Pa pension funds and venture capitalism12/30/2023 ![]() ![]() Meanwhile, valuation and fee terms in contracts between private equity firms and public pensions are kept secret, exempt from open records laws. In a story about an investor receiving two different valuations for the same company, Institutional Investor underscored the absurdity: “Everyone Wants to Know What Private Assets Are Really Worth. In between buying and selling, there are no transparent metrics for valuing the purchased asset – private equity firms can manufacture an alleged value to tell pension investors (and there’s evidence they inflate valuations when seeking new investments). In general, private equity firms use pension money to buy up and restructure companies to then sell them at a higher price than they were purchased. ![]() To comprehend this timebomb, you have to understand private equity’s business model. “Private equity returns get reported on a lag of up to six months, and with each update in 2022 values were coming down – which means 2022 numbers were including overstated private equity asset valuations and 2023 numbers are going to incorporate those losses,” noted the study from the Equable Institute. With more than one in 10 public pension dollars invested in private equity assets – and with states continuing to keep their private equity contracts secret – PitchBook cited a new study finding that losses from the investments may be on the horizon for retirement systems that support millions of teachers, firefighters, first responders and other government employees. Earlier this month, PitchBook – the go-to news outlet of the private equity industry – declared that “private equity returns are a major threat to pension plans’ ability to pay retirees in 2023”. ![]()
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Backback in barcelona summer equinox12/30/2023 ![]() Why? There are several reasons, but the one that’s easy to understand is: the Sun doesn’t follow a human calendar! You may have noticed that the first day of spring is on a different date than when you were younger. Learn more in our article about the “ Reason for the Seasons.” Credit: NAA Why Has the Date Changed for the Start of Seasons? And when the South Pole tilts toward the Sun, it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere. ![]() When the North Pole tilts toward the Sun, it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere. So, as the Earth orbits the Sun over the 12 months of the year, different parts of Earth get the Sun’s direct rays. The axis is always tilted in the same direction. It’s the Earth’s tilted axis that causes the seasons. It’s commonly assumed that the warmer seasons happen because Earth is nearer the Sun (and the colder seasons happen when Earth is farther from the Sun). Nope. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is an astronomical “calendar of the heavens,” so our book has long followed the astronomical definition of the seasons based on the Sun and Earth! What Causes the Seasons? According to this definition, each season begins on the first of a particular month and lasts for three months: Spring begins on March 1, summer on June 1, autumn on September 1, and winter on December 1. Climate scientists and meteorologists created this definition to make it easier to keep records of the weather, since the start of each meteorological season doesn’t change from year to year. In contrast, the meteorological start of a season is based on the annual temperature cycle and the 12-month calendar.A solstice is when the Sun reaches the most southerly or northerly point in the sky, while an equinox is when the Sun passes over Earth’s equator. Because of leap years, the dates of the equinoxes and solstices can shift by a day or two over time, causing the start dates of the seasons to shift, too. More specifically, the start of each season is marked by either a solstice (for winter and summer) or an equinox (for spring and autumn). ![]() The astronomical start of a season is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun.Here is more explanation about how astronomers and meteorologists define seasons differently: Subtract 3 hours for Pacific time, 2 hours for Mountain time, 1 hour for Central time, and so on.įirst Day of Spring 2023: The Spring Equinox Note: The dates above correspond to the start of the listed seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. ![]() The First Days of the Seasons 2023 Seasons
Cross stitch caption maker free12/30/2023 ![]() Embroidery floss – Your pattern will tell you which color codes to use, but feel free to exchange for a similar color (or something different altogether!).Larger fabric, such as 6-count, is great for beginners, while smaller fabric (18-count and higher) is for very experienced crafters. Aida fabric – White, 14-count Aida fabric is the most common. ![]() Here are some supplies you’ll need to create your cross-stitch project. As you work your pattern, be sure to make all of your stitches in the same direction. After you have a few stitches in place, your tail should be held in place on its own.Ĭontinue working your needle through your fabric to make an “X” shape. Hold the tail securely with your other hand. Start at the back of your fabric and draw your needle through to the front, leaving a 1″ tail. If it’s not easy to find the middle, you can use a pencil and a ruler to help you find the center stitch.Īs you read your cross-stitch pattern chart, keep in mind that each square marks a single stitch on your fabric grid. In most cases, it’s best to start in the middle of your chart (unless otherwise specified). It’s almost time to start stitching! Orient your pattern so that it’s facing the same direction as your fabric. Knots can cause your fabric to be bulky in certain spots, and the end of your floss will be stitched over enough to be held in place anyway, making a knot unnecessary. Thread your needle as you would for sewing, but don’t tie a knot in the end. Pull out one or two strands (as specified by your pattern) and cut a section about 18″ long. Most embroidery thread is made of six strands, but most patterns suggest using only one or two strands at a time. Once your fabric is ready, you can prepare the first color of floss that you’ll be using. This will keep your fabric taut while you work. Next, center your fabric within your embroidery hoop and tighten your hoop down using the screw. You can do this by folding it in half both ways and then finding the meeting point in the middle. Start by finding the center of your fabric. The number 14 indicates that there are 14 holes per square inch. 14-count Aida fabric is most common for cross stitch. Preparing your Fabricįirst, start by preparing your fabric. Here are the basic steps you’ll need to know in order to create your cross-stitch project. Below, you’ll find ideas for new baby gifts, teacher appreciation gifts, and beautiful designs that can be stitched on a pillow, bag, or canvas for a friend. Because cross stitch is a detail-oriented craft that takes some time commitment, giving a cross stitch gift is truly a way to say that you care. But framed pictures aren’t the only way to display your beautiful designs! You can also stitch your pattern onto a bag or pillow, make it into a bookmark, patch, or keychain, stitch directly onto clothes, tablecloths, quilts, and so much more!Ĭross-stitch patterns also make incredibly thoughtful gifts. Cross-stitch art is often seen hanging on a wall or in a picture frame. Counted cross stitch is the art of working X-shaped stitches to create a pattern or a picture, according to a gridded pattern or chart.Ĭross stitch is a fun way to create nearly any design or picture. Happy stitching! What is Cross Stitch?Ĭross stitch is a type of embroidery that uses colorful threads to stitch patterns and designs onto evenweave fabric. ![]() In this list, you’ll find something for everyone. Looking for inspiration for your next cross-stitch pattern? This collection of 25 free, modern cross stitch patterns is full of ideas, from florals to flip flops to winter woodland animals. ![]() Key west bus tour from miami12/30/2023 ![]() ![]() Settle in with your favorite travel accessories – camera, smart phone, tablet, reading material – as the coach rolls out of Miami and through the Southern Everglades on U.S. Board the modern touring coach and grab one of the soft comfortable seats for the scenic 4-hour drive down the Keys. Start your Miami to Key West tour with a free morning pick up at any of the major hotels in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, or Downtown Miami. There is absolutely no better, more economical way to make a side trip from Miami to Key West. One fun-filled day lets you experience the incredible Overseas Highway then shop, dine, party and play the afternoon away in America’s Caribbean paradise.Īrrive in Key West rested and return to Miami in the evening refreshed when you explore the Keys from the smooth-riding safety and air-conditioned comfort of a luxury touring coach driven by an experienced professional. This Miami to Key West 1-day tour combines a Florida Keys road trip with an afternoon in unique Key West. If you are staying somewhere other than Miami Beach, a pick-up can be arranged from a nearby location for an additional cost.Come aboard with the Miami to Key West Bus Tour Company for a Miami to Key West Day Trip to add an unforgettable highlight to your Miami visit. Guests must meeet in front of our main office in Miami Beach. Pick-up from hotels in Miami is not included in the price. Call one of our expert Key West travel consultants to find the right tour for you! There are endless things to do in Key West! We suggest browsing our website and looking at the various tours and activities available to you and your group. You are also welcome to spend the night (or a few nights) and return on a different day (there is a $25 fee for different-day return). Our bus drops you off right in the heart of Old Town Key West, allowing you easy access to all of the area's main attractions. ![]() Our guests get to spend approximately 5-6 hours in exploring Key West. The bus ride takes about 4-4.5 hours with a stop for refreshments. Key West is approximately 160 miles from Miami. Many guests even choose to stay a night or two! Our Miami to Key West Bus Tour is an excellent way to explore just one of the many truly unique destinations available in Florida!ĭo reservations have to be made in advance?Ībsolutely! You must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance and we highly suggest making reservations well before that, as this bus tour does tend to sell out, especially during busy times of the year. We offer a variety of top-notch tours and activities that you can do during your visit. Once in Key West, it is up to you to decide what you want to do. The bus ride down is easy and comfortable, and our team even provides a captivating narrative tour on the way down, teaching you all about the unique and iconic history of Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys. The Miami to Key West Bus Tour is quickly becoming one of the top excursions for Miami visitors. The weather here is warm and sunny throughout the year, and travelers from all over the world have discovered the beauty, fun, and excitement that is waiting for them in Key West! From the countless watering holes in Downtown, to the charming historic houses that line the streets of Old Town, to the incomparable water sports and activities, Key West is a tropical paradise that has something for everyone! Like Miami, Key West is one of the country’s top vacation destinations. This bus tour departs daily, with departures from Miami Beach early in the morning, to get you to Key West early enough to enjoy a full day on the charming island city. Visitors in Miami now have an easy and straight-forward way of visiting one of the state’s most unique cities, Key West! With the Miami to Key West Bus Tour, a few lucky guests get the chance to hop on board our luxurious buses for a ride down the Florida Keys that takes you right to the action of Old Town in Key West. ![]() Eddie brock funko12/30/2023 ![]() ![]() Funko Pop Pop Pin: WWE - Hulk Hogan with Chase (Walmart Exclusive) Add. Venom Eddie Brock 363 Funko Pop Vinyl New in Mint Box. Marvel Funko Pop Eddie Brock Venom Black Light Funko Pop Marvel Italia News con anteprime. More recently, Funko had also unveiled the Blacklight POP of the Hulk (#822). Details Sold by: Universe Toys LLC 99. Standing about 3 3/4-inches tall, this Venom Eddie Brock figure is packaged in a window display box and stands approx. Venom Eddie Brock 363 Funko Pop Vinyl New in Mint Box. For Sci-Fi fans we now have the Marvel Venom Eddie Brock Funko Pop Bobble Head. 7 product ratings - Marvel Anti Venom Eddie Brock Funko POP & TEE (S) Glow Spider-Man No Way Home. Eddie Brock is added to the POPs of Doctor Strange (#651), Carnage (#678), Rogue (#800), Spider-Man (#652), Deadpool (#801), Spider-Man or Thor (#650), Iron Man (#649), Wolverine (#802) and Captain America (#648) in Blacklight version. Original Venom Science Fiction character for superhero fans. Brand new genuine official product and in its original packaging. Produit officiel authentique neuf et dans son emballage d’origine. Known as the primary host of the Venom symbiote, Eddie was a reporter for the same newspaper as Peter Parker before he was infected.Īs Venom, Eddie Brock has abilities and gifts similar to Spider-Man's: extreme agility, tenfold strength, the ability to throw spider webs, etc., and can even overpower Spider-Man by camouflaging himself from his danger radar, making him a formidable foe.įunko continues the set of Marvel POPs in a Black Light version (these are POPs that fluoresce under the effect of black light). Funko Pop Marvel 363 Venom Eddie Brock (environ 9,5 cm). Published on 16 July 2021 by Ugo Eddie Brock's Marvel Black Light POPĮddie Brock is a recurring antagonist in the Marvel universe, and more specifically an enemy of Spider-Man. ![]() Violinmasterclass graded repertoire12/30/2023 ![]() My students Joel Leong, Joshua Leong first prize winners of the 6-8 years and 9- 11 years at the Clavis International Piano Competition in St Petersburg, Russia. My students Jasmine Sutton and Sammy Li won scond prize in their categories at the Costa Festa International Piano Competition Spain, March 2019 My students Ethan Ng and Jasmine Sutton won first prizes in their age group categories and in the Elena Cobb Star Prize at the Amigdala International Music Competition in Catania Sicily, Italy in May 2019. My students Amir Pedersoli, Joel Kar Hei Leong and Henry Man who won joint First Prize and Scond Prize in thei categories at the Feurich International Piano Competition 2019, Vienna. Note to students and parents of students: If you would like me to remove your results/ photos from this page, or be added to this page then please e-mail me. Obviously I am very fond of my students as I have seen many grow up and blossom into fine young people and miss those who I no longer see or teach! The photos and results on this page are of my past and present students and demonstrate some of their success and achievements that they have had in national and local competitions, music festivals, concerts and solo recitals and exams. Whatever the reason, I am still very proud of their achievements and I hope that what I have instilled in them and taught them about music/ piano/ violin will remain with them throughout their lives. As with life, students grow up and move on to university/ music college/ conservatory or their circumstances change, such as they move away or go to another teacher. ![]() Having taught piano and violin for many years now, I have had the pleasure of teaching many gifted and talented children. Here are some of my students, past and present. But not many play it, because once you knock down about 10 Paganini caprices, you're already a virtuoso, and playing Ernst just isn't as necessary anymore.The Website of Jena Pang Jena's Piano and Violin students I believe 13 and 16 are very hard to play perfectly clean, and 15 and 4 are just so virtuosic and in my opinion, excruciatingly difficult because of the required technical ability to play cleanly and correctly and then the musical component that can be very tricky to figure outĪlso, hardest piece ever (in my opinion): Variations on the Last Rose of Summer by Ernst. Sure it has a lot of variety in technique, but the degree of difficulty for each variation isn't very hard. However, for me and a lot of people I know, the caprices order goes like this in difficulty:Īgain, this is completely my opinion, so please don't yell or insult me (please?). very hard for one person and much easier for the other. For example, up-bow staccato may be easy for one person, but really hard for another, making Paganini Caprice 10, 15, etc. Presumably at Level 11, you get to fly to your gig in tights and a cape with a big B across your chest.īut to answer the question (and sorry if I'm really late) is that level of difficulty is not only based on pieces/studies, but it's also based on the violinist. Somebody had a lot of fun putting THAT together.Īt Level 1, where violins are doing one-octave D scales and not-quite-finishing Suzuki Book 1, basses are doing thumb position exercises I still hadn't gotten to after I went to All-State Orchestra. This was so cockeyed that I looked at Level 10 bass rep: Bruch Violin Concerto (!!!!!), Paganini #24, and Zigeunerweisen. Scales? Three-octave in E, gotta keep up with the violins, but do a two-octave B-flat scale in thirds, let's cowboy up here. Level 8 bass players on the other hand, have to play Kol Nidrei (!), the Koussevitsky Concerto (!), or the Dragonetti or Dittersdorf concerti. Scales? Three-octave in E and one-octave G scale in octaves will do. Well, the ASTA graded repertoire has almost convinced me I better switch to violin.Īt Level 8, violinists have the choice of repertoire like the Tschaikovsky or Wieniewski slow movements, Beethoven Romance, Spohr, Mozart, Haydn, and DeBeriot concertos. ![]() Math help websites12/30/2023 ![]() ![]() They even have steps to help conquer math anxiety! 11. This highly interactive math website allows the user to sharpen basic math skills, play games, solve puzzles, and look up new math concepts. They have an online version of their materials for math where you can learn a topic then take a little review quiz on it. Cliffs Notes (for Math!)Ĭliffs Notes is known for covering a topic in a nice overview manner. One of the great features of this website is letting students retry problems for mastery. ![]() Their focus is on enhancing the Math skills of middle schoolers through high-quality problems, feedbacking, and self-paced learning. Buzz Mathīuzz Math offers free subscription plans to students. This math website has a lot of stuff, but we especially like their clear videos on pre-algebra, algebra, counting, probability, and more. Kids can play fun ‘racing’ games while practicing their math skills! 7. This is one of the math help websites that is all about algebra! 6. Algebra.HelpĪs soon as you open this page, you see all the topics you can find lessons, examples, and worksheets about. This powered by McGraw-Hill and focuses on students aged 3 to 12. This features a web-based assessment and system of learning that uses adaptive questioning to figure out student needs. They also have explanations of various mathematical topics, practice problems and fun, challenging games. It is customized by grade level (K-8th) and topic. This math website boasts thousands of interactive arithmetic lessons you can use for free. Skip looking for other math help websites that offer logic problems because A+ Click has them all. Teachers can create homework, assignments, quizzes, exit tickets, bell ringers, and formative assessments on it with one click, and while students are solving them, Bytelearn helps them step by step like a tutor wherever the kids get stuck.Ī+ Click provides practice on math and logic problems designed to develop logical and creative thinking. ī is a digital math teaching assistant for Math Teachers and a Personalized one-to-one and Step by Step tutor for students. Xtra Math 52 Math Website s You Should Know About 1. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Maths Online (from the University of Vienna) ![]() Mtg toxic deluge12/29/2023 ![]() ![]() Publishers use these marks when books are returned to them. View Toxic Deluge 006/008 only 20.08 and other cards from Commander Collection: Black Singles. Remainder Mark - A remainder mark is usually a small black line or dot written with a felt tip pen or Sharpie on the top, bottom, side page edges and sometimes on the UPC symbol on the back of the book. We have a large selection of Magic Singles.If excessively worn, they will be marked as "tray worn." Flat trays for SPI games are not graded, and have the usual problems.If excessively worn, they will be marked as "card worn." The cardboard backing of miniature packs is not graded.In most cases, boxed games and box sets do not come with dice.Due to the nature of loose counters, if a game is unplayable it may be returned for a refund of the purchase price. ![]() Current Price Points Latest Sales Date Condition Qty Price 5/7/23 NM Foil 136.47 5/5/23 NM 135. Rarity: R : 345 Card Type: Sorcery Flavor: Armor dissolved to flesh. All creatures get -X/-X until end of turn. Get the latest decks and the updated prices from multiple sources in our site. Boardgame counters are punched, unless noted. Product Details As an additional cost to cast Toxic Deluge, pay X life. Toxic Deluge: As an additional cost to cast this spell, pay X life.nAll creatures get -X/-X until.Ones that enter the battlefield or become creatures later in the turn are not. All creatures on the battlefield when Toxic Deluge resolves are affected. This is because it doesn't have in its mana cost. Major defects and/or missing components are noted separately. If you cast Toxic Deluge without paying its mana cost, you'll still choose a value for X and pay X life.Example, EX+ is an item between Excellent and Near Mint condition. A "plus" sign indicates that an item is close to the next highest condition.When only one condition is listed, then the box and contents are in the same condition. Toxic Deluge 2B Sorcery As an additional cost to cast Toxic Deluge, pay X life. Code: mtg-tlotr-tales-of-middle-earth-commander-209. Boxed items are listed as "code/code" where the first code represents the box, and the second code describes the contents. Set: The Lord of the Rings - Tales of Middle-earth Commander. ![]() Camtasia smart player vs normal mp412/29/2023 ![]() On the Smart Player Options screen in the Production Wizard, select the Use hosted Smart Player files option. In Camtasia version 2020.0.8 or later, select Export > Custom Production > MP4 - Smart Player (HTML5). How do I produce a video with the TechSmith Smart Player in Camtasia? No, TechSmith does not collect data about where the JavaScript and CSS files are being requested from. You will still need to host the Camtasia production including the video and html files created by Camtasia.ĭoes TechSmith collect data from your viewers when using the hosted TechSmith Smart Player? No, only the JavaScript and CSS files are hosted from our CDN. No, there is no additional fee when using the hosted TechSmith Smart Player.ĭoes TechSmith host my video when using the hosted TechSmith Smart Player? The TechSmith Smart Player consists of two files for the player:Īnd one file to help when embedding the player using an iFrame:ĭoes TechSmith charge more for using the hosted TechSmith Smart Player? Your viewer will need access to the following domain: Producing and uploading a Smart Player production to any server other than Screencast is a bit different, but it is an easy hack. The TechSmith Smart Player JavaScript and CSS are hosted on an Azure CDN. Fewer files for each Camtasia production.If you want to host your video on your site, then youll also need a player. Remember MP3 players MP3 quickly became the de-facto standard for music uploads and most audio files you come across online. As web browsers evolve, your videos will work without having to reproduce them in Camtasia. Video hosting sites have their own players that can play those MP4 files. Hotspots provide a clickable call-to-action in a video such as: Add a Hotspot Note: The TechSmith Smart Player is required for table of contents, closed captions, search, quizzing, and hotspots in a video.Hi I am using Camtasia Studio 8.6.0 under Windows 7 Pro, 64-bit, Service Pack 1. After each export or a batch of them, run the script. ![]() Then write a script that checks that folder for any new mp4’s and it automatically creates the required html and associated files to support it.
Chevy trax12/29/2023 ![]() ![]() We’ll have to spend more time with the Trax to get an idea of its real-world fuel economy. The downside of the six-speed might be in fuel economy because while the new Trax’s 30-mpg combined gas mileage rating is improved versus the old one’s 27 mpg rating, it’s less than a Nissan Kicks (33 mpg), front-wheel-drive Toyota Corolla Cross (32 mpg) or Hyundai Venue (31 mpg). I prefer this experience to the sluggish responsiveness and screaming engine noise that comes with many affordable cars that use a continuously variable automatic transmission. How it gets there is slightly different than the class, however, because the drivability of the engine and transmission is more pleasant thanks to the traditional six-speed automatic that makes crisp upshifts and eager downshifts to get the car moving. Anything that surprises in this price range is notable when cars like the Hyundai Venue, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross or Nissan Kicks don’t have much happening under the hood. ![]() But given the smaller power number on paper, I was surprised by how punchy it actually was around town. The new engine dishes out an initial punch before it runs out of steam around 45 mph, so while good for around town, there’s not much going on if you need to call upon the engine for highway maneuvers. The Trax’s only engine and transmission is a 137-horsepower, turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder and six-speed automatic, which strangely is less powerful than the outgoing Trax’s 155-hp engine. The Trax no longer offers all-wheel drive, so it has technically lost its SUV designation in our classifications, but call the line officially blurred because by all other SUV measures, including ride height, seating position and cargo versatility, the Trax is similar to other small utility vehicles. Related: 2024 Chevrolet Trax: Burgeoning Space, Tech Shrinking Price, HP How It Accelerates When the average new car transaction price is around $45,000, this is impressive, but does it drive like a cheap car? Our first opportunity to drive the Trax came at the Midwest Automotive Media Association’s 2023 Spring Rally in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., and I drove the uplevel Activ trim level that, amazingly, was still only around $26,000 - even with some options packages. It’s also less expensive than its predecessor last seen as a 2022 model. This is notable because the Trax has been completely redesigned for 2024, is significantly larger and has more technology. With a starting price just over $21,000 with destination charge, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is one of the top 10 least expensive new cars out there. ![]() AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |