If you are looking to buy a home to rent it out to others as a way of generating additional income, there are a number of factors that you should consider when doing so. The most important factor when determining whether or not your home rentals will be profitable is the location of the home. The location of the home impacts a number of factors including the rent you charge for the home, the property taxes on the home, and the price of the home when you are purchasing it.
When scouting an area for a home to buy, start by looking to rent a home yourself. Obviously, you will not actually lease a home, but it is important to see what is available on the rental market in the area you are considering buying rental homes. Document the specifics of the home, the rental prices, and what is attractive and not so attractive about the area. Try visiting an open house for the rental home and see what type of traffic the rental home generates. That way, you can see if there is adequate demand for rental homes in this area.
Next, seek to understand who your desired renter will be. If you are in an area with a lot of college or graduate students, it may make sense to choose a home that appeals to them. This may involve close proximity to a university, many bedrooms for a shared unit, and nearby public transportation. If, instead, your home rentals are more likely to be families, less bedrooms but better school districts may be more attractive. A garage and a backyard may appeal to a young family as well. Buy a home that has an appeal to the target market that you home will appeal to.
The next most important thing to consider when selecting the ideal home rental is the price and property taxes that are on the home. Keep in mind what your monthly payments will be on the home and determine if the rental market will pay for the monthly bill for your utilities and mortgage. Consider what type of profit you will likely generate from your rental and see if it is worthwhile to pursue it. In addition, consider the pricing trends of homes in the area. If there have been many recent price increases, it may not be a good time to purchase a rental home.
There are many important considerations when finding the perfect rental home. Be diligent and plan effectively when selecting a home in order to find a profitable way of generating money through renting.
The American Home provides single-family rental homes in Southern United States.
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I have just changed jobs and was wondering should I keep my 401 (k) account separate from last job and new job? Or convert it to IRA?
A.
You really have five options with an old 401K or 403B and need to choose from them based on your situation.
1) Do Nothing
If your old 401K was particularly low expense, or if there were some unique investment options such as the TIAA-CREF Real Estate Fund, a nice stable value fund, or the TSP G Fund, or if you new 401K has lousy options or high expenses, then just leave the money in your old 401K.? Usually there?s no problem with that as long as there?s more than a couple of thousand dollars in the account, but check your 401K Plan Document to be sure.? This is what I did when I left the military since the TSP not only has rock-bottom expenses, but also the very unique G Fund.
2) Roll It Over To A Traditional IRA
This can be a great option if you?re not interested in a Backdoor Roth IRA.? Most docs either ARE or SHOULD BE interested, so this probably isn?t that good of an option for a high earner.? The benefits of a traditional IRA over a 401K can include lower expenses and more investment options.? Downsides include loss of the Backdoor Roth IRA option and in some states, less asset protection than a 401K.? But if it?s a large 401K balance, your old 401K had lousy investments or high expenses AND your new 401K has lousy investments or high expenses, then this might be your best option.
Keep in mind that rules get a little more complicated if any of your 401K is a Roth subaccount.? When rolling it over to an IRA tax-deferred money goes into a traditional IRA and tax-free money goes into a Roth IRA.? I have read but have been unable to confirm in an IRS document that EARNINGS on tax-free money go into the traditional IRA unless the account has been open for at least 5 years.? Keep in mind that if you?re near retirement age, the rollover resets the 5 year period before you can take Roth distributions, so you might not want to do that. 3) Convert it all to a Roth
Sometimes its just easier to bite the bullet and pay the taxes.? This is a good option if both 401Ks suck, if the balance isn?t that big and you have money elsewhere to use for the taxes due, and you DO care about backdoor Roth IRAs.? Or perhaps you just want more Roth space for some other reason.
4) Roll it all over to the new 401K.
If you want to have the Backdoor Roth IRA option, and your new 401K is clearly better than the old one,? or if you highly value simplification of your finances, then the easiest thing to do is often to just roll the old 401K into the new one.? Keep in mind with a Roth 401K that this resets the ?5 year period? to the establishment of the new Roth 401K, so be careful if doing this just before retirement.? If you have an even older 401K that you kept in the past because it was good (like my old TSP account) you could also roll it into there if the plan allows it.
5) Cash It Out
You can always take the money out, pay the taxes and penalties due, and spend it on a boat.? I told you there were 5 options, not 5 good options.? If you have a tiny balance in the 401K, this is sometimes the easiest thing to do.? I suppose if you?re over 59 1/2 and beginning to spend 401K money (perhaps only working part-time and relying on retirement money for part of your income), you might as well start 401K withdrawals now.
Republican Mitt Romney fell short in his White House bid but he got a consolation prize of sorts on Thursday as President Barack Obama had him over for lunch in an attempt to display some political harmony in the bitterly divided capital.
The two men sat down for their meal in a West Wing dining room and there were efforts to keep the visit low key. Romney was brought in through a heavily guarded side entryway and officials said only the two men would be present for the lunch. News photographers were not allowed in for pictures.
The lunch, which lasted a little more than an hour, appeared to be little more than a goodwill gesture aimed at salving wounds left open from a bitter campaign in which Obama accused Romney of being an out-of-touch, secretive, rich elitist and Romney said his opponent did not understand how to fix the U.S. economy.
They waged their battle in campaign speeches and toughly worded TV and radio ads that cost collectively hundreds of millions of dollars.
Obama is busily gearing up for his second term. The grandstand from which he will view his inaugural parade in January is being constructed on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.
Romney, who was said to have been shocked that his campaign fell short, has few apparent immediate plans. A week ago he was photographed visiting Disneyland in Florida with several grandchildren.
White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters that Obama was interested in hearing some of Romney?s ideas and sharing campaign experiences with him. Obama said during his election victory speech that he wanted to sit down and talk to Romney.
?Without giving any specifics, this was a conversation the president wanted to have with Governor Romney as he mentioned the night of the election,? said Carney.
There was no job offer for Romney in the works, he said.
It was not immediately clear whether the two men discussed the top priority facing the president and Congress, the prospect of reaching a deal to avoid a year-end fiscal calamity when Bush-era tax cuts expire and a variety of budget cuts kick in.
Romney had campaigned on sharply cutting government spending, saying any program worth borrowing money from China to pay for would have to be justified. Obama has focused more on raising taxes on the wealthy. Both Democrats and Republicans are far apart on reaching a deal with a month to go.
While Republican leaders in Washington had whole-heartedly backed Romney?s candidacy, there have been no indications that he has been brought into the conversation over the so-called ?fiscal cliff.?
REAR-VIEW MIRROR
?Romney has never been viewed as a Washington insider and is one that never really connected with those inside the Beltway. And he tried to capitalize on that during the campaign. He does not have close ties to Republicans inside of Washington, but he?s still respected as a very effective businessman,? said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean.
Indeed, Republican leaders have shown every sign of wanting to put Romney in the rear-view mirror, after he was quoted as telling donors in a conference call that Obama won because his administration had doled out ?gifts? to blacks, Hispanics and young voters to encourage them to turn out for him.
Party leaders have largely disavowed the comments and have engaged in some soul-searching on what it will take to get in position to win the White House in 2016.
The White House visit for Romney was a chance to begin rebuilding his political stature after his party?s disappointing outcome in the Nov. 6 election. He also paid a visit to his vice presidential nominee, Representative Paul Ryan, the chairman of the House Budget Committee and a potential 2016 Republican presidential contender.
Ryan said he remains grateful to Romney.
?I?m proud of the principles and ideas we advanced during the campaign and the commitment we share to expanding opportunity and promoting economic security for American families,? Ryan said in a statement.
Romney loyalists have been defending the honor of the former Massachusetts governor, who has remained largely out of sight since his loss.
?Losing is just losing,? Stuart Stevens, Romney?s top campaign strategist, said in a Washington Post opinion article this week. ?It?s not a mandate to throw out every idea that the candidate championed, and I would hope it?s not seen as an excuse to show disrespect for a good man who fought hard for values we admire.?
(Reuters)
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Behavioral health analytics startup Ginger.io just announced that it has raised $6.5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Khosla Ventures, with participation from seed investors True Ventures and Romulus Capital. In the funding press release, Vinod Khosla says the company is "at the forefront of data-driven technology and healthcare." CEO Amnol Madan also noted that Khosla actually wrote a guest post for TechCrunch where he identified Health 2.0, driven by data and sensors, as one of unhyped areas in web and mobile technology that has big potential.
After a month of preorders, Verizon just dropped word that its version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 -- differentiated by that not-at-all gaudy Verizon logo on the home button -- will be available online and in stores tomorrow, Nov. 29. The 5.5-inch oversized phone with its excellent Wacom S Pen will run $299 on contract. But you also get that Verizon-branded home button for free, so it's really a bargain if you stop and think about it.
The Note 2 is running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with a quad-core Exynos processor at 1.6 GHz, with 2 GB of RAM. It's also got an 8MP rear camera and 1.9MP shooter out front, plus all the usual Samsung software bells and whistles. Plus, Verizon has put its logo on the home button. You won't get that anywhere else.
American women had far fewer babies after the onset of the Great Recession, which made 2011 the year with the nation?s lowest recorded birth rate. But it is immigrant women, specifically Mexican immigrant women, who had the steepest drop in births, a 23 percent lower birth rate between 2007 and 2010. ?By comparison, the drop during those years for U.S.-born women was 6 percent, ?and among all foreign-born women it was 14 percent.
According to the new Pew Research Center report released today, it was not just foreign-born Latinas who had fewer children. ?The authors,?demographers D?Vera Cohn and Gretchen Livingston, report that ?U.S.-born Hispanic women also had larger birth rate declines in the years between 2007 and 2010 than women of other ethnic or racial groups.
The numbers tell the picture quite clearly. Between 1990 and 2010, for example, the birth rate among U.S.-born Hispanic women dropped from 82.4 percent to 65.4 percent, a 21-point decline. ?Among foreign-born Latinas, there was a 30 percent drop from 1990 to 2010. ? And during the Great Recession years, between 2007 and 2010, births to Mexican women went down from 455,000 births in 2007 to 346,000 ? a 24 percent drop.
While the authors say the report does not address the reasons for the birth declines after 2007, they point out previous Pew Research analysis which finds ?that the recent fertility decline is closely linked to economic distress.? ?The report notes that states with the largest economic declines from 2007 to 2008 were most likely to see fertility declines from 2008 to 2009. ?Hispanics had the largest decline in household wealth ? 66 percent ? during the Great Recession, as well as higher unemployment and poverty rates.
The report?s findings do not surprise Leticia Mederos, vice president of the National Partnership for Women and Families. ?The size of a family is clearly an issue of economic security to so many Latino families, and very connected to pocketbook issues,? she notes.
It is important to note, however, that immigrants and their families are projected to account for 82 percent of the U.S. population by 2050. ?In fact, the 23 percent share of all 2010 births to foreign-born mothers was higher than the 17 percent share of women immigrants ages 15 to 44. ?And of all Hispanic births in 2010, 56 percent were to immigrant mothers.
One interesting finding is the age at which immigrant women have children. More immigrant women over the age of 35 give birth than do U.S.- born women. ?In 2010, 33 percent of births to women aged 35 or older were among immigrant women.? Conversely, very few foreign-born women are teen moms (5 percent) in part because of the age profile of immigration.
The State of Texas is looking to seize control of convicted sex offender Warren Jeffs? former ranch. (Photo credit should read DOUGLAS C. PIZAC/AFP/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) ? Texas wants ownership of Warren Jeffs? massive polygamist ranch where prosecutors say the convicted sect leader and his followers sexually assaulted dozens of children, the state attorney general?s office said Wednesday.
A judge will determine whether to grant the state control of the 1,600-acre property owned by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The sect bought the land for more than $1.1 million in 2003, according to court records. The affidavit, filed Wednesday, does not provide a current value for the Yearning for Zion Ranch. Texas has spent more than $4.5 million in prosecuting the cases against Jeffs and 10 of his followers.
Jerry Strickland, a spokesman for the attorney general?s office, said the warrant begins the final chapter in the state?s five-year-old case against Jeffs.
?This is simply the next step,? Strickland said.
Texas Rangers raided the ranch in April 2008, following a call to a domestic abuse hotline that turned out to be false, and took 439 children into state custody. Jeffs last year was convicted of sexually assaulting two minors whom he described as his spiritual wives. At trial, prosecutors presented DNA evidence to show he fathered a child with one of those girls, aged 15.
Jeffs, 56, is serving a life prison term in Texas. He has continued to try to lead his roughly 10,000 followers from behind bars. The sect is a radical offshoot of mainstream Mormonism whose members believe polygamy brings exaltation in heaven.
It?s not known how many people still live at the secluded Eldorado ranch located about 200 miles west of San Antonio, but the seizure warrant does not require them to leave. The property is so far off the main roads that only helicopters or planes can provide a true glimpse of the ranch.
Strickland said it was too early to speculate about what the state would do with the property if given ownership. The group will have a chance to contest any seizure.
Jeffs? most devoted followers consider him God?s spokesman on earth and a prophet, but they were absent from court for the bulk of his criminal trial.
Paving the way to Jeffs? conviction were his own ?priesthood records? ? diary-like volumes, covering tens of thousands of pages, in which Jeffs recounts his sexual encounters and records even his most mundane daily activities.
Prosecutors cite the records in the 91-page affidavit filed Wednesday.
?This will be a major gathering place of the saints that are driven,? Jeffs wrote. ?You can see it is well isolated. In looking at this location, we can raise crops all year round. There is no building code requirements. We can build as we wish without inspectors coming in. There is a herd of animals that the storehouse needs, that we can nourish and increase.?
Under Texas law, authorities can seize property that was used to commit or facilitate certain criminal conduct, such as a home being used as a stash house for drugs. Strickland said he didn?t immediately know where this attempted seizure would rank among the state?s biggest efforts to claim ownership of criminal property.
In the affidavit, prosecutors allege that sect members illegally structured financial transactions and that Jeffs personally toured the ranch before the land was purchased.
Jeffs wanted the ?a rural location where the FLDS could operate a polygamist compound where the systemic sexual assault of children would be tolerated without interference from law enforcement authorities,? according to the affidavit.
(? Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. single-family home sales fell slightly in October and sales for the prior month were revised sharply lower, casting a faint shadow over one of the brighter spots in the U.S. economy.
The Commerce Department said on Wednesday sales dropped 0.3 percent last month to a 368,000-unit annual rate, while September's sales pace was revised to 369,000 from 389,000.
The housing sector has been a point of relative strength this year in an economy beset by flagging business confidence and cooling demand from abroad.
A report last week showed a surprisingly sharp gain in home resales in October, while data this week showed prices for single-family homes have risen continuously since February.
Economists expect home construction to add to economic growth this year for the first time since 2005.
Wednesday's data did not change the view that housing is still in recovery mode, although the pace of new home sales in October was below the level of May, suggesting little upward momentum. "It's just that progress will be slow," said Yelena Shulyatyeva, an economist at BNP Paribas in New York.
Separately, the Federal Reserve said in its anecdotal Beige Book report the market for single-family homes improved in most areas of the nation from late-October through mid-November.
The report, based on comments from the Fed's business contacts, said the economy had grown at a "measured" pace over that period, with consumer spending expanding moderately but manufacturing activity softening. Hiring remained modest, it said.
Weakness in business spending has been restraining growth, but housing has helped offset that. Consumer confidence has also been more bullish.
Wednesday's home sales report showed the median sales price for a new home in October was 5.7 percent higher than a year earlier, but the pace of year-over-year price gains slowed for a second straight month.
U.S. home-builder stocks fell on the data, even as broad market indexes rose slightly.
SALES WEAK IN NORTHEAST
Some analysts suggested the decline in sales in October might be partially due to a mammoth storm that slammed into the U.S. East Coast at the end of October. New sales plunged 32.3 percent in the Northeast, which bore the brunt of the storm.
"Some of this could potentially be Hurricane Sandy," said Megan McGrath, an analyst at MKM Partners in Stamford, Connecticut.
However, the Commerce Department said the storm did not affect data collection at all and its impact on sales was likely "minimal."
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast sales rising to a 390,000-unit rate last month from September's previously reported 389,000-unit rate.
To provide support for the housing market, the Fed has kept interest rates at rock-bottom levels since 2008. In September, it launched an open-ended program to buy mortgage-backed securities, driving mortgage rates to record lows.
In a third report, the Mortgage Bankers Association said applications for home purchase loans rose 2.6 percent last week to their highest level of the year.
(Additional reporting by Gabriel Debenedetti in New York; Editing by Neil Stempleman and Tim Ahmann)
Jon Russell / The Next Web : Apple maintains 70% grip on China's tablet market, as industry sales jump 63% year-on-year ? ?? Android may rule the roost when it comes to smartphones in China, but Apple is still dominant when it comes to tablets, acco ...
Two days after Election Day, the city and county of San Francisco hosted its own type of election ? a photo contest to determine the favorite area fire station.
The?city and county?posted on Facebook: ?Fire stations in San Francisco each have their own unique look. Which is your favorite neighborhood fire station? Share with us your photo.?
From Nov. 8 to Nov. 19, Facebook users were invited to submit photo entries. Then, nominated fire stations underwent a finalist selection process. After which, six fire stations were presented to the public for a vote.
Voting began on Nov. 20 and runs through Nov. 28. Facebook users could vote for fire station finalists once per day -- and today's the last day to get votes in.
?If they care enough to recognize our station, then we are doing the right thing by them,? said Captain Chris Madsen of Station 19?on Buckingham Way?at Winston Street.??And that's what is most vital.?
Navitas Lease Corp. Announces the Closing of the Second Tranche
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., November 28, 2012 ? Navitas Lease Corp. continues expansion of its capital base to support growth in the small ticket financing marketplace.
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Navitas successfully closed the second tranche of its Series B Preferred Stock investment led by BlueMountain Capital Management, LLC on behalf of funds it manages.? This additional capital validates the strength of the Navitas business strategy and enables the company to continue to build upon its successes.? The company?s existing Series A investors, Noro-Moseley Partners, Croft and Bender LLC, and Lunsford Capital LLC also participated in the Series B investment.
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Concurrent with the closing, Navitas also completed a second expansion of its revolving, Senior Secured Credit facility with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, part of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC). This additional $25 million added to its current line of $50 million provides the company with a total credit line of $75 million. This latest expansion of this facility will allow the company to meet its growth plans in 2013 and beyond.??? Gary Shivers, the company?s CEO says, ?The on-going commitment and support that Wells Fargo Capital Finance continues to provide Navitas is extremely rewarding and has given us the necessary capital to meet the key business objectives of the organization.?
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?We are pleased to have been able to build on our relationship with Navitas through this increase in our credit facility,? said Andrea Petro, division manager of the Lender Finance division of Wells Fargo Capital Finance. ?We look forward to supporting the company?s management team and its plans for long-term success.?
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About Navitas Lease Corp.:? Navitas is an equipment finance company headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with offices in Cherry Hill, NJ and Columbia, SC. The company provides equipment financing to small and medium sized businesses nationally, through developing referral programs with equipment vendors and through lease brokers in its RLC Funding Division. For more information about Navitas please visit our website at www.navitaslease.com or call 877-NAVITAS (628-4827).
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About Wells Fargo Capital Finance:? Wells Fargo Capital Finance is the trade name for certain asset-based lending, accounts receivable and purchase order finance services of Wells Fargo & Company and its subsidiaries, and provides traditional asset-based lending, specialized senior and junior secured financing, accounts receivable financing, purchase order financing and channel finance to companies across the United States and internationally. Dedicated teams within Wells Fargo Capital Finance provide financing solutions for companies in specific industries such as retail, software publishing and high-technology, commercial finance, staffing, government contracting and others. For more information, visit wellsfargocapitalfinance.com.
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About BlueMountain Capital, LLC:? BlueMountain Capital Management is a leading investment manager focused on the credit markets managing $12.1 billion of assets, with $9.8 billion in hedge fund and opportunistic credit vehicles, as well as $2.3 billion in CLO assets. Founded in 2003, BlueMountain looks for relative value opportunities and maintains minimal directional exposure to credit markets. The Firm?s investment strategies include fundamental credit (long/short, capital structure), structured credit (corporate, ABS) and arbitrage and technical (index arbitrage, bond basis). Its 147 person team of professionals in New York and London are supported by its institutionalized and proprietary infrastructure, including world-class operations and risk management technology.
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If you would like to know more about Navitas Lease Corp. or to schedule an interview please contact Gary Shivers at 904.543.2575 ext. 102 or email garyshivers@navitaslease.com
The Rochester Lancers @ Blue Cross Arena vs. Missouri, December 1, 7:00pm
LANCERS TAKE ON MISSOURI
The Rochester Lancers Professional Indoor Soccer Team will host Missouri at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 in the Blue Cross Arena, One War Memorial Drive.? Visit www.rochesterlancers.com; or call (585) 872-5425 for tickets and details.
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FOUR HOME GAMES FOR THE AMERKS
Our Rochester Americans will take the ice at the Blue Cross Arena, One War Memorial Drive, on Wednesday, Nov. 28, to face San Antonio. A few nights later, on Friday, November 30, Toronto will be in town to take on Rochester. On Friday, Dec. 7, Adirondack faces off against the Amerks, followed on Tuesday, Dec. 11 by a match against Abbotsford.? Each of these games starts at 7:05 p.m. Visit www.amerks.com; or call (800) 745-3000.
BILLS HOST TWO @ HOME
The Buffalo Bills will be back on their home field at Ralph Wilson Stadium, 1 Bills Drive in Orchard Park, for two upcoming games. On Sunday, Dec. 2nd, the Jacksonville Jaguars take the field against the Bills. Kickoff will be 1 p.m., with CBS scheduled to air the game. The following week, on Sunday, Dec. 9th, Buffalo will face the St. Louis Rams at 1 p.m. FOX Network is slated to carry that match. Call (716) 648-1800.
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NYS SILVER GLOVES TOURNAMENT
The 30th annual New York State Silver Gloves Boxing tournament will take place at Wilson Foundation High School, 200 Genesee St., on Dec. 1 & 2. Junior boxers from all over the state will compete; with winners going on to regional competition. The event is co-sponsored with the Southwest Neighbourhood Association. Call (585) 752-2621.
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JINGLE BELL RUN
The Arthritis Foundation will host the 21st running of the Rochester Jingle Bell Run/Walk at Monroe Community College, 1000 E. Henrietta Rd. on Dec. 1 with proceeds benefiting the Foundation. Everett S. Weiss, M.D, has been named the Medical Honoree for the 5K race/walk. Call (585) 264-1480.
Implantable silk optics multi-task in the bodyPublic release date: 28-Nov-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Alex Reid alexander.reid@tufts.edu 617-627-4173 Tufts University
Dissolvable micro-mirrors enhance imaging, administer heat, deliver and monitor drugs
MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, Mass. (November 28, 2012) Tufts University School of Engineering researchers have demonstrated silk-based implantable optics that offer significant improvement in tissue imaging while simultaneously enabling photo thermal therapy, administering drugs and monitoring drug delivery. The devices also lend themselves to a variety of other biomedical functions.
Biodegradable and biocompatible, these tiny mirror-like devices dissolve harmlessly at predetermined rates and require no surgery to remove them.
The technology is the brainchild of a research team led by Fiorenzo Omenetto, Frank C. Doble Professor of Engineering at Tufts. For several years, Omenetto; David L. Kaplan, Stern Family Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering chair, and their colleagues have been exploring ways to leverage silk's optical capabilities with its capacity as a resilient, biofriendly material that can stabilize materials while maintaining their biochemical functionality.
The technology is described in the paper "Implantable Multifunctional Bioresorbable Optics," published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online Early Edition the week of November 12, 2012.
"This work showcases the potential of silk to bring together form and function. In this case an implantable optical form -- the mirror -- can go beyond imaging to serve multiple biomedical functions," Omenetto says.
Turning Silk into Mirrors
To create the optical devices, the Tufts bioengineers poured a purified silk protein solution into molds of multiple micro-sized prism reflectors, or microprism arrays (MPAs). They pre-determined the rates at which the devices would dissolve in the body by regulating the water content of the solution during processing. The cast solution was then air dried to form solid silk films in the form of the mold. The resulting silk sheets were much like the reflective tape found on safety garments or on traffic signs.
When implanted, these MPAs reflected back photons that are ordinarily lost with reflection-based imaging technologies, thereby enhancing imaging, even in deep tissue.
The researchers tested the devices using solid and liquid "phantoms" (materials that mimic the scattering that occurs when light passes through human tissue). The tiny mirror-like devices reflected substantially stronger optical signals than implanted silk films that had not been formed as MPAs.
Preventing Infection, Fighting Cancer
The Tufts researchers also demonstrated the silk mirrors' potential to administer therapeutic treatments.
In one experiment, the researchers mixed gold nanoparticles in the silk protein solution before casting the MPAs. They then implanted the gold-silk mirror under the skin of mice. When illuminated with green laser light, the nanoparticles converted light to heat. Similar in-vitro experiments showed that the devices inhibited bacterial growth while maintaining optical performance.
The team also embedded the cancer-fighting drug doxorubicin in the MPAs. The embedded drug remained active even at high temperatures (60 degree C), underscoring the ability of silk to stabilize chemical and biological dopants.
When exposed to enzymes in vitro, the doxorubicin was released as the mirror gradually dissolved. The amount of reflected light decreased as the mirror degraded, allowing the researchers to accurately assess the rate of drug delivery.
"The important implication here is that using a single biofriendly, resorbable device one could image a site of interest, such as a tumor, apply therapy as needed and then monitor the progress of the therapy," says Omenetto.
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Collaborating with Omenetto and Kaplan from Tufts Department of Biomedical Engineering were Hu Tao, research assistant professor; Jana M. Kainerstorfer, post-doctoral researcher; Sean M. Siebert, a Tufts undergraduate; Eleanor M. Pritchard, former post-doctoral researcher; Angelo Sassaroli, research assistant professor; Bruce J.B. Panilaitis, research assistant professor; Mark A. Brenckle, graduate student; Jason Amsden, former post-doctoral researcher; Jonathan Levitt, post-doctoral researcher, and Professor Sergio Fantini.
At Tufts, Fiorenzo Omenetto also has an appointment in the Department of Physics in the School of Arts and Sciences, and David Kaplan also has appointments in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Department of Chemistry in the School of Arts and Sciences, the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Dental Medicine.
The work was supported by the United States Army Research Laboratory, the United States Army Research Office, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Tissue Engineering Resource Center of the National Institutes of Health under award number P41EB00250 and the National Science Foundation.
Tao, H., Kainerstorfer, J.M., Siebert, S.M., Pritchard, E.M., Sassaroli, A., Panilaitis, B., Brenckle, M.A., Amsden, J., Levitt, J., Fantini, S., Kaplan, D. L., and Omenetto, F.G. (2012),.Implantable Multifunctional Bioresorbable Optics, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Doi:10.1073/pnas.1209056109
Tufts University School of Engineering
Located on Tufts' Medford/Somerville campus, the School of Engineering offers a rigorous engineering education in a unique environment that blends the intellectual and technological resources of a world-class research university with the strengths of a top-ranked liberal arts college. Close partnerships with Tufts' excellent undergraduate, graduate and professional schools, coupled with a long tradition of collaboration, provide a strong platform for interdisciplinary education and scholarship. The School of Engineering's mission is to educate engineers committed to the innovative and ethical application of science and technology in addressing the most pressing societal needs, to develop and nurture twenty-first century leadership qualities in its students, faculty, and alumni, and to create and disseminate transformational new knowledge and technologies that further the well-being and sustainability of society in such cross-cutting areas as human health, environmental sustainability, alternative energy, and the human-technology interface.
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Implantable silk optics multi-task in the bodyPublic release date: 28-Nov-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Alex Reid alexander.reid@tufts.edu 617-627-4173 Tufts University
Dissolvable micro-mirrors enhance imaging, administer heat, deliver and monitor drugs
MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, Mass. (November 28, 2012) Tufts University School of Engineering researchers have demonstrated silk-based implantable optics that offer significant improvement in tissue imaging while simultaneously enabling photo thermal therapy, administering drugs and monitoring drug delivery. The devices also lend themselves to a variety of other biomedical functions.
Biodegradable and biocompatible, these tiny mirror-like devices dissolve harmlessly at predetermined rates and require no surgery to remove them.
The technology is the brainchild of a research team led by Fiorenzo Omenetto, Frank C. Doble Professor of Engineering at Tufts. For several years, Omenetto; David L. Kaplan, Stern Family Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering chair, and their colleagues have been exploring ways to leverage silk's optical capabilities with its capacity as a resilient, biofriendly material that can stabilize materials while maintaining their biochemical functionality.
The technology is described in the paper "Implantable Multifunctional Bioresorbable Optics," published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online Early Edition the week of November 12, 2012.
"This work showcases the potential of silk to bring together form and function. In this case an implantable optical form -- the mirror -- can go beyond imaging to serve multiple biomedical functions," Omenetto says.
Turning Silk into Mirrors
To create the optical devices, the Tufts bioengineers poured a purified silk protein solution into molds of multiple micro-sized prism reflectors, or microprism arrays (MPAs). They pre-determined the rates at which the devices would dissolve in the body by regulating the water content of the solution during processing. The cast solution was then air dried to form solid silk films in the form of the mold. The resulting silk sheets were much like the reflective tape found on safety garments or on traffic signs.
When implanted, these MPAs reflected back photons that are ordinarily lost with reflection-based imaging technologies, thereby enhancing imaging, even in deep tissue.
The researchers tested the devices using solid and liquid "phantoms" (materials that mimic the scattering that occurs when light passes through human tissue). The tiny mirror-like devices reflected substantially stronger optical signals than implanted silk films that had not been formed as MPAs.
Preventing Infection, Fighting Cancer
The Tufts researchers also demonstrated the silk mirrors' potential to administer therapeutic treatments.
In one experiment, the researchers mixed gold nanoparticles in the silk protein solution before casting the MPAs. They then implanted the gold-silk mirror under the skin of mice. When illuminated with green laser light, the nanoparticles converted light to heat. Similar in-vitro experiments showed that the devices inhibited bacterial growth while maintaining optical performance.
The team also embedded the cancer-fighting drug doxorubicin in the MPAs. The embedded drug remained active even at high temperatures (60 degree C), underscoring the ability of silk to stabilize chemical and biological dopants.
When exposed to enzymes in vitro, the doxorubicin was released as the mirror gradually dissolved. The amount of reflected light decreased as the mirror degraded, allowing the researchers to accurately assess the rate of drug delivery.
"The important implication here is that using a single biofriendly, resorbable device one could image a site of interest, such as a tumor, apply therapy as needed and then monitor the progress of the therapy," says Omenetto.
###
Collaborating with Omenetto and Kaplan from Tufts Department of Biomedical Engineering were Hu Tao, research assistant professor; Jana M. Kainerstorfer, post-doctoral researcher; Sean M. Siebert, a Tufts undergraduate; Eleanor M. Pritchard, former post-doctoral researcher; Angelo Sassaroli, research assistant professor; Bruce J.B. Panilaitis, research assistant professor; Mark A. Brenckle, graduate student; Jason Amsden, former post-doctoral researcher; Jonathan Levitt, post-doctoral researcher, and Professor Sergio Fantini.
At Tufts, Fiorenzo Omenetto also has an appointment in the Department of Physics in the School of Arts and Sciences, and David Kaplan also has appointments in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Department of Chemistry in the School of Arts and Sciences, the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Dental Medicine.
The work was supported by the United States Army Research Laboratory, the United States Army Research Office, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Tissue Engineering Resource Center of the National Institutes of Health under award number P41EB00250 and the National Science Foundation.
Tao, H., Kainerstorfer, J.M., Siebert, S.M., Pritchard, E.M., Sassaroli, A., Panilaitis, B., Brenckle, M.A., Amsden, J., Levitt, J., Fantini, S., Kaplan, D. L., and Omenetto, F.G. (2012),.Implantable Multifunctional Bioresorbable Optics, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Doi:10.1073/pnas.1209056109
Tufts University School of Engineering
Located on Tufts' Medford/Somerville campus, the School of Engineering offers a rigorous engineering education in a unique environment that blends the intellectual and technological resources of a world-class research university with the strengths of a top-ranked liberal arts college. Close partnerships with Tufts' excellent undergraduate, graduate and professional schools, coupled with a long tradition of collaboration, provide a strong platform for interdisciplinary education and scholarship. The School of Engineering's mission is to educate engineers committed to the innovative and ethical application of science and technology in addressing the most pressing societal needs, to develop and nurture twenty-first century leadership qualities in its students, faculty, and alumni, and to create and disseminate transformational new knowledge and technologies that further the well-being and sustainability of society in such cross-cutting areas as human health, environmental sustainability, alternative energy, and the human-technology interface.
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. and RICHMOND, Va., November 14, 2012 ? Roughly 15% of race registrants never even make it to the starting line . ACTIVE Network, the leader in cloud-based Activity and Participant Management? (APM), and Allianz Global Assistance USA, a leader in consumer specialty insurance, are partnering to provide event organizers and participants peace of mind by protecting registration fees for both parties when participants can?t show up on race day with ?Registration Protector?.
?Registering for an event in advance may seem more appealing to a participant if they know that a sprained ankle won?t jeopardize their registration fee,? said Eric McCue, general manager of sports at ACTIVE Network. ?For event organizers, Registration Protector solves an important customer service issue by making refunds available to participants without the need for organizers to manage or pay those refunds. Allianz Global Assistance was an obvious partner for us to help roll out this robust insurance plan to our customers because of their technical sophistication and impeccable reputation.?
Registration Protector is a new benefit to all ACTIVE.com customers who sign up for events online. During registration, participants will be provided with the option to purchase Registration Protector. With Registration Protector, a participant who misses an event for a covered reason such as an injury, illness, job loss, transportation delays, military/family/legal obligations, and more can get their registration fees reimbursed.*
?It appears to be a win-win situation for both event organizers and participants,? said Sally Smith of Big Sur Marathon Events. ?The covered reasons are very robust, much more so than other plans we?ve looked at. We also like the fact that the participant deals directly with Allianz Global Assistance. An event director won?t have to spend time explaining, arguing or upsetting participants who ask for a refund, nor will they have to deal with the refund process.?
Registration Protector will refund 100% of insured registration costs, subject to certain conditions and limitations, including fees and other related costs up to the maximum coverage amount of $10,000 and includes Allianz Global Assistance?s 24/7 service and assistance. Allianz Global Assistance manages all customer service and claims activity, without risk or management resources from event organizers.
?We?re pleased to be partnering with ACTIVE Network to offer event participants and organizers the tremendous benefits that Registration Protector has to offer,? said Mike Nelson, CEO of Allianz Global Assistance USA. ?Every year, we provide great coverage and outstanding 24/7/365 service and assistance to 13 million customers. We?re happy to be able to offer this coverage, service and peace of mind to ACTIVE Network customers and partners.?
*Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. For a complete description of the coverage, carefully review the terms and conditions of the certificate of insurance. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakwood Terrace, Ill), or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), depending on the insured?s state. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are brands of AGA Service Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage because of the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company.
About ACTIVE Network ACTIVE Network (NYSE: ACTV) is on a mission to make the world a more active place. With deep expertise in activity and participant management?, our ACTIVE Works? cloud technology helps organizers transform and grow their businesses. We do this through technology solutions that power the world?s activities and through online destinations such as ACTIVE.com? that connect people with the things they love to do. Serving over 50,000 global business customers and driving over 80 million transactions annually, we help organizers get participants, manage their events and build communities. ACTIVE Network is headquartered in San Diego, California and has over 30 offices worldwide. Learn more at ACTIVEnetwork.com or ACTIVE.com and engage with us on Twitter @ACTIVEnetwork, @ACTIVE and on Facebook.
About Allianz Global Assistance USA Allianz Global Assistance USA is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company with operation centers in 29 countries. In the United States, Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) insures 13 million customers and is best known for its Allianz Travel Insurance plans.
In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers registration and event ticket protection and unique assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for health insurers, property and casualty insurers, and credit card companies. For more information about Allianz Global Assistance USA, please visit allianzassistance.com. To learn more about Allianz Travel Insurance plans, please visit allianztravelinsurance.com or Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.
About Forward-Looking Statements The Active Network, Inc. cautions you that the statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Any such statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. More detailed information about The Active Network, Inc. and the risks and uncertainties that may affect the realization of these forward-looking statements is set forth in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings may be read free of charge on the SEC?s website at www.sec.gov. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and The Active Network, Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. ### ? 2012 The Active Network, Inc. All rights reserved. Active.com, Active Works, RegOnline and Conference are registered trademarks of The Active Network, Inc. ACTIVE Network is a trademark of The Active Network, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Megan Lavine, ACTIVE Network Megan.Lavine@ACTIVEnetwork.com 1-858-652-6133
Daniel Durazo, Allianz Global Assistance Daniel.Durazo@allianzassistance.com 1-804-673-7175
Sometimes buying sport-specific gifts can be a little intimidating if?you don?t share the same passion for the activity. There?s so many?variables; maybe they already have it, maybe they don?t need it or?maybe they don?t want it.
While there are some items you shouldn?t pick out on your own ? bikes and backpacks often need to be sized and people can be very particular about their skis and flyrods ? there are some universal gifts you can surprise your outdoor enthusiast with this year.
Kelsey Dayton
We?ve asked experts from Wyoming?s outdoor?retailers for suggestions on accessories and clothing to go with your?loved one?s favorite sport.?After perusing the guide, if you still feel a little skeptical buying a device you don?t totally understand, almost every expert enthusiastically endorsed socks. And no, not a bulk pack of white cotton tube socks. Think nice sport-specific socks that can cost $15 and up for a pair; the kind that will cushion your feet for miles on the trail or in your ski boots and are as stylish as functional.
Still feeling a little uncertain after reading this gift guide? A?major perk of shopping locally is having a chance to ask the experts?(often your friends and neighbors) for additional advice.
The store: Wild Iris http://www.wildirisclimbing.com/ The town: Lander The sport: Climbing The expert: Emily Tilden, hardgoods buyer and assistant manager Clothing: The Patagonia R1 Hoody is the perfect insulated base layer.?It comes with a helmet compatible hood and runs extra-long to easily?tuck under a harness. In men?s and womens. $149. Gear: Quick draws; a piece of climbing equipment that secures the rope to the bolt when sport climbing and creates a system to protect the climber if he or she takes a fall. Some people are meticulous about their climbing?racks (the gear they use while climbing), but if you stick with?climbing its almost inevitable that you?ll have some mismatched?quickdraws, Tilden said. That means gift seekers don?t have to know?the specifics of a person?s climbing equipment to add a few?quickdraws. $12 to $23.
The store: Bicycle Station http://bicyclestation.com The town: Cheyenne The sport: Biking (all varieties) The expert: Patrick Collins, owner Clothing: University of Wyoming Jersey ? support UW even while out riding. $79. Gear: Purist water bottle. The water bottle looks and feels like a?normal water bottle and fits easily into bike cages. However, the inside of?the bottles are lined with glass that allows dishwasher washing and?avoids the old plastic taste. $12.
The store: Cross Country Connection http://www.crosscountryconnection.com/ The town: Laramie The sport: Cross country skiing- Nordic and skate skiing The expert: Ken Cramer, store owner Clothing: The secret to Swix and Pearl Izumi?s tights? They are wind?proof, not just wind resistant; a must for Wyoming winters. ?They are?so worth it,? Cramer said. Even if your skier already has a pair of?tights, additional pairs won?t go unused, Cramer said. They also are?great for cold weather running, biking and camping. Oh and yes, when?it comes to winter recreating, men do wear tights. $100. Gear: Tuning supplies. Avid skiers will already have supplies, but?they?ll always need more of the staples, Cramer said. Even?specialized waxes might not be used immediately, but if the person?gets out regularly, it will eventually be needed, he said. $10 to $20.
The store: Ugly Bug Fly Shop The town: Casper The sport: Fly fishing The expert: Bob Fischer, manager Clothing: ?If you are dressed correctly, you can fish year round?here,? Fischer said. He recommends the Bulkley jacket from Simms?fishing. The Gortex keeps you dry and it?s well insulated to keep you?warm. $279. Gear: Fly boxes. Most fishermen will agree you can never have too many?flies and that means additional fly boxes. Fly boxes also make great?stocking stuffers. $6.95 to $49.95.
The store: The Sports Lure, http://www.sportslure.com/ The town: Buffalo The sport: Camping The expert: Luke Todd, manager Clothing: ?What?s new is old,? when it comes to camping clothing, Todd?said. Merino wool is overtaking synthetics for clothing choice. It?s?warmer and doesn?t get the funky smell synthetics adopt when wicking?away moisture. Smart Wool and Minus 33 make base layer bottoms guaranteed to get regular use, Todd said. $55. Gear: The Jetboil stove has been on the market for several years, but?has become the stove on every camper?s wish list, Todd said. The heat?exchanger allows for campers to boil a pint of water in 90 seconds. A?variety of sizes and features allow for luxury car camping and extra amenities. Starts at $100.
The store: Sunlight Sports, http://www.sunlightsports.com/ The town: Cody The sport: Hiking and backpacking The expert: Melissa Allen, owner Clothing: Long underwear. Before you groan, understand long underwear has come a long ways in recent years. Material is softer making it comfortable under clothes or even for loungewear around the house, and instead of solid neutral colors it comes in bold hues and beautiful prints, Allen said. Essential for warmth in the mountains at night, it also allows for late- and early-season hiking and even for getting around town. In Cody it?s not uncommon for people to wear it underneath their clothing to work in the winter, Allen said. Some pieces are so stylish staff at the store wear the base layers as regular shirts. ?You don?t have to hide it,? Allen said. High school kids seem to love Under Armor, while adults are usually drawn to Patagonia. Pieces start at $50 and go up to $100. Gear: Jetboil stove. Sound familiar? Yes, it is the same gift-to-give and get recommended by the Sports Lure. A backpacking titanium version is ultralight and still makes backcountry cooking easy, Allen said. $160. Looking for something a little different (or less expensive)? Get cooking and eating utensils. Always used and often lost, they start at 75 cents.
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Written by Kelsey Dayton | Published on November 27, 2012 | Filed under: Peaks To Plains Keywords: biking, biking Bicycle Station, camping, Climbing, Cross Country Connection, fishing, gear, gifts, hiking, recreation, skiing, Sports Lure, Sunlight Sports, Ugly Bug, Wild Iris
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ScienceDaily (Nov. 27, 2012) ? Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a computer-based test that could help heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol consumption.
Regular heavy drinking can lead to serious health conditions such as liver and heart disease, costing the NHS millions of pounds every year.
Methods of restraint
Research at Liverpool has shown that the habit of consuming alcohol can be interrupted when people practice methods of restraint whenever they see images of alcoholic drinks.
The team developed a computer test that required participants to press particular buttons when an image of alcohol or soft drink appeared on screen. They were asked to perform this task at speed, but when they heard a tone sound they were expected to stop immediately.
In one group the tone was presented at the same time as alcohol pictures appeared on screen, and in another group the tone was not matched up to images of alcoholic drinks.
Following the task, participants were given the option of drinking beer. Researchers found that participants who learned to exercise restraint when alcohol images were shown subsequently drank less beer than the control groups that did not practice the same method.
The team aim to develop the computer intervention for online use as part of a wider Medical Research Council (MRC) funded project on computerised interventions to boost self-control in heavy drinkers.
Professor Matt Field, from the University's Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, said: "It is thought that people who drink alcohol at unsafe levels do so because drinking behaviour has become an over-learned habit that they perform without really thinking about it. Similar to the practiced activity of brushing your teeth in the morning, a person may regularly drink a few glasses of wine with their evening meal.
"This kind of habit can lead to serious health problems, and in extreme cases, alcohol dependence.
Exercised self-control
"We wanted to investigate whether a person could learn to apply self-control automatically, in the hope that this might override the ingrained habit of drinking alcohol. We found that if participants repeatedly exercised self-control in response to images of alcoholic drinks, they drank less alcohol when the opportunity was later offered to them in the laboratory.
"We hope to develop this computer intervention to see whether people can use the intervention, outside of the laboratory environment, in their daily lives. This may take the form of an online activity to support those people who want to reduce their intake of alcohol."
The research is published in the journal Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.
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Journal Reference:
Andrew Jones, Matt Field. The Effects of Cue-Specific Inhibition Training on Alcohol Consumption in Heavy Social Drinkers.. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2012; DOI: 10.1037/a0030683
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Regardless of how our economic situation fares, the pharmacy technician career will have an easier time staying afloat and the demand for it will only continue to grow. Pharmacy technician jobs are teeming all over the place, but the heavy competition may make things had for you. So if you want to find yourself being sought after by an employer, receiving proper training and certification is necessary.
You don?t really have to undergo formal training in order to become a pharmacy technician, but there are additional benefits if you do. Educational institutions such as vocational schools, community colleges, and hospitals offer formal training programs ranging from a 6 months to 24 months. If you want to be qualified for the best pharmacy technician jobs, getting formal education is recommended.
Once you have completed you formal training program, you can make yourself even more attractive to potential employers by working hard to attain certification and other credentials. Certification is an excellent indication of your competency as a pharmacy tech. You can seek to become certified by either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (PTCB).
If you try to notice the requirements among the majority of pharmacy technician jobs, they require applicants to have reliable communications and interpersonal skills since they will be spending most of their time working with healthcare workers and interacting with patients. Sound mathematical and analytical skills are also a must when preparing medications.
Pharmaceutical firms are not the only places where pharmacy technician jobs can be found ? there are also plenty of employment opportunities in hospitals, convenience stores, and department stores which have their own pharmacy. To help make your search easier, you can take advantage of the internet and you can also submit your resume to online job directory websites.
The classified ads section of your local newspaper can also give you plenty of options when it comes to pharmacy technician jobs. If you have decided that you want to apply for a job in a pharmaceutical firm, you may want to drop by the company website to check out their employment opportunities and know more about what they are looking for.
If you think getting a diploma from a pharmacy tech school is very difficult, well think again. Check out our website about pharmacy technician certification and we?ll provide you with materials to help you reach your dreams. Visit www.pharmacytechnicianreviews.org now.
Republican Mitt Romney fell short in his White House bid but he got a consolation prize of sorts on Thursday as President Barack Obama had him over for lunch in an attempt to display some political harmony in the bitterly divided capital.
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