electrophoresis and the degree of transfer can be easily assessed by viewing the membrane and gel on a UV transilluminator (Figure 3). Furthermore, the position of markers, and ribosomal RNA bands can be marked on the membrane post-transfer with a pencil. Equivalent EtBr staining across samples can serve as an internal control for RNA sample loading. The presence of EtBr does slightly alter mobility of the RNA through the gel, as seen in Figure 4. Therefore, if EtBr is added to the samples prior to gel electrophoresis, it should be added to all samples; adding EtBr to a single lane will provide information about RNA integrity but should not be used as a sizing marker.
Figure 3. Use of Ethidium Bromide Staining to Monitor Electrophoresis and Northern Transfer. Dilutions of rat thymus total RNA were mixed with NorthernMax® Gel Loading Solution containing 10 µg/ml EtBr and electrophoresed according to the NorthernMax® protocol. The gel was photographed under UV light at an exposure of 12/30 seconds (Top Panel). The samples were transferred to BrightStar®-Plus Positively Charged Nylon membrane using the NorthernMax® 1-hour capillary transfer protocol. Post transfer the gel and membrane were photographed under UV light at an exposure of 20/30 seconds (Middle and Bottom Panels).
At Ambion, we have seen a slight decrease in signal intensity with formaldehyde gels of samples containing EtBr compared to samples with no EtBr (Figure 5). To minimize this decrease we recommend using 10 µg EtBr/mL gel loading solution.
Figure 5. Effect of Ethidium Bromide on Northern Sensitivity. Replicate dilutions of mouse spleen total RNA were prepared; one set with 10 µg/mL EtBr added to NorthernMax® Gel Loading Solution and the other set without EtBr. The samples were run and blotted according to Ambion's NorthernMax® procedure. An RNA probe complementary to cyclophilin message was generated with the Strip-EZ™ RNA Probe Synthesis Kit. Hybridizations were done with 1 x 106 cpm probe/mL NorthernMax® Hybridization Solution at 68°C overnight. The film was exposed at -80°C for 5 days with one intensifying screen.
Overall, the benefits of including EtBr in Northern samples probably outweigh the minor loss of signal intensity and effects on RNA migration. Adding EtBr to samples should be avoided only if required by an extremely rare message.


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Better times will return, but for now we must be vigilant, follow the guidance of our health authorities, and stay strong. We wish you well.
There was a time, decades ago, when efforts to protect whales had a single focus – silencing the harpoon cannons of commercial whaling fleets. Despite much success, that menace continues today with Japanese, Icelandic and Norwegian whalers targeting as many as 2,000 fin, sei and minke whales last year. Hundreds more whales have been harpooned during 2019-20.
In addition, since the years of heavy commercial whaling new issues have emerged that threaten the recovery, and in some cases the long-term survival, of whale and dolphin species.
The oceans are being polluted, food chains contaminated, habitats degraded.
The sound generated by shipping, fossil fuel exploration and military sonar are disrupting cetacean feeding and breeding activity, driving them from their preferred socialising and feeding areas and can lead directly to death.
Overfishing is depleting the abundance of cetaceans' natural prey species, while this and other netting activities are entangling and killing even the most critically endangered whales and dolphins.
Our reluctance to act quickly and effectively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is leading to increased ocean acidification, rising sea surface temperatures and changes to marine ecosystems.
In the meantime, our growing interest in whales and dolphins and our desire to be close to them is resulting in new forms of exploitation that can interfere with their natural behavior and add to the growing cumulative impacts of human activity.
With this website we hope to create greater understanding of whales and dolphins, awareness about the diversity and scale of the threats faced by them, and to inspire people to take steps, big or small, to lessen our impact on cetaceans and on the environment we share with them.