Ahead European summit June 28-29 2012 : European Union leaders hold their next meeting on June 28-29. Hopes for concrete and believable plans to disippate fears are likely to backfire once again. As a result, the UBS expects the euro to weaken again if the EU summit is unable to make strong progress on any of the core solutions.
that next week's event is unlikely to be a 'magic summit' for investors - in particular as political support in Germany for bail-outs of fellow Eurozone members and joint bond issuance is falling not rising and is set to continue to weaken ahead of next year's general election in Germany in October 2013.
In terms of the key issues likely to be discussed at the summit next week, "first, eurobonds, Eurozone T-bills or a European Redemption Pact (ERP) are unlikely to gain agreement until Germany feels there are more controls over how Eurozone governments conduct fiscal policy" says UBS research note.
Pre-summit document presses EU banking union
European leaders will discuss specific steps towards a cross-border banking union, closer fiscal integration and the possibility of a debt redemption fund at a summit on June 28-29, according to a document prepared for the meeting.
Two officials familiar with the 10-15 page document, drawn up over the past month and which is still being revised ahead of the summit, said it sets out in detail the four "pillars" required for a strong economic and monetary union which leaders believe is necessary to secure the currency project's future.
As well as progress towards a banking union, the paper discusses the need for a more integrated budget policy, steps required for deeper economic integration, and how to retain "democratic legitimacy" if countries give up some sovereignty.
The document has been drafted by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, and Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the Eurogroup countries using the euro.
European leaders have already said the first area they need to work on is a banking integration as they try to break the link between bad banks and indebted governments, with the worsening situation in Spain an immediate concern.
EU officials believe that could be achieved in a year, although Berlin wants to see much more progress towards fiscal integration first, something that would require much longer due to the need to change the European Union treaty to achieve it.
The document goes into most detail on the banking proposals, setting out the need for a single European banking supervisor, a common EU deposit-guarantee scheme and a single bank-resolution fund to wind down the region's bad banks, the officials said.
The paper sets out options under each heading, saying that when it comes to a single banking supervisor it could either be charged with overseeing all EU banks, or else look after the major systemic banks with cross-border operations, while another body looks after broader, day-to-day oversight.
The expectation is the ECB will eventually be given sole responsibility for overseeing Europe's biggest banks, while the European Banking Authority watchdog retains a broader oversight role along with coordinating the work of national regulators.
On a common deposit insurance mechanism, the paper suggests that there needs to be a strengthening of and closer integration among national guarantee schemes to provide a more reassuring backstop across the whole European Union.
On a resolution fund to deal with failing banks, it calls for a single mechanism "with a large envelope" that would be financed via levies on the banking sector, such as a financial transaction tax, and would offer "an integrated EU solution for resolution".
The document, which draws heavily on proposals made by the European Commission on June 6, says an "immediate and permanent mutualisation" of risk may be required to backstop the banking sector. It suggests the euro zone's permanent ESM bailout fund could be used to recapitalise banks directly, rather than having to lend to governments for on-lending to banks.
All of those proposals would be possible under existing EU treaties and could be implemented relatively rapidly, the document indicates.
Even if it took only a year, this will probably not come quick enough to ease market pressure on Spain and Italy that is now reaching danger levels, although some analysts believe a strong signal of intent could help. That could also persuade the ECB to step in.
"Short term, there is clearly a risk that the summit will disappoint markets yet again. If that were to be the case, I have no doubt that the ECB will step in," said Erik Neilsen, global chief economist at Unicredit.
That could take the form of an interest rate cut, further easing of collateral rules for Spanish banks so they can continue to access ECB funds or even a resumption of the bank's bond-buying programme, which several of its policymakers oppose, he said.
BUDGET INTEGRATION
In a second section examining the steps required for closer fiscal coordination, the document says there is a need to go beyond existing legislative proposals such as the fiscal treaty, which 25 of the EU's 27 countries have signed up to and which commits them to a balanced budget.
The paper says that as closer banking and fiscal integration is achieved, the issue of mutualisation of debt will become more immediate and it raises the option of a debt redemption fund along the lines of that proposed by Germany's "wise men".
That is an idea that France, Italy and others have pushed hard for but which German Chancellor Angela Merkel opposes.
Merkel has not ruled out a sharing of debt per se, but has said any discussion on it can only happen at the end of a long process of integration that is likely to take many years. In contrast, France will find it difficult to stomach the loss of sovereignty that fiscal union would demand.
"The political leaders are now trying to move to a degree of fiscal and political union within a very short period of time. In democracies, such changes usually take a few years, and whether enough can be achieved in time remains to be seen," Neilsen said.
"However, in my mind, this does not imply an imminent risk of a breakdown of the euro zone ... It's a political project, and political leaders are unlikely to throw in the towel because markets don't like the policies."
Other sections of the document discuss the broader aims of greater EU labour mobility, efforts to improve pan-EU competitiveness, and to examine common taxation such as a common corporate tax base and a financial transactions levy.
There is likely to be heated discussion on issues such as debt mutualisation and any pooling of liability under a banking union, with Germany adamant that it will not be put on the line to underwrite the liabilities of other euro zone countries.
No decisions are expected at the summit, but if leaders agree that there are grounds to push ahead, Barroso, Van Rompuy and the others will be given a further mandate to develop the ideas in greater detail, including more specific timelines.
Van Rompuy has said he hopes to have a more thorough set of plans drawn up by the next EU leaders' summit in October or possibly the one after in December.
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25 Haziran 2012 Pazartesi
Ahead European summit June 28-29 2012
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Asian stocks market june 25 2012
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Asian stocks market june 25 2012 : Asian stocks opened mixed on Monday ahead of a key European summit later in the week. Tokyo stocks opened higher with expectations of more European action to help solve the eurozone's relentless debt crisis.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose 39.48 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 8,837.83.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong stocks opened marginally weaker, despite strong leads from Wall Street on Friday, helped by a deal on a €130 billion ($A163.34 billion) stimulus plan for the eurozone.
The benchmark Hang Seng Index slipped 30.27 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 18,964.86 in the first few minutes of trade.
The yen has fallen in recent days with investors expecting policy measures at this week's European Union summit, said Hideyuki Ishiguro, supervisor at investment strategy at Okasan Securities.
Ahead of the EU summit in Brussels from Thursday, "there are certainly those who will avoid aggressive trading, but there are also expectations that some measures will be announced", he told Dow Jones Newswires.
The European Central Bank said last week it would widen the range of securities it would accept from eurozone banks in exchange for its loans with the aim of helping boost lending to companies and households.
US stocks rebounded Friday, helped by European leaders agreeing a €130 billion ($A163.34 billion) stimulus plan for the eurozone economy.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 67.21 points, or 0.53 per cent, on Friday to end at 12,640.78.
The euro bought $1.2539 and ¥100.91 in early Asian trade, down from $1.2569 and ¥101.10 in New York late Friday. The dollar firmed to ¥80.55 from ¥80.43.
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Dow Jones futures prediction june 25 2012
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Dow Jones futures prediction june 25 2012 ; U.S. stocks closed higher Friday, lifting the Nasdaq Composite Index back into the black for the week, after the European Central Bank said it would take further steps to ease loan collateral for banks.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (US:DJIA) rose 67.21 points, or 0.5%, to 12,640.78. It lost 1% for the week, after posting gains for the past two.
support: - 12600.00, 12577.55 and 12510.16(main), where a delay and correction may happen. Break of the latter will give 12477.30, where correction also can be. Then follows 12452.70. Be there a strong impulse, we shall see 12417.30. Continuation will bring 12403.13 and 12375.00.
resistance: - 12692.77, 12770.14 and 12836.27 (main), where a delay and correction may happen. Break would bring 12875.62, where a correction may happen. Then follows 12916.20, where a delay and correction could also be. Be there a strong impulse, we'd see 12936.50. Continuation would bring 12957.44.
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (US:DJIA) rose 67.21 points, or 0.5%, to 12,640.78. It lost 1% for the week, after posting gains for the past two.
support: - 12600.00, 12577.55 and 12510.16(main), where a delay and correction may happen. Break of the latter will give 12477.30, where correction also can be. Then follows 12452.70. Be there a strong impulse, we shall see 12417.30. Continuation will bring 12403.13 and 12375.00.
resistance: - 12692.77, 12770.14 and 12836.27 (main), where a delay and correction may happen. Break would bring 12875.62, where a correction may happen. Then follows 12916.20, where a delay and correction could also be. Be there a strong impulse, we'd see 12936.50. Continuation would bring 12957.44.
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European Stocks market june 25 2012
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European Stocks market june 25 2012 : European stocks are expected to edge a little lower at the open Monday, as caution sets in ahead of this week's European Union summit. FTSE 100 index up one point at 5515, Germany's DAX index to start down 19 points at 6244 and Paris's CAC-40 index to open down nine points at 3082.
Equity markets are expected to remain fairly range-bound in the run-up to the summit, which takes place on Thursday and Friday. Various issues are on the agenda such as a potential renegotiation of Greece's bailout terms, and proposals to a create fiscal and banking union. Some form of growth stimulus is also expected to be announced. At pre-summit talks in Rome, German, French, Italian and Spanish leaders agreed that the EU should implement a series of growth measures worth around 1% of the euro area's gross domestic product, or 130 billion euros.
Overall, though, expectations for the summit are pretty low. "We suspect investors will walk away disappointed once again," said Standard Chartered. "We do not expect anything which will soothe the renewed sovereign debt tensions--in particular over Spain and Italy."
As far as Greece is concerned, officials from the troika of its creditors--the European Commission, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank--have postponed a visit that was due to start Monday, after both the prime minister and the finance minister were hit by health problems.
As for Spain, its government is due to make a formal request for financial assistance from the EU later Monday, with the funds to be provided firstly through the European Financial Stability Facility and then through the European Stability Mechanism, once it is up and running.
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China stock market june 25 2012
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China stock market june 25 2012 : The Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.60 percent, or 36.76 points, today to close at 2,224.11 points on transaction value of 54.81 billion yuan. The Shenzhen Component Index plunged 268.47 points, or 2.77 percent, to close at 9,414.21 points on transaction value of 58.17 billion yuan. Opening down, the two bourses extended losses in the afternoon session, with coal, real estate, steel, cement, non-ferrous metal and brokerage sectors all down.
Reports said fund inflows were concentrated in the bio pharmaceutical, banking and public utitlies sectors, while outflows hit the non-ferrous metal, brokerage and trust and equipment production sectors.
According to Chnia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, 12 provinces have either filed or published salary guides, a majority of which sharply cut the rate of pay increases. Some experts attributed the drop in growth rates to a decline in profits for enterprises amid an overall economic slowdown.
CICC said in a report that the Chinese economy will go through a complicated bottoming process in the second half of 2012, though it would be near a bottom with policy support. The bank anticipated GDP growth of 7.8 percent in 2012 and 8.3 percent in 2013, while inflation in 2012 is estimated to hit 2.8 percent. CICC also believes the stock market will rebound in July and August as policies are relaxed, in addition to improved liquidity. CICC said that the Shanghai bourse might climb as high as between 2,500 points and 2,600 points, while a 15 times forward P/E ratio for the overall market corresponds to a level of 2,540 points.
Zhang Yujun, general manager at Shanghai Stock Exchange, said that the exchange projects to achieve annual turnover of 100 trillion yuan as it looks to double its market scale to 30 trillion to 40 trillion yuan by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan period. During the five year period, the exchange hopes to become the second-largest exchange worldwide, while turnover could hit 70 trillion to 80 trillion yuan. At present, the Chinese stock market capitalization is 21.48 trillion yuan, ranking third globally.
According to Guodu Securities, open-end stock funds had average stock positions of 79.22 percent last week, down 1.07 percentage points from a week ago. It was reported by the brokerage firm that mutual funds actively cut stock holdings by 0.81 percentage points last week, reflecting their cautious attitude. Last week, 53.6 percent of mutual funds cut their stock holdings, including 45.8 percent that lowered stock holdings by less than three percent and 7.8 percent of funds that cut holdings by three to five percent.
Equity Movers
Cement makers were the worst-performing stocks today on concern that the Chinese economy will not bottom by the end of the second quarter; top losers were BBMG Corporation (601992, 6.99, -8.27%), Sichuan Shuangma Cement (000935, 7.39, -8.20%) and Tangshan Jidong Cement (000401, 14.17, -8.17%).
Coal-related companies took more heavy losses today, with Wintime Energy (600157, 8.78, -7.48%), Guizhou Panjiang Refined Coal (600395, 25.51, -6.45%) and Yang Quan Coal Industry (Group) (600348, 15.07, -7.72%) losing more than five percent.
With the exception of China Merchants Bank (60036, 10.99, +0.83%), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (601398, 3.94, +0.77%) and Industrial Bank (601166, 12.80, +0.09%), most financial firms edged lower.
The most bearish financial firms were Hong Yuan Securities (000562, 16.20, -10.00%), Soochow Securities (601555, 8.53, -6.06%) and Western Securities (002673, 16.60, -5.79%).
Non-ferrous metals companies mostly retreated and the top losers included Shengda Mining (000603, 19.95, -8.49%), Huludao Zinc Industry (000751, 3.43, -3.92%) and Zhuzhou Smelter Group (600961, 9.98, -5.31%).
China Vanke (000002, 8.75, -3.10%), Poly Estate Group (600048, 10.94, -4.87 %) and Gemdale Corporation (600383, 6.39, -6.44%) were hit hard.
Both Sinopec (600028, 6.37, -0.47%) and PetroChina (601857, 9.08, -0.44%) dropped for two consecutive trading days.
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Reports said fund inflows were concentrated in the bio pharmaceutical, banking and public utitlies sectors, while outflows hit the non-ferrous metal, brokerage and trust and equipment production sectors.
According to Chnia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, 12 provinces have either filed or published salary guides, a majority of which sharply cut the rate of pay increases. Some experts attributed the drop in growth rates to a decline in profits for enterprises amid an overall economic slowdown.
CICC said in a report that the Chinese economy will go through a complicated bottoming process in the second half of 2012, though it would be near a bottom with policy support. The bank anticipated GDP growth of 7.8 percent in 2012 and 8.3 percent in 2013, while inflation in 2012 is estimated to hit 2.8 percent. CICC also believes the stock market will rebound in July and August as policies are relaxed, in addition to improved liquidity. CICC said that the Shanghai bourse might climb as high as between 2,500 points and 2,600 points, while a 15 times forward P/E ratio for the overall market corresponds to a level of 2,540 points.
Zhang Yujun, general manager at Shanghai Stock Exchange, said that the exchange projects to achieve annual turnover of 100 trillion yuan as it looks to double its market scale to 30 trillion to 40 trillion yuan by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan period. During the five year period, the exchange hopes to become the second-largest exchange worldwide, while turnover could hit 70 trillion to 80 trillion yuan. At present, the Chinese stock market capitalization is 21.48 trillion yuan, ranking third globally.
According to Guodu Securities, open-end stock funds had average stock positions of 79.22 percent last week, down 1.07 percentage points from a week ago. It was reported by the brokerage firm that mutual funds actively cut stock holdings by 0.81 percentage points last week, reflecting their cautious attitude. Last week, 53.6 percent of mutual funds cut their stock holdings, including 45.8 percent that lowered stock holdings by less than three percent and 7.8 percent of funds that cut holdings by three to five percent.
Equity Movers
Cement makers were the worst-performing stocks today on concern that the Chinese economy will not bottom by the end of the second quarter; top losers were BBMG Corporation (601992, 6.99, -8.27%), Sichuan Shuangma Cement (000935, 7.39, -8.20%) and Tangshan Jidong Cement (000401, 14.17, -8.17%).
Coal-related companies took more heavy losses today, with Wintime Energy (600157, 8.78, -7.48%), Guizhou Panjiang Refined Coal (600395, 25.51, -6.45%) and Yang Quan Coal Industry (Group) (600348, 15.07, -7.72%) losing more than five percent.
With the exception of China Merchants Bank (60036, 10.99, +0.83%), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (601398, 3.94, +0.77%) and Industrial Bank (601166, 12.80, +0.09%), most financial firms edged lower.
The most bearish financial firms were Hong Yuan Securities (000562, 16.20, -10.00%), Soochow Securities (601555, 8.53, -6.06%) and Western Securities (002673, 16.60, -5.79%).
Non-ferrous metals companies mostly retreated and the top losers included Shengda Mining (000603, 19.95, -8.49%), Huludao Zinc Industry (000751, 3.43, -3.92%) and Zhuzhou Smelter Group (600961, 9.98, -5.31%).
China Vanke (000002, 8.75, -3.10%), Poly Estate Group (600048, 10.94, -4.87 %) and Gemdale Corporation (600383, 6.39, -6.44%) were hit hard.
Both Sinopec (600028, 6.37, -0.47%) and PetroChina (601857, 9.08, -0.44%) dropped for two consecutive trading days.
For the latest updates on the stock market, PRESS CTR + D or visit Stock Market Today
24 Haziran 2012 Pazar
A Call to Action: Increasing Physical Activity in Arthritis
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The Arthritis Foundation is doing something very interesting. They've just released a report with recommendations for environmental and policy changes that can make it easier for people with arthritis to increase their physical activity. Great report, interesting interview with Dr. Patience White, VP of Public Health at the Foundation:
"'Arthritis is a major player in the health tsunami that is coming to America.' - Dr. Patience White, VP of Public Health, The Arthritis Foundation
22.2 percent of Americans over the age of 18 live with one of the over 100 kinds of arthritis. This number represents 50 million people whose lives are affected by these types of diseases. In 2030, 62 million Americans will have arthritis. That's a lot of pain, mobility issues and lost ability to work and participate in the community. The cost of arthritis is greater than what happens in each individual's life. According to the CDC, in 2003 arthritis cost the US economy $128 billion in medical care expenditures and lost earnings. This year, it will cost even more and in 2030, when 62 million Americans will have arthritis, the cost - both individual and social - will be through the roof."
You can read the rest of the post here.
"'Arthritis is a major player in the health tsunami that is coming to America.' - Dr. Patience White, VP of Public Health, The Arthritis Foundation
22.2 percent of Americans over the age of 18 live with one of the over 100 kinds of arthritis. This number represents 50 million people whose lives are affected by these types of diseases. In 2030, 62 million Americans will have arthritis. That's a lot of pain, mobility issues and lost ability to work and participate in the community. The cost of arthritis is greater than what happens in each individual's life. According to the CDC, in 2003 arthritis cost the US economy $128 billion in medical care expenditures and lost earnings. This year, it will cost even more and in 2030, when 62 million Americans will have arthritis, the cost - both individual and social - will be through the roof."
You can read the rest of the post here.
My Brush with Royalty
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This past weekend wasn't just exciting for me, it wasexciting for anyone who likes a bit of royal watching. Prince Charles and hiswife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwalldid a lightning visit to Canadaand spent about 24 hours in Toronto.As part of the itinerary, they were going to visit the Distillery District,just a hop, skip and a jump from where I live. I had the option of going backto work or taking the day off to go gawk at royalty and try to increase mypersonal collection of royalty snapshots.
Shall we have a brief pause in which you try to decide whatI chose?
On a beautiful summer day - because spring lasted about twoweeks here in Toronto - I grabbedmy camera, a bottle of water and headed for the lovely historical district. I'ddone a significant bit of research prior to leaving and I finally identifiedthe art gallery where the government of Ontarioreception was being held. The official address is on the side of the DistilleryDistrict, by the parking lot. I sat around for a while, watching theregistration table as a truly astonishing number of very well-dressed, sleeklooking people stood around and talked to each other, fervently clutchingofficial invitations.
After a while, it became clear that this was very much aGovernment of Ontario reception, as there was a special slot on theregistration table for MPPs (Member of Provincial Parliament). I didn't recognizeanyone, except David Peterson, a past Premier of Ontario (the gentleman on theright - I felt awkward about very visibly taking pictures of people)
Counted four or five fascinators in total and thisone was the best.
I regretted not switching over to my nice purse, convinced Iwould've been able to crash the party - after all, some friends and I once gotthe opportunity to crash a party for Mikhail Baryshnikov, so why not PrinceCharles' reception? Alas, I had brought the purse we refer to as "The Brick,"an old and well-loved purse which would be a complete giveaway that I was verymuch not on the list.
At one point, I asked a member of the security force if I wasin the right place for gawking and he confirmed that I was indeed located in aprime position. Somewhat later, I had a chat with a nice woman with an officialRoyal Tour ID badge, who told me that no, I should go to the other side becausethe royal couple were walking through the Distillery. This is when I learned myfirst important factor of royal watching: security people either don't knowanything or lie to reduce the throngs. If you want to know where your quarrywill be, ask the harried-looking woman with a clipboard and an ID badge. Shealso told me that she was there to receive the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.I spent a couple of minutes weighing the pros and cons of leaving my post. Mr. Onleyhas a disability and I thought he might, in a fit of solidarity, be willing toinclude me in his entourage. I then remembered what I've read about security onroyal tours and gave up hopes of crashing the reception.
On the other side of the building, it was just me and aphotographer. I asked him if I was in the right place and this is when Ilearned my second fact about royal watching: ask the photographers. They knowwhere they need to be. I waited around for a while and got pretty excited aboutbeing the only person there, thinking it would vastly increase my chances ofactually pressing the flesh of the royal couple (the flesh of their hands), while at the same time feelingbad for them that they didn't have screaming throngs of excited subjects greetingthem. At approximately 12:30 PM,about 15 minutes before the itinerary said they’d arrive, a crowd of securitywalked very purposely around the corner, followed quickly by a running back ofphotographers. Clearly, arrival was imminent.
This was confirmed a few minutes later, when I was told to goto the other side of the small cobblestone street to create a clear path.Security became more visible
And then, clapping started and before I knew it, Camilla wasright in front of me and we shook hands! It all happened very quickly. As shemoved on, I spotted Prince Charles in conversation (that elbow in green belongsto Camilla - her staff need to get a better grip on weather in Torontoat the end of May. She must've been sweltering)
Managed to snap a candid shot of Charles laughing
and a second or two after that, I was shaking his hand, too!Let me add a few more of these !!!!! Yes, I know that's dorky, but c’mon! Ishook the hand of not one, but two members of the royal family! This means I am one degree separatedfrom the Queen! I was impressed with how present he was. He had made a jokewith the people to my left about all of them having cameras and after he shook myhand, he pointed out mine and made a comment about that, as well. We were inthe same little bubble for perhaps 3 seconds in the midst of several hundredpeople and he somehow made me feel completely seen. That's talent. Also, bothof them were very gentle when they shook my hand. I like that they had enoughpresence of mind to be careful.
After they had moved into the gallery for the reception, thecrowd stood around, chatting and waiting for them to come back out. This iswhen I discovered that Charles and Camilla were not the only crowned headspresent. Miss Universe Canadawas also there. My primary impression of her was awed admiration that she couldnavigate cobblestones in these shoes
and that she really needed a sandwich. Way too thin. Lotsof people wanted their picture taken with her and I took pictures of thathappening. This gave her the impression that I wanted my picture taken with herand one of the roaming photographers helpfully offered to take one with mycamera
My somewhat strained smile is due to having not just mycamera pointed in my face (very uncomfortable, it's why I'm usually the onetaking the photos), but also several others. Because apparently Miss Universe Canada- who seemed like a very nice young woman - crouching down next to the poor crippled girl is the kind of shot photographerswant. I suspect I'm on a couple websites and might also have made a newscast. People,people… Must we be so predictable?
After this little moment of being in the spotlight, I lookedaround and realized all the photographer had left. Which told me that the Princeand his lady were not coming back out on the side, but probably leaving on theparking lot side on their way to another engagement. So I hoofed it back there.My spot was nearly as good, but I did get a shot of Camilla’s face (instead ofjust her elbow). The building is in pristine focus, she's not. But at leastshe's recognizable.
And then I drooled at the car. I want a car like that.
Shall we have a brief pause in which you try to decide whatI chose?
On a beautiful summer day - because spring lasted about twoweeks here in Toronto - I grabbedmy camera, a bottle of water and headed for the lovely historical district. I'ddone a significant bit of research prior to leaving and I finally identifiedthe art gallery where the government of Ontarioreception was being held. The official address is on the side of the DistilleryDistrict, by the parking lot. I sat around for a while, watching theregistration table as a truly astonishing number of very well-dressed, sleeklooking people stood around and talked to each other, fervently clutchingofficial invitations.
After a while, it became clear that this was very much aGovernment of Ontario reception, as there was a special slot on theregistration table for MPPs (Member of Provincial Parliament). I didn't recognizeanyone, except David Peterson, a past Premier of Ontario (the gentleman on theright - I felt awkward about very visibly taking pictures of people)
Counted four or five fascinators in total and thisone was the best.
I regretted not switching over to my nice purse, convinced Iwould've been able to crash the party - after all, some friends and I once gotthe opportunity to crash a party for Mikhail Baryshnikov, so why not PrinceCharles' reception? Alas, I had brought the purse we refer to as "The Brick,"an old and well-loved purse which would be a complete giveaway that I was verymuch not on the list.
At one point, I asked a member of the security force if I wasin the right place for gawking and he confirmed that I was indeed located in aprime position. Somewhat later, I had a chat with a nice woman with an officialRoyal Tour ID badge, who told me that no, I should go to the other side becausethe royal couple were walking through the Distillery. This is when I learned myfirst important factor of royal watching: security people either don't knowanything or lie to reduce the throngs. If you want to know where your quarrywill be, ask the harried-looking woman with a clipboard and an ID badge. Shealso told me that she was there to receive the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.I spent a couple of minutes weighing the pros and cons of leaving my post. Mr. Onleyhas a disability and I thought he might, in a fit of solidarity, be willing toinclude me in his entourage. I then remembered what I've read about security onroyal tours and gave up hopes of crashing the reception.
On the other side of the building, it was just me and aphotographer. I asked him if I was in the right place and this is when Ilearned my second fact about royal watching: ask the photographers. They knowwhere they need to be. I waited around for a while and got pretty excited aboutbeing the only person there, thinking it would vastly increase my chances ofactually pressing the flesh of the royal couple (the flesh of their hands), while at the same time feelingbad for them that they didn't have screaming throngs of excited subjects greetingthem. At approximately 12:30 PM,about 15 minutes before the itinerary said they’d arrive, a crowd of securitywalked very purposely around the corner, followed quickly by a running back ofphotographers. Clearly, arrival was imminent.
This was confirmed a few minutes later, when I was told to goto the other side of the small cobblestone street to create a clear path.Security became more visibleAnd then, clapping started and before I knew it, Camilla wasright in front of me and we shook hands! It all happened very quickly. As shemoved on, I spotted Prince Charles in conversation (that elbow in green belongsto Camilla - her staff need to get a better grip on weather in Torontoat the end of May. She must've been sweltering)Managed to snap a candid shot of Charles laughing
and a second or two after that, I was shaking his hand, too!Let me add a few more of these !!!!! Yes, I know that's dorky, but c’mon! Ishook the hand of not one, but two members of the royal family! This means I am one degree separatedfrom the Queen! I was impressed with how present he was. He had made a jokewith the people to my left about all of them having cameras and after he shook myhand, he pointed out mine and made a comment about that, as well. We were inthe same little bubble for perhaps 3 seconds in the midst of several hundredpeople and he somehow made me feel completely seen. That's talent. Also, bothof them were very gentle when they shook my hand. I like that they had enoughpresence of mind to be careful.
After they had moved into the gallery for the reception, thecrowd stood around, chatting and waiting for them to come back out. This iswhen I discovered that Charles and Camilla were not the only crowned headspresent. Miss Universe Canadawas also there. My primary impression of her was awed admiration that she couldnavigate cobblestones in these shoes
and that she really needed a sandwich. Way too thin. Lotsof people wanted their picture taken with her and I took pictures of thathappening. This gave her the impression that I wanted my picture taken with herand one of the roaming photographers helpfully offered to take one with mycamera
My somewhat strained smile is due to having not just mycamera pointed in my face (very uncomfortable, it's why I'm usually the onetaking the photos), but also several others. Because apparently Miss Universe Canada- who seemed like a very nice young woman - crouching down next to the poor crippled girl is the kind of shot photographerswant. I suspect I'm on a couple websites and might also have made a newscast. People,people… Must we be so predictable?
After this little moment of being in the spotlight, I lookedaround and realized all the photographer had left. Which told me that the Princeand his lady were not coming back out on the side, but probably leaving on theparking lot side on their way to another engagement. So I hoofed it back there.My spot was nearly as good, but I did get a shot of Camilla’s face (instead ofjust her elbow). The building is in pristine focus, she's not. But at leastshe's recognizable.
And then I drooled at the car. I want a car like that.
Ease of Use: Tramontina Saute Pan
To contact us Click HERE
The ArthritisFoundation’s Ease-of-Use Commendation recognizes products proven to make lifeeasier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations. Theseproducts are independently tested by experts and evaluated by people witharthritis. I have been asked to review a number of Ease-of-Use products duringMay, Arthritis Awareness Month in the US. My mother, who has osteoarthritis in herhands, is helping by testing some of these products, as well.
The full name of this product is called the Tramontina All Generations10”Covered Sauté Pan - Porcelain Enamel Nonstick. Which is a bit of a mouthful,but it is a very high quality product which entitles it to toot its own horn.
The details of this product according to the packaging areas follows: it has larger handles for a comfortable grip, which along with thelid fixtures have a soft-grip black silicone grip, making it easier to… erm,grip. The handle is also larger, allowing for more comfortable (again) grip.And while we are talking about handles, there is a "helper handle" onthe pan for extra support when moving, serving and cleaning. The pan itself has"Teflon Platinum Nonstick" coating, making for easy cooking andcleaning. There is also a tempered glass lid, allowing you to check thecontents while you're cooking. It's dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetimewarranty.
I have attendants who do the cooking for me, so I passedthis one on to my mother. As the pan is recommended for "one potmeals," she set about making one of those. It involved a pork tenderloin,onion, mushrooms and tomatoes and was quite yummy.
As a piece of cookware, this is very high qualitystuff. It is very well made and cooked like a dream. And my mother knows fromcooking - my dad used to say she was a chef and I agree completely. My dad alsoused to have a frequent flight of fancy involving opening a restaurant where mymother could cook the meals and he’d wander about, chatting with guests andbeing the gracious host. My mother used to accept the compliment about hercooking, but shot him down in flames about the restaurant. Repeatedly
As a piece of cookware for people with arthritis, thereviews are more mixed. The larger handle with the silicone grip is anexcellent addition - my mother has both osteoarthritis and a touch of neuropathyin her hands and found this very helpful. As well, the "helperhandle" which allows you to use two hands to move the pan around is also awonderful idea.
The primary problem which we both identified the minute wesaw the pan and attempted to move it around is the weight. This is a heavypiece of equipment. My mother didn't find it too difficult to move around, butshe has a lot of strength in her arms. She lives in a building with a lot ofsenior tenants who with age have become weaker and more achy, She was convincedthat many of them would have trouble lifting the pan. As for me, even if I didmy own cooking, I would not be able to lift this at all. I believe people whoare fairly young and/or strong or who have well-controlled disease or a milderform of arthritis with not too much damage would find this a terrific product.People who have severe disease activity or damage might find it too heavy to beuseful.
Other bloggers involvedin reviewing Ease-of-Use products are FeliciaFibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.
The full name of this product is called the Tramontina All Generations10”Covered Sauté Pan - Porcelain Enamel Nonstick. Which is a bit of a mouthful,but it is a very high quality product which entitles it to toot its own horn.
The details of this product according to the packaging areas follows: it has larger handles for a comfortable grip, which along with thelid fixtures have a soft-grip black silicone grip, making it easier to… erm,grip. The handle is also larger, allowing for more comfortable (again) grip.And while we are talking about handles, there is a "helper handle" onthe pan for extra support when moving, serving and cleaning. The pan itself has"Teflon Platinum Nonstick" coating, making for easy cooking andcleaning. There is also a tempered glass lid, allowing you to check thecontents while you're cooking. It's dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetimewarranty.
I have attendants who do the cooking for me, so I passedthis one on to my mother. As the pan is recommended for "one potmeals," she set about making one of those. It involved a pork tenderloin,onion, mushrooms and tomatoes and was quite yummy.
As a piece of cookware, this is very high qualitystuff. It is very well made and cooked like a dream. And my mother knows fromcooking - my dad used to say she was a chef and I agree completely. My dad alsoused to have a frequent flight of fancy involving opening a restaurant where mymother could cook the meals and he’d wander about, chatting with guests andbeing the gracious host. My mother used to accept the compliment about hercooking, but shot him down in flames about the restaurant. Repeatedly
As a piece of cookware for people with arthritis, thereviews are more mixed. The larger handle with the silicone grip is anexcellent addition - my mother has both osteoarthritis and a touch of neuropathyin her hands and found this very helpful. As well, the "helperhandle" which allows you to use two hands to move the pan around is also awonderful idea.
The primary problem which we both identified the minute wesaw the pan and attempted to move it around is the weight. This is a heavypiece of equipment. My mother didn't find it too difficult to move around, butshe has a lot of strength in her arms. She lives in a building with a lot ofsenior tenants who with age have become weaker and more achy, She was convincedthat many of them would have trouble lifting the pan. As for me, even if I didmy own cooking, I would not be able to lift this at all. I believe people whoare fairly young and/or strong or who have well-controlled disease or a milderform of arthritis with not too much damage would find this a terrific product.People who have severe disease activity or damage might find it too heavy to beuseful.
Other bloggers involvedin reviewing Ease-of-Use products are FeliciaFibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.
Patients' Access to Treatments Act/10 Grassroots Advocates
To contact us Click HERE
The last week of Arthritis Awareness Month had me writing about advocacy in two different spectrums (spectra??).
First, the Patients' Access to Treatments Act.This is an important bipartisan initiative to limit insurance companies from charging more in co-pays for Biologics than for other drugs:
"When you have rheumatoid arthritis, medication can be an essential part of controlling the disease and managing symptoms. This is the moment where those who are insured breathe a deep, relieved breath. At least they won't have to worry about medication cost. Or will they?"
The rest of that post is here.
Also this week, I had the privilege of profiling ten amazing people in the inflammatory arthritis community, talking about what they do to advocate and raise awareness:
"Many people who live with rheumatoid arthritis are engaged in advocacy and raising awareness in one way or another. Many more want to get involved, but have limited energy or don’t know what to do. As part of our celebration of Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to profile a number of people who have found various ways, big and small, to spread the word. We hope that these stories might inspire you by showing that there is a range of activities you can do to advocate and raise awareness, depending on your health, energy and time. All of the people profiled do this is a labor of love by donating their time to the cause."
You can read the rest of that post here.
And now: weekend. I hope yours is wonderful.
First, the Patients' Access to Treatments Act.This is an important bipartisan initiative to limit insurance companies from charging more in co-pays for Biologics than for other drugs:
"When you have rheumatoid arthritis, medication can be an essential part of controlling the disease and managing symptoms. This is the moment where those who are insured breathe a deep, relieved breath. At least they won't have to worry about medication cost. Or will they?"
The rest of that post is here.
Also this week, I had the privilege of profiling ten amazing people in the inflammatory arthritis community, talking about what they do to advocate and raise awareness:
"Many people who live with rheumatoid arthritis are engaged in advocacy and raising awareness in one way or another. Many more want to get involved, but have limited energy or don’t know what to do. As part of our celebration of Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to profile a number of people who have found various ways, big and small, to spread the word. We hope that these stories might inspire you by showing that there is a range of activities you can do to advocate and raise awareness, depending on your health, energy and time. All of the people profiled do this is a labor of love by donating their time to the cause."
You can read the rest of that post here.
And now: weekend. I hope yours is wonderful.
Building Bridges for Awareness: Contest Winners & Ideas
To contact us Click HERE
Remember the Amazing Awareness Contest held on HealthCentral's RA site during the month of May? Today I announce the winners. But not just that - I also collect all the great suggestions 7ut were submitted for raising awareness in one place. Your go-to list for ideas on how to change the world:
"You are all brilliant!
We asked you to enter your ideas about raising awareness of RA for our Amazing Awareness Contest in May. And we were overwhelmed by your creativity and passion. Thanks to you, our community will now have a blueprint for change to consult when looking for suggestions of what they can do to change the way others see our disease. More on those suggestions in a moment. First, I need to announce the winners of the contest."
You can see the winners and the ideas here.
"You are all brilliant!
We asked you to enter your ideas about raising awareness of RA for our Amazing Awareness Contest in May. And we were overwhelmed by your creativity and passion. Thanks to you, our community will now have a blueprint for change to consult when looking for suggestions of what they can do to change the way others see our disease. More on those suggestions in a moment. First, I need to announce the winners of the contest."
You can see the winners and the ideas here.
23 Haziran 2012 Cumartesi
Haitong Securities in Hong Kong debut april 27 2012
To contact us Click HERE
Indonesia stock info - Haitong Securities in Hong Kong debut april 27 2012 ; Shares of Haitong Securities Co Ltd 6837.HK, China's second-biggest broker by assets, were little changed in its Hong Kong debut on Friday, as concerns over Europe's debt troubles dampened investor demand for new listings.
Bankers, investors and a growing list of companies looking to sell shares in Hong Kong, Asia's main destination for initial public offerings, have kept a close eye on Haitong's $1.7 billion (1 billion pounds) deal, the biggest sale of new stock so far this year in Asia Pacific.
While Hong Kong has a robust IPO pipeline, Haitong's market performance will be crucial to kick-start a sluggish IPO market. Its tepid debut could indicate upcoming offerings by Graff Diamonds, Fosun Pharmaceutical and China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group will have a hard time convincing investors to buy into new listings.
People are worried about Europe's debt crisis," said Jasper Chan, corporate finance officer at brokerage Phillip Securities in Hong Kong. "Perhaps there will be no rebound in offerings this year."
Asia-Pacific's equity capital markets have had their slowest start in about four years, Thomson Reuters data showed. Deal values have dropped 20 percent so far in 2012 from the same time last year. Even a 13 percent rise in the benchmark Hong Kong share index .HSI has failed to spark investor interest in new listings.
One exception was the listing of a rare type of company on the mainland on Friday. People.cn Co Ltd (603000.SS), the online news portal of the Chinese government's mouthpiece, the People's Daily, surged in its Shanghai debut.
Haitong opened at HK$10.60, unchanged from its offering price last week. The stock traded at HK$10.54 by 0312 GMT.
The company, which is already listed in Shanghai (600837.SS), will use the proceeds to fund overseas takeovers and expand margin finance, hedge fund and private equity businesses.
More than a third of Haitong's offering was backed by cornerstone investors, including U.S. hedge fund DE Shaw and Pan Asian private equity firm PAG, headed by former TPG dealmaker Weijian Shan.
Haitong's bigger rival Citic Securities (600030.SS) (6030.HK) braved last year's market turmoil and raised $1.7 billion through a Hong Kong listing and that stock has climbed 25 percent since the listing in early October.
Bankers, investors and a growing list of companies looking to sell shares in Hong Kong, Asia's main destination for initial public offerings, have kept a close eye on Haitong's $1.7 billion (1 billion pounds) deal, the biggest sale of new stock so far this year in Asia Pacific.
While Hong Kong has a robust IPO pipeline, Haitong's market performance will be crucial to kick-start a sluggish IPO market. Its tepid debut could indicate upcoming offerings by Graff Diamonds, Fosun Pharmaceutical and China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group will have a hard time convincing investors to buy into new listings.
People are worried about Europe's debt crisis," said Jasper Chan, corporate finance officer at brokerage Phillip Securities in Hong Kong. "Perhaps there will be no rebound in offerings this year."
Asia-Pacific's equity capital markets have had their slowest start in about four years, Thomson Reuters data showed. Deal values have dropped 20 percent so far in 2012 from the same time last year. Even a 13 percent rise in the benchmark Hong Kong share index .HSI has failed to spark investor interest in new listings.
One exception was the listing of a rare type of company on the mainland on Friday. People.cn Co Ltd (603000.SS), the online news portal of the Chinese government's mouthpiece, the People's Daily, surged in its Shanghai debut.
Haitong opened at HK$10.60, unchanged from its offering price last week. The stock traded at HK$10.54 by 0312 GMT.
The company, which is already listed in Shanghai (600837.SS), will use the proceeds to fund overseas takeovers and expand margin finance, hedge fund and private equity businesses.
More than a third of Haitong's offering was backed by cornerstone investors, including U.S. hedge fund DE Shaw and Pan Asian private equity firm PAG, headed by former TPG dealmaker Weijian Shan.
Haitong's bigger rival Citic Securities (600030.SS) (6030.HK) braved last year's market turmoil and raised $1.7 billion through a Hong Kong listing and that stock has climbed 25 percent since the listing in early October.
Ease of Use: DuoGlide Sweep Chefs Knife
To contact us Click HERE
The ArthritisFoundation’s Ease-of-Use Commendation recognizes products proven to make lifeeasier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations. Theseproducts are independently tested by experts and evaluated by people witharthritis. I have been asked to review a number of Ease-of-Use products duringMay, Arthritis Awareness Month in the US. My mother, who has osteoarthritis in herhands, is helping by testing some of these products, as well.
When I first saw the DuoGlide Chef’s Knife, I was remindedof the great quote from Crocodile Dundee
: "that's not a knife … that’s a knife.” Big knives make me nervous and I am very grateful that I haveattendants who take care of the cutting and chopping for me. Since my mothercooks, she was the natural candidate to test the knife.
The product description tells us that this knife has aunique design for more control and minimized effort. The handle is soft andtextured, giving an easy, secure grip. The blade itself is "corrosionresistant, high carbon stainless steel," ground, honed, polished, etc.It's supposed to offer "precise control and reduce wrist, arm or handdiscomfort." It also comes in paring knife, utility knife and breadslicer.
As a knife, it's excellent. My mother said it cutsexceptionally well and she will definitely continue to use it after the reviewperiod is over. The handle was very comfortable to grip and as you can see inthis picture
it allows you to cut without bending your wrist, somethingthat can be very difficult for people who have arthritis in their hands.Previously, I have had this problem solved for me by getting specially madeknives where the handle is at a 90° angle to the blade, but that looks sort of very obviously like adaptive equipment. I like that this knife looks like normal knife, while making iteasier for people with arthritis to use.
Judging this knife on the basis of someone like me who has significantdamage, deformity and strength/dexterity issues is not fair. I did try it andcouldn't use it. I don't know if there was a strength or position issue orboth. It definitely cuts better when you're standing up and can put some weightbehind the downward cut. However, people who are as disabled as I am byarthritis will probably have assistance or the kind of knives that have the 90°angle between blade and handle.
Overall, the DuoGlide Chef's Knife
is a definite win. It comes highlyrecommended by my mother and that's as good as it gets.
Other bloggersinvolved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.
When I first saw the DuoGlide Chef’s Knife, I was remindedof the great quote from Crocodile Dundee
: "that's not a knife … that’s a knife.” Big knives make me nervous and I am very grateful that I haveattendants who take care of the cutting and chopping for me. Since my mothercooks, she was the natural candidate to test the knife.The product description tells us that this knife has aunique design for more control and minimized effort. The handle is soft andtextured, giving an easy, secure grip. The blade itself is "corrosionresistant, high carbon stainless steel," ground, honed, polished, etc.It's supposed to offer "precise control and reduce wrist, arm or handdiscomfort." It also comes in paring knife, utility knife and breadslicer.
As a knife, it's excellent. My mother said it cutsexceptionally well and she will definitely continue to use it after the reviewperiod is over. The handle was very comfortable to grip and as you can see inthis picture
it allows you to cut without bending your wrist, somethingthat can be very difficult for people who have arthritis in their hands.Previously, I have had this problem solved for me by getting specially madeknives where the handle is at a 90° angle to the blade, but that looks sort of very obviously like adaptive equipment. I like that this knife looks like normal knife, while making iteasier for people with arthritis to use.
Judging this knife on the basis of someone like me who has significantdamage, deformity and strength/dexterity issues is not fair. I did try it andcouldn't use it. I don't know if there was a strength or position issue orboth. It definitely cuts better when you're standing up and can put some weightbehind the downward cut. However, people who are as disabled as I am byarthritis will probably have assistance or the kind of knives that have the 90°angle between blade and handle.
Overall, the DuoGlide Chef's Knife
is a definite win. It comes highlyrecommended by my mother and that's as good as it gets. Other bloggersinvolved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.
Ease of Use: Fiskars Titanium Easy Action Scissors
To contact us Click HERE
As you may have noticed, this week is a little heavy on Easeof Use review. I made a commitment to post these before the end of the monthand miscellaneous life events got in the way of a more even distribution. Hangin there. We return to your regularly scheduled program on Friday.
The ArthritisFoundation’s Ease-of-UseCommendation recognizes products proven to make life easier for people whohave arthritis and other physical limitations. These products are independentlytested by experts and evaluated by people with arthritis. I have been asked toreview a number of Ease-of-Use products during May, Arthritis Awareness Monthin the US. My mother, who has osteoarthritis in herhands, is helping by testing some of these products, as well.
When I first started the background research for thescissors, I found this on the Fiskars website:
"The Original Orange-Handled Scissors. Introduced to the world first as a quality fabric scissors,the scissors caused quite a stir. Not only was the design radical compared toforged scissors, but also much lighter and more comfortable. The cuttingperformance was so good forced many of home seamstress to declare the scissorsoff-limits - the same still holds true today."
Instant flashback! My mother used to sew and she was good atit - in fact, she used to sew her own clothes, as well as mine when I waslittle (by the time my sister came along, life prevented too much sewing). AndI remember the orange-handled scissors - they were an integral part of mychildhood. In fact, I don't remember any other scissors, other than my ownstunted baby scissors. They may even have been involved in one of the mostembarrassing stories that exists about my childhood. My mother had bought abeautiful, expensive piece of fabric for a suit and was halfway done. In thosedays, we lived in a tiny little house. My room was adjacent to theliving/dining room and right outside my door was our dining room table, whichserved as my mother's sewing table after dinner. One day when I was about fouryears old, I got up before everyone else and apparently decided to be helpful.When my mother got up, her beautiful half-done suit was cut to pieces and theway she tells the story, I was very proud about helping her make her suit. Theonly thing I remember about this incident is sitting underneath the dining roomtable, being very upset because I had done something bad while my mother stoodin front of it, no doubt weeping.
Anyway! The Fiskars EasyAction Scissors are a new generation ofscissors, made especially for fabric. They have what's called a "springassist," which automatically opens up the blades, designed to make cuttingeasier. You only have to squeeze the scissors shut and they open themselves.The Softgrip® handle is designed to reduce hand fatigue and the bent handledesign is supposed to keep materials flat while cutting, improving accuracy.The website says that the scissors can cut a wide variety of materials,including denim, silk and multiple layers of fabric. They have a lifetimewarranty.
Both my mother and I love these scissors
! They areincredibly well thought out, both as a tool and (mostly) as a tool for peoplewith arthritis. They are sharp as anything - we didn't have any fabric around,but tested them on paper compared to regular pair of scissors and they cut likea dream. Very sharp, very accurate - something in the design clearly lived upto the goal of cutting accuracy, because even though I had some trouble usingthem (see below for details), I could still cut in a straight line. That wasquite something.
The handle is amazing. There is room for four fingers on onehandle and the other rests in the space in your palm between your thumb and theknuckles of your other fingers. This means that when you squeeze the scissorsshot, you are doing so with four fingers placed comfortably on one side, easingthe strain on each individual finger. On the other side, you're using yourpalm, instead of your thumb joint. I don't uses scissors much anymore, but Iremember that one of the most difficult things about it was the way my thumb,especially the base joint, always hurt afterwards.
Another thing that protects your fingers from strain is thespring-action. Granted, it takes a bit of getting used to this having thescissors opening on their own, but not long and when you do, it was very, verygood. One of those "why didn't anyone think of this before?" momentsmixed with "I'm so glad someone finally did!" I have a pair of scissorsthat I use for pretty much everything, but which are usually limited in my usingthem for things that only need one cut. If it needs more than one cut, I haveto squeeze the blade shut with my right hand, then use both hands to open themand repeat as necessary. It's a pain in the arse and I usually save cutting formy attendants or The Boy. I am completely in love with the spring-actioninvention. We need more scissors with this design! Hurrah for independentcutting!
My mother and I had two concerns specifically related to handsthat have moderate to severe arthritis. The first is the lock that holds thescissors closed. We both really liked that you have to disengage the lock oneach side of the scissor, which increases safety around small hands that mightpotentially want to assist with making a new suit. A-hem. However, it was verytight - again excellent preventative strategy for wee ones who shouldn't playwith something this sharp, but also a barrier for fingers that hurt.
Secondly, they are a large pair of scissors. My mother hasfairly large hands and used them comfortably. I, on the other hand, have smallhands and did not. I could barely get my hand around them – partly due to myhand size, partly due to deformities. However, I do want to point out that whenI did use them (not as open as they could get because my hand/grip is too small),I could use them to cut because of the spring-action. That was pretty amazing. Thereare a number of other scissors in this design, but I don’t know if any of themare smaller. If not, I’d like to suggest to Fiskars that they make two or threeof these scissors in different sizes. Because I'd very much like a pair.
Bottom line? A solid A. Make some in different sizes andfind a way to deal with the lock issue and they’ll get an A+.
Other bloggersinvolved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.
The ArthritisFoundation’s Ease-of-UseCommendation recognizes products proven to make life easier for people whohave arthritis and other physical limitations. These products are independentlytested by experts and evaluated by people with arthritis. I have been asked toreview a number of Ease-of-Use products during May, Arthritis Awareness Monthin the US. My mother, who has osteoarthritis in herhands, is helping by testing some of these products, as well.
When I first started the background research for thescissors, I found this on the Fiskars website:
"The Original Orange-Handled Scissors. Introduced to the world first as a quality fabric scissors,the scissors caused quite a stir. Not only was the design radical compared toforged scissors, but also much lighter and more comfortable. The cuttingperformance was so good forced many of home seamstress to declare the scissorsoff-limits - the same still holds true today."
Instant flashback! My mother used to sew and she was good atit - in fact, she used to sew her own clothes, as well as mine when I waslittle (by the time my sister came along, life prevented too much sewing). AndI remember the orange-handled scissors - they were an integral part of mychildhood. In fact, I don't remember any other scissors, other than my ownstunted baby scissors. They may even have been involved in one of the mostembarrassing stories that exists about my childhood. My mother had bought abeautiful, expensive piece of fabric for a suit and was halfway done. In thosedays, we lived in a tiny little house. My room was adjacent to theliving/dining room and right outside my door was our dining room table, whichserved as my mother's sewing table after dinner. One day when I was about fouryears old, I got up before everyone else and apparently decided to be helpful.When my mother got up, her beautiful half-done suit was cut to pieces and theway she tells the story, I was very proud about helping her make her suit. Theonly thing I remember about this incident is sitting underneath the dining roomtable, being very upset because I had done something bad while my mother stoodin front of it, no doubt weeping.
Anyway! The Fiskars EasyAction Scissors are a new generation ofscissors, made especially for fabric. They have what's called a "springassist," which automatically opens up the blades, designed to make cuttingeasier. You only have to squeeze the scissors shut and they open themselves.The Softgrip® handle is designed to reduce hand fatigue and the bent handledesign is supposed to keep materials flat while cutting, improving accuracy.The website says that the scissors can cut a wide variety of materials,including denim, silk and multiple layers of fabric. They have a lifetimewarranty.
Both my mother and I love these scissors
! They areincredibly well thought out, both as a tool and (mostly) as a tool for peoplewith arthritis. They are sharp as anything - we didn't have any fabric around,but tested them on paper compared to regular pair of scissors and they cut likea dream. Very sharp, very accurate - something in the design clearly lived upto the goal of cutting accuracy, because even though I had some trouble usingthem (see below for details), I could still cut in a straight line. That wasquite something.The handle is amazing. There is room for four fingers on onehandle and the other rests in the space in your palm between your thumb and theknuckles of your other fingers. This means that when you squeeze the scissorsshot, you are doing so with four fingers placed comfortably on one side, easingthe strain on each individual finger. On the other side, you're using yourpalm, instead of your thumb joint. I don't uses scissors much anymore, but Iremember that one of the most difficult things about it was the way my thumb,especially the base joint, always hurt afterwards.
Another thing that protects your fingers from strain is thespring-action. Granted, it takes a bit of getting used to this having thescissors opening on their own, but not long and when you do, it was very, verygood. One of those "why didn't anyone think of this before?" momentsmixed with "I'm so glad someone finally did!" I have a pair of scissorsthat I use for pretty much everything, but which are usually limited in my usingthem for things that only need one cut. If it needs more than one cut, I haveto squeeze the blade shut with my right hand, then use both hands to open themand repeat as necessary. It's a pain in the arse and I usually save cutting formy attendants or The Boy. I am completely in love with the spring-actioninvention. We need more scissors with this design! Hurrah for independentcutting!
My mother and I had two concerns specifically related to handsthat have moderate to severe arthritis. The first is the lock that holds thescissors closed. We both really liked that you have to disengage the lock oneach side of the scissor, which increases safety around small hands that mightpotentially want to assist with making a new suit. A-hem. However, it was verytight - again excellent preventative strategy for wee ones who shouldn't playwith something this sharp, but also a barrier for fingers that hurt.
Secondly, they are a large pair of scissors. My mother hasfairly large hands and used them comfortably. I, on the other hand, have smallhands and did not. I could barely get my hand around them – partly due to myhand size, partly due to deformities. However, I do want to point out that whenI did use them (not as open as they could get because my hand/grip is too small),I could use them to cut because of the spring-action. That was pretty amazing. Thereare a number of other scissors in this design, but I don’t know if any of themare smaller. If not, I’d like to suggest to Fiskars that they make two or threeof these scissors in different sizes. Because I'd very much like a pair.
Bottom line? A solid A. Make some in different sizes andfind a way to deal with the lock issue and they’ll get an A+.
Other bloggersinvolved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.
Ease of Use: Clarity D714 Cordless Phone
To contact us Click HERE
The Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use Commendation recognizes products proven to make life easier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations. These products are independently tested by experts and evaluated by people with arthritis. I have been asked to review a number of Ease-of-Use products during May, Arthritis Awareness Month in the US. My mother, who has osteoarthritis in her hands, is helping by testing some of these products, as well.
The Clarity D714 Amplified Cordless Phone seems to have a nickname. On the box, it says in large, clear letters Loud & Simple. And it certainly seems to live up its billing.
The D714 is an amplified cordless phone with large buttons and is designed specifically for people with hearing loss, low vision and mobility issues. It amplifies incoming sounds 20 times louder than standard home phones. The base includes an answering machine.
We were not able to fully test this phone. It needed to be plugged into an outlet close to the floor and my mother couldn't reach it. Waiting for the day her home care worker comes word make me miss the deadline, so we did a pretend phone call. However, as neither my mother nor I have hearing or vision problems (beyond me being blind as a bat without my glasses), we wouldn't have been able to give a decent review of those aspects.
However, we have opinions about the number pad. Good opinions. As I mentioned in a previous review, my mother has both osteoarthritis in her hands and fingers, as well as the beginning of neuropathy which effects the sensation in her fingertips. For years now, she has been looking for cordless phone that had large buttons with clear separation between the buttons, which would make it easier for her to dial a number, without making mistakes. It has been difficult to find one such poem, since the trend in cordless phone design is to make them smaller and sleeker and not usually affects the number pad, scrunching the buttons closer together, making it seem more and more like one field with very little difference between each number.
The Clarity D714 Cordless Phone
to the rescue! This number pad is exactly what we've been looking for! The buttons are large, nicely separated and very well defined. The phone lights up when you press buttons, which makes it even easier to see what you're doing (and, I could imagine, the combination of the large buttons with large numbers and the light would be of great benefit to people with low vision).
The phone itself is also well thought out. It's very light to hold, which was a nice change from the phone my mother already have. It's also very comfortable in the hand and has a nice grip. So many other new, smaller and sleeker phones are really slippery and not always comfortable to hold. This one won't easily slide out of your grip and would be comfortable to hold for a nice long chat.
This is a definite keeper. I love how universal the design is - it solves several common problems for people who are getting older, while not sacrificing looks.
Other bloggers involved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life with Holden.
The Clarity D714 Amplified Cordless Phone seems to have a nickname. On the box, it says in large, clear letters Loud & Simple. And it certainly seems to live up its billing.
The D714 is an amplified cordless phone with large buttons and is designed specifically for people with hearing loss, low vision and mobility issues. It amplifies incoming sounds 20 times louder than standard home phones. The base includes an answering machine.
We were not able to fully test this phone. It needed to be plugged into an outlet close to the floor and my mother couldn't reach it. Waiting for the day her home care worker comes word make me miss the deadline, so we did a pretend phone call. However, as neither my mother nor I have hearing or vision problems (beyond me being blind as a bat without my glasses), we wouldn't have been able to give a decent review of those aspects.
However, we have opinions about the number pad. Good opinions. As I mentioned in a previous review, my mother has both osteoarthritis in her hands and fingers, as well as the beginning of neuropathy which effects the sensation in her fingertips. For years now, she has been looking for cordless phone that had large buttons with clear separation between the buttons, which would make it easier for her to dial a number, without making mistakes. It has been difficult to find one such poem, since the trend in cordless phone design is to make them smaller and sleeker and not usually affects the number pad, scrunching the buttons closer together, making it seem more and more like one field with very little difference between each number.
The Clarity D714 Cordless Phone
to the rescue! This number pad is exactly what we've been looking for! The buttons are large, nicely separated and very well defined. The phone lights up when you press buttons, which makes it even easier to see what you're doing (and, I could imagine, the combination of the large buttons with large numbers and the light would be of great benefit to people with low vision). The phone itself is also well thought out. It's very light to hold, which was a nice change from the phone my mother already have. It's also very comfortable in the hand and has a nice grip. So many other new, smaller and sleeker phones are really slippery and not always comfortable to hold. This one won't easily slide out of your grip and would be comfortable to hold for a nice long chat.
This is a definite keeper. I love how universal the design is - it solves several common problems for people who are getting older, while not sacrificing looks.
Other bloggers involved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life with Holden.
Patients' Access to Treatments Act/10 Grassroots Advocates
To contact us Click HERE
The last week of Arthritis Awareness Month had me writing about advocacy in two different spectrums (spectra??).
First, the Patients' Access to Treatments Act.This is an important bipartisan initiative to limit insurance companies from charging more in co-pays for Biologics than for other drugs:
"When you have rheumatoid arthritis, medication can be an essential part of controlling the disease and managing symptoms. This is the moment where those who are insured breathe a deep, relieved breath. At least they won't have to worry about medication cost. Or will they?"
The rest of that post is here.
Also this week, I had the privilege of profiling ten amazing people in the inflammatory arthritis community, talking about what they do to advocate and raise awareness:
"Many people who live with rheumatoid arthritis are engaged in advocacy and raising awareness in one way or another. Many more want to get involved, but have limited energy or don’t know what to do. As part of our celebration of Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to profile a number of people who have found various ways, big and small, to spread the word. We hope that these stories might inspire you by showing that there is a range of activities you can do to advocate and raise awareness, depending on your health, energy and time. All of the people profiled do this is a labor of love by donating their time to the cause."
You can read the rest of that post here.
And now: weekend. I hope yours is wonderful.
First, the Patients' Access to Treatments Act.This is an important bipartisan initiative to limit insurance companies from charging more in co-pays for Biologics than for other drugs:
"When you have rheumatoid arthritis, medication can be an essential part of controlling the disease and managing symptoms. This is the moment where those who are insured breathe a deep, relieved breath. At least they won't have to worry about medication cost. Or will they?"
The rest of that post is here.
Also this week, I had the privilege of profiling ten amazing people in the inflammatory arthritis community, talking about what they do to advocate and raise awareness:
"Many people who live with rheumatoid arthritis are engaged in advocacy and raising awareness in one way or another. Many more want to get involved, but have limited energy or don’t know what to do. As part of our celebration of Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to profile a number of people who have found various ways, big and small, to spread the word. We hope that these stories might inspire you by showing that there is a range of activities you can do to advocate and raise awareness, depending on your health, energy and time. All of the people profiled do this is a labor of love by donating their time to the cause."
You can read the rest of that post here.
And now: weekend. I hope yours is wonderful.
21 Haziran 2012 Perşembe
Ease of Use: IMAK SmartGlove
To contact us Click HERE
The ArthritisFoundation’s Ease-of-UseCommendation recognizes products proven to make life easier for people whohave arthritis and other physical limitations. These products are independentlytested by experts and evaluated by people with arthritis. I have been asked toreview a number of Ease-of-Use products during May, Arthritis Awareness Monthin the US. My mother, who has osteoarthritis in herhands, is helping by testing some of these products, as well.
The SmartGlove by IMAK is designed to offer "carpaltunnel support," as well as easing hand fatigue, tendinitis and arthritis.According to the box, it is designed by an orthopedic surgeon. The glove comesoriented to fit your right hand, but can be turned inside out to be used forthe left hand. There is a built-in flexible support splint running along thetop of the glove from knuckles to wrist and something called "massagingErgoBeads" located where your carpal tunnel area is. ErgoBeads are “exceptionallysmooth plastic beads … that … creates a massaging effect to help increase bloodcirculation, promoting healthy muscle tissue." You can freeze the glove,cooling down the beads which is designed to provide "maximum relief"(I assume relief of pain).
To me, this seems like a fabulous idea. The other reviewersin the Ease of Use program have all tried it and it's come back with excellentreviews. I’ve been following them on Twitter where Felicia Fibro mentions the SmartGlove
as providing relief for aching wrists when typing, although it tookher a little while to get used to working while wearing the glove. @Cezmayeused it "to get through finals - really reduce swelling."
Again, I relied on my mother for the product testing. Mywrists fused a long time ago and therefore haven't given me much trouble - it'sone of those moments where severe deformity (in this case immobility) isworking for me! Also, thanks to Humira, I don't usually have any swelling. Mymother, on the other hand, has osteoarthritis in her hands and have had carpaltunnel problems (including surgery), so she was a perfect candidate.
Before I passed the glove on to my mother, I tried it onmyself. Despite getting a medium (where I would need a size small), I couldn'tput it on myself. It's tight to put on, which makes sense because it's supposedto provide support and a bit of compression. However, I have very littlestrength in my hands and arms and couldn't pull it on. Of course, I can't puton a pair of knitted store-bought gloves if the cuff is knit tightly, either,which should tell you something about how little strength I have.
My mother also had a bit of difficulty pulling it on, butdid manage. Depending on how much pain you have in your fingers, this might bea bit of a barrier to using the glove. Unfortunately, the rest of her reviewwas fairly negative. She felt it was uncomfortable, made it difficult to typeand impossible to use a mouse. She kept it on for an hour and found that it wasso tight around her arm that her hand ended up falling asleep! As well, the narrowpiece of fabric between her thumb and the rest of the hand bothered her a lot. However,we have a theory that her fibromyalgia was to blame. It makes her verysensitive to pressure and it quickly moves from a sense of pressure into aperception of pain when things are too tight.
I think this is one of those cars that can work great for someand not so great for others. Several other reviewers had a very positivereaction, so I think it's worth looking into. If you have problems with wristpain or carpal tunnel issues, give it a try. It might do the trick for you.
This was my last product review for Ease of Use program (atleast for this go around). I’d like to thank The Address Foundation for gettingme this opportunity to try out some pretty nifty products. Both I and my co-reviewerhad a lot of fun.
Other bloggersinvolved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.
The SmartGlove by IMAK is designed to offer "carpaltunnel support," as well as easing hand fatigue, tendinitis and arthritis.According to the box, it is designed by an orthopedic surgeon. The glove comesoriented to fit your right hand, but can be turned inside out to be used forthe left hand. There is a built-in flexible support splint running along thetop of the glove from knuckles to wrist and something called "massagingErgoBeads" located where your carpal tunnel area is. ErgoBeads are “exceptionallysmooth plastic beads … that … creates a massaging effect to help increase bloodcirculation, promoting healthy muscle tissue." You can freeze the glove,cooling down the beads which is designed to provide "maximum relief"(I assume relief of pain).
To me, this seems like a fabulous idea. The other reviewersin the Ease of Use program have all tried it and it's come back with excellentreviews. I’ve been following them on Twitter where Felicia Fibro mentions the SmartGlove
as providing relief for aching wrists when typing, although it tookher a little while to get used to working while wearing the glove. @Cezmayeused it "to get through finals - really reduce swelling."Again, I relied on my mother for the product testing. Mywrists fused a long time ago and therefore haven't given me much trouble - it'sone of those moments where severe deformity (in this case immobility) isworking for me! Also, thanks to Humira, I don't usually have any swelling. Mymother, on the other hand, has osteoarthritis in her hands and have had carpaltunnel problems (including surgery), so she was a perfect candidate.
Before I passed the glove on to my mother, I tried it onmyself. Despite getting a medium (where I would need a size small), I couldn'tput it on myself. It's tight to put on, which makes sense because it's supposedto provide support and a bit of compression. However, I have very littlestrength in my hands and arms and couldn't pull it on. Of course, I can't puton a pair of knitted store-bought gloves if the cuff is knit tightly, either,which should tell you something about how little strength I have.
My mother also had a bit of difficulty pulling it on, butdid manage. Depending on how much pain you have in your fingers, this might bea bit of a barrier to using the glove. Unfortunately, the rest of her reviewwas fairly negative. She felt it was uncomfortable, made it difficult to typeand impossible to use a mouse. She kept it on for an hour and found that it wasso tight around her arm that her hand ended up falling asleep! As well, the narrowpiece of fabric between her thumb and the rest of the hand bothered her a lot. However,we have a theory that her fibromyalgia was to blame. It makes her verysensitive to pressure and it quickly moves from a sense of pressure into aperception of pain when things are too tight.
I think this is one of those cars that can work great for someand not so great for others. Several other reviewers had a very positivereaction, so I think it's worth looking into. If you have problems with wristpain or carpal tunnel issues, give it a try. It might do the trick for you.
This was my last product review for Ease of Use program (atleast for this go around). I’d like to thank The Address Foundation for gettingme this opportunity to try out some pretty nifty products. Both I and my co-reviewerhad a lot of fun.
Other bloggersinvolved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.
Patients' Access to Treatments Act/10 Grassroots Advocates
To contact us Click HERE
The last week of Arthritis Awareness Month had me writing about advocacy in two different spectrums (spectra??).
First, the Patients' Access to Treatments Act.This is an important bipartisan initiative to limit insurance companies from charging more in co-pays for Biologics than for other drugs:
"When you have rheumatoid arthritis, medication can be an essential part of controlling the disease and managing symptoms. This is the moment where those who are insured breathe a deep, relieved breath. At least they won't have to worry about medication cost. Or will they?"
The rest of that post is here.
Also this week, I had the privilege of profiling ten amazing people in the inflammatory arthritis community, talking about what they do to advocate and raise awareness:
"Many people who live with rheumatoid arthritis are engaged in advocacy and raising awareness in one way or another. Many more want to get involved, but have limited energy or don’t know what to do. As part of our celebration of Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to profile a number of people who have found various ways, big and small, to spread the word. We hope that these stories might inspire you by showing that there is a range of activities you can do to advocate and raise awareness, depending on your health, energy and time. All of the people profiled do this is a labor of love by donating their time to the cause."
You can read the rest of that post here.
And now: weekend. I hope yours is wonderful.
First, the Patients' Access to Treatments Act.This is an important bipartisan initiative to limit insurance companies from charging more in co-pays for Biologics than for other drugs:
"When you have rheumatoid arthritis, medication can be an essential part of controlling the disease and managing symptoms. This is the moment where those who are insured breathe a deep, relieved breath. At least they won't have to worry about medication cost. Or will they?"
The rest of that post is here.
Also this week, I had the privilege of profiling ten amazing people in the inflammatory arthritis community, talking about what they do to advocate and raise awareness:
"Many people who live with rheumatoid arthritis are engaged in advocacy and raising awareness in one way or another. Many more want to get involved, but have limited energy or don’t know what to do. As part of our celebration of Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to profile a number of people who have found various ways, big and small, to spread the word. We hope that these stories might inspire you by showing that there is a range of activities you can do to advocate and raise awareness, depending on your health, energy and time. All of the people profiled do this is a labor of love by donating their time to the cause."
You can read the rest of that post here.
And now: weekend. I hope yours is wonderful.
Quilter's Notebook
To contact us Click HERE
I am still making small chipboard notebooks that hold scraps of fabric and notes about projects.
I'm a sucker for these little books. I started using zebra duct tape as the binding tape. Really fun.
When Moleskin comes out with a new notebook, I always want those too. They are small, affordable in general (around $10, although maybe expensive for a notebook), but so very handy that I have a little collection of them.
One for quilting notes, one for spinning notes, one for 'firsts' about the kids - first steps, first lost tooth, etc. We had a first recently where my older son went to a friend's house to play. I had not really thought about it much, but it was the first time I actually let him stay at a friend's house without also staying there. He was so excited and proud and had such a blast.
I know I have said this before....as incredible as growing up is, it's all flying by too fast for my taste. Where is my slow-motion button when I need it? We are having so much fun with these small kids.
I am still making small chipboard notebooks that hold scraps of fabric and notes about projects.
I'm a sucker for these little books. I started using zebra duct tape as the binding tape. Really fun.
When Moleskin comes out with a new notebook, I always want those too. They are small, affordable in general (around $10, although maybe expensive for a notebook), but so very handy that I have a little collection of them.
One for quilting notes, one for spinning notes, one for 'firsts' about the kids - first steps, first lost tooth, etc. We had a first recently where my older son went to a friend's house to play. I had not really thought about it much, but it was the first time I actually let him stay at a friend's house without also staying there. He was so excited and proud and had such a blast.
I know I have said this before....as incredible as growing up is, it's all flying by too fast for my taste. Where is my slow-motion button when I need it? We are having so much fun with these small kids.
French Monk's Finest
To contact us Click HERE
When I was teaching quilting a couple of weekends ago at A Verb for Keeping Warm in Oakland, a couple of yarn balls found their way home with me.
See a 2 color shawl made out of this color and some purple yarn here (not made by me).
They dye various base yarns in this colorway called French Monk's Finest which is a very interesting shade of yellow/gold with greenish undertones.
I wanted to do something quick and easy with it so I started an extremely simple shawl called Mizzle by Patricia Martin. As I have been knitting here and there on it (often times during story time at night, when my husband reads to the kids or they read to us), I had a thought.
This is an AWESOME super easy pattern. It is super simple, could even be a beginner project, and still looks very smart.
It doesn't take much yarn at all, and goes super fast on size 6 needles.
If you know of somebody who wants to learn to knit, or if you just like knitting while being social at the same time, this project might just be for you.
I have the perfect coat to go with this. From the likes of this weather, I'm not going to be wearing it anytime soon.
When I was teaching quilting a couple of weekends ago at A Verb for Keeping Warm in Oakland, a couple of yarn balls found their way home with me.
See a 2 color shawl made out of this color and some purple yarn here (not made by me).
They dye various base yarns in this colorway called French Monk's Finest which is a very interesting shade of yellow/gold with greenish undertones.
I wanted to do something quick and easy with it so I started an extremely simple shawl called Mizzle by Patricia Martin. As I have been knitting here and there on it (often times during story time at night, when my husband reads to the kids or they read to us), I had a thought.
This is an AWESOME super easy pattern. It is super simple, could even be a beginner project, and still looks very smart.
It doesn't take much yarn at all, and goes super fast on size 6 needles.
If you know of somebody who wants to learn to knit, or if you just like knitting while being social at the same time, this project might just be for you.
I have the perfect coat to go with this. From the likes of this weather, I'm not going to be wearing it anytime soon.
Premie Hat
To contact us Click HERE
My sister's friend had a new baby recently, and I made this little hat for her.
I wonder if she will ever actually fit it on her head. I am no expert at making hats, or tiny newborn hats for that matter.
If it never sees her sweet little head, at least I know it will fit on her teddy bear!
To those of you who actually know how to knit out there, how small is too small? Ok, back to my quilting.
Seriously!!
My sister's friend had a new baby recently, and I made this little hat for her.I wonder if she will ever actually fit it on her head. I am no expert at making hats, or tiny newborn hats for that matter.
If it never sees her sweet little head, at least I know it will fit on her teddy bear!
To those of you who actually know how to knit out there, how small is too small? Ok, back to my quilting.
Seriously!!
20 Haziran 2012 Çarşamba
Earnings Reports Next Week April 30-May 4 2012
To contact us Click HERE
Indonesia stock info - Earnings Reports Next Week April 30-May 4 2012 ; The first-quarter earnings season has so far generated big waves of positive surprises, which fueled the upward momentum in the stock market. However, investors should take these earnings beats with a grain of salt.
Of the 268 companies that have announced results so far, 78 percent have beaten analysts' expectations, which is above the average 72 percent earnings beat rate of the past four quarters. In terms of revenue, 68 percent of companies have reported actual sales above estimated sales, which is also above the average 63 percent revenue beat rate of the past four quarters, according to data from FactSet.
For the quarter, the financial, industrial, and information-technology sectors are reporting the highest earnings-growth rates.
However, the picture might not be as rosy as it appears at first glance. The record-setting positive earnings surprises are masking a slightly more bearish reality: Corporate earnings are actually growing at a slower pace, compared with the same period a year ago.
The better-than-expected results came after analysts spent much of the first quarter trimming their forecasts. Back at the end of last year, Wall Street was expecting S&P 500 constituent companies to report a roughly 6 percent earnings growth rate in the first quarter of this year. That estimate plunged to a mere 2 percent by late February -- and edged up, to just below 3 percent, by mid-April.
The trend in earnings guidance is also a disappointment. For the first three months of 2012, 64 companies have issued negative EPS guidance, while 39 companies lifted earnings forecast.
We ran a screen and produced a list of 33 key companies set to report their earnings between April 30 and May 4. We have highlighted their expected reporting dates and times, along with analysts' EPS and revenue estimates from Reuters, as well as the stocks' year-to-date performances.
Monday Before Market Open, or BMO:
Loews Corp. (NYSE: L) has a market capitalization of $16.28 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 79 cents, a 11.2 percent drop from a year ago, when Loews earned 89 cents a share. Loews is currently trading around $41.03 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 9 percent in value.
Monday After Market Close, or AMC:
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC) has a market cap of $37.45 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 82 cents on revenue of $3.42 billion, compared with a profit of 72 cents a share on revenue of $3.25 billion in the year-ago period. Anadarko Petroleum is currently trading around $74.05 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost 3 percent in value.
McKesson Corp. (NYSE: MCK) has a market cap of $22.51 billion and is expected to report fiscal fourth-quarter EPS of $2.06 on revenue of $30.4 billion, compared with a profit of $1.66 a share on revenue of $28.85 billion in the year-ago period. McKesson is currently trading around $91.47 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 17.4 percent in value.
Tuesday BMO:
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) has a market cap of $173.81 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 56 cents on revenue of $15.47 billion, compared with a profit of 60 cents a share on revenue of $16.5 billion in the year-ago period. Pfizer is currently trading around $23.06 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 6.56 percent in value.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. (NYSE: ADM) has a market cap of $20.53 billion and is expected to report fiscal third-quarter EPS of 59 cents on revenue of $21.38 billion, compared with a profit of 86 cents a share on revenue of $20.08 billion in the year-ago period. Archer Daniels Midland is currently trading around $31.03 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 8.5 percent in value.
Automatic Data Processing Inc. (Nasdaq: ADP) has a market cap of $27.27 billion and is expected to report fiscal third-quarter EPS of 91 cents on revenue of $2.92 billion, compared with a profit of 85 cents a share on revenue of $2.74 billion in the year-ago period. Automatic Data Processing is currently trading around $55.58 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 2.91 percent in value.
Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE: BDX) has a market cap of $16.25 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of $1.38 on revenue of $1.94 billion, compared with a profit of $1.38 a share on revenue of $1.92 billion in the year-ago period. Becton Dickinson is currently trading around $77.32 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 3.48 percent in value.
Biogen Idec Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) has a market cap of $31.23 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.48 on revenue of $1.32 billion, compared with a profit of $1.43 a share on revenue of $1.2 billion in the year-ago period. Biogen Idec is currently trading around $130.8 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 18.86 percent in value.
Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE: EMR) has a market cap of $38.1 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of 80 cents on revenue of $6.0 billion, compared with a profit of 73 cents a share on revenue of $5.85 billion in the year-ago period. Emerson Electric is currently trading around $51.88 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 11.35 percent in value.
Marathon Petroleum Corp (NYSE: MPC) has a market cap of $14.14 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.34 on revenue of $17.68 billion, compared with a profit of $2.29 a share on revenue of $20.79 billion in the year-ago period. Marathon Petroleum is currently trading around $40.65 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 22.11 percent in value.
Avon Products Inc. (NYSE: AVP) has a market cap of $8.81 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 28 cents on revenue of $2.52 billion, compared with a profit of 37 cents a share on revenue of $2.63 billion in the year-ago period. Avon Products is currently trading around $21.80 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 24.79 percent in value.
Tuesday AMC:
Chesapeake Energy Corp. (NYSE: CHK) has a market cap of $11.63 billion and is expected to report a sharply lower first-quarter EPS of 29 cents on revenue of $2.78 billion, compared with a profit of 75 cents a share on revenue of $1.61 billion in the year-ago period. Chesapeake Energy is currently trading around $17.56 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost 21.22 percent in value.
Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (NYSE: MMI) has a market cap of $11.61 billion and is expected to swing to profit in the first quarter, recording an EPS of one cent on revenue of $2.96 billion, compared with a loss of 8 cents a share on revenue of $3.03 billion in the year-ago period. Motorola Mobility is currently trading around $38.43 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost one percent in value.
Broadcom Corp. (Nasdaq: BRCM) has a market cap of $20.08 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 55 cents on revenue of $1.8 billion, compared with a profit of 68 cents a share on revenue of $1.82 billion in the year-ago period. Broadcom is currently trading around $36.47 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 24.22 percent in value.
Tuesday At Noon:
Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) has a market cap of $22.31 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $2.22 on revenue of $4.4 billion, compared with a profit of $1.75 a share on revenue of $3.86 billion in the year-ago period. Cummins is currently trading around $116.08 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 31.88 percent in value.
Wednesday BMO:
Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) has a market cap of $36.58 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 64 cents on revenue of $6.82 billion, compared with a profit of 58 cents a share on revenue of $6.68 billion in the year-ago period. Time Warner is currently trading around $37.88 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 4.81 percent in value.
Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA) has a market cap of $81.83 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 42 cents on revenue of $14.44 billion, compared with a profit of 34 cents a share on revenue of $12.13 billion in the year-ago period. Comcast is currently trading around $30.24 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 27.54 percent in value.
Mastercard Inc. (NYSE: MA) has a market cap of $57.43 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $5.29 on revenue of $1.73 billion, compared with a profit of $4.29 a share on revenue of $1.5 billion in the year-ago period. Mastercard is currently trading around $453.98 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 21.77 percent in value.
CVS Caremark Corp. (NYSE: CVS) has a market cap of $58.25 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 63 cents on revenue of $30.31 billion, compared with a profit of 57 cents a share on revenue of $25.88 billion in the year-ago period. CVS Caremark is currently trading around $44.58 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 9.32 percent in value.
Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN) has a market cap of $27.9 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.44 on revenue of $2.58 billion, compared with a profit of $1.34 a share on revenue of $2.15 billion in the year-ago period. Devon Energy is currently trading around $69.05 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 11.37 percent in value.
Wednesday AMC:
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) has a market cap of $100.19 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of $1.5 on revenue of $2.48 billion, compared with a profit of $1.23 a share on revenue of $2.25 billion in the year-ago period. Visa is currently trading around $123.19 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 21.33 percent in value.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) has a market cap of $7.55 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of 64 cents on revenue of $971.72 million, compared with a profit of 48 cents a share on revenue of $647.66 million in the year-ago period. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is currently trading around $48.75 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 8.7 percent in value.
The Allstate Corp. (NYSE: ALL) has a market cap of $16.9 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.12 on revenue of $6.44 billion, compared with a profit of 93 cents a share on revenue of $6.22 billion in the year-ago period. Allstate is currently trading around $33.92 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 23.75 percent in value.
Prudential Financial Inc. (NYSE: PRU) has a market cap of $28.82 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.71 on revenue of $10.48 billion, compared with a profit of $1.69 a share on revenue of $9.2 billion in the year-ago period. Prudential Financial is currently trading around $61.31 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 22.33 percent in value.
Whole Foods Market Inc. (Nasdaq: WFM) has a market cap of $15.33 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of 59 cents on revenue of $2.67 billion, compared with a profit of 51 cents a share on revenue of $2.35 billion in the year-ago period. Whole Foods Market is currently trading around $84.08 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 20.84 percent in value.
Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) has a market cap of $12.01 billion and is expected to report fiscal fourth-quarter EPS of 39 cents on revenue of $1.69 billion, compared with a profit of 38 cents a share on revenue of $1.67 billion in the year-ago period. Symantec is currently trading around $16.47 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 5.24 percent in value.
Wednesday At Noon:
Marathon Oil Corp. (NYSE: MRO) has a market cap of $21.06 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 87 cents on revenue of $3.36 billion, compared with a profit of 88 cents a share on revenue of $21.07 billion in the year-ago period. An earnings conference call will be held at 2 p.m. EDT. Marathon Oil is currently trading around $29.9 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 2.15 percent in value.
Thursday BMO:
General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) has a market cap of $37.14 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 85 cents on revenue of $37.54 billion, compared with a profit of 95 cents a share on revenue of $36.19 billion in the year-ago period. General Motors is currently trading around $23.72 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 17.02 percent in value.
Viacom Inc. (Nasdaq: VIAB) has a market cap of $25.65 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of 90 cents on revenue of $3.33 billion, compared with a profit of 72 cents a share on revenue of $3.27 billion in the year-ago period. Viacom is currently trading around $47.44 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 4.47 percent in value.
American Tower Corp. (NYSE: AMT) has a market cap of $25.54 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 40 cents on revenue of $671.39 million, compared with a profit of 23 cents a share on revenue of $562.7 million in the year-ago period. American Tower is currently trading around $64.86 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 8.08 percent in value.
Thursday AMC:
American International Group Inc. (NYSE: AIG) has a market cap of $63.94 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.06 on revenue of $8.84 billion, compared with a profit of $1.30 a share on revenue of $8.65 billion in the year-ago period. American International Group is currently trading around $33.71 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 45.3 percent in value.
Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT) has a market cap of $69.11 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 56 cents on revenue of $13.04 billion, compared with a profit of 52 cents a share on revenue of $12.57 billion in the year-ago period. Kraft is currently trading around $39 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 4.39 percent in value.
LinkedIn Corp. (NYSE: LNKD) has a market cap of $10.78 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 9 cents on revenue of $178.36 million. The largest professional-networking website went public in May 2011 at $45 a share. The company posted a profit of 12 cents in the last three months of 2011 on revenue of $167.74 million. Linkedin is currently trading around $105.24 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 67 percent in value.
Friday BMO:
Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE: DUK) has a market cap of $28.61 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 37 cents on revenue of $3.60 billion, compared with a profit of 39 cents a share on revenue of $3.66 billion in the year-ago period. Duke Energy is currently trading around $21.38 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost about 3 percent in value.
Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. (NYSE: EL) has a market cap of $25.21 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 33 cents on revenue of $2.25 billion, compared with a profit of 71 cents a share on revenue of $2.17 billion in the year-ago period. Estee Lauder is currently trading around $65.02 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 15.78 percent in value.
Friday At Noon:
Exelon Corp. (NYSE: EXC) has a market cap of $25.61 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 81 cents on revenue of $7.67 billion, compared with a profit of $1.17 a share on revenue of $5.05 billion in the year-ago period. Exelon is currently trading around $38.59 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost 11 percent in value.
Of the 268 companies that have announced results so far, 78 percent have beaten analysts' expectations, which is above the average 72 percent earnings beat rate of the past four quarters. In terms of revenue, 68 percent of companies have reported actual sales above estimated sales, which is also above the average 63 percent revenue beat rate of the past four quarters, according to data from FactSet.
For the quarter, the financial, industrial, and information-technology sectors are reporting the highest earnings-growth rates.
However, the picture might not be as rosy as it appears at first glance. The record-setting positive earnings surprises are masking a slightly more bearish reality: Corporate earnings are actually growing at a slower pace, compared with the same period a year ago.
The better-than-expected results came after analysts spent much of the first quarter trimming their forecasts. Back at the end of last year, Wall Street was expecting S&P 500 constituent companies to report a roughly 6 percent earnings growth rate in the first quarter of this year. That estimate plunged to a mere 2 percent by late February -- and edged up, to just below 3 percent, by mid-April.
The trend in earnings guidance is also a disappointment. For the first three months of 2012, 64 companies have issued negative EPS guidance, while 39 companies lifted earnings forecast.
We ran a screen and produced a list of 33 key companies set to report their earnings between April 30 and May 4. We have highlighted their expected reporting dates and times, along with analysts' EPS and revenue estimates from Reuters, as well as the stocks' year-to-date performances.
Monday Before Market Open, or BMO:
Loews Corp. (NYSE: L) has a market capitalization of $16.28 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 79 cents, a 11.2 percent drop from a year ago, when Loews earned 89 cents a share. Loews is currently trading around $41.03 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 9 percent in value.
Monday After Market Close, or AMC:
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC) has a market cap of $37.45 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 82 cents on revenue of $3.42 billion, compared with a profit of 72 cents a share on revenue of $3.25 billion in the year-ago period. Anadarko Petroleum is currently trading around $74.05 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost 3 percent in value.
McKesson Corp. (NYSE: MCK) has a market cap of $22.51 billion and is expected to report fiscal fourth-quarter EPS of $2.06 on revenue of $30.4 billion, compared with a profit of $1.66 a share on revenue of $28.85 billion in the year-ago period. McKesson is currently trading around $91.47 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 17.4 percent in value.
Tuesday BMO:
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) has a market cap of $173.81 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 56 cents on revenue of $15.47 billion, compared with a profit of 60 cents a share on revenue of $16.5 billion in the year-ago period. Pfizer is currently trading around $23.06 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 6.56 percent in value.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. (NYSE: ADM) has a market cap of $20.53 billion and is expected to report fiscal third-quarter EPS of 59 cents on revenue of $21.38 billion, compared with a profit of 86 cents a share on revenue of $20.08 billion in the year-ago period. Archer Daniels Midland is currently trading around $31.03 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 8.5 percent in value.
Automatic Data Processing Inc. (Nasdaq: ADP) has a market cap of $27.27 billion and is expected to report fiscal third-quarter EPS of 91 cents on revenue of $2.92 billion, compared with a profit of 85 cents a share on revenue of $2.74 billion in the year-ago period. Automatic Data Processing is currently trading around $55.58 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 2.91 percent in value.
Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE: BDX) has a market cap of $16.25 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of $1.38 on revenue of $1.94 billion, compared with a profit of $1.38 a share on revenue of $1.92 billion in the year-ago period. Becton Dickinson is currently trading around $77.32 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 3.48 percent in value.
Biogen Idec Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) has a market cap of $31.23 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.48 on revenue of $1.32 billion, compared with a profit of $1.43 a share on revenue of $1.2 billion in the year-ago period. Biogen Idec is currently trading around $130.8 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 18.86 percent in value.
Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE: EMR) has a market cap of $38.1 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of 80 cents on revenue of $6.0 billion, compared with a profit of 73 cents a share on revenue of $5.85 billion in the year-ago period. Emerson Electric is currently trading around $51.88 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 11.35 percent in value.
Marathon Petroleum Corp (NYSE: MPC) has a market cap of $14.14 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.34 on revenue of $17.68 billion, compared with a profit of $2.29 a share on revenue of $20.79 billion in the year-ago period. Marathon Petroleum is currently trading around $40.65 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 22.11 percent in value.
Avon Products Inc. (NYSE: AVP) has a market cap of $8.81 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 28 cents on revenue of $2.52 billion, compared with a profit of 37 cents a share on revenue of $2.63 billion in the year-ago period. Avon Products is currently trading around $21.80 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 24.79 percent in value.
Tuesday AMC:
Chesapeake Energy Corp. (NYSE: CHK) has a market cap of $11.63 billion and is expected to report a sharply lower first-quarter EPS of 29 cents on revenue of $2.78 billion, compared with a profit of 75 cents a share on revenue of $1.61 billion in the year-ago period. Chesapeake Energy is currently trading around $17.56 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost 21.22 percent in value.
Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (NYSE: MMI) has a market cap of $11.61 billion and is expected to swing to profit in the first quarter, recording an EPS of one cent on revenue of $2.96 billion, compared with a loss of 8 cents a share on revenue of $3.03 billion in the year-ago period. Motorola Mobility is currently trading around $38.43 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost one percent in value.
Broadcom Corp. (Nasdaq: BRCM) has a market cap of $20.08 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 55 cents on revenue of $1.8 billion, compared with a profit of 68 cents a share on revenue of $1.82 billion in the year-ago period. Broadcom is currently trading around $36.47 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 24.22 percent in value.
Tuesday At Noon:
Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) has a market cap of $22.31 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $2.22 on revenue of $4.4 billion, compared with a profit of $1.75 a share on revenue of $3.86 billion in the year-ago period. Cummins is currently trading around $116.08 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 31.88 percent in value.
Wednesday BMO:
Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) has a market cap of $36.58 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 64 cents on revenue of $6.82 billion, compared with a profit of 58 cents a share on revenue of $6.68 billion in the year-ago period. Time Warner is currently trading around $37.88 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 4.81 percent in value.
Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA) has a market cap of $81.83 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 42 cents on revenue of $14.44 billion, compared with a profit of 34 cents a share on revenue of $12.13 billion in the year-ago period. Comcast is currently trading around $30.24 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 27.54 percent in value.
Mastercard Inc. (NYSE: MA) has a market cap of $57.43 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $5.29 on revenue of $1.73 billion, compared with a profit of $4.29 a share on revenue of $1.5 billion in the year-ago period. Mastercard is currently trading around $453.98 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 21.77 percent in value.
CVS Caremark Corp. (NYSE: CVS) has a market cap of $58.25 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 63 cents on revenue of $30.31 billion, compared with a profit of 57 cents a share on revenue of $25.88 billion in the year-ago period. CVS Caremark is currently trading around $44.58 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 9.32 percent in value.
Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN) has a market cap of $27.9 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.44 on revenue of $2.58 billion, compared with a profit of $1.34 a share on revenue of $2.15 billion in the year-ago period. Devon Energy is currently trading around $69.05 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 11.37 percent in value.
Wednesday AMC:
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) has a market cap of $100.19 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of $1.5 on revenue of $2.48 billion, compared with a profit of $1.23 a share on revenue of $2.25 billion in the year-ago period. Visa is currently trading around $123.19 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 21.33 percent in value.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) has a market cap of $7.55 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of 64 cents on revenue of $971.72 million, compared with a profit of 48 cents a share on revenue of $647.66 million in the year-ago period. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is currently trading around $48.75 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 8.7 percent in value.
The Allstate Corp. (NYSE: ALL) has a market cap of $16.9 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.12 on revenue of $6.44 billion, compared with a profit of 93 cents a share on revenue of $6.22 billion in the year-ago period. Allstate is currently trading around $33.92 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 23.75 percent in value.
Prudential Financial Inc. (NYSE: PRU) has a market cap of $28.82 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.71 on revenue of $10.48 billion, compared with a profit of $1.69 a share on revenue of $9.2 billion in the year-ago period. Prudential Financial is currently trading around $61.31 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 22.33 percent in value.
Whole Foods Market Inc. (Nasdaq: WFM) has a market cap of $15.33 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of 59 cents on revenue of $2.67 billion, compared with a profit of 51 cents a share on revenue of $2.35 billion in the year-ago period. Whole Foods Market is currently trading around $84.08 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 20.84 percent in value.
Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) has a market cap of $12.01 billion and is expected to report fiscal fourth-quarter EPS of 39 cents on revenue of $1.69 billion, compared with a profit of 38 cents a share on revenue of $1.67 billion in the year-ago period. Symantec is currently trading around $16.47 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 5.24 percent in value.
Wednesday At Noon:
Marathon Oil Corp. (NYSE: MRO) has a market cap of $21.06 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 87 cents on revenue of $3.36 billion, compared with a profit of 88 cents a share on revenue of $21.07 billion in the year-ago period. An earnings conference call will be held at 2 p.m. EDT. Marathon Oil is currently trading around $29.9 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 2.15 percent in value.
Thursday BMO:
General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) has a market cap of $37.14 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 85 cents on revenue of $37.54 billion, compared with a profit of 95 cents a share on revenue of $36.19 billion in the year-ago period. General Motors is currently trading around $23.72 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 17.02 percent in value.
Viacom Inc. (Nasdaq: VIAB) has a market cap of $25.65 billion and is expected to report fiscal second-quarter EPS of 90 cents on revenue of $3.33 billion, compared with a profit of 72 cents a share on revenue of $3.27 billion in the year-ago period. Viacom is currently trading around $47.44 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 4.47 percent in value.
American Tower Corp. (NYSE: AMT) has a market cap of $25.54 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 40 cents on revenue of $671.39 million, compared with a profit of 23 cents a share on revenue of $562.7 million in the year-ago period. American Tower is currently trading around $64.86 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 8.08 percent in value.
Thursday AMC:
American International Group Inc. (NYSE: AIG) has a market cap of $63.94 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of $1.06 on revenue of $8.84 billion, compared with a profit of $1.30 a share on revenue of $8.65 billion in the year-ago period. American International Group is currently trading around $33.71 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 45.3 percent in value.
Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT) has a market cap of $69.11 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 56 cents on revenue of $13.04 billion, compared with a profit of 52 cents a share on revenue of $12.57 billion in the year-ago period. Kraft is currently trading around $39 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 4.39 percent in value.
LinkedIn Corp. (NYSE: LNKD) has a market cap of $10.78 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 9 cents on revenue of $178.36 million. The largest professional-networking website went public in May 2011 at $45 a share. The company posted a profit of 12 cents in the last three months of 2011 on revenue of $167.74 million. Linkedin is currently trading around $105.24 a share. So far this year, the stock has appreciated 67 percent in value.
Friday BMO:
Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE: DUK) has a market cap of $28.61 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 37 cents on revenue of $3.60 billion, compared with a profit of 39 cents a share on revenue of $3.66 billion in the year-ago period. Duke Energy is currently trading around $21.38 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost about 3 percent in value.
Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. (NYSE: EL) has a market cap of $25.21 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 33 cents on revenue of $2.25 billion, compared with a profit of 71 cents a share on revenue of $2.17 billion in the year-ago period. Estee Lauder is currently trading around $65.02 a share. So far this year, the stock has gained 15.78 percent in value.
Friday At Noon:
Exelon Corp. (NYSE: EXC) has a market cap of $25.61 billion and is expected to report first-quarter EPS of 81 cents on revenue of $7.67 billion, compared with a profit of $1.17 a share on revenue of $5.05 billion in the year-ago period. Exelon is currently trading around $38.59 a share. So far this year, the stock has lost 11 percent in value.
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