Tuesday, February 26, 2013

通篇只有一个读音的中国古文《施氏食狮史》

石室诗士施氏,嗜狮,誓食十狮。施氏时时适市视狮。十时,适十狮适市。是时,适施氏适市。施氏视十狮,恃矢势,使是十狮逝世。氏拾是十狮尸,适石室。石室湿,氏使侍拭石室。石室拭,氏始试食是十狮。食时,始识是十狮,实十石狮尸。试释是事。

通篇只有一个读音的中国古文《季姬击鸡记》‏

季姬寂,集鸡,鸡即棘鸡。棘鸡饥叽,季姬及箕稷济鸡。鸡既济,跻姬笈,季姬忌,急咭鸡,鸡急,继圾几,季姬急,即籍箕击鸡,箕疾击几 伎,伎即齑,鸡叽集几基,季姬急极屐击鸡,鸡既殛,季姬激,即记《季姬击鸡记》。

春季饮食养生攻略

春季养生要顺应春天阳气生发,万物始生特点,注意保护阳气,着眼一个“生”字。按自然界属性,春属木,与肝相应。肝的生理特点主疏泄,在志为怒,恶抑郁而喜调达。春季精神养生要力戒暴怒,更忌情怀忧郁。要充分利用、珍惜春季大自然“发陈”之时,借阳气上升,万物萌生,人体新陈代谢旺盛之机,通过适当调摄,使春阳之气得以宣达,代谢机能得以正常运行。

饮食:宜食辛甘发散之品

饮食调养方面要考虑春季阳气初生,宜食辛甘发散之品,不宜食酸收之味。《素问·藏气法时论》说:“肝主春,……肝苦急,急食甘以缓之,……肝欲散,急食辛以散之,用辛补之,酸泻之”。在五脏与五味的关系中,酸味入肝,具收敛之性,不利于阳气生发和肝气疏泄,饮食调养要投其脏腑所好,即“违其性故苦,遂其性故欲。欲者,是本脏之神所好也,即补也。苦者是本脏之神所恶也,即泻也。”明确这种关系,就能有目的地选择一些柔肝养肝、疏肝理气的草药和食品,草药如枸杞、郁金、丹参、元胡等,食品选择辛温发散的大枣、豆豉、葱、香菜、花生等配方选膳。

起居:衣着下厚上薄

春季气候变化较大,天气乍寒乍暖,由于人体腠理开始变得疏松,对寒邪抵抗能力有所减弱,所以,初春时节生活在北方的人不宜顿去棉服,年老体弱者换装尤宜审慎,不可骤减。

《千金要方》主张春时衣着宜“下厚上薄”,《老老恒言》亦云:“春冻半泮,下体宁过于暖,上体无妨略减,所以养阳之生气”。春天在起居方面,人体气血亦如自然界一样,需舒展畅达,要夜卧早起,免冠披发,松缓衣带,舒展形体,多参加室外活动,克服倦懒思眠状态,使自己精神情志与大自然相适应,力求身心和谐,精力充沛。

防病:阻断温邪上犯之路

春季养生另一方面,就是要防病保健。特别是初春,天气由寒转暖,各种致病的细菌、病毒随之生长繁殖。温热毒邪开始活动,现代医学所说的流感、流脑、麻疹、猩红热、肺炎也多有发生和流行。为避免春季疾病发生,要常开窗,使室内空气流通,保持空气清新;加强锻炼,提高机体的防御能力。注意口鼻保健,阻断温邪上受首先犯肺之路。

立春时节阳气渐生。而阴寒未尽,正处于阴退阳长、寒去热来的转折期,是由寒向暖过渡时。人的抗病能力和气候适应能力较弱,流行性传染病又较多,稍不注意就可能被感染,特别是年老体弱者和少年儿童。除日常注意防范外,也应从饮食上调理。

日常养生:重点护肝
立春后,天气乍暖还寒,气候变化仍较大。所谓“春捂秋冻”,春天适当捂一捂,可减少疾病,尤其是常见的呼吸系统传染病。

按自然界属性,春属木,与肝相应,中医认为肝主情致,因此,立春养生主要是护肝,调节心情,保持心情舒畅,防止“肝火上升”。心情舒畅,既可防止肝火上越,又有利于阳气生长。要戒暴怒,忌心情忧郁,做到心胸开阔,乐观向上,保持心境恬愉好心态,都有利于疏肝理气。中医认为,春季应该特别注意保养肝脏,以顺应天时。所以,饮食调养时要考虑春季属于阳气开始升发的特点,多吃些具有辛甘发散性质的食物如油菜、香菜、韭菜、洋葱、芥菜、白萝卜、茼蒿、大头菜、茴香、白菜、芹菜、菠菜等。

运动:节奏和缓

随着气温回升,人们应逐渐增加户外活动时间以加快血液循环,促进气血运行。比较适合节奏和缓的运动,如春游、放风筝、散步、慢跑、打太极及并不剧烈的球类运动。要注意,这时节运动不宜剧烈,不宜大汗淋漓、气喘吁吁,否则可能耗阳气,对养生不利。

漫步时,可以做做揉肺运动。肺经在手臂内侧,经肩窝开始向下延伸到大拇指,所以取其上下两端的穴位来按摩会有很好的效果,且这两个穴位比较好找,一个在肩窝位置的中府,另一个是大拇指的少商穴,每天早晨起床用手半握拳各敲一百遍。

食谱推荐:洋芋搅团

材料:马铃薯2个、香葱、花生、蒜,青、红朝天椒,花椒、干辣椒、红油、油、 陈醋、生抽、盐、 熟白芝麻等。

做法:

1、马铃薯洗净,放入蒸锅。使用大火蒸20分钟至用筷子可以轻易刺穿马铃薯。

2、取出马铃薯,趁热剥去外皮,放入大碗中用木勺捣碎成泥状。

3、用汤勺将马铃薯泥塑成圆球状,放入碗中。

4、洗净红、绿朝天椒,切成小片,香葱洗净切末,蒜捣碎。

5、小火加热炒锅中的油至3成热,放入花生炸至金黄捞出。

6、干辣椒洗净并与花椒一同放入碗中。将炒锅中的油加热至5成热。

7、将香葱末、蒜末、红绿辣椒片放入一个小碗中,加入陈醋、生抽、盐、红油和炸好的干辣椒花椒油混合均匀。

8、将调味汁淋在马铃薯球上,撒上熟白芝麻和花生即可。
排骨炖芋头

材料:猪肋排500克、芋头300克、香葱适量、 姜约40克、 大葱1根 、干辣椒4个、八角2枚、 花椒10粒 、桂皮1根 、香叶1片 、老抽30毫升、料酒15毫升、冰糖15克、盐10克、 油15毫升、大蒜粉10克。

做法:

1、将猪肋排剁成5厘米长的小段,在沸水中煮2分钟(待血沫析出),用漏勺捞出,再用热水反复冲洗干净,沥干水分。

2、芋头削皮,切成4厘米见方小块(如果是小芋头削皮即可),大葱切段,老姜洗净拍散切小块(不用刮皮)。

3、大火加热炒锅中的油,放入煮过的排骨煎炒2分钟,至表面略出现焦黄色时,加入冰糖、姜块、葱段、干辣椒、大蒜粉、八角(大料)、花椒、桂皮和香叶一起煸炒1分钟。

4、依次沿炒锅内沿淋入料酒(或黄酒)和老抽,炒匀后加入可以没过排骨的沸水,转入砂锅中,再次沸腾后改小火慢炖1小时。

5、加入芋头和盐再炖20分钟,离火前撒上香葱小段即可。

Monday, February 25, 2013

6 Ways to Advertise Your Rental Property

1. Craigslist

2. Zillow

3. Trulia

4. Postlets.com

5. Rent.com

6. MLS

Sunday, February 24, 2013

3 Reasons Your Highschooler Should Take AP

A college experience today
In AP courses, just like in college, your child will tackle challenging topics head-on and investigate issues that matter to him or her. AP students get to learn about subjects in-depth, with their AP teachers and classmates there to help.

Save money in college time
Taking AP courses shows college admission officers that your child is willing to take the most advanced courses his or her school has to offer. Scoring well on an AP Exam can also result in credit for or placement out of introductory college courses, potentially saving thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.

Preparation for the future
Encourage your child to visit exploreap.org to learn more about AP courses and hear from AP students. AP students see that although AP classes are tough, by doing college-level work in high school they can test themselves and build confidence in their ability to take on what's next in college.

Your child's counselor and teachers can also help you understand his or her AP options. And if your child is already in an AP class, congratulations. It's a big step toward college success.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

美国下一次繁荣的宠儿



为唯一没有遭受二战荼毒之灾的工业化强国,美国曾经生产出这个星球近40%的商品。如今,这一比例已降至18%。我们把美国女孩(American Girl)洋娃娃交给中国制造,把李维斯(Levi's)牛仔裤交给墨西哥制造,甚至把许多电影放到加拿大温哥华去拍摄,以至于可以把那里称之为“北好莱坞”(Hollywood North)。

然而,在经历了长达数十年的外包之后,如今美国正悄悄兴起一场制造业的复兴。苹果(Apple)、卡特彼勒(Caterpillar)、福特汽车(Ford Motor)、通用电气(General Electric)、惠而浦(Whirlpool)等公司在美国本土生产的商品越来越多。受到廉价能源、弱势美元和停滞薪酬吸引的不只是美国企业,三星电子(Samsung Electronics)计划在得克萨斯州投资40亿美元建造一座半导体工厂,空客公司(Airbus SAS)正在阿拉巴马州建造一座工厂,丰田汽车(Toyota)想在印第安那州生产厢式旅行车,然后出口到亚洲。

 美国老工业区重新焕发生机是有不少原因的,其中包括亚洲人工成本和工业地块价格的上升,但最大的因素应该是美国能源实力的大爆发。由于在石油天然气页岩开采技术上的先发优势,现在北美大陆生产的天然气远远超过其他任何一个大陆。与石油不同,天然气的跨洋运输并不容易;由此带来的结果是,美国唾手可得全世界最廉价的能源:天然气在美国的价格是每百万英国热力单位(BTU)3.55美元,而在欧洲约为12美元,在日本约为16美元。廉价能源不但能减少美国的贸易赤字以及对中东石油的依赖程度,还能增强美国工厂的全球竞争力。对从产品输出大国沦为就业输出大国的美国来说,这是一个很大的提振。


John Kuczala for Barron's


最大的受益者是能耗大户企业,如化工厂和炼钢厂等。《巴伦周刊》(Barron)挑选出了应该能从天然气优势推动下的美国制造业复苏中获得巨大成功的八只股票,它们是西南能源公司(Southwestern Energy)、利安德巴塞尔工业公司(LyondellBasell Industries)、纽柯钢铁公司(Nucor)、都福集团(Dover)、卡尔派恩公司(Calpine)、CF工业控股(CF Industries)、威廉姆斯公司(Williams)和联合太平洋铁路公司(Union Pacific)。不过复兴也会对区域性借贷机构、住房建筑商和各地的小企业产生影响。纽约研究机构国际策略与投资集团(International Strategy & Investment Group)的联席主管南希•拉扎尔宣称:“美国是天然气领域的沙特阿拉伯。美国中部是我最看好的新兴市场。”

美国的能源优势要感谢液压破碎法。这是一种备受争议的开采方式,利用高压将液体打穿岩层,深度往往达到一英里以上,以获得石油和天然气。批评人士谴责液压破碎法会破坏环境,但甚至连他们都承认,这种做法能带来大量的廉价天然气。过去六年多来,美国的石油和天然气产量从每天1500万桶油当量跃升至2010万桶油当量,创下20年来的新高。同期的美国原油进口从每天1400万桶降低至800万桶,为近25年来的最低水平。

有一个趋势值得关注:南达科他矿业理工学院(South Dakota School of Mines & Technology)毕业生的就业率达到88%,要求的起薪中值比耶鲁大学(Yale Univesity)毕业生高出16%。他们的吉祥物是:地精矿工(Grubby the Miner)。

国际能源署(International Energy Agency)称,到2020年,美国将成为世界上最大的石油生产国。埃克森美孚公司(ExxonMobil)预测,到2025年,北美将成为能源净出口地区。

美国在能源上的优势足以维持数十年之久。T. Rowe Price基金公司自然资源类股票组合经理提姆•派克(Tim Parker)说:“美国的优势不仅在于地下蕴藏的巨大储备,而在于一连串可以预想到的组合拳,包括早已建成的基础设施、专业技能、相对丰富的水源,以及一个有利的许可权制度,从而确保土地所有者在开采过程中能获得应有收益。”与此形成对比的是,欧洲反对液压破碎法,基础设施缺乏;日本几乎找不到任何页岩地形;中国虽然资源丰富,但只有靠近长江的页岩地区拥有足够水源进行液压破碎法开采。

当然,一个尤其寒冷的冬季可能会推动美国天然气价格飙升,但这种波动只是暂时的。由于天然气储备不断扩大以及库存屡创新高,商品策略师预计美国天然气价格将在未来数年内保持在每百万英国热力单位三到五美元的区间──远低于国外的天然气价格。

廉价天然气并非美国唯一的优势所在。自2001年加入世界贸易组织(World Trade Organization)以来,中国已成为全世界的低成本工厂。然而,中国工人的工资和福利正在以每年15%到20%的速度增长,而美国的工资水平则停滞不前。虽然中国政府力求保持币值稳定,但自2005年以来,人民币对美元已升值33%。中国整体的工业用地平均成本为每平方英尺10.22美元,但在沿海城市宁波已上涨至11.15美元,深圳为21美元──而美国田纳西州和北卡罗来纳州仅为1.30美元到4.65美元。波士顿咨询公司(Boston Consulting Group)高级合伙人哈尔•西尔金(Hal Sirkin)说:“未来五年内,如果在美国一些地方建造工厂,其许多产品的整体生产成本仅比中国沿海城市高10%到15%左右。”如果再考虑关税和运费,美国与中国的制造成本差距将进一步缩小。

如今,制造商在为工厂选址时的考虑因素也不仅仅是成本。哈佛商学院(Harvard Business School)教授加里•皮萨诺(Gary Pisano)表示,美国仍是全世界最大的消费市场,而把供应链贴近美国,有助于加快企业的市场反应速度和创新速度。普华永道会计师事务所(PricewaterhouseCoopers)美国工业企业部负责人罗伯特•麦卡琼(Robert McCutcheon)说:“在美建厂不仅能保护产品的知识产权,还能保护产品的生产流程。”

当然,美国企业不可能完全关闭海外工厂。与其他许多国家相比,美国的企业税依然很高。由于自动化技术进步和产能提高,回归美国的就业岗位也有限。不过,波士顿咨询公司的西尔金做出一个保守估计,认为到2020年,美国将增加250万到500万制造业岗位,从而让美国目前接近7.8%的失业率下降二到三个百分点。由于德国和日本等发达国家竞争对手的生产成本较高,美国的出口也将进一步扩大。美国的港口设施齐全,但容量闲置,目前吞吐量仅为最大运营能力的54%,低于欧洲的59%,拉丁美洲的67%,以及东南亚的76%。

更多的工厂回归本土有助于美国经济的整体发展。全美制造商协会(National Association of Manufacturers)表示,在制造业上每投入一美元,能额外拉动1.48美元的经济。还有一个好处是:制造业在研发上的投入占美国私人板块研发投入的三分之二。

五三银行私人银行(Fifth Third Private Bank)的首席投资策略师杰弗里•科赞尼克(Jeffrey Korzenik)表示,这一切只是开始:丰富的天然气资源以及较弱的美元是一个长期趋势,在失业率低于6%之前,美国的人工成本将保持稳定。“美国制造业的离岸外包已持续数十年,但重新回归的趋势仅仅开始了两三年。”

下面列出应该受益于这一趋势变化的八只股票。

1、西南能源公司(SWN)

廉价能源是制造商的福音,却是能源开采企业的诅咒;因此,投资者对受天然气价格猛跌影响最大的能源生产企业避之唯恐不及。西南能源公司99%的产量和储备都是天然气,当天然气价格逼近十年以来的最低点时,你可能以为这家休斯顿公司的管理者会急得如同热锅上的蚂蚁。

但事实恰恰相反。这是因为西南能源公司的生产效率极高,生产成本很低。这家公司在北卡罗亚纳州南部城市费耶特维尔(Fayetteville)有 926,000公顷的页岩气田,凭借密井、一些自有钻井平台以及垂直一体化的服务保证了运营生产的稳定性。该公司在宾夕法尼亚州马塞勒斯(Marcellus)也有187,000公顷的页岩气田。目前该公司的股价为34美元,比同类公司稍高,但依然低于公司的净资产价值。

RS全球自然资源基金(RS Global Natural Resources Fund)的联席投资经理肯•赛托斯(Ken Settles)预计,美国的天然气价格最终将达到五美元到六美元的水平。“投资一个低成本生产商的好处在于,即使天然气价格低于长期可持续水平,西南能源公司的资产依然在产生利润,为股东们创造价值。”

西南能源公司计划把2013年的天然气产量增加11%到13%,分析师预计其本年度的每股盈利将攀升19%。如果天然气价格上扬,公司的利润增长将更为强劲,但投资者无须对此翘首以盼,就能安享投资收益。

2、利安德巴塞尔工业公司(LYB)

化工厂对能源的需求极大,同时依赖于石油天然气提纯过程中的副产品作为原材料,如乙烷、丁烷和丙烷等。因此,页岩气的大发展对其是一个双重利好消息,一方面提供了廉价原料,另一方面提供了廉价能源。事实上,普华永道认为我们可能会开始看到越来越多的基于塑料的替代品,以取代金属、玻璃或木材。这对杜邦公司(DuPont)和陶氏化学公司(Dow Chemical)这样的多元化特种化工巨头企业是个好消息,陶氏化学正在投资40亿美元提升产能,在得克萨斯州建造一个乙烯厂,预计招聘2,000名工人。

不过,T. Rowe Price基金公司的提姆•派克认为,原本利润率较小、趋于大众商品化的基础化工企业能从廉价原料和能源的新格局中斩获更多。他推荐的股票是:利安德巴塞尔工业公司。

这家公司总部位于荷兰鹿特丹(Rotterdam),从2010年4月的破产保护中浴火重生后,其在纽约上市的股票大涨184%,近期的交易价格为62美元,基于2013年预计利润的市盈率为10.7倍。利安德巴塞尔工业公司的管理团队正在提升公司盈利水平,并通过股票回购和分红向股东返还本金。公司的股息率为2.6%,净利润率5.6%,超过同类公司3.7%的平均水平。德意志银行(Deutsche Bank)的分析师大卫•贝格雷特(David Begleiter)坚信,凭借新增加的产能、廉价的原料以及140亿美元的自由现金流,利安德巴塞尔工业公司2016年的每股收益将达到10美元,股价有望突破100美元。

3、纽柯钢铁公司(NUE)

钢铁公司并非只是能源消耗大户,钢管和钢铁产品也是能源开采和运输的有机组成部分,更不用说能源生产和基础设施建设了。纽柯钢铁公司99%的收入来源于美国市场,是美国规模最大的小钢厂运营商和金属回收商,因此能够牢牢抓住美国能源优势和制造业复苏所带来的商机。

钢铁行业困扰于产能过剩问题,股票价格随着喜怒无常的经济数据大幅波动,而纽柯钢铁公司的股票与同类公司相比更具防御性。富国银行(Wells Fargo)钢铁板块分析师山姆•达宾斯基(Sam Dubinsky)从长期角度看好这只股票,“理由是其具有精简的成本结构以及灵活的产品多样性,从而推动其盈利水平处于同业领先地位”。在美国建筑市场的触底过程中,纽柯钢铁公司已做好各方面的准备,健康的资产负债表和3.1%的股息率进一步增加了该股票的吸引力(近期股价为47.78美元)。

4、都福集团(DOV)

美国真的准备好再次投身于制造业吗?美国制造工厂的平均年龄为15.5年,而设备的使用时间接近六年。这两个指标都处于近50年来的最高位。美国钢铁协会(ISI)在一份报告中这样写道:“设备和工厂老旧,因此需要进行大范围的更新换代。”美国钢铁协会认为,未来五年内,资本支出在美国经济中的比重将从10.2%上升至14%,接近20世纪80年代初的顶峰水平。这对都福集团来说是个好消息:这家大型企业集团生产各式各样的工业产品──从制冷系统到特种水泵,从钻头到条形码设备等──因此能在美国的制造业复苏中获益良多。

与其他经济敏感型股票相比,都福集团的产品更趋多元化和稳定性。管理层的资本运作较为巧妙,购并企业,回购股票,将资本回报率提升至12.4%,达到十年来的最高水平。其股息生息率为2.1%,其9.7%的利润率超过了行业平均水平。然而,其股价仅为67美元,基于2013年预计利润的市盈率为12.8倍,低于市场平均市盈率,也低于其他机械类股票的市盈率。

5、卡尔派恩公司(CPN)

卡尔派恩公司是美国最大的私营天然气发电企业,运营着好几家最先进、最高效的发电站。仅在六年前,美国有近一半的电力来源于煤炭发电,但天然气发电的占比快速提升,已从第五位上升至第三位,煤电则已日渐衰落。

美国正在不断转向更清洁的天然气,这也是《巴伦周刊》对这只股票青眼有加的原因之一(详情参见2012年7月23日的文章《卡尔派恩蓄势待发》(Calpine Gets Ready to Light Up))。公司还有闲置的天然气发电产能,因此能在煤电转为天然气发电的大潮中稳坐钓鱼台。

该公司的股价为19美元,2013年每股预计利润为69美分,市盈率27.6倍。乍一看来,公司的优势已经充分体现在股价当中,但这看似很高的市盈率依然低于其近五年来的中值,而且该公司每股的自由现金流达到一美元,并在不断减少债务水平。RS全球自然资源基金的联席投资经理麦肯齐•戴维斯(MacKenzie Davis)说:“当电力价格处于低位时,卡尔派恩可以从产能效率不高的发电商那里获得更多的市场份额。而当电力价格上涨时,公司的利润率和现金流还会进一步改善。”

6、CF工业控股公司(CF)

在化肥生产过程中,能源成本占到总成本的将近70%。蒙特利尔私人银行(BMO Private Bank)首席投资长杰克•阿布林(Jack Ablin)认为,CF工业控股公司是天然气富足时期的一个很大受益者。

该公司总部位于伊利诺伊州东北部城市迪尔菲尔德(Deerfield),主要生产氮肥和磷肥,85%的收入来自于美国市场。目前的股价为226美元,超过同类公司,近两年来上涨了73%,最近一次涨幅得益于旱灾所导致的玉米和大豆价格飙升。分析师担心公司盈利水平达到周期顶点,因此下调这只股票的推荐评级;投资者也心神不宁,担心管理层耗资38亿美元扩大氮肥产能会降低公司利润率,影响股票回购规模。

然而,股价回落对长期投资者来说反而是一个大好机会。低廉的天然气成本应该能让该公司的营业毛利保持在接近50.1%的历史高位。玉米供应短缺、密西西比河水位下降以及美国玉米带(Corn Belt)的持续干旱会对谷物价格和化肥价格形成支撑,CF的投资级信用等级和低债务水平有助于让公司在有资金需求时以较低成本借贷资金。其股票基于过去12个月利润的市盈率仅为8.2倍,远低于公司2005年上市以来12.3倍的市盈率中值。

7、威廉姆斯公司(WMB)

为什么天然气价格如此便宜,而美国开车一族不能在加油站享受到更低的油价?其中一个原因在于,油价是由全球供需关系决定的。经过数十年进口石油的日子,我们需要重新设计基础设置,以便销售美国国内生产的天然气。这对天然气管道运营商来说是个好消息,有不少这类公司采取“业主有限合伙制企业”(MLP)的形式以达到避税目的,而如果投资者不想纠缠于这种复杂的组织结构,可以选择它们的母公司进行投资。

威廉姆斯公司从事天然气的开采和运输工作,拥有同名MLP子公司Williams Partners 78%的股份。公司具有多元化的资产结构,股息率3.9%,并将从天然气运输及基础设施建设的需求升温中获益。

不过,2012年是13年以来MLP投资回报率首次落后于股市整体水平的一年,原因是天然气价格疲软,税收顾虑,以及多年盈利后的利润分配。

Williams Partners公司的投资回报率为6.6%,下降22%。母公司Williams的股价也较为疲软,原因是Williams私营控股的Access Midstream Partners公司及其MLP投资了一个22.5亿美元的复杂项目,而Williams专门增发股票为其融资。

不过,该交易提升了Williams在尤蒂卡(Utica)页岩区和马塞勒斯页岩区的话语权,并为公司带来稳定的许可费收入,以缓解大宗商品价格波动对其产生的不利影响。Williams的股价为34美元,投资者一度担心公司需要进一步融资,但其今年约16亿美元的现金流超过了华尔街预测的8.16亿美元的调整后净收入,足以覆盖公司的各项支出,从而确保Williams能够实现之前的承诺,即每年提高股息率20%,直至2015年。

8、联合太平洋铁路公司(UNP)

任何生产出来的产品都必须从工厂运往其他地方。铁路运营商堪萨斯城南方铁路(Kansas City Southern)拥有的南北线路得天独厚,直接连接美国中西部和墨西哥,因此能在美国一部分制造业移往墨西哥的过程中受益。不过,真正的铁路之王还是联合太平洋铁路公司。

150年前,亚伯拉罕•林肯(Abraham Lincoln)签署了《太平洋铁路法案》(Pacific Railway Act),联合太平洋铁路公司应运而生,其密集的铁路网络遍布密西西比河以西的美国版图。Stephens资本管理公司的运输行业分析师布莱德•德尔科(Brad Delco)认为,联合太平洋铁路公司是与汽车、化工和钢铁等能源敏感板块关联性最强的铁路股票之一。该公司的铁路网络覆盖墨西哥湾岸区(Gulf Coast),拥有各家铁路运营商中规模最大的化工产品运输权,占美国西部汽车及零备件运输量的75%,而其在美国东海岸相对较少的线路使其能够避开煤电衰弱所带来的不利影响。

联合太平洋铁路公司的股票过去两年来已经上涨44%,达到133美元,是同类公司平均水平的近两倍,其基于2013年预计利润的市盈率为14倍,稍高于同类公司,但还不到它自己的历史平均水平。公司管理层将营运毛利率提升至36%,为十年来的最高值。股票的股息率为2.1%;自1899年蒸汽机推动美国进入第一次工业现代化以来,该公司每年都支付股息。在美国进入能源新时代之际,这家铁路巨头也已整装待发。

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

2013 IVY League Early Application Stats


Harvard
Harvard accepted 895 applicants early from an applicant pool of 4,856. The
early applicant pool increased by nearly 15 percent. The early admit rate
was 18 percent.
Yale 
Yale accepted 649 applicants early. The admit rate was 14.4 percent, compared
to 15.7 the previous year. 4,520 students applied early, compared to 4,323
the previous year, representing a 4.4 percent increase. 2,529 early applicants
were deferred, and 1,302 were denied admission.
Princeton
Princeton received 3,810 early applications, compared to 3,443 the previous
year, an increase of 10.7 percent. 679 applicants were offered early admission.
 Of the remaining early applicants, 2,777 were deferred to the regular admission
applicant pool.
Princeton received a total of 26,505 applications for the Class of 2017,
a slight decrease from the previous year, when the University received 26,663
applicants.
Columbia
Columbia received 3,126 early decision applications for the class of 2017,
an increase of 1.3 percent compared to 3,086 from last year.
The number of overall applications to Columbia College and the School of
Engineering and Applied Science for the class of 2017 increased 5 percent
to 33,460, compared to 31,818 the previous year.
Cornell
To be announced
Dartmouth
Dartmouth accepted 464 applicants early. The early admit rate was 29.5 percent.
 Dartmouth received 1,574 early applications, a 12.5 percent decrease from
the previous year. 550 early applicants were deferred and nearly 500 applicants
were denied admission. The mean SAT score of the admitted students was 2141.
Brown
Brown admitted 558 out of 3,010 early applicants. This represents an early
admit rate of 18.5 percent compared to 19 percent the previous year. 2,919
early applications were received the previous year. Approximately 10 percent
of the early applicants were rejected, and approximately 71 percent were
deferred.
15 students were admitted to the Program in Liberal Medical Education, accounting
for 3.9 percent out of a 385-member applicant pool. Brown usually admits
around 17 or 18 PLME students through early decision.
Students planning on majoring in the social sciences accounted for 30 percent
of those admitted, followed by 26 percent who indicated interest in the
physical sciences, 24 percent in life sciences and 17 percent in the humanities.
 The remaining 3 percent were undecided.
University of Pennsylvania
UPenn admitted 1,196 applicants early. The 24.9 percent acceptance rate
represents a 0.5 percent decrease from the 25.4 percent admit rate last
year. 4,812 early applications were received. 1,000 applicants were deferred
and 2,616 applicants were rejected. UPenn has a target class size of 2,420.
MIT
To be announced
Stanford
Stanford offered early admission to 725 applicants, compared to 755 students
the previous year. 6,103 early applications were received, compared to 5,880
the previous year. The early admit rate was less than 12 percent. The admitted
students hail from 43 states and 28 countries. More than 70 percent have
a high school grade point average of 4.0 or higher. 572 applicants were deferred.

Life Insurance and Annuity Arbitrage Strategy

Stocks and bonds aren't the only things you can arbitrage. Annuity arbitrage strategies have their place as well.

The simple explanation of the concept of arbitrage is the simultaneous purchase and sale in different markets to take advantage of price discrepancies, and hopefully profit from that moment in time. As we all know, hedge funds and Wall Street firms employ thousands of computer experts to try to find these types of opportunities with stocks, bonds, commodities and pretty much any investment whose price moves.

Annuity arbitrage tries to accomplish the same goal with the simultaneous purchase of a life insurance policy and a single premium immediate annuity (also known as a lifetime income annuity) on the same person, but from different carriers. The carrier issuing the life policy is taking the risk of the person dying before their life expectancy, while the carrier issuing the lifetime income annuity takes the exact opposite risk that the person will live beyond their life expectancy. In essence, this is a hedged transaction using two specific risk management strategies, or what I call transfer of risk strategies.

Because life insurance is involved in annuity arbitrage, you do not have to be in ideal health, but you will have to be in good enough health to be insurable. If structured correctly, below are some of the benefits of an annuity arbitrage strategy.

· Guaranteed Lifetime Income —Receive a secure contractually guaranteed lifetime income stream using a single premium immediate annuity. Because there is an exclusion ratio with this type of annuity, a portion of your income stream is tax-free.

· Single-Life or Joint-Life Payout —Structure the annuity lifetime income stream for single-life or joint-life payout with your spouse.

· Lower Estate Taxes —Reduce or possibly eliminate an estate tax liability with the assets being used.

· Maximize Your Legacy —Preserve and enhance a larger legacy and estate to leave to your heirs and beneficiaries.

Annuity arbitrage works best for people who are in a high income tax bracket, and with a possible estate-tax problem. It's also important to have other sources of liquidity available, and to have a qualified tax adviser with you every step of the process to make sure all the details are covered.

When working on these strategies for my clients, I have a life insurance expert that I always use to find the most preferred underwriting and pricing in order to maximize this specific transfer of risk. His job is to take advantage of the difference in underwriting ratings of different insurance companies for the same person and find the most coverage for the lowest cost. My job as Stan The Annuity Man is to work with the hundreds of single premium immediate annuity carriers to maximize the annuity side of the strategy by finding the highest contractual lifetime payout for lowest upfront dollar amount.

Listed below are the basic steps of how a typical annuity arbitrage strategy works. Please understand that every case is customized, so use the steps as a foundation to see if this is something worth exploring further:

Step 1: Line up life insurance. Decide which of your current assets to use, how much to fund the strategy, and the amount of life insurance coverage and income needed. Then purchase a life insurance policy and pay the first installment of the premium.

Step 2: Buy the annuity. Purchase a single premium immediate annuity to provide a lifetime income stream for you, or for you and your spouse. The primary purpose of this lifetime income annuity is to pay the continuing life insurance premium, but can also provide a needed income stream with the remaining balance. You can transfer an existing deferred annuity to this income annuity using the Internal Revenue Service-approved 1035 transfer rule.

Step 3: Pay the insurance premiums with the annuity. Use all or a portion of the annuity lifetime income stream to pay the life insurance premiums. Sometimes buying two income annuities makes more sense, so that one provides a lifetime income stream and one is designated just to pay for the annual life insurance premium.

Step 4: Set up a trust. For most annuity arbitrage cases, an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) is established to house and own the life insurance policy. This enables the trustee of the ILIT to pay the premiums on the life insurance policy using the annuity income proceeds, normally structured as a gift to fund policy. The ILIT actually purchases the life insurance policy on you, and the ILIT is also the sole beneficiary to control the asset and eventual distribution.

Step 5: Check in with a tax expert. Always consult with your qualified tax adviser (CPA or tax lawyer) in conjunction with your financial adviser to see exactly how an annuity arbitrage strategy would work for your specific situation. Don't skip this step and try to be a “do it yourself“ tax expert!

The insurance policy will provide a return of capital at the death of the insured (you), with the lifetime income stream continuing for the surviving spouse or stopping if the annuity was just life-only on you. At death, the ILIT distributes the life insurance proceeds free of income and estate taxes to the beneficiaries because the life policy was owned outside of the estate.

When the annuity arbitrage strategy is designed correctly using highly rated carriers, the risk is minimal. The annuity income is guaranteed for life, and the insurance premiums are contractually guaranteed not to increase, with the death benefit guaranteed as long as the premiums are paid (which is what the annuity is for).

Annuity arbitrage might be a solution for your income and legacy needs, and could be worth taking a closer look. Who knew that you could use the words “arbitrage“ and “annuity“ in the same sentence…and it make sense! Will wonders never cease?

Monday, February 18, 2013

偏头痛(Migraine)的治疗和预防


1。终身发病率:妇女43%,男人18%,儿童4-5%
2。经常是单侧搏动性头痛 
3。双侧头痛:成年人:40%, 儿童:60%
4。短暂发作性的头痛:每月少于15 
5。慢性头痛:每月大于15 
6。相关症状:畏光,恐声,惧气味,恶心和呕吐 
720%的病人有预兆:最多的是视觉症状,少数人有感觉和偏瘫症状 
8。有一定的家属史 
9。月经期间可能加重。

急性治疗:24小时内,恢复功能,减轻病痛,减少复发。 

A: 家中非特效治疗: 
Aspirin (650-1000 mg),
Ibuprofen (400-800 mg),
Naproxen (125-550 mg),
Diclofenac (50 mg),
Ketoprofen (50-75 mg)
Ketorolac (10 mg),
Etodolac (200-500 mg),
Mecofenamate (50-100 mg) 

B: 特效治疗-1 Triptans
Almotriptan (Axert, 6.25,12.5 mg, onset 1-2hr, t1/2 3-4hr),
Eletriptan (Relpax, 20, 40 mg, onset <1hr, t1/2 4 hr),
Rizatriptan (Maxalt, 5, 10 mg, onset 30 min, t1/2 2-3hr),
Sumatriptan (Imitrex, 25, 50, 100 mg, onset oral 1-2hr,  t1/2-3hr),
Zolmitriptan (Zomig, 2.5, 5 mg, onset <1hr, t1/2 -3hr),
Frovatriptan (Frova, 2.5 mg, onset 2hr, t1/2 26hr),
Naratriptan (Aerge, 1, 2.5 mg, onset 1hr, t1/2 6hr).
C: 特效治疗-2: Ergots
Dihydroergotamine (DHE, 0.5, 1 mg nasal spray or IV injection)

D: 急诊室治疗:
1. Sumatriptan: 6 mg subcutaneously 
2. Headache cocktail: Combination of all following if above not help:
Valproate 500 mg intra-venously
Dexamethasone 10 mg  intra-venously
Magnesium solfate 1-2 gram  intra-venously
Metoclopramide 10-20 mg  intra-venously 

预防性治疗 
减少复发频率,严重性,延迟疾病进展,增强对急性治疗的反应性 

A: 改变生活方式: 
要有足够的睡眠,有氧运动,少量多餐,避免咖啡因,巧克力,喝酒,和奶酪等发
酵食品。

B: 特效预防性药品:
1. Beta-adrenergic blockers:
Metoprolol 50-150 mg twice a day
Propranolol 80-240 mg daily
Timolol 10-20 mg twice a day

2. Antiepileptic drugs
Topiramate 25-150 mg twice a day
Divaproex 250-1500 mg twice a day

3. Antidepressants
Amitriptyline 25-150 mg bedtime
Venlafaxine 37.5-150 mg daily

C: 非主流的预防性药品和方法:
Magnesium 400 mg 1-2 times a day
Coznzyme Q10 300 mg daily
Riboflavin (Vit B2) 400 mg daily
Butterbur 150 mg daily
Feverfew: 50-100 mg 1-2 times a day
Folic acid 2 mg, Vit B12 400 ug, and Vit B6 25 mg, daily
Acupuncture 45% reduction of headache
Oxygen 10-12 Liter/min for cluster headache

Friday, February 15, 2013

2013-14 新的common application 有很大改变

虽然正式可以用的common application 的大学申请表要到8月1日才出来,但今年的essay 的题目和要求已经出炉。现在11年级的孩子可以准备起来了。

近年有2百多万高中毕业生填写,有560多个大学使用的Common application 自从有了以后,essay 的范围或要求基本没有改变。今年的essay 的要求第一次有相当大的改变。

The Common Application Board of Directors is pleased to announce the 2013-14 essay prompts. They are presented below along with the instructions that will accompany them. While not specified here, the online application will make clear that the word limit will be enforced.
The new prompts and the written guidance around them are the culmination of two years of discussion about the role writing plays in a holistic selection process. The Board relied heavily on the advice of the 15 counselors who serve on its Outreach Advisory Committee. Together, these colleagues have decades of experience advising students from every academic, social, cultural, and economic background. As they considered the topics our members suggested, they worked diligently to ensure that all applicants, regardless of background or access to counseling, would have the chance to tell their unique stories. The Board of Directors thanks everyone who provided constructive and collegial feedback over the last several months. We are excited about the possibilities these prompts present for thoughtful and creative expression. The measure of their success will be how well they help our member institutions make informed decisions. We will revisit the essay prompts each year, and we will look to our members for input regarding their effectiveness.
_________________________________
Instructions.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

• Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

100 Questions You Should Ask Before You Buying a Franchise


Financial

  • Have you and your spouse and knowledgeable family members discussed the idea of buying a franchise?
  • Are you in complete agreement?
  • Do you have the financial resources required to buy a franchise? If not, where are you going to get the capital?
  • Are you and your spouse ready to make the necessary sacrifices in the way of money and time in order to operate a franchise?
  • Will the possible loss of company benefits, including retirement plans, be outweighed by the potential monetary and self-pride rewards that would come from owning a franchise?
  • Have you made a thorough written balance sheet of your assets and liabilities, as well as liquid cash resources?
  • Will your savings provide you with a cushion for at least one year after you have paid for the franchise, allowing a one-year period of time to break even?
  • Do you have additional sources of financing, including friends or relatives who might be able to loan you money in the event that your initial financing proves inadequate?
  • Do you realize that most new businesses, including franchises, generally do not break even for at least one year after opening?
  • Will one of you remain employed at your current occupation while the franchise is in its initial, pre-profit stage?
  • Personal

  • Are you and your spouse physically able to handle the emotional and physical strain involved in operating a franchise, caused by long hours and tedious administrative chores?
  • Will your family members, particularly small children, suffer from your absence for several years while you build up your business?
  • Are you prepared to give up some independence of action in exchange for the advantages the franchise offers you?
  • Have you really examined the type of franchise or business you desire and truthfully concluded that you would enjoy running it for several years or until retirement?
  • Have you and your spouse had recent physicals?
  • Is the present state of your health and that of your spouse good?
  • Do you and your spouse enjoy working with others?
  • Do you have the ability and experience to work smoothly and profitability with your franchisor, your employees and your customers?
  • Have you asked your friends and relatives for their candid opinions as to your emotional, mental and physical suitability to running your own businesses?
  • Do you have a capable, willing heir to take over the business if you become disabled?
  • If the franchise is not near your present home, do you realize that it would not be beneficial to sell your home and buy one closer until the new venture is successful?
  • Do you and your spouse have past experience in business that will qualify you for the particular type of franchise you desire?
  • Is it possible for either you or your spouse to become employed in the type of business you seek to buy before any purchase?
  • Have you conducted independent research on the industry you are contemplating entering?
  • If you have made your choice of franchises, have you researched the background and experience of your prospective franchisor?
  • Have you determined whether the product or service you propose to sell has a market in your prospective territory at the prices you will have to charge?
  • What will the market for your product or service be like five years from now?
  • What competition exists in your prospective territory already?
  • From franchise businesses?
  • From non-franchise businesses?
  • Other Considerations
  • Do you know an experienced, business-oriented franchise attorney who can evaluate the franchise contract you are considering?
  • Do you know an experienced, business-minded accountant?
  • Have you prepared a business plan for the franchise of your choice?
  • Financial

  • Are you satisfied with the franchisor?
  • Is your franchise profitable?
  • Have you made the profit you expected to make?
  • Are your actual costs those stated in the offering circular?
  • Is the product or service you sell of good quality?
  • Is delivery of goods from the franchisor adequate?
  • How long did it take you to break even?
  • Was the training provided to you by the franchisor adequate?
  • What is your assessment of the training provided?
  • Is your franchisor fair and easy to work with?
  • Does your franchisor listen to your concerns?
  • Have you had any disputes with your franchisor? If so, please specify.
  • If you have had any disputes, were you able to settle them?
  • How was your settlement accomplished?
  • Do you know of any trouble the franchisor has had with other franchisees? If so, what was the nature of the problem?
  • Do you know of any trouble the franchisor has had with the government?
  • Do you know of any trouble the franchisor has had with local authorities?
  • Do you know of any trouble the franchisor has had with competitors?
  • Are you satisfied with the marketing and promotional assistance the franchisor has provided?
  • Have the operations manuals provided by the franchisor helped you?
  • What do you think of the manuals?
  • Are the manuals changed frequently? If so, why?
  • Other comments you would like to make.
  • Is the franchisor a one-person company?
  • Is the franchisor a corporation with an experienced management that is well trained?
  • Does the franchisor operate a business of the type being franchised?
  • Is the franchisor involved in other business activities?
  • Is the franchisor offering you an exclusive territory for the length of the franchise?
  • Can the franchisor sell a second or third franchise in your market area?
  • Do you have the right of first refusal to adjacent areas?
  • Will the franchisor sublet space to you?
  • Will s/he assist you in finding a location for franchise operation?
  • Must you least fixtures, signs or equipment from the franchise? If so, are the prices reasonable?
  • Does the franchisor provide financing? If so, what are the terms?
  • Does the franchisor require any fees�other than those described in the offering circular�from the franchisee? If so, what are they?
  • Has the franchisor given you information regarding actual, average or forecasted sales?
  • Has the franchisor given you information regarding actual, average or forecasted profits?
  • Has the franchisor given you information regarding actual, average or forecasted earnings?
  • What information have you received?
  • Will the franchisor provide you with the success rates of existing franchisees?
  • Will the franchisor provide you with their names and locations?
  • Are there any restrictions on what items you may sell? If so, what are they?
  • Does your prospective franchisor allow variances in the contracts of some of his/her other franchisees? What is the nature of the variances?
  • In the event you sell your franchise back to your franchisor under the right of first refusal, will you be compensated for the goodwill you have built into the business?
  • Does the franchisor have any federally registered trademarks, service marks, trade names, logotypes and/or symbols?
  • Are you, as a franchisee, entitled to use them without reservation?
  • Are there restrictions, exceptions or conditions? If so, what are they?
  • Does the franchisor have existing patents and copyrights on equipment you will use or items you will sell?
  • Does the franchisor have endorsement agreement with any public figures for advertising purposes? If so, what are the terms?
  • Has the franchisor investigated you carefully enough to assure himself/herself that you can successfully operate the franchise at a profit both to him/her and to you?
  • Has the franchisor complied with FTC and state disclosure laws? Are there any regulations specific to the industry in which your franchise business will operate? (Include any special licenses or legal restriction on operations set by statutes.)
  • Does the franchisor have a reputation for honesty and fair dealing among the local firms holding his/her franchises?
  • Other Questions

  • How many years has the firm offering you a franchise been in operation?
  • What is a description of the franchise area offered you?
  • What is the total investment the franchisor requires from the franchisee?
  • How does the franchisor use the initial franchise fees?
  • What is the extent of the training the franchisor will provide for you?
  • What are your obligations for purchasing or leasing goods or services from the franchisor or other designated sources?
  • What are your obligations in relation to purchasing or leasing goods or services in accordance with the franchisor’s specifications?
  • What are the terms of your agreement regarding termination, modification and renewal conditions of the franchise agreement?
  • Under what circumstances can you terminate the franchise agreement?
  • If you decide to cancel the franchise agreement, what will it cost you?
  • What are the background experience and achievement records of key personnel (their “track records”)?
  • How successful is the franchise operation? (Use D&B reports or magazine articles to supplement information the franchisor gives you.)
  • What is the franchisor’s experience in relation to past litigation or prior bankruptcies?
  • What is the quality of the financial statements the franchisor provides you?
  • Exactly what can the franchisor do for you that you cannot do for yourself?

  • Sunday, February 10, 2013

    美国买房后如何做房东

    本文以马里兰州蒙哥马利郡为例介绍如何在美国做房东

    美国是个法律规定很多的国家,对房东也有很多规定。在房子出租之前,到蒙郡房产和小区事务局的网站去搜索并下载了一本房东房客关系手册(http//www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/dhca/housing/landload_T/pdf/lthandbook-2007web03.05.07.pdf),仔细阅读了解有关规定,省得出问题时措手不及,或造成经济损失。蒙郡房东房客关系手册详细列举了房东和房客的责任及禁止的行为。

    房东的责任包括:维修房屋以保证房客的建康和安全。遵守联邦、州、郡和市关于房屋出租的规章制度。确保水电,下水道系统,和其它设备正常工作。提供冷热水和暖气。租约上要写明谁付水电气费。

    房客的责任包括:保持房屋和下水道的清洁。妥善使用电器和水管设施,不损坏房屋。有问题及时通知房东。按归定处理垃圾。如果是独立屋,及时割草,保证草皮不长于12英寸。还要扫树叶,清理房檐等等。

    房东不能因为房客实施州或郡的房客权力而毁约,减少服务或提高房租。房客的权力包括向房管所或其它机构申诉,成立房客组织。房东更不能因为房客的种族,肤色,国籍,宗教,性别,婚姻状况,身体或精神缺陷,有孩子,祖先,工资来源,同性恋,或年龄等原因赶客户走。这些是由住房平等法律所决定的。违反住房平等法律会遭到联邦、州或郡政府的制裁。

    在出租房屋之前,屋主必须首先申请租房执照。1950年以前盖的房子必须提供马州环保局注册或无含铅油漆的证明。公寓要申请多住户租房执照,独立屋要申请一住户租房执照。执照费从每年的7月1号到来年的6月30号。申请租房执照后的房子如果卖掉了,要在10天内通知郡房产和小区事务局,违反这个规定可能会导致执照掉销或拒绝重新申请。以下的情况不受蒙郡房东房客法制约。屋主自住,只分租一到几间房的,旅馆,寄宿,学校宿舍,或医院。蒙郡德国城独立屋一年的租房执照费要$98.00,盖城更贵一些。美国的计算机系统非常发达,如果你买房后房子空着,就会收到郡房产和小区事务局的来信,提示你的房子空了,如出租要申请租房执照,并随信附上租房执照申请表。申请表和申请费寄去以后,政府工作人员会把执照信息输入计算机系统。你如果没有收到补交材料的通知,就是批准了。你银行退回来的支票也可以做证明。如果你需要书面证明,可打电话到郡房产和小区事务局执照登记处去索取。

    房主应要求房客填写祖房申请表。表中注明房客允许房主审查房客的信用和租房史。房主可以收申请费。如果申请费超过$25.00,客户最后又没有租房子,房主必须退还超过$25.00的部分,否则会遭到2倍的罚款。申请批准后就要签租房契约。租约的样本可以从郡房产和小区事务局的网站下载(www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dhca)。房东如果要房客买房客保险,要在租约上注明。

    蒙郡租约必须包括以下内容:客户有权连租两年,除非房东有充分的理由不让房客连租两年。比如说,两年之内要卖房子,或者要转变成公寓。房客对此如有异议,必须在入住的180天之内提出。房客谢绝两年租约后,双方可恰谈租期,一般是一年。

    迟交房租的罚金要限制在租金的5%之内。房租迟交10天以后才能收罚金。允许房客在失业,主要挣钱人死亡,被迫换工作,及其它非房客能控制的情况下,提前30天书面通知房东后终止租约。

    蒙郡租约不能有以下内容:要求房客放弃应有的权利;允许房东在没有法庭判决的情况下夺取房客的个人财产;否决房客陪审团判决的权利;要求房客付法庭判决之外的诉讼费或律师费。

    一般房客都要交押金。押金可减少房东因东西损坏或房客不交房租而带来的损失。蒙郡押金的总数不能超过2个月的租金,否则房客有权追回3倍于超出2个月租金部分的钱,加上律师费。

    房东必须给房客一张书面押金收据,否则房东要付房客$25.00的罚款。租约到期后,房东还要把押金收据的复印件保存两年。房东必须在30天内把押金存在有联邦保险的马州银行专门用于押金的账户中。房东要付房客押金利息。从2004年10月1号起,利息是每年3%的简单利息(不利上加利),每6个月计算一次。0-5个月0%,6-11个月1.5%,12-17个月3%,18-23个月4.5%。租约到期后,房东可从押金中扣除亏欠房租,超过正常损耗的修理费,或房客毁约带来的损失。如果扣除押金,房东必须将押金扣除明细表连同剩余押金在45天内寄给房客。如果房子在租约期间卖掉了,押金必须转到新房东名下。

    增加房租的通知必须提前2个月书面通知房客,一年只能涨一次租金。房东无权把房客赶出去,或者把房客的东西扔出去。只有法庭有这个权力。房东必须经过法律程序。房东每5年必须油漆一次房屋,有责任保持室内温度不低于68度。房东没有义务提供空调,窗帘或地毯。租约可以要求房客提供地毯复盖80%的地板。