Dermatographic urticaria, or skin writing, is a skin disorder where the skin is sensitive to touch or pressure, causing a raised, itchy, red rash. It can be caused by an allergic skin condition, and treatment involves antihistamines. Diagnosis is done by stroking the skin with an object. Treatment is not always necessary, but antihistamines and […]
An exercise specialist assesses physical health problems and advises on exercise techniques to reduce symptoms. They develop exercise programs, educate clients on equipment use, and recommend stress reduction and healthy eating techniques. A bachelor’s degree in exercise science or health and wellness promotion is typically required. An exercise specialist is a person specially trained to […]
Social security is government-mandated insurance to provide financial assistance to those in need. In the US, it includes Social Security, Medicare, PBGC, and Railroad Retirement programs, with Social Security being the largest. State-sponsored insurance programs for the unemployed also exist. Social insurance is mandatory and based on legal rights and humanitarian considerations, unlike private insurance. […]
Petty cash is a small amount of money kept on hand for expenses like office supplies. It’s useful because any employee can use it, but it needs to be tracked carefully to prevent abuse. It should be kept in a safe place and replenished as needed. Most businesses require a small amount of cash on […]
A jerkwater town is a small, rural town with few amenities and decreasing population. The term may come from soda jerks in drugstores or from the lack of water towers on branch lines of railroads. It is still used to describe small towns with limited attractions. The term jerkwater town is often applied to a […]
The role of state finance departments varies by state, but generally includes tax collection, accounting services, and oversight of financial institutions. Some departments also provide accounting services and advise governors. The role of a finance department, as applied to state government, varies according to the state in question. Finance is a broad area that covers […]
A parent company controls a subsidiary through voting and board of directors. It can create a subsidiary through acquisition, buying outright, or creating a new company. Holding companies can be created to hold subsidiaries. Each subsidiary is autonomous and can be sold or closed without affecting others. Many industries are controlled by just a few […]
A Hobson’s Choice is a situation where someone must choose between two unappealing options, often with the illusion of choice. It can be a choice between something unsatisfactory or nothing at all, or between two unpleasant things. The term comes from Thomas Hobson, who ran a stud farm in the 1600s. It is often used […]
A sales ledger tracks sales and invoices for a business, with columns for date, invoice number, description, and amount received. It helps track profits, buying trends, and is useful for tax returns and audits. Updating it frequently is important to avoid mistakes. A sales ledger is an accounting tool used in business to track sales […]
“Day in the sun” means receiving long-awaited attention or appreciation. It can refer to incentives from employers, and is associated with “every dog has its day.” The phrase is sometimes related to Sunday, and has a positive connotation as the sun is a symbol of happiness. The English phrase, “day in the sun,” generally refers […]
Tom Swifty is a type of pun that uses homophones and is told as a one-liner joke. It is named after a series of adventure books for boys with a hero called Tom Swift. The pun usually involves an adverb describing how Tom speaks and part of the pun in his words. Examples include “I […]
A mortgage buyer purchases mortgage notes from lenders, offering the note holder less than the value of the mortgage. The buyer absorbs the risk and sets the price. They can offer creative solutions, such as purchasing only a portion of the note. Note holders should shop around for the best deal. The term mortgage buyer […]
Music education teaches history, theory, and instrumental/vocal skills, improving academic and social skills. It includes music history, theory, and instrumental/vocal lessons. Music education benefits students by improving academic and social skills, and it includes music history, theory, and instrumental/vocal lessons. Learning music has been proven to help students excel in other areas, and there are […]
Deflation is a decrease in price levels, which can be dangerous for the economy. It can occur due to a higher demand for money, a higher supply of goods, a lower supply of money, or a lower demand for goods. The national bank can combat deflation by increasing the money supply through interest rates. However, […]
An executed agreement is a legal document signed by all necessary parties, but it does not necessarily mean it is effective. Contracts and lease agreements are common examples, and the effective date is when the document becomes binding. An enforced agreement is essentially a legal document that has been signed by the people needed to […]
A vowel shift is a change in the inflection or phonetics of a vowel sound over time in a language, which can be observed in the study of historical linguistics. Linguists study vowel changes in different languages, including the major vowel shift in English from the mid-15th to mid-18th century. Vowels can become diphthongs, longer […]
Commercial mortgage-backed securities are debt securities based on mortgages taken out on commercial real estate. They have lower prepayment risk due to lockout clauses, prepayment penalties, and yield maintenance. Issuers pool commercial mortgages and place them in a trust, with rating agencies evaluating bond terms. Unrated securities may still be a good investment with a […]
Erythrasma is a bacterial skin infection that affects moist skin folds, often found in overweight people and diabetics. It can be easily treated with antibacterial soap and topical antibiotics. Proper diagnosis is important as it can be mistaken for other skin conditions. The bacteria causing the infection can be identified through ultraviolet light exposure or […]
Fiat money is currency declared valid by a government, not backed by a commodity like gold or silver. The US and many other countries use fiat money, which has advantages like flexibility but can also lead to hyperinflation. Fiat money is a form of currency that is considered valid and legal because the government says […]
An asset management system manages physical and digital assets, maintaining details such as selection, maintenance, inspection, protection, and renewal. It can be physical or software-based, but must contain accurate information to be effective. Digital asset management can aid in audits or disasters. The choice between physical or software-based depends on the company’s resources. An asset […]
