The idiom “cat’s whiskers” is a positive way to describe something outstanding. Its origin is debated, but it has been used since the early 20th century. It is universally positive and can be used to describe romantic attraction, exemplary work, or a child’s achievement. While less common now, it still conveys warm feelings and can […]
ECG and EKG are the same procedure used to measure the heart’s electrical activity. The machine is called an electrocardiograph and detects electrical impulses through wired electrodes. It is a painless and noninvasive procedure with no risk of electric shock, and is used to diagnose heart problems. “Electrocardiogram” (ECG) is the English-language version of the […]
A bad debt reserve is a way to create a bank of funds to offset accumulated bad debt, which occurs when customer invoices remain unpaid. It can be used in receivable factoring, to write off bad debt due to bankruptcy, and to guard against bad debt incidence for small businesses. As a means of minimizing […]
A stringer is a freelance writer who is paid per work published and is not considered an employee. The term originated from measuring the length of a writer’s work with a string. Stringers are used to fill in gaps in publications and cover stories that staff writers cannot. They can also be a starting point […]
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision develops recommendations to improve banking standards and regulations globally. It was established in 1974 after a German bank crisis. The organization meets four times a year in Switzerland and has four groups focusing on different topics. It provides outreach and education to non-member countries and aims to create a […]
“Low on the count” is an English idiom that refers to losing a fight or failing. It originated in the 1920s and is commonly associated with boxing. Similar phrases include “out for the count” and “TKO.” It should not be confused with “down and out,” which implies long-term failure. When an English speaker talks about […]
There are two types of kidney cancer: hypernephroma and renal pelvis cancer. Hypernephroma has risk factors such as smoking and prescription drug abuse. Symptoms include blood in urine and a lump in the stomach. Tests include physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and targeted therapy. Prognosis […]
Order management systems automate buying and selling processes and are used in various industries. They are customizable and modular, but not compatible with other systems. They streamline commercial practices and are becoming more popular among consumers. A order management system is a computer program used to automate the steps of a buying and selling process. […]
Brand recognition is the goal of marketing and business, with familiar names leading to increased revenue and customer loyalty. Advertising in various mediums and creating memorable ads are key, as well as investing in sufficient advertising space. In marketing and business, a “brand” is a company name or the name of things produced or offered […]
The phrase “in the flesh” means being physically present with someone or something. It is often used when meeting someone for the first time or seeing a celebrity in person. Idioms like this are useful for informal situations and have expanded beyond their literal meaning. A person who sees someone or something “in the flesh” […]
Sacramental theology is the belief that God gives grace to humanity through specific external acts instituted by Christ, such as baptism, Eucharist, reconciliation, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick. The term “sacrament” comes from the Latin word for “oath” and was first used in Christian theology as a translation of the Greek […]
Personalized debit cards can be based on a current or prepaid account and can be customized with images. Credit card companies offer two types of personalized debit cards: private label and affinity. Financial institutions may offer personalized debit cards with photo identification to reduce fraud. A web-based tool is used to create personalized debit cards, […]
The Gantt chart is a bar graph used to track project tasks and ensure a logical progression towards completion. It was named after Henry Laurence Gantt and can be used for any project. The chart helps identify potential bottlenecks and overlooked tasks, and can be adjusted for unforeseen circumstances. The Gantt chart is a type […]
When employees get bored and lose interest in their work, they become rusty, leading to a decline in work quality and potential loss of talented employees. This can be prevented by engaging employees with challenging tasks and matching them with the right jobs. Cross-training and soliciting ideas from employees can also improve working conditions. When […]
Monte Carlo simulation is a mathematical model that calculates the probability of a specific outcome by testing various scenarios and variables. It uses historical statistical data to generate millions of different financial outcomes and can provide a more realistic means of handling variables and measuring probabilities of financial risk or return. The method is used […]
Illegal income is obtained through activities that are not within the limits of the law, and recipients are required to declare and pay taxes on it. Sanctions vary depending on the crime involved and can include fines and imprisonment. Illegal input is any type of input that is obtained by the means or that is […]
Slurring your words can be caused by speech impediments, drunkenness, or speaking too quickly. It can also be used for comedic or dramatic effect. Consult a speech therapist if it’s a speech impediment. Southern accents and omitting letters can also be considered slurring. Whenever your words rush together and become garbled, it is said that […]
Acquisitions can be friendly or hostile depending on whether the target company accepts or rejects the offer. Friendly acquisitions can be positive for all stakeholders, while hostile acquisitions occur when the purchasing company buys enough shares to gain control without approval. Negotiations can sometimes lead to a friendly acquisition, and not all hostile acquisition attempts […]
State procurement offices handle the process of obtaining supplies, equipment, and personnel for state agencies. They can also establish policies, such as prioritizing environmentally safe options. The procurement process involves opening RFQs and reviewing bids from companies. Offices are typically located in the state capital with branch offices in other regions. Government procurement is a […]
Pastoral poetry is an ancient art form that idealizes rural life, with roots in the works of Theocritus and Virgil. Common themes include the virtues of country life, romance, pain, death, and politics. British literature embraced pastoral poetry in the Romantic and Victorian eras, with popular works by Matthew Arnold, Percy Shelley, Christopher Marlowe, and […]
