US Marshals are highly trained law enforcement officers who assist the federal government in a variety of duties such as protecting witnesses, tracking down fugitives, and transporting prisoners. They also seize property obtained through criminal activity, and applicants must have a college degree and pass extensive investigations and training. United States Marshals and Deputy Marshals […]
“Below par” is an idiom used to describe someone feeling unwell or a performance that falls short of expectations. It comes from golf, where par is the standard performance. Ironically, hitting “below par” in golf is good. Idioms add color to language, often come from sports, and change over time. “Below par” is an English […]
Tic tac toe is a simple two-player game played on paper. The objective is to get three X’s or O’s in a row before your opponent. Variations include Connect Four and online versions. Tic tac toe, also called zeros and crosses, is a two-player pencil-and-paper game that can be played by young children. While strategy […]
Fundamental stock analysis focuses on a company’s financial components, such as earnings, revenues, and dividends, to determine its future outlook. However, it has limitations, such as not considering non-monetary elements and market share. Financial statements, including net income and earnings per share, are used in the analysis. Dividend payments also contribute to the overall return […]
“Thinking outside the box” means approaching a challenge unconventionally, often associated with The Nine Dots puzzle. It can lead to innovation, but can also be problematic if used irrationally. “Thinking outside the box” means handling a situation or challenge in an unconventional way. The origin of the phrase is believed to date back to the […]
Superlative adverbs compare verb uses with three or more parts. They attach directly to the verb and may or may not indicate how many parts are being compared. Some English speakers insert “the” between the verb and adverb. Some superlative adverbs require a phrase instead of a single word. A superlative adverb is a form […]
Nicotine is a common ingredient in cigarettes and can also be found in other forms such as patches, gum, and liquid extract. Liquid nicotine is used in smokeless cigarette devices and comes in various flavors. Nicotine gum and candy are used to reduce the craving for cigarettes. Nicotine can cause harmful side effects if not […]
Buffer stocks are physical stock kept on hand to protect against unexpected supply and demand changes. It can be difficult to balance waste and deficit, and having too much can increase storage costs or lead to waste. Governments use buffer stock schemes to stabilize prices. Buffer stocks refer to a quantity of physical stock that […]
Raw material inventory is the amount of materials owned during an accounting period. Maintaining inventory is crucial for manufacturing operations, and structuring the ordering process helps maintain inventory levels. Accounting records track shipments and releases, and modern software can automate the process. A raw material inventory is the amount of raw materials that are in […]
Steady state is a phase in the mortgage industry where borrowers overpay their mortgages to prepare for refinancing, making the yield on mortgage-backed securities more predictable. MBS pools are purchased by banks and bundled into securities for investors, but economic changes and risky subprime mortgages can make them pernicious. A steady-state economy is an economic […]
E. coli is a bacterium found in the lower intestines of mammals and birds that can cause E. coli enteritis if ingested. It can be contracted from contaminated water, undercooked meat, or contact with infected people or feces. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Prevention includes washing hands and cooking meat thoroughly. E. coli […]
Therianthropy refers to mythical creatures that are part human and part animal. It includes werewolves, gods like Anubis and Horus, and shapeshifting humans who can take on feline or canine appearances. In some New Age communities, a therianthrope is a person who believes they are part animal in spirit. Clinical therianthropy is a rare condition […]
Rhetorical criticism is the analysis of language’s impact on an audience. It is applied to writing and examines the intent and context of a piece of communication. Academics use it to understand how symbols influence audiences. Specific categories of rhetorical criticism exist, and the products of this analysis can take many forms. Rhetorical criticism is […]
Aphorisms are concise, memorable statements that reveal a truth and have been used for millennia. They often contain humor or wit and must contain an element of philosophy to distinguish them from clichés. Anthologies of aphorisms have been produced for centuries and are used for inspiration or comfort. An aphorism is a statement that reveals […]
Tetrameter is a poetic meter with four “feet” per line, each with varying structures. The meter of a poem indicates its rhythm, with tetrameter having eight or 12 syllables per line. The feet are based on syllables, not words, and can be written in various ways. Meter is not absolute, and variations are common. Iambic […]
Voluntary contributions are resources deposited into a retirement plan, often made on an after-tax basis, allowing employees to defer tax on future earnings. Employers may match contributions, and automatic payroll deductions can help employees save for the future. If after-tax contributions are not allowed, retirement plan income may be taxable. Voluntary contributions are understood to […]
Corporate misconduct, also known as corporate crime, is when a company or individuals use company resources to commit illegal actions. This can include white collar crime, willful negligence, and organized crime. It can lead to damage to the environment, industry, economy, and loss of life. Countries are taking preventative measures to minimize corporate crime. Also […]
A perverse incentive is an unintended and negative consequence of an action, often working against the original intentions. It can be found in government regulation, corporate actions, parenting, and education. Different types of perverse incentives can have varying effects, from directly related to more abstract negative consequences. In business, it can lead to negative consequences […]
The Average Directional Index (ADX) is a tool used by traders to determine the strength of investment trends. It appears on a chart with two other lines, the negative and positive direction indicators, and can help investors choose the best time to exit an investment. The ADX can also establish a pattern to determine the […]
IFRS revaluation adjusts the value of fixed assets, often property, plant, or equipment, to reflect fair market value instead of historical cost. It can result in gains or losses on the balance sheet and net income. Specialized assets may require estimation. Consultation with an IFRS licensed accountant is recommended. An IFRS revaluation is an adjustment […]
