Escorted Ski Trips

Planning ski vacations to major ski resorts is what we've done for 35 years. We know the ski resorts! We've seen them all and we've visited every lodge, hotel and accommodations we represent. Last minute reservations are no problem with Ski.com. If you're flexible, we'll have discounts and deals that are even better than our regular discounted rates for air, accommodations or lodging, lift tickets, lessons, ski rentals and more.

kredit ohne schufa

Schnell ist es passiert. Kein Geld um finanzielle Forderungen zu erfüllen, beispielsweise die Telefonrechnung. Das reicht aus und schon hat man einen negativen Eintrag in seiner SCHUFA-Akte. Die schufa (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) ist ein Kreditbüro, das von den Kreditgebern zum Beispiel Kreditinstituten, getragen wird. Ihr Ziel ist es Kreditgeber vor finanziellen Ausfällen zu bewahren, indem sie die Informationen sammelt, die für die Einschätzung der Kreditwürdigkeit von Personen von Belang sein könnenMit einem negativen Eintrag in die SCHUFA-Akte kann man meist bei inländischen Kreditinstituten keinen Kredit mehr erhalten. Die Lösung ist der so genannte "Schweizer Kredit". Hier wird ein Kredit auch trotz schufa gewährt. Das Kreditinstitut hat den Sitz in der Schweiz. Diese schufafreien Kredite werden über Vermittlungsfirmen vermittelt, und es wird keine Einsicht in die SCHUFA-Akte verlangt. Auch wer selbstständig arbeitet oder arbeitslos ist hat hier die Möglichkeit einen Kredit aufzunehmen, obwohl er nur in einem engen Rahmen sein Einkommen belegen könnte. Oftmals werden schufafreie ratenkredite in Anspruch genommen, die in monatlichen festgelegten Raten zurück bezahlt werden. Hier muss man allerdings im Normalfall mit höheren Zinsen rechnen, als es bei einem Kredit mit Einsicht in die SCHUFA-Akte der Fall wäre. Der Kreditgeber geht ein höheres Risiko ein und das spiegelt sich meist in den höheren Zinsen wider.Die Gründe weshalb man einen Kredit aufnehmen möchte sind vielseitig. Wichtig ist es für den Kreditnehmer jedoch, sich über seinen finanziellen Rahmen im Klaren zu sein. Er muss vorher genau prüfen, ob er in der Zukunft in der Lage sein wird, den aufgenommenen kredit auch wieder abzubezahlen. Ansonsten läuft man Gefahr, in noch größere finanzielle Probleme zu geraten, anstatt seine Probleme zu lösen. Ein gründlicher Vergleich zwischen Kreditangeboten ist also dringend anzuraten, damit nichts der Umsetzung seines Projekts im Wege steht.

krediet,bank,finance,Banking

In een kort overzicht vind u hier de verschillende leenvormen. Voor de alle duidelijkheid staan hier de verschillen in het kort opgesomd.RekenvoorbeeldDe familie De Vries wil een lening aanvragen voor de verbouwing van de badkamer. Voor deze verbouwing willen ze € 5000,00 lenen. De familie De Vries wil zekerheid wat betreft de maandelijkse rente en wil tussentijds geen geld meer opnemen. Ze kiezen daarom voor een persoonlijke lening.Jan en Anita willen meer financiële bestedingsruimte. Tussentijds willen ze geld kunnen opnemen. Wanneer er meer geld beschikbaar is, willen ze ook de mogelijkheid hebben om meer af te lossen. Ze kiezen voor een doorlopend krediet.Lening vormenDoorlopend kredietWat is een doorlopend krediet?Een doorlopend krediet is er om over langere periode meer bestedingsruimte te hebben. U mag steeds geld opnemen tot aan de kredietlimiet, maar u mag ook minder opnemen.Tussentijds mag er altijd zonder boete worden afgelost. Dit krediet is handig wanneer u nog niet exact weet hoeveel geld u nodig heeft of wanneer u het geld nodig heeft. U betaald elke maand een vast bedrag aan rente en aflossing.Voordelen:- Alleen rente betalen over het opgenomen bedrag- Tussentijds extra geld aflossen (boetevrij)- Meestal een eigen bankpasOversluiten van een doorlopend krediet:U heeft een lening of misschien wel meerdere leningen lopen. Het is dan vaak voordeliger om uw huidige krediet(en) over te sluiten. In plaats van verschillende afschriften, komt alles dan op één handig overzicht.Tussentijds een extra krediet afsluiten:Wanneer u geen achterstand hebt opgelopen met betalen en uw financiële situatie laat het toe, is het mogelijk om een nieuwe lening af te sluiten voordat de vorige is afgelopen. Een deel van het bedrag dat u leent, wordt dan gebruikt voor de aflossing van de vorige overeenkomst(en).Verhogen doorlopend kredietHet kan voorkomen dat naast uw doorlopend krediet nog behoefte is aan een extra financiële reserve. U kunt er dan voor kiezen om het bestaande krediet open te breken en vervolgens uw krediet te verhogen.Persoonlijke leningWat is een persoonlijke leningBij de persoonlijke lening krijgt u in één keer de beschikking over het geleende bedrag. Wanneer u een persoonlijke lening afsluit, weet u precies wanneer de lening eindigt. U spreekt namelijk van tevoren een looptijd af. Zo spreekt u bij een persoonlijk krediet eenmalig een leenbedrag en een looptijd af. U krijgt dit bedrag in één keer op uw rekening gestort. Vervolgens betaald u maandelijks een vast bedrag aan rente en aflossing. In tijden van rentestijgingen biedt een persoonlijk krediet u zekerheid, want uw rente blijft ongewijzigd! Zo weet u precies waar u aan toe bent.Bent u van plan een nieuwe auto of caravan te kopen? Of wordt het tijd voor nieuwe meubels? Wellicht heeft u hiervoor gespaard, maar is het genoeg? Wanneer u extra geld nodig heeft, maar graag overzicht houdt in uw financiën, is een persoonlijke lening voor u een oplossing!Voordelen:- Uitbetaling direct ineens- Vast rentepercentage- Vast maandbedrag- Vaste looptijdVaste renteWanneer de rente stijgt is een persoonlijke lening ideaal. Mocht de rente stijgen, dan heeft dit geen enkele invloed op de persoonlijke lening. Deze rente blijft ongewijzigd.Stel u koopt een auto. Bij een persoonlijke lening spreekt u van tevoren af wat de looptijd van de lening is. U kunt deze lening bijvoorbeeld afstemmen op de levensduur

Pittsburgh Places

Like No Place ElsePittsburgh is a sports town. And a cultural town. And a zoo town. And more than just stadiums, museums and animals. Carnegie Mellon students can often be found attending a Pirates game, visiting the Andy Warhol Museum, hiking through Frick Park and riding the incline up Mount Washington to enjoy one of the best city views in the nation.Professional SportsIn Pittsburgh, the "black and gold" could mean any of our professional sports teams. The five-time Super Bowl champion Steelers make their home at Heinz Field, while our baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, play at PNC Park. Our hockey team, the Penguins, skate at Mellon Arena, located in the uptown district of Pittsburgh.Zoo, Aquarium and AviaryThe Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is one of America's few zoo and aquarium combinations. With animals from the endangered snow leopard to the giant elephant to the western lowland gorilla, Pittsburgh Zoo boasts habitats like the Asian Forest, the African Savanna and Cheetah Valley. And the aquarium features a crawl-through stingray tunnel, a two-story shark tank and revolving tanks that house everything from Beluga to jellyfish to potbellied sea horses.The National Aviary, on Pittsburgh's North Side, is the nation's only independent, indoor, non-profit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. At the aviary, you'll find winged wonders from the smallest hummingbirds to the lofty red-crowned cranes.MuseumsPop Art comes alive at Pittsburgh's Andy Warhol Museum. (Did you know: Warhol graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology — now named Carnegie Mellon University). Even more contemporary art — installation art — will surround you at The Mattress Factory. What once was an industrial plant for bed-making is now one of the few museums of its kind. Anywhere.But, if you're looking for a wide range of styles and periods, The Carnegie Museum of Art is a must-see. Within the same structure as the Carnegie Museum of Natural history, the art museum contains the largest collection of plaster casts of architectural masterpieces in America and one of the three largest in the world. Carnegie Mellon also participates in many community partnerships like the Arts Pass Program that provides free admission for students to some of Pittsburgh's most interesting attractions.Outdoor Parks and SlopesJust a jaunt away from Carnegie Mellon's campus, Frick Park is the city's largest park, covering 600 acres. Schenley Park is even closer to campus and offers an outdoor pool, skating rink and plenty of open space to play sports.When the temperature falls, so does the snow. Skiers and snowboarders can strap on their gear and visit two winter destinations within 90 minutes of campus. Hidden Valley and Seven Springs Mountain Resorts feature both down-hill and cross-country trails.Pittsburgh InclineA view of the city's skyline is rarely better than from atop Mount Washington, just 10 minutes from Carnegie Mellon's campus. To get the panoramic view, Pittsburghers and tourists alike often ride the Duquesne Incline. Featuring two original 1877 cable cars, the incline travels from a low-lying area in the South Side to the top of one of Pittsburgh's most famous hills — Mount Washington — home to eclectic eateries and historic neighborhoods.

Robotic suit helps paralyzed walk

LONDON, England (CNN) -- A new robotic suit could transform the lives of paralyzed people, giving them the ability to walk again.The invention, known as ReWalk, acts like a kind of exoskeleton. It consists of lightweight, motorized leg supports and an assortment of intricate motion sensors.Users wear a backpack that holds a computerized control box which helps the medical device recognize when a step needs to be taken."Standing changes my whole environment. I don't have to look from the bottom up. Now I am eye to eye with everybody," Radi Kaiof, who has used the device, told CNN.Kaiof, a former Israeli soldier, was paralyzed from the waist down 20 years ago. He doesn't have feeling in his legs but is still able to move with the use of the robotic suitWith the assistance of crutches, which offer balance and support, people paralyzed from the waist down can walk, bend, sit and even climb stairs when they wear the suit.The futuristic invention offers an alternative to using a wheelchair for those who have functioning upper bodies and are capable of standing with the use of supports.It is the creation of Dr. Amit Goffer, an engineer and founder of Haifa, Israel-based high-tech firm Argo Medical Technologies. Goffer was inspired to create the device more than a decade ago after he became disabled in an accident.The medical technology that could help paraplegics do what was once considered impossible isn't available for purchase yet. The device wasn't ready for testing until late 2007 and currently is in clinical trials in Tel Aviv. * More trials are planned for the United States and Europe, and if the product receives the necessary approvals, it could hit the market in 2010.The price of the device hasn't been set yet, but is expected to be comparable with the typical average yearly expense of using a wheelchair.The robotic suit improves the quality of life of people paralyzed from the waist down, according to Goffer, who wanted to give paraplegics an alternative to using a wheelchair. It also benefits their overall health since it keeps their bodies active all day long, he says.But when it comes down to it, the invention is all about helping people regain respect. Dignity is "the No. 1 problem" for people who use wheelchairs, says Goffer.For Kaiof, the former soldier, the robotic suit has changed his life. Before he tried it on, his daughter had never seen him stand before.When he stood before her for the first time, she couldn't believe just how tall he was, he recounted to CNN.

Kings Courtyard Inn

Uilt in 1853, Kings Courtyard Inn is one of the most historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast Inns. Architect Francis D. Lee designed the three-story antebellum structure in the Greek revival style with unusual Egyptian detail. The building is one of King Street's largest and oldest structures, and has had many uses in the 150 year existence-high quality shops, private residences, and at one time, the upper floors were used as an Inn catering to plantation owners, shipping interests and merchant guests. Kings Courtyard Inn is located at 198 King Street, in the heart of Charleston's historic district. In the late 1600's and early 1700's, King Street was the main "trail" leading into old Charles Towne. During the past three centuries, this quaint thoroughfare of small shops and charming homes has delighted and intrigued Charlestonians and visitors alike. The Inn maintains the residential atmosphere of lower King Street, and extreme care has been taken to ensure the necessary architectural and historic accuracy for which Charleston is famous. Each of the rooms has an individual distinction. All rooms feature oversized beds, some with canopied beds and fireplaces, and many have an excellent view of one of the inner courtyards. In addition, some with canopied beds and fireplaces, and living rooms with original architectural features. Comfort and services are of primary importance. All guests of the Inn will receive complimentary wine or sherry on arrival and a morning newspaper delivered to the room. They also receive a continental breakfast served each morning in their room, the courtyards, or in the breakfast room. Also, guests may order a full breakfast from the kitchen if they so choose.The Inn is within easy walking distance of Charleston's historic homes, gardens, and churches, the Shops of Charleston Place, and only a block away from the City Market area. Here, one may explore one interesting shop after another, barter for the unusual in the open market, or enjoy a delicious meal at one of many delightful restaurants.

Best Western Ludlow Colonial Motel

Address:93 Main Street, Ludlow, Vermont, 05149-1057, USPhone: 802/228-8188 Fax: 802/228-7731Welcome to Best Western Ludlow Colonial Motel!For lodging in Ludlow choose this charming and award winning Best Western located in a picturesque historic district of Vermont.The Best Western Ludlow Colonial Motel is located in beautiful Vermont and offers easy access to area attractions including the Okemo Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding. Guest will also be close to Fletcher Farm School for Arts and Crafts, the Weston Playhouse Theatre as well as the lake area offering numerous recreational activities for any age.This quaint motel offers 48 modern deluxe rooms featuring all the amenities to make any stay more comfortable including cable television with HBO®, microwave, refrigerator and complimentary continental breakfast. High-speed Internet access, outdoor pool and exercise facilities are also available.A friendly staff is ready to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay while in Ludlow, Vermont. Make an online reservation today at the Best Western Ludlow Colonial Motel!

Best Western La Copa Inn Suites

350 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas, 78597-6501, USPhone: 956/761-6000 Fax: 956/761-6013Welcome to Best Western La Copa Inn & Suites!Escape to this new South Padres Island, Texas hotel offering beachfront accommodations close to Schlitterbahn Water Park.Welcome to the new Best Western La Copa Inn & Suites where guests will receive spectacular beachfront accommodations and top-notch amenities for an affordable price. Located in beautiful South Padre Island, guests staying at this Texas hotel will enjoy modern, well-appointed guest rooms featuring therapeutic mattresses, cable satellite television, and free high-speed Internet access. To ensure a great start to the day, hotel guests are greeted every morning with a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. After a long day, guests are invited to unwind at the hotel's daily Happy Hour. And to help make life on the road even more comfortable, the Best Western La Copa Inn & Suites features a swimming pool and hot tub overlooking the beach and fully equipped exercise facility. Planning an event? This South Padre hotel is complete with meeting space that can accommodate up to 250 guests. The onsite business center also makes conducting business from the Best Western La Copa Inn & Suites easy and convenient.The Best Western La Copa Inn & Suites is close to where travelers want to be while visiting South Padres Island. Nestled right on the beach, hotel guests will enjoy days of soaking up the sand, sun and surf, parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico or taking a boat ride out for dolphin watching or fishing. Families will especially love being situated so close to Schlitterbahn Water Park. Within a short car ride, guests can explore beautiful Matamoros, Mexico. The Best Western La Copa Inn & Suites also frequently hosts guests in town attending famous South Padre Island events like Bike Fest, Sandcastle Days and Music Fest.The friendly, helpful staff at the Best Western La Copa Inn & Suites is ready to ensure a fun-filled memorable stay in South Padre Island in Texas. Make a reservation today and save!

HOTEL CELIMAR

Welcome to Hotel Celimar in Sitges. We offer you the chance to enjoy an out-of-the-ordinary experience, by staying in a modernist building that was constructed at the end of the 19th century, which has been declared an Architectural and Artistic Heritage site, due to its beautiful design. Hotel Celimar is next to the beach and right in the centre of Sitges. It was recently restored to ensure guests maximum comfort and quality service

Plainfield, IL — Weyerhaeuser has selected HPD to supply a new Chloride Removal Process (CRP) system as part of an installation of a new recovery boil

Plainfield, IL — Weyerhaeuser has selected HPD to supply a new Chloride Removal Process (CRP) system as part of an installation of a new recovery boiler at their Campti, LA mill.The CRP system, a proprietary crystallization process from HPD, decreases concentration of chloride and potassium in the recovery cycle that become enriched in flue gas dust. Chloride and potassium, if left untreated, accumulate in the process and often lead to fouling of the recovery boiler, which can lead to corrosion and inefficient boiler operations. The Chloride Removal Process allows removal of these elements with efficient recovery of process chemicals such as sodium and sulfate. Savings in operating costs are realized through a reduction in chemical makeup costs that are associated with the dumping of precipitator ash as a means of removal.The new system will be integrated into the existing recovery area at the Campti Mill. HPD will provide design, engineering and major equipment supply involved with the Chloride Removal Process

Precision Gantry Systems

Anorad is the world's leader in precision gantries with an installed base of several thousand systems reliably operating around the world. The success of these products is due to Anorad's ability to competitively meet the aggressive performance demands of OEMs in an ever-increasing array of precision manufacturing processes.Hercules Series Gantry X-Y stagesAnorad's standard low cost Hercules Series Gantries are designed for economy and performance. Their highly efficient layout provides the best utilization ratio of system X-Y travel to overall gantry footprint.The Hercules family of gantries are designed to address a multitude of performance requirements for inspection, pick-and-place, assembly or dispensing applications. Taking advantage of economies-of-scale, the Hercules gantry stages are based on a single platform design. Many linear servo motor selections, linear encoder options and several travel lengths allow Anorad to uniquely support a variety of applications with a cost effective solution.The standard model Hercules gantries feature Anorad's new LC iron core linear motors. These motors are ideally suited to meet the rapid point-to-point motion common in the electronics assembly industry. These high force LC motors, combined with a low mass, ridged webbed X-axis crossbeam, allows high acceleration to help maximize throughput.Additional design features include cable carriers terminating at a fixed bulkhead connector. This provides for easy integration. Travel limits for both the X and Y axes are adjustable to optimize total work area. A variety of optical encoders with multiple resolutions can be selected based upon application requirements.The Hercules Gantry is the first of its type to offer a standard modular base plate to reduce total gantry cost in a standard base configuration. This innovative design offers user flexibility with work surface fixturing and interchangeability. The modular base allows the machine builder to utilize the same machine on differently tooled multiple lines.In addition to all these features, the Hercules Series Gantries can be supplied with many desirable value-added options including Z axis or Theta axis modules, servo drive and control packages, machine frames, enclosures and the complete line of over 500,000 world-class industrial automation products available only from Rockwell Automation.Product Features* Low-cost modular design* Optional modular base plate offers flexibility with work surface fixturing* XY travels from 250-to-650 mm* High output iron core or zero cogging motors* Dual-motor Y axis options for high-speed precision applications* Compact Footprint maximizes use of production area,,,alıntı,,,

3 Yaşındaki Egehan Sır Oldu

EGEHAN DAHA ÇOK KÜÇÜK VE AYLARDIR KAYIP. BİZ BÜYÜK BİR BLOG AİLESİ OLARAK DÜNYANIN HERYERİNE ULAŞABİLİRİZ VE BİR DAMLA DA OLSA YARDIM EDEBİLİRİZ BELKİ. LÜTFEN BU RESMİ YAYINLAYIN!3 Yaşındaki Egehan Sır Olduİstanbul'dan Amasya'daki köyüne ailesiyle birlikte gelen ve evinin önünde oynarken kaybolan 3 yaşındaki Egehan Çıplak tüm aramalara rağmen bulunamadı.İstanbul'dan Amasya'daki köyüne ailesiyle birlikte gelen ve evinin önünde oynarken kaybolan 3 yaşındaki Egehan Çıplak tüm aramalara rağmen bulunamadı.Annesi Şükran (28), babası Serdal Çıplak (33) ve ağabeyi Emirhan (5) ile birlikte İstanbul'dan Amasya Sarayözü köyüne bir akrabalarının düğününe katılmak üzere gelen Egehan Çıplak, Amasya'ya geldiklerinin ikinci gününde anne ve babasının düğünde olduğu esnada evlerinin önünde oynarken ortadan kayboldu. 18 Haziran sabahı saat 09.30'da sıralarında kaybolan küçük Egehan'ı Amasya Jandarma Komutanlığı'na bağlı ekipleri, Sivil Savunma Müdürlüğü arama kurtarma ekipleri ve İstanbul'dan gelen AKUT ekipleri özelyetiştirilmiş köpeklerle aradı. Köy ve çevresinde 4 gün süren aramalar sonuç vermeyince, jandarma ekipleri küçük Egehan'ın kaçırılmış olabileceği ihtimali üzerinde durmaya başladı.Sinir krizleri geçiren anne Şükran Çıplak, "Yavrum 5 dakikalığına oynamak için evin önüne indi. 'Oynasın' dedim oynayamadı, yavrumu götürdüler. Allah rızası için getirsinler artık yavrumu. Gecelerce günlerce ağlamaktan gözyaşı kalmadı gözlerimde. Ağabeyi de özlüyor, ne olur acıyın halimize acıyın artık. Oğlum sünnet oldu, yaraları bile geçmedi. 5 dakika içinde ne olur, nereye gidebilir 3 yaşındaki çocuk. Görenler duyanlar ne olursunuz haber verin. Biz buraya oğlumuz eğlensin diye geldik. İstanbul'dakoşup oynayamadığı için buraya getirdik" dedi.Küçük Egehan'ın resimleri civar köylere dağıtılırken, jandarma ekipleri geniş çapta araştırma yapıyor.3 Yaşındaki Egehan Sır Oldu haberinin tüm resimleri için tıklayınızLPGHABER" Türkiyenin Otogaz Portali "

3 Yaşındaki Egehan Sır Oldu

EGEHAN DAHA ÇOK KÜÇÜK VE AYLARDIR KAYIP. BİZ BÜYÜK BİR BLOG AİLESİ OLARAK DÜNYANIN HERYERİNE ULAŞABİLİRİZ VE BİR DAMLA DA OLSA YARDIM EDEBİLİRİZ BELKİ. LÜTFEN BU RESMİ YAYINLAYIN!3 Yaşındaki Egehan Sır Olduİstanbul'dan Amasya'daki köyüne ailesiyle birlikte gelen ve evinin önünde oynarken kaybolan 3 yaşındaki Egehan Çıplak tüm aramalara rağmen bulunamadı.İstanbul'dan Amasya'daki köyüne ailesiyle birlikte gelen ve evinin önünde oynarken kaybolan 3 yaşındaki Egehan Çıplak tüm aramalara rağmen bulunamadı.Annesi Şükran (28), babası Serdal Çıplak (33) ve ağabeyi Emirhan (5) ile birlikte İstanbul'dan Amasya Sarayözü köyüne bir akrabalarının düğününe katılmak üzere gelen Egehan Çıplak, Amasya'ya geldiklerinin ikinci gününde anne ve babasının düğünde olduğu esnada evlerinin önünde oynarken ortadan kayboldu. 18 Haziran sabahı saat 09.30'da sıralarında kaybolan küçük Egehan'ı Amasya Jandarma Komutanlığı'na bağlı ekipleri, Sivil Savunma Müdürlüğü arama kurtarma ekipleri ve İstanbul'dan gelen AKUT ekipleri özelyetiştirilmiş köpeklerle aradı. Köy ve çevresinde 4 gün süren aramalar sonuç vermeyince, jandarma ekipleri küçük Egehan'ın kaçırılmış olabileceği ihtimali üzerinde durmaya başladı.Sinir krizleri geçiren anne Şükran Çıplak, "Yavrum 5 dakikalığına oynamak için evin önüne indi. 'Oynasın' dedim oynayamadı, yavrumu götürdüler. Allah rızası için getirsinler artık yavrumu. Gecelerce günlerce ağlamaktan gözyaşı kalmadı gözlerimde. Ağabeyi de özlüyor, ne olur acıyın halimize acıyın artık. Oğlum sünnet oldu, yaraları bile geçmedi. 5 dakika içinde ne olur, nereye gidebilir 3 yaşındaki çocuk. Görenler duyanlar ne olursunuz haber verin. Biz buraya oğlumuz eğlensin diye geldik. İstanbul'dakoşup oynayamadığı için buraya getirdik" dedi.Küçük Egehan'ın resimleri civar köylere dağıtılırken, jandarma ekipleri geniş çapta araştırma yapıyor.3 Yaşındaki Egehan Sır Oldu haberinin tüm resimleri için tıklayınızLPGHABER" Türkiyenin Otogaz Portali "

ASC process systems

ASC is a leading manufacturer of specialized process equipment, control systems, and custom manufacturing software used in the composites, plastics, glass, solar, lumber, and concrete, coatings, and finishing industries. Our product lines include composite autoclaves, glass-laminating autoclaves, concrete autoclaves, industrial ovens, composite ovens, electroplating automation systems, process control software, autoclave control software, oven control software, and crane and hoist control software including scheduling. We're located in Los Angeles, CA and support thousands oAutoclaves and other equipmentASC manufactures a range of process equipment, including autoclaves, ovens, presses, heating systems, cooling systems, vacuum systems, and specialty pressure equipment. We also buy and sell used equipment.systems and hundreds of customers wControl & power systemsASC is a leading supplier of control and power systems for a wide variety of equipment and industries. We specialize in PC-based and PLC-based control solutions. Our PC-based systems typically feature our industry-standard CPC control software package.orldwide.Software for controls and manufacturingASC can develop custom software solutions for a wide variety of manufacturing applications. Our CPC software is the world's leading software for control of autoclaves, ovens, and many other applications. Our FLEXTIME software is also the leading PC-based solution for electro-plating and anodizing control

Conrad Jupiters on Queensland Hotels

Dine on a whim or indulge in five star fare with an exquisite selection of world class wines, haute cuisine and gourmet on the go. Party casino style and revel in the game for the ultimate players’ night out or excite the senses and spice up your night with the most stunning live entertainment on the Glitter Strip.Whether you’re chasing the action or the ultimate escape, Conrad Jupiters on Queensland’s stunning Gold Coast will elevate your expectations combining the luxury of a five star hotel with the buzz and excitement of seven award winning restaurants, eight funky bars and 24 hours of non-stop casino action.Set among six hectares of landscaped garden, the hotel has 594 superbly appointed guest rooms with sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Gold Coast hinterland, 29 luxury hotel suites and two spectacular penthouses. You’re also minutes away from the finest shopping on the Gold Coast and some of the most pristine beaches in the world.Conrad Jupiters has celebrated over 2 decades at the top with a $53 million casino refurbishment including the expansion of the gaming floor featuring stunning balconies with views of the Gold Coast skyline, a new casual dining restaurant ‘Bite’ and two lively new bars, ‘J bar’ and ‘Quid.’An additional $16 million dollars has been spent on a hotel and convention upgrade including a sophisticated new Reception Area, Cutting Edge Business Centre and Champagne Lobby Lounge and a contemporary, new look and feel for over 442 superior hotel rooms. Technological updates include high speed broadband connection for laptops, plus a high definition 32”LCD screen with an ipod compatible, slim line data panel.

Learn to cook

Learn to cook on one of our authentic Italian cooking courses at beautiful, an old recently restored large Tuscan villa set in a stunning and tranquil location in the hills of the Casentino valley some 50km south of Florence. A locally born chef who ran her own successful restuarant in nearby Bibbiena for 10 years.Paola will help you learn to cook splendid Italian 4 course dinners, and will teach you all the basic Italian cooking techniques, from pasta to pastries and everything in between. The cooking lessons are given in the "Cantina" of Casa Ombuto. All of the ingredients you will use are bought each morning from local markets and so you will learn to cook with fresh fruit and vegetables in season.Throughout your time at culinary school you will learn about the ingredients and the traditions around the dishes as well as food presentation and wine choice. We also make it possible to learn to cook light and healthy cuisine with our new course that focuses on preparing tasty low calorie meals.Our learn to cook courses are from Saturday to Saturday and include 4 elaborate hands-on cooking sessions with enough time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. A one-day excursion will be organized to visit a vineyard for wine tasting, as well as to a local producer of olive oil and time for shopping. It is also possible to bring along a non-participating partner who can spend the days sightseeing or playing golf while you learn to cook, and then rejoin the party for the evening meals.If you would like to learn to cook authentic Italian cuisine in a beautiful and tranquil seting then our cookery courses are an ideal choice for you. ITALIAN COOKERY COURSE.

Pyramid Hotels Group

Pyramid Hotel Group LLC (Pyramid), a Boston-based hotel development, management and ownership firm, today announced that Mr. Davis Sezna has joined the firm as president of La Quinta Resort & Club(R) and PGA WEST (R). In his new role, Sezna is responsible for asset management and community relations for both Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund assets.consulting firm focused on restaurant, golf course, private club, hotel design, master planning and development. He has spent 35 years developing, owning and operating hotels, golf courses and restaurants. "Mr. Sezna's vast and wide-ranging set of experiences make him uniquely qualified for this critical role." states Richard M. Kelleher, chairman and chief executive officer of Pyramid. "He will be representing Morgan Stanley's and Pyramid's interests in the further development and enhancement of these two remarkable, one-of-a-kind assets. We're proud to have someone of his professional distinction on our team." "I am struck by the sense of place, history and community evident in both La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West. It will be an honor to be associated with these magnificent resorts. I have never before seen facilities with more ingredients, texture and just pure sensory energy. The chance to be associated with Pyramid and Morgan Stanley was also a significant factor in my decision to take on this responsibility," stated Sezna. La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West are owned by Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund (MSREF) in partnership with Pyramid, as part of a portfolio of luxury resorts, recently acquired from CNL Hotels and Resorts, Inc. Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund is comprised of three major global businesses: Investing, banking and lending. Since 1991, the company has acquired $135.9 billion of real estate assets world-wide and currently manages $68.0 billion in real estate assets on behalf of its clients. A complete range of market-leading investment banking services for real estate clients, include advice on strategy, mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, as well as underwriting public debt, private debt and equity financings. As a global leader in real estate lending, Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund has offered approximately $156.0 billion of CMBS through capital markets since 1997, including $35.5 billion in 2006. For more information about Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund, please visit www.morganstanley.com/realestate. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firms employees serve clients worldwide. Pyramid Hotel Group LLC, founded in 1999, is a full-service hotel company that owns, manages and asset manages hotels and hotel construction and renovation projects. For more information about the company and its affiliates, visit the companyPyramid Hotel GroupJohn GreenSenior Vice President, Operations EastMr. Green brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to the Pyramid Hotel Group team. His ten year tenure with Wyndham International included five years as Area Director of Operations Northeast supervising as many as 19 hotels in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and other domestic and international markets including Montreal, Toronto and Bermuda. General Manager assignments included opening the 4-diamond Wyndham Chicago and the Wyndham Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Golf Resort. Prior to Wyndham, Mr. Green was Vice President Operations for Signature Hospitality Resources and a Regional Vice President Operations for John Q. Hammons Hotels. During the 1980’s Mr. Green served with Doubletree Hotels as General Manager in Scottsdale, AZ, Overland Park, KS and Walnut Creek, CA. Larry VitaglianoSenior Vice President, Operations WestMr. Vitagliano spent 20 years with Doubletree, Hilton, and Promus Hotel companies as a general manager for hotels throughout the country. Property experience includes general manager positions at Doubletree Hotels in Seattle, Tysons Corner, Dallas, and Kansas City. He led the Antlers Doubletree Hotel in Colorado Springs from 1989 to 1995, and has now returned to the property under Pyramid's management. In addition to his general manager position at the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs, Mr. Vitagliano oversees Pyramid's San Antonio, Texas hotel, the Crowne Plaza San Antonio Riverwalk.Alan BednowitzVice President, Sales & MarketingAlan Bednowitz is an accomplished sales and marketing executive with a track record of success at both the property- and corporate-level of hospitality organizations. For more than a decade he was affiliated with Promus Hotel Corporation (and its predecessor companies Doubletree and Guest Quarters), where he rose to the position of senior director, national sales. Prior to joining Pyramid Hotel Group, Mr. Bednowitz was vice president, sales and relationship management for StarCite, Inc., a meeting industry technology company.Edgar NugentVice President, Hotel AccountingMr. Nugent is a senior hospitality executive with more than 25 years of financial management experience. His 20-year tenure with Marriott Corporation took him from Texas to Panama to Saudi Arabia and Germany. Prior to joining Pyramid Hotel Group he was a partner in his own hospitality consulting firm, where he counseled hotel owners and investors seeking development support.Robert DiDucaVice President, Managing DirectorMr. DiDuca has 24 years experience in independent and franchised hotel operations including Marriott, Hilton, Doubletree, and Sheraton. He has also successfully transitioned more than 30 properties to new ownership and management including brand conversions. Renovation responsibilities consisting of over $40 million in project improvement have been executed. Mr. DiDuca, based in Boston, oversees hotels in the Northeast and Michigan and continues with Hotel Transitions.Harry GreenblattVice President, Managing DirectorMr. Greenblatt's nearly 30-year career began as a management trainee with Hyatt Hotel Corporation. Following a decade of food and beverage management experience, he switched to operations and began a lengthy association with Doubletree Hotels. During his 17 years with Doubletree Mr. Greenblatt was GM of the Doubletree Hotel Allen Center and Hotel Post Oak, both in Houston. Today he is general manager of the Houston Marriott Westchase with regional operations responsibility for Pyramid's additional Texas properties.Robert (Tico) Bevier, CHAVice President, Managing Director Mr. Bevier has 25 years of experience in the hospitality field, encompassing food and beverage, rooms, operations, and consulting. His affiliation with Pyramid began in 2003 when he consulted with the company on hotel acquisitions and transitions. His extensive hospitality career started with Hyatt Hotels; moving on to La Mansion Hotels; and then he spent 15 years with Hilton Hotels Corporation, mostly at the Doubletree Hotel New Orleans as General Manager. Immediately prior to joining Pyramid he was President of Expotel Hospitality Services for three years. Mr. Bevier remains in New Orleans with Pyramid, where he is responsible for the Maison Dupuy and the New Orleans Lakeside hotels.George McGannVice President, Managing DirectorGeorge McGann has over 25 years experience in the hotel industry, with over 10 years of this experience as a General Manager. He started his career in the food and beverage discipline, as a trainee for the Hyatt Corporation. Presently, George is General Manager of the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel with regional responsibility for the Pleasanton Crowne Plaza (soon to be Marriott) and the Sonoma County Hilton. He joined Pyramid as the General Manger of the Crowne Plaza San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel. Prior to joining Pyramid Hotels, George was the General Manager/Complex General Manager for Starwood Hotels for over 7 years.Bruce CarltonArea Managing DirectorBruce has over 25 years of hotel experience holding various positions. After receiving his BSBA Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Denver, he completed the Corporate Management Trainee program with Hyatt. Most recently, Bruce was the GM at the Doubletree Hotel San Francisco Airport.Mark FallonArea Managing DirectorMark has over 25 years experience with both upscale independent and branded hotels. He managed the La Mansion Del Rio hotel in San Antonio, TX and then joined the team at Guest Quarters in Boston, MA Following his 11 year association with Guest Quarters, Doubletree, and then Promus, Mark was the opening General Manager at the Mystic Marriott Hotel in Mystic, CT and the Marriott Hartford Downtown at Adriaen's Landing in Hartford, CT. Prior to joining Pyramid, he was VP of Operations for Magna Hospitality Group.

Huntron Scanners

Add Scanning Capabilites to Your Huntron Tracker Model 30 SystemAdding a Huntron® Scanner to your Tracker Model 30 system lets you access components using standard DIP clips and cables, custom cables to PCB connectors or interface to a bed-of-nails.You can compare one component with another in real-time (64 pins max.) or use your PC to automate testing and scan up to 128 pins.Huntron Scanners can be used with a Huntron Access Prober to provide Common line connections while the Prober is probing a PCB. This method gives you up to 128 selectable Commons to use. For example, you can connect the Scanner to a connector on a PCB mounted in the Prober using a common ribbon style cable. While the Prober is probing, any one of the lines on the connected ribbon cable can be selected as the Common reference. This would provide you true point-to-point testing capabilities.Note: The ProTrack Scanner will be replaced by the Scanner II and/or the Scanner 31S effective 1/1/2008. This applies to commercial sales only.Scanner II and Scaner 31S users may want to consider these Optional Accessories to enhance their test capabilities.Highlights:* The Scanner II and Scanner 31S accessories add scanning capability to the Tracker Model 30* All Scanners have a minimum 64 pin capability* The Scanner II can scan up to 128 pins when the A and B channels are combined* The Scanner 31S use standard IDC style connectors* The Scanner II uses the common SCSI-2 (68 pin) style connectors* Up to 8 Scanner IIs can be “daisy-chained” to increase the available number of test pins Selecting Accessories for your Scanner IIThe Scanner II accessories for interfacing to your printed circuit board come "ala carte". This means that you select the accessories you want included with your Scanner. Choose from SMT or through-hole style DIP clip and cable kits (Scanner Adapter required with Scanner II) or a mutli-pin breakout cable. Details on these accessories are provided on this page.

Recover, Repair, Recycle

Huntron ScannersHuntron ScannersAdd Scanning Capabilites to Your Huntron Tracker Model 30 SystemTracker Model 30 shown with Scanner II underneathAdding a Huntron® Scanner to your Tracker Model 30 system lets you access components using standard DIP clips and cables, custom cables to PCB connectors or interface to a bed-of-nails.You can compare one component with another in real-time (64 pins max.) or use your PC to automate testing and scan up to 128 pins.Huntron Scanners can be used with a Huntron Access Prober to provide Common line connections while the Prober is probing a PCB. This method gives you up to 128 selectable Commons to use. For example, you can connect the Scanner to a connector on a PCB mounted in the Prober using a common ribbon style cable. While the Prober is probing, any one of the lines on the connected ribbon cable can be selected as the Common reference. This would provide you true point-to-point testing capabilities.Note: The ProTrack Scanner will be replaced by the Scanner II and/or the Scanner 31S effective 1/1/2008. This applies to commercial sales only.Scanner II and Scaner 31S users may want to consider these Optional Accessories to enhance their test capabilities.Highlights:The Scanner II and Scanner 31S accessories add scanning capability to the Tracker Model 30All Scanners have a minimum 64 pin capabilityThe Scanner II can scan up to 128 pins when the A and B channels are combinedThe Scanner 31S use standard IDC style connectorsThe Scanner II uses the common SCSI-2 (68 pin) style connectorsUp to 8 Scanner IIs can be “daisy-chained” to increase the available number of test pinsSelecting Accessories for your Scanner IIThe Scanner II accessories for interfacing to your printed circuit board come "ala carte". This means that you select the accessories you want included with your Scanner. Choose from SMT or through-hole style DIP clip and cable kits (Scanner Adapter required with Scanner II) or a mutli-pin breakout cable. Details on these accessories are provided on this page.SpecificationsMax. Number of Test pinsScanner IIScanner 31SProTrack Scanner128 (per Scanner)64128 (both channels combined)Number of ChannelsScanner IIScanner 31SProTrack Scanner212Number of Pins per ChannelScanner IIScanner 31SProTrack Scanner646464Front Panel ConnectorsScanner IIScanner 31SProTrack ScannerSCSI-2 (68 pins)IDCIDCPart NumberScanner IIScanner 31SProTrack Scanner99-039399-039999-0098Dimensions (Scanner II and 31S)11.1in W x 1.8in H x 8.6in D(28.2cm W x 4.6cm H x 21.8cm D)CertificationsCE and ETL listedWarranty1 year limitedSupplied Accessories with ScannersHuntron P/NQtyDescriptionAvailable Online?All Scanners06-52171Manuals CDScanner II98-04801Interface Cable-Scanner 31S98-01031Cable Assembly, 20 pin clip98-01021Cable Assembly, 40 pin clip07-12341Clip, 20 pin-07-12301Clip, 40 pin-98-04801Interface Cable

CDM Electronics

CDM Electronics is a certified small business, CCR# 42827, founded in 1993, CDM Electronics' mission is to provide our customers with exceptional interconnect products and value added services that meet or exceed our customers' expectations. We welcome the chance to design a creative solution to the most challenging issues.Our ProductsCDM Electronics is a NEDA Authorized Supplier for electronic connectors, coaxial cables and other interconnect products. This assures you that you are receiving factory new and approved products. With today's ever changing business climate, particularly in light of RoHS initiatives which transpired in July 2006, it is imperative that your applications perform to specification and in compliance with environmental and other government regulations. For those applications not requiring RoHS compliance, there are still several performance and reliability factors that are compromised when superior products are not deployed. Choose CDM for all of your interconnect sourcing requirements and you are guaranteed excellent products with on time deliveries.Our ServicesIn 1999, CDM management recognized that customers wanted access to thousands of parts in stock ready for same day shipment. But this only represented half of our customers' needs. Sowe embarked upon a program to expand our offering into the arena of cable assembly and value added programs. Since that time, CDM has experienced explosive growth and now provides a host of value added services, from "womb to tomb". We provide quick turn engineering and cable assembly services for prime contractors, as well as 2nd and 3rd tier providers. Our satisfied customer list includes Northrop Grumman, BAE, General Dynamics, and all branches of the United States military: Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.CDM credits our great staff, especially our brilliant engineering team, with our enormous success in this area.Proactive Cost Reduction Program™Process improvement and cost-saving solutions are as important to us as they are to you. Our "Proactive Cost Reduction Program" is a trademarked initiative created by CDM Electronics to constantly create cost-saving solutions for our customers.Our PeopleFrom Reception to Shipping, CDM Electronics is proud to have the most loyal & dedicated employees. But it takes more than just our own employees to make our company great. We rely heavily on the expertise of several of our providers, especially our web designers:

GRAND HOTEL PLAZA

Location. The Grand Hotel Plaza in Rome, Italy is 500 meters from the Spanish Steps and the Via Condotti. Trevi Fountain, the Galleria Borghese and the Vatican are less than two kilometers away. Rome Fiumicino Airport is 26 kilometers from the hotel. Hotel Features. Formerly a convent, the Grand Hotel Plaza opened as a hotel in 1860. A mahogany door opens into lobby's high, painted ceilings and marble floors. The hotel provides safe deposit boxes and complimentary newspapers. Complimentary Continental breakfasts are served in the Mascagni Room. The Bar Bistro Mascagni serves the hotel's trademark cocktail, La Dolce Vita, drinks and snacks from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Open in the summer months, The Lemon Terrace offers panoramic views over the Via Condotti and Rome's rooftops. The Salone delle Feste ballroom can be used for banquets or conferences. The business center has a computer terminal that offers Internet access. Guestrooms. Each of the 200 rooms in the Grand Hotel Plaza offers a unique ambience. More than 25% have a private balcony complete with chairs and plants. All rooms feature complimentary bottled water, windows that open and minibars. The rooms are decorated with period furniture, historic lithographs and oriental rugs. The beds are dressed with Italian linen. The ensuite marble bathrooms have black, white and gray floors and walls. All of the bathrooms feature Sorelle Fontana toiletries and two-person tubs or power shower stalls. The rooms overlook San Carlo church, the hotel's courtyard or the Via Condotti. Internet access is available for a fee. Expert Tip. Considered the Rodeo Drive of Rome, Via Condotti is the place to find authentic 'Made in Italy' designer clothing such as Gucci, Ferragamo, Versace, Prada, Valentino and Armani.Location. The Grand Hotel Plaza in Rome, Italy is 500 meters from the Spanish Steps and the Via Condotti. Trevi Fountain, the Galleria Borghese and the Vatican are less than two kilometers away. Rome Fiumicino Airport is 26 kilometers from the hotel. Hotel Features. Formerly a convent, the Grand Hotel Plaza opened as a hotel in 1860. A mahogany door opens into lobby's high, painted ceilings and marble floors. The hotel provides safe deposit boxes and complimentary newspapers. Complimentary Continental breakfasts are served in the Mascagni Room. The Bar Bistro Mascagni serves the hotel's trademark cocktail, La Dolce Vita, drinks and snacks from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Open in the summer months, The Lemon Terrace offers panoramic views over the Via Condotti and Rome's rooftops. The Salone delle Feste ballroom can be used for banquets or conferences. The business center has a computer terminal that offers Internet access. Guestrooms. Each of the 200 rooms in the Grand Hotel Plaza offers a unique ambience. More than 25% have a private balcony complete with chairs and plants. All rooms feature complimentary bottled water, windows that open and minibars. The rooms are decorated with period furniture, historic lithographs and oriental rugs. The beds are dressed with Italian linen. The ensuite marble bathrooms have black, white and gray floors and walls. All of the bathrooms feature Sorelle Fontana toiletries and two-person tubs or power shower stalls. The rooms overlook San Carlo church, the hotel's courtyard or the Via Condotti. Internet access is available for a fee. Expert Tip. Considered the Rodeo Drive of Rome, Via Condotti is the place to find authentic 'Made in Italy' designer clothing such as Gucci, Ferragamo, Versace, Prada, Valentino and Armani. Location. The Grand Hotel Plaza in Rome, Italy is 500 meters from the Spanish Steps and the Via Condotti. Trevi Fountain, the Galleria Borghese and the Vatican are less than two kilometers away. Rome Fiumicino Airport is 26 kilometers from the hotel. Hotel Features. Formerly a convent, the Grand Hotel Plaza opened as a hotel in 1860. A mahogany door opens into lobby's high, painted ceilings and marble floors. The hotel provides safe deposit boxes and complimentary newspapers. Complimentary Continental breakfasts are served in the Mascagni Room. The Bar Bistro Mascagni serves the hotel's trademark cocktail, La Dolce Vita, drinks and snacks from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Open in the summer months, The Lemon Terrace offers panoramic views over the Via Condotti and Rome's rooftops. The Salone delle Feste ballroom can be used for banquets or conferences. The business center has a computer terminal that offers Internet access. Guestrooms. Each of the 200 rooms in the Grand Hotel Plaza offers a unique ambience. More than 25% have a private balcony complete with chairs and plants. All rooms feature complimentary bottled water, windows that open and minibars. The rooms are decorated with period furniture, historic lithographs and oriental rugs. The beds are dressed with Italian linen. The ensuite marble bathrooms have black, white and gray floors and walls. All of the bathrooms feature Sorelle Fontana toiletries and two-person tubs or power shower stalls. The rooms overlook San Carlo church, the hotel's courtyard or the Via Condotti. Internet access is available for a fee. Expert Tip. Considered the Rodeo Drive of Rome, Via Condotti is the place to find authentic 'Made in Italy' designer clothing such as Gucci, Ferragamo, Versace, Prada, Valentino and Armani.

The Inn onn Negley

Some of our favorite views of the Inn... please browse.The Inn on Negley offers a unique lodging experience, located in the heart of Shadyside in the historic East End of Pittsburgh. The Inn was built in the late 1800's as a private residence and has been renovated and restored with care to retain much of it's Victorian Charm. Guests will discover much of the homes original intricately designed decorative plasterwork on the ceilings and skirting as well as period moldings, windows and shutters.This distinguished Inn offers outstanding luxury with the highest level of personalized service and attention to the needs of our guests. Each of the eight spacious guest rooms are equipped with private baths and are appointed with the finest quality furnishings, linens and bedding. Additionally, you will find that the rooms are complete with wireless high speed internet, cable television and private phone lines.Professionally trained chefs create delightful gourmet breakfasts and excel at creating house made breads, pastries, jams and sweets. Each morning a full breakfast as well as an expanded gourmet continental buffet is served. The chefs are also pleased to be able to cater intimate and special events at the Inn.Whether traveling for business or pleasure, guests will find that the highly trained staff will anticipate needs, assist in coordinating visits and help to create the perfect stay. The Inn on Negley is the perfect destination for anyone traveling to the Pittsburgh area.

KYC compliance

Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance regulation has proved to be one of the biggest operational challenges banks, accountants, lawyers and similar financial service providers worldwide have had to overcome.World-Check, the industry standard KYC compliance solution, provides an overview of KYC compliance and its origins, and outlines the compliance mandate as applicable to banks, accounting firms, lawyers and other regulated financial service providers – not just in the UK, Europe and the USA, but all around the world. Relied upon by more than 3,000 institutions worldwide, this KYC database solution provides effective legal and reputational risk reduction.Why “Know Your Customer?”The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre revealed that there were sinister forces at work around the world, and that terrorists activities were being funded with laundered money, the proceeds of illicit activities such as narcotics and human trafficking, fraud and organised crime. Overnight, the combating of terrorist financing became a priority on the international agenda.For the financial services provider of the 21st century, “knowing your customers” was no longer a suggested course of action. Based on the requirements of legislative landmarks such as the USA PATRIOT Act 2002, modern Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance mandates were created to simultaneously combat money laundering and the funding of terrorist activities.What is Know Your Customer (KYC)?Know Your Customer, or KYC, refers to the regulatory compliance mandate imposed on financial service providers to implement a Customer Identification Programme and perform due diligence checks before doing business with a person or entity.KYC fulfils a risk mitigation function, and one its key requirements is checking that a prospective customer is not listed on any government lists for wanted money launders, known fraudsters or terrorists.If preliminary KYC checks reveal that the person is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP), for example, Advanced Due Diligence must be done in order to ensure that the person’s source of wealth is transparent, and that he or she does not pose a reputational or financial risk in terms of their finances, public positions or associations. Beyond customer identification checks, the ongoing monitoring of transfers and financial transactions against a range of risk variables forms an integral part of the KYC compliance mandate.But to understand the importance of KYC compliance for financial service providers better, its origins need to be examined.Origins of Know Your Customer (KYC) complianceThe arrival of the new millennium was marred by a spate of terrorist attacks and corporate scandals that unmasked the darker features of globalisation. These events highlighted the role of money laundering in cross-border crime and terrorism, and underlined the need to clamp down on the exploitation of financial systems worldwide.Know Your Customer (KYC) legislation was principally not absent prior to 9/11. Regulated financial service providers for a long time have been required to conduct due diligence and customer identification checks in order to mitigate their own operation risks, and to ensure a consistent and acceptable level of service.In essence, the USA PATRIOT Act was not so much a radical departure from prior legislation as it was a firmer and more extensive articulation of existing laws. The Act would lead to the more rigorous regulation of a greater range of financial services providers, and expanded the authority of American law enforcement agencies in the fighting of terrorism, both in the USA and abroad.In October 2001, President George W. Bush signed off the USA PATRIOT Act, effectively providing federal regulators with a new range of tools and powers for fighting terror financing and money laundering. During July 2002, the US Treasury proceeded to introduce Section 326 of the PATRIOT Act, a clause that removed some key burdens for regulators and added significant enforcement muscle to the Act.What 9/11 changed, in essence, was the extent to which existing legislation was being implemented. Using the provisions of the earlier anti-terrorism USA Act as a foundation, it included the Financial Anti-Terrorism Act, which allowed for federal jurisdiction over foreign money launders and money laundered through foreign banks. Significantly, it is this anti-terror law that would make the creation of an Anti Money Laundering (AML) programme compulsory for all financial institutions and service providers.Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act dealt specifically with the identification of new customers (“CIP regulation”), and made extensive provisions in terms of KYC and the methods employed to verify client identities.In accordance with this piece of updated KYC legislation, federal regulators would hold financial institutions accountable for the effectiveness of their initial customer identification and ongoing KYC screening. Institutions are required to keep detailed records of the steps that were taken to verify prospective clients’ identities.Although current KYC legislation does not yet demand the exclusion of specific types of foreign-issued identification, it recommends the usage of machine-verifiable identity documents. The ability to notify financial institutions if concerns regarding specific types of identification were to arise, combined with a risk-based approach to KYC, proved to provide a robust mechanism for addressing security concerns.Effectively, the risk-based approach to customer due diligence grants regulated institutions a certain degree of flexibility to determine the forms of identification they will accept, and under which conditions.KYC compliance: Implications for banks, lawyers and accounting firmsThe KYC compliance mandate, for all its positive outcomes, has burdened companies and organisations with a substantial administrative obligation. Additionally, KYC compliance increasingly entails the creation of auditable proof of due diligence activities, in addition to the need for customer identification.

TRACERCO

Do you want an installed method of regularly assessing the operation of your distillation tower, reducing operating costs and reducing shutdown time?To meet the changing needs of our customers the Tracerco research and development team has designed an alternative technique to conventional tower scanning. The TRACERCO Diagnostics™ RapidScan technology combines sophisticated wireless detector capability with an easy to install permanent scanning guide wire system.The TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Tower Scan method has been used for over 20 years by many major chemical and refining companies around the world. The combined data acquisition software from these techniques coupled with TRACERCO Diagnostics™ RapidScan hardware increases efficiency and reliability of scan data by providing fast, consistent data acquisition from fixed orientations. The service allows repeatable tower scanning that can quickly evaluate mechanical or process related problems offering plant personnel a cost effective process diagnostics solution to optimize or troubleshoot tower performance. Even columns with limited or zero ladder access do not pose an obstacle following installation of a TRACERCO Diagnostics™ RapidScan system.* Improved Accuracy - the scans will use a fixed orientation so repeat scans are guaranteed to utilise identical geometries* Better Data Reliability – data will not be affected by weather conditions (wind)* Increased Safety – all scanning operations will be from ground level with no need to climb the tower, eliminating workingfrom heights* Greater Cost Savings – after initial setup, the high costs of scaffolding or cranes for columns that have inadequate or no access is eliminated* Enhanced Efficiency – reduces time needed to conduct a scan lessening the burden on operations to hold column at set conditions The capabilities of conventional tower scanning are not lost. In fact, the TRACERCO Diagnostics™ RapidScan system potentially improves our ability to diagnose more subtle process changes by stringently controlling and eliminating variability in scan line orientations and paths.Features Identified* Tray damage* Liquid maldistribution/blockages in packed beds* Tray liquid loading* Jet and liquid stack flooding* Packing damage* Distributor performance* Presence and density of foam All of the stainless steel pulleys and bracket work will be attached to the existing structure using insulation bands utilising the ‘band-it’ system. No welding or direct attachment to the column walls is required; hence the vessel pressure envelope will not be affected.