Structured derivatives are pre-packaged investments that allow investors to participate in the performance of underlying asset classes. They are created through financial engineering and can include options. Fees charged by investment banks may affect returns, and these investments may have tax advantages and reduced volatility. Securitized derivatives, such as mortgage-backed securities, are a form of […]
A request for information (RFI) is a document used by government agencies or companies to request information from the public to address a particular problem. It is used for large procurements and can be in various formats. RFI is similar to request for proposal (RFP) and request for quotation (RFQ). An RFT advertises opportunities available […]
“As the crow flies” is an idiom meaning the most direct route between two points. It may have originated from sailors following a crow to land in fog, or from the path a bird takes when flying. The phrase has been used in literature and there is a similar Scottish idiom. Other idioms involving crows […]
Guillemets are punctuation marks used as quotation marks in many languages. They can be single or double and have additional functions in computer languages. They are named after a French printer and are used differently in various languages. They are also known as angle quotation marks or duck foot quotes and have become universal symbols […]
The Beat Generation planted the seeds for the 1960s counterculture movement. The Merry Pranksters, led by Ken Kesey, used LSD and other drugs to challenge mainstream society. They bought a bus, named Further, and drove around the US, encouraging others to join them in street theater pranks and impromptu events. After LSD became illegal, the […]
Silent strokes, often ischemic, can cause brain damage and increase the risk of further strokes. Symptoms may be ignored or not noticed, but can be visualized with MRI. Routine brain screening is recommended for those at higher risk. When people think about stroke, they often visualize a dramatic incident in which a person suddenly shows […]
Abnormal psychologists study and categorize mental disorders, using theories such as cognitive, behavioral, and medical to explain their causes and develop treatments. They consider cultural and demographic factors and the impact of behavior on others when assessing abnormal behavior. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides information for clinical psychologists. […]
Retail loans are loans made to individual consumers, with collateral or without, by banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and savings and loan associations. Examples include home mortgages, vehicle loans, and payday loans. Payday loans carry higher interest rates and are meant for emergency purposes only. Retail loans are the term used to describe any type […]
Small entities, including businesses with fewer than 500 employees, independent inventors, and non-profit organizations, are eligible for reduced patent application fees and maintenance fees. Small entities must declare their status and notify the USPTO of any changes. Licensing a patent to a non-small entity will result in loss of small entity status. The discount for […]
Concrete poetry is a form of verse where the shape of the poem on the page conveys meaning. It challenges established notions about language and images, and was part of a larger movement in art and literature. It must be seen by the public and is sometimes called visual poetry. It preceded later trends in […]
A triolet is a French poetic form with eight lines and two rhymes, where the first line is repeated three times. It can convey humorous or serious ideas, and its repetition and brevity make it appealing. Thomas Hardy’s triolet “How Great is My Sorrow” exemplifies how repetition can add complexity to a seemingly simple poem. […]
The Kshatriya caste in Hinduism traditionally held power and were rulers and warriors. The caste system, based on the Vedas, became hereditary and discriminatory. Kshatriyas were expected to intermarry and were responsible for defending society. They were originally the highest caste but were replaced by Brahmins. Reforms have abolished discriminatory aspects of the caste system. […]
Surgical pathology involves analyzing tissue and other body samples collected during surgery to identify disease, growths, and infection. Pathologists work in labs and advise medical teams on care plans and risks. They use macroscopic and microscopic techniques, as well as molecular diagnosis, to make diagnoses. Specializations include surgical oncology and forensic pathology. Extensive training and […]
Contra assets have a natural credit balance and are used to reduce asset accounts such as accumulated depreciation. Two common examples are the allowance for doubtful accounts and accumulated depreciation. Contra accounts may have a zero balance in some cases and may require a separate disclosure paragraph. A contra asset is an account that has […]
Choosing the best industrial scrubber dryers involves considering size, power input, project type, and intended application. Leasing is recommended for infrequent use. Scrubbers come in different sizes and power sources, and should be chosen based on the flooring material. Small businesses should consider renting. Choosing the best industrial scrubber dryers requires considering the size of […]
Yellow journalism is sensationalized and biased reporting that distorts facts to attract readers and increase market share. It originated in the late 1800s with William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer’s competition for sales. While less prevalent today, it still exists in some media outlets. Critics argue it can pervert justice and make it difficult to […]
Satire is a form of social criticism presented through popular media formats. It can be used for entertainment, education, or to challenge corrupt practices and social conventions. Ancient Greek and Roman poets pioneered satire, and modern examples include The Simpsons, The Daily Show, and South Park. Satire can also be used for political purposes, as […]
A polymath, or Renaissance man/woman, has extensive knowledge of a wide range of subjects and an assortment of skills. The term comes from Greek roots meaning “to learn”. Erudition was highly valued in classical Greece, Rome, and China, and the tradition of well-rounded scholarship persists in China. Becoming a polymath requires drive and the ability […]
Diarrhea and stomach pain can be caused by eating too fast, food intolerance, and overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs. Serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and colitis can also cause these symptoms, as can bacterial and viral infections. Other potential causes include pancreatitis and alcohol abuse. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. There are a large […]
Interpersonal skills training improves communication, assertiveness, negotiation, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity. Soft skills are useful in business and can be learned through seminars and courses. Employers may pay for employee development. Reviews and recommendations help choose the right course. Interpersonal skills training is a business education designed to improve communication skills with others. People […]
