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AEJ 05 LundyL ENT Simply Irresistible: Reality TV Consumption Patterns
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This paper was presented at the Association for Education in Journalism andMass Communication in San Antonio, Texas August 2005. If you have questions about this paper, please contact the authordirectly. If you have questions about the archives, emailrakyat [ at ] eparker.org. For an explanation of the subject line, send email to[log in to unmask] with just the four words, "get help info aejmc," in thebody (drop the "").(Feb 2006)Thank you.Elliott Parker====================================================================Simply Irresistible: Reality TV Consumption PatternsLisa K. LundyAssistant ProfessorLouisiana State UniversityManship School of Mass Communication245 Hodges HallLouisiana State UniversityBaton Rouge, LA 70803-7202225-578-2216[log in to unmask]Amanda M. RuthAssistant ProfessorCollege of CharlestonDepartment of Communication66 George StreetCharleston, SC 29424(843) 953-5906[log in to unmask]Travis D. ParkAssistant ProfessorCornell UniversityDepartment of EducationKennedy Hall, 4th FloorIthaca, NY 14853-4203607-255-2207[log in to unmask]AbstractThis purpose of this study was to explore college students' consumption patterns in regard to reality television, their rationale for watching, their perceptions of the situations portrayed in reality television, and the role of social affiliation in their consumption of reality television. The results of focus groups indicate that while participants perceive a social stigma associated with watching reality television, they continue to watch because of the perceived escapism and social affiliation provided.IntroductionExtreme sports, celebrity lives, and dating shows. While the phenomenon of reality television (hereafter "RT") lacks clear definition (Nabi, Biely, Morgan, & Stitt, 2003), it pervades contemporary network and cable programming. "Reality programming is a new, growing trend in both programming and viewership" (Joniak, 2001, p. 5). Scholars in psychology and media studies, among others, have shown interest in this genre of television and its effects on modern culture. "As a presentation of non-actors in legitimately natural settings and situations working without a script, reality TV stakes its claim with viewers to regard its depictions as unadorned and spontaneous truthful documentation of natural reality" (Bagley, 2001, p. 1).RT began to appear as a distinctive genre in the late 1980's (Hill & Quin, 2001). However, the recent increase in popularity of RT alone demonstrates the critical attention and investigation that this genre deserves in terms of communication research. "Reality television holds a unique power in that the images it purports to depict accurately, or at least viewers take for granted as true significations, affect how our society experiences and reacts to the subjects of a text" (Joniak, 2001, p. 68). The assumed realistic nature of RT programming is commonly associated with the television talk-show genre. Both of these television genres are similar in that they "create audiences by breaking cultural rules, by managed shocks, by shifting our conceptions of what is acceptable, by transforming the bases for cultural judgment, by redefining deviance and appropriate reactions to it, by eroding social barriers, inhibitions and cultural distinctions" (Abt & Seesholtz, 1994, p.171).Contradiction surrounds this television phenomenon as "network executives say they'd be happy to be rid of it," yet "still it mutates across the airwaves like a disease, growing nastier in its new forms" (Kronke, 2004, D1). For a phenomenon that blossomed a few years ago, reality programming dominates broadcast television (Joniak, 2001; Kronke, 2004). According to Hight (2001), most assumptions about the psychology of RT viewership are derived from textual analyses of reality-based programs, rather than researching involving audiences. Thus, Hight calls for investigations of reality-based programming based on the assumption that such programs may implicate a network of social, economic and political changes in modern society.Literature ReviewAccording to Pecora (2002),Reality TV is, for me, the expression of a powerful, and increasingly unbridled, tendency within democratic society, one also embedded in academic institutions, to reveal the norms and limits of individual responsibility and group identity, however exaggerated (and commercialized) the settings that reveal such knowledge may be. In effect, television is now doing the kind of social psychological research our universities no longer permit (p. 356).Nabi et al (2003) offer a definition of reality-based television programming, which excludes news programs, talk and interview shows, and nonfiction narrative programs. They refer to several characteristics of RT, which include: (1) characters are real people (not actors), (2) programs are not filmed on a set, but in natural living or working environments, (3) programs are not scripted, (4) events are unplanned, but evolve from narrative contexts, and (5) the primary purpose is viewer entertainment. In uncovering these characteristics, Nabi et al conducted a study of randomly-selected city residents to determine their construction of the RT genre. They found that respondents perceived some reality programs as more realistic than others.Following the uses and gratifications perspective that Nabi et al (2003) offer, the present study attempts to explore the choice of RT and the gratifications sought from RT viewing. In explaining media choice and the types of gratifications that result from that choice, Lazarsfeld and Stanton (1944) developed the uses and gratifications theory. At the core of extensive communication research, uses and gratifications theory has been the focus of research on understanding audience needs and motives for using mass media. Uses and gratifications theory also aids in understanding audience consumption patterns of specific mass media channels. Considered a sub-tradition of media effects research (McQuail, 1994), Wimmer and Dominick (1994) suggest that uses and gratifications originated with the interest in audiences and why they engaged in certain forms of media behavior. For example, Katz, Blumler, and Gurevitch (1974) list initial research in this area:� Lazarsfeld-Stanton collections (1942, 1944, 1949),� Herzog (1942) on quiz programs and the gratifications derived from listening to soap operas,� Suchman (1942) on the motives for getting interest in serious music on radio,� Wolfe and Fiske (1949) on the development of children's interest in comics,� Berelson (1949) on the functions of newspaper reading.Although uses and gratifications has been used in varying communication contexts, Rubin (1986) confers that uses and gratifications research is best applied when exploring specific links among attitudes, motives, behaviors, and communication effects. In a summary of Katz and Blumler's contribution to this theory, Lin (1996) suggests thatthe strength of this theory is its ability to allow researchers to study mediated communication situations via a single or multiple sets of psychological needs, psychological motives, communication channels, communications content, and psychological gratifications within a particular or cross-cultural context (p.574). Katz et al (1974) describe uses and gratifications as having three main objectives: 1) to explain how people use media to gratify their needs, 2) to understand motives for media behaviors, and 3) to identify functions or consequences that follow from needs, motives, and behavior. As a major communication theory, uses and gratifications is based on five basic assumptions (Katz et al, 1974; Rosengren, 1974; Palmgreen, 1984; Palmgreen, Wenner, & Rosengren, 1985; Rubin, 1986):� Behavior is purposive, goal directed and motivated.� People select and use media to satisfy biological, psychological, and social needs.� Individuals are influenced by various social and psychological factors when selecting media.� Media consumers are aware of their needs and whether they are being satisfied by a given media option.� Different media compete for attention, selection and use.With these assumptions in mind, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore college students' consumption of RT. This study was guided by the following research questions:RQ1: What are the consumption patterns of college students in regard to reality television?RQ2: What rationale do college students provide for watching reality television?RQ3: How do college students perceive the situations portrayed in reality television?RQ4: What role does social affiliation play in consumption of reality television for college students?MethodDue to the limited literature regarding consumption of RT, a qualitative research design was most appropriate for exploring the research questions posed at the outset of this study. Focus groups were used as the method of data collection for this exploratory, qualitative study, allowing for in-depth exploration into the phenomenon. Focus groups allow for rich and enlightening exchanges between participants, where ideas can build upon one another. Through the interactions of RT viewers, the researchers sought to explore and understand consumption patterns for young adults of RT.Four focus groups were conducted, with each group ranging between six and 12 undergraduate participants. Focus group participants were recruited from a large, undergraduate, core-curriculum course offered at a southern university. College students were selected because they represent one of the most targeted viewing audiences of RT programming (Carter, 2000).Focus groups were conducted over a four-month time period from March 2004 through July 2004. Four focus groups were chosen based on Morgan's (1997) suggestion that three to five focus groups suffice for a research project because more groups seldom provide meaningful new insights. The size of each focus group, six to twelve students, was chosen based on the characteristics of the population under study. It was the assumption of the researchers that a smaller focus group would be more manageable in terms of response and the feeling of confidentiality for the college student participants. The focus groups were conducted in a classroom environment due to its convenience and familiarity for participants.Prior to the start of the focus group, participants were asked to complete a short survey including several demographic questions as well as basic questions about their television viewing behaviors. Once the informed consent process and a short explanation of the study's procedures and purpose were reviewed, the focus group discussion began with the participants introducing themselves by sharing their name, major, hometown, and favorite television show. A question guide was then used to facilitate participants' responses to questions regarding their opinions, perceptions, and behaviors toward RT programming. A moderator opened and guided the group discussion.The focus groups were recorded using both audio and videotape, which complimented the observations and field notes recorded by the research team during the focus group discussions. The audio- and videotapes were transcribed; transcripts were compared with field notes, and analyzed using the inductive data analysis method outlined by Hatch (2002). Following analytic methods similar to other important inductive models (e.g., Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Spradley, 1979; Miles & Huberman, 1994), the model of analysis used in this study searches for "patterns of meaning in data so that general statements about phenomena under investigation can be made" (Hatch, p. 161).The inductive analysis methods utilized followed the subsequent steps: 1) read data and identify frames of analysis, 2) create domains based on semantic relationships discovered within frames of analysis, 3) identify salient domains and assign them a code, 4) refine salient domains and keep record of emerging relationships, 5) decide if domains are supported by data, 6) complete analysis within domains, 7) search for themes across domains, 8) outline relationships within and among domains, and 9) select data excerpts to support the relationships (Hatch, 2002). The three researchers analyzed the data following the inductive analysis procedures outlined above. Following the analysis, the research team discussed emerging themes and supporting elements and identified the dominant themes that characterized the data.Results The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore college students' consumption of RT. From the four focus groups conducted, data was gathered from 20 females and 14 males, totaling 34 participants. Results from a preliminary participant survey indicated that participants watch anywhere from three to 30 hours of television per week, with the average being 11.5 hours. The majority of participants, 76.4% (n=26), indicated that they watch a RT program on a regular basis (at least two to three times a week).Through the preliminary participant survey administered to the students preceding the focus group discussion, students provided their responses to basic open-ended questions regarding RT. First, participants were asked to provide their own definition of RT and through a comparative analysis of the provided definitions, participants' confusion over the nature of RT emerged. Participants provided diverse definitions of RT. Although varying, most definitions included characteristics like "unscripted," "everyday people," "non-actors," "portraying some aspect of real life," "real people in front of cameras," and "real life yet edited situations." RQ1: What are the consumption patterns of college students in regard to reality television? "Oh no�I don't really watch reality television"The first theme that emerged from the data was the underestimation of RT viewing. Initially, participants denied watching much RT; in fact, RT was rarely mentioned when participants were asked to describe the type of television shows that they typically watched. Instead, shows that were typically mentioned included adult and teenage drama, sports broadcasting, comedy sitcoms, and news shows. However, over the course of the focus group discussions, it was evident that participants watched (or were at least familiar with) more RT shows than first indicated. Despite the fact that participants from each focus group listed only half a dozen reality shows at the beginning of the focus groups, at least 25 different RT shows were discussed throughout the focus groups as shows that were watched on a regular basis. One participant realized this phenomenon in saying, "I didn't think I watched this much or knew this much about reality television but apparently I was wrong." The RT shows that were most commonly discussed included The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, American Idol, The Real World, Trading Spaces, The Swan, Survivor, Joe Millionaire, Average Joe, Extreme Make-Over, The Simple Life, and American Chopper. There were several occasions in which a specific RT show was not mentioned as being watched; however, when it was referred to in conversation, the majority of the participants were familiar enough with the show to partake in the discussion.RQ2: What rationale do college students provide for watching reality television?"It's like a great escape": Escapism and living vicariously through othersEscapism emerged from the data as an escape from reality for participants. Participants felt that RT offered the viewer a "glimpse" into another world, which for a moment could take the viewer away from their own reality. One participant suggested,I think because it is an escape from the reality of like the war and a lot of economic problems and like political problems. I mean you have the option of watching reality television, which although it can be extreme, it is amusing, as opposed to watching the news about Martha Stewart, Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant or even the war. Basically something that is depressing as opposed to something, while ridiculous, is entertaining and an escape from some of the negative reality that people deal with day in and day out. This theme of escapism also emerged in discussion of viewers living vicariously through reality shows. One participant mentioned, "You can see yourself in the show," while another said, "I mean you put yourself in their situation and you're watching and you think, 'Oh what would I do? Would I eat that? Would I eat whatever they are eating or do whatever they are doing?'" Eloquently stated, one participant divulged what they believed to be the secret of RT by saying, "I don't think it is real life but that is the point. Real life is boring and you watch reality show to live vicariously through others." As one participant said,reality television is reality television because as a viewer you can see yourself in that situation or you can say to yourself, if I was on that show this is what I would do. It is reality 'cause you can see yourself in it.Clearly, for most participants, RT provided an escape from reality, "a break from the depressing stuff." It seemed as though in this situation most participants projected their lives onto the characters of the shows, trying to determine what better decisions could have been made and what they would have done differently."It's like a train wreck, I just can't turn away"For most participants, disparity existed between perceptions of RT and consumption of RT. One participant best described this phenomenon by saying, "it is like watching a train wreck�horrible, but [you] can't turn away." While Nabi et al (2003) hesitated to characterize viewers as voyeuristic, they stopped short of generalizing reality viewers as innocent. Although listing many reasons for watching RT, participants most commonly shared that they watched because they were bored, it was humorous and entertaining, they liked to see other people fail, or the shock factor made them tune in every week. Further reasons participants provided were that they watched RT because "it doesn't require full attention," or "it is something that you do not have to watch every week to understand what is going on."Candid responses from participants conveyed the voyeuristic quality of RT. For example, one participant admitted, "It is just plain funny. It's pure entertainment and it may not be real but it is funny." Confirming this quality, another participant echoed, "If the show has like 20 ridiculously hot girls who are all used to being pampered and are put outside in some extraordinary situation where they have to like shovel manure or something like that, it really amuses me." Aside from the pure entertainment factor of reality television, participants also mentioned that they, or their friends, had become addicted to RT. One participant's response was, "I heard so much about it that I had to see what it was about. Now I am hooked." While another participant said, "It makes you want to turn it on week after week. I don't know, maybe because you want to see who wins or who gets picked. It just has an addictive quality." Some participants even remarked that RT feels like a "cliffhanger" making it nearly impossible to prematurely abandon the show.RQ3: How do college students perceive the situations portrayed in reality television?"It's definitely the good, bad, and the ugly of TV": Good vs. Bad Reality TVWhen discussing opinions toward RT, participants described certain elements of RT shows. From these descriptions, "good" RT materialized as: beneficial because they gave the viewer useful ideas or advice, giving people a second chance, entertaining, funny, and being able to apply things to your actual life. Good reality shows were commonly associated with home or personal appearance improvement, like The Learning Channel's Trading Spaces and Baby Story. From the participants' perspective, these shows provide a "happy" and "uplifting" perspective of reality. As one participant mentioned, these shows "make you feel good and they attempt to educate the viewers about something, often a skill." Other aspects of "good" RT included shows that improve participant's appearances or self-esteem, shows that are funny and entertaining without a personal expense to participants, and shows that give the viewer a positive glimpse into the lives of others. Conversely, "bad" RT was commonly linked to concepts of immorality. Bad RT, though indicated as entertaining at times, included television shows that were based on deception, ridicule, contempt, and physical or emotional harm. According to the participants, RT has "gone too far" with regard to the conceptual foundation of some of the shows. One participant corroborated this stance toward RT by saying that "too much humiliation exists for participants." Characterizations of "bad" RT included: "unrealistic", "just plain mean", "misrepresentation of reality", "obvious attempts to spur controversy", "ridiculous situations", "manipulated and exaggerated", and "driven by the shock value". Shows that were cited as "bad" RT typically included Married by America, I Married a Millionaire, Married a Midget, My Big Fat Obnoxious Fianc�, and several other dating shows. One participant described "bad" RT by saying, "At first it was kind of a cool concept but now it is beyond the point of entertaining. It has really gone downhill." This classification between "good" and "bad" RT appeared ambiguous because participants disagreed on some of the "good" and "bad" characterizing traits. Nonetheless, it was noticeable that each participant had his/her own established notions of good versus bad RT and that each made their viewing decisions based on these notions."It's Morally Corrupt": Concerns over portrayal of idealsThe deception and lack of morals was a common concern expressed by participants. Even though one participant indicated that RT is "not going to affect my morals," the data collected revealed that participants believed there were moral implications of RT when judging its collective impact on society. Many participants characterized RT programming as "morally corrupt." One participant said, "I mean I think a lot of television has gone downhill, like the morals of it. There is just not much left of it anymore."Additionally, most participants were concerned at the concept behind most RT shows, citing them as "wrong," and "corrupt." Describing this moral corruption in association with money, one participant said,It all happens when you put money at the end of the road. People lose track of what is important and like their morals go out the window and that is when I have a problem with the reality issue; when people start doing things they normally wouldn't do in order to win.Confirming the negative impact money has on the morals of reality show participants, a participant echoed, "I think reality television teaches lying and deceit�Like instead of wishing goodwill and friendly competition, everybody lies and deceived just to get rid of somebody and win the money, which is wrong." Yet another participant noted that RT communicates to younger audiences, "that immoral and unethical actions are OK," and thus even older viewers may think that, "dating 20 different guys and having sex with several of them is OK; that there are no consequences with actions like this."As a result of the "moral corruption" demonstrated through RT programming, many participants were concerned about the impact the popularity of this television genre will eventually have on society. Representing the majority view, one participant conferred, "I really believe what goes in comes out and if you are constantly watching trash you are going to get trash out�" While most participants agreed that they believed RT can have a negative impact on viewers' behaviors, another interesting finding from one of the focus groups was that RT was more of a "reflection of society than an influence on society," implying that maybe RT was only exemplifying our "morally corrupt" world."The real truth and nothing but the truth, I don't think so"Throughout the focus group discussions, participants frequently referred to the "truth" of RT. One of the largest discrepancies in participant opinions was the realism of specific RT shows. Participants shared their strong opinions toward the realistic nature of RT by referring to it as "drawing the line," which insinuated distorting the premise of RT. Basically, most of the participants indicated that many of the shows do not reflect reality anymore. Specific to the reality dating shows, one participant observed that it is "not realistic to find love with 50 people around you." Feelings also were that many of the shows have gone "overboard" in order to attract viewers. One participant communicated, "at first it was kind of cool but now it is beyond the point of entertaining, it is sickening what they will call reality television just to increase ratings." Resonating with another participant, one response was, "Because the networks are making so much money on this genre, they are willing to go as far as they can." Overall, participants believed that RT is set-up to make people "believe that these things on the reality shows can actually happen." Manifest in the data was the opinion that the shows and characters become exaggerated over time, to the point that "characters are reacting to unreal situations."Coupled with this exaggeration or "drawing the line" quality of RT, the discussions also focused on the accurate portrayal of reality due to the excessive amounts of editing that was believed to occur in the development of the shows. Respondents in Nabi et al's (2003) study voiced similar frustrations. Several participants mentioned watching television programs that provided behind-the-scenes views of the RT show production. Participants indicated that these behind-the-scenes shows provided proof to the large amount of editing that takes place during the final production phases for a RT show. A common belief was that the shows producers, "don't show everything," but rather only what they want the audience to see. In addition to the editing process, many participants believed RT was "staged," "contrived," "exaggerated," and "fake." One participant summarized the realism debate in saying,I think it has always been staged because I mean, who do you know that would get up in front of a TV and really act as if they would not being in front of a camera, comfortable. I think it has always been fake to a point but we are now beginning to notice it more cause there are so many television stations and so many reality shows out there to watch.As such, it can be assumed that, for these focus group participants, RT does not represent reality. Overall, RT was perceived as a "misrepresentation of reality" in which participants suspected was becoming more scripted and contrived in an effort to boost ratings and derive profit for the producers and networks.RQ4: What role does social affiliation play in consumption of reality television for college students?"Social"ity TV: Social AffiliationThis social connection that RT provided for participants was indicated in several different ways, including the way in which participants watch RT shows, the conversations that result from RT viewing, and the involvement that participants experience while watching RT.Participants rarely watched RT alone. Participants revealed that they watch RT programming in groups, with roommates, friends, and family. It is important to note that many of the participants called watching RT "our time" alluding to the scheduled time every week that siblings or groups of friends spend together. Most of the participants indicated this social component as a rationale for watching RT. One participant exemplified this theme saying, "The reason I like it [reality television] is for the social value." Another participant described their viewing behavior saying, "When there are like more people, you get more excited. You just feed off the tension and the anticipation together." Several participants even referred to watching the same reality show every week with friends as a "routine"; conveyed by one participant, "I have friends that will get together to watch Real World like every week." This routine was echoed by another participant,I mainly watch with my roommates, I mean it is just a time when we all get together and kind of watch a show that is funny to watch because people can make fools of the characters on the show. And then we can kind of relate to it and discuss it from there.The social connections provided by RT also include the conversations that RT motivates between viewers. One participant mentioned the social value of RT in that it is not age-specific, allowing the topic of RT to establish common ground between any two people in a conversation. For example, one participant described their behavior by saying,When I meet people I am like, "Hey, do you watch reality TV?" 'cause pretty much everyone has at least one show that they can relate to or they know something about. It is always a good common ground when you are talking a person for the first or second time.Another participant mentioned watching RT in order to feel familiar with what others were talking about and to be able to participate in the conversation. The feeling of being left out in a RT conversation was mentioned by one participant; "Some of my friends would sit and talk to each other about certain reality characters and I would just sit there like I have no idea what was going on, like they talk about these people like they know them or something." Most participants referred to these conversations about RT as "shallow," "just in passing, or "nothing in-depth"; however, all participants indicated at least having one discussion about "a memorable episode," the "stupidity of the characters," or "what was going to happen next week" on the show.While most participants admitted to discussing RT on a regular basis, they also insinuated an element of shame associated with such conversations. One participant said,I feel really stupid, I mean I am in college I should be smarter than that. I mean, I am 20 and I know I have a lot to learn but I usually like talking about something a little more intellectual than something like that.In agreement, another participant said, "It makes me feel kind of silly, to actually be discussing reality television." Respondents also referred to their involvement and interaction with the characters of reality shows and the show themselves. Several participants indicated that being able to make decisions affecting the show's outcome, like voting, gives the viewer a connection, a feeling of belongingness and importance to the show. Additionally, participants indicated that the "real" context of some reality shows makes it possible for them to participate and get involved with the characters and situations on the show. For example, one participant conferred,I don't personally have time to vote. Although I did talk to my cousin and they were so hooked on American Idol that they voted every night. She was talking about how she got on the land phone, her Mom got on the cell phone, and her brother got on another cell phone and they all called like three or four times�I mean they were that into it.Another participant summarized this sub-theme by saying, "I voted on Nashville Star once. So yeah, I think the interactivity of it [reality television] gives people a connection to the show, they are more involved because they have some kind of say with its' outcome."Discussion College students' consumption of RT appears to be a complex phenomenon, which offers many opportunities for further study. In this exploratory study, focus-group participants progressed from initial denial, or underestimation, of RT consumption to the shocking realization of the actual amount of RT they consume. While reticent to characterize themselves as RT viewers, participants appeared to be watching a great deal of RT. Throughout the focus groups the modesty over RT consumption appeared to be caused by the social stigma that surrounds RT. For example, participants seemed hesitant as well as embarrassed when they revealed the amount of RT that they consumed; their reactions coupled with their responses insinuated that it is bad to enjoy watching RT.The researchers believe one of three possible explanations for the underestimation of RT viewing. First, it is plausible that the participants did not realize that the shows they watch are considered RT; for example, there was an in-depth discussion in two of the focus groups as to whether certain shows were "reality television shows." Second, it is possible that participants were embarrassed or hesitant in disclosing the actual amount of RT that they watch in the beginning of the focus group because of the social stigma associated with RT. Finally, another possible explanation is students simply forgot or had a hard time recalling all the RT shows that they watched throughout the year, implying that they did not omit the information on purpose.Regarding their rationale for watching RT, participants referred to the "great escape" provided by RT. They felt that RT offered an opportunity to sample other lifestyles and realities than their own. Participants discussed living vicariously through the characters in reality programs. For these college students, RT seemed to offer an opportunity for them to contemplate and discuss how they would respond or behave in the situations portrayed in the programs. Many of the situations characters face in reality programs � dating, family issues, racial tension, moral decisions � are particularly relevant for college students. More research should be done to see how the decisions or actions of RT characters are impacting the decisions or actions of their viewers. Another rationale given by participants for watching RT is their perception of the discrete nature of each episode. Participants felt they could watch a given episode at their convenience and out-of-sequence. They also felt watching RT did not require their full attention, unlike scripted television dramas where they fall behind if they miss an episode; therefore, the RT genre seems to fit well with the changing schedules and active lifestyles of college students. Focus-group participants articulated several perceived types of RT. They characterized "good" RT as giving viewers useful ideas or advice, giving characters a second chance, and providing entertainment or humor. They also included, in "good" RT, shows that improve participant's appearances or self-esteem, shows that are funny and entertaining without a personal expense to participants, and shows that give the viewer a positive glimpse into the lives of others. In contrast, participants characterized "bad" RT as shows based on deception, ridicule, contempt, and physical or emotional harm. While participants disagreed on some of the "good" and "bad" characterizing traits, it was clear that each participant had his/her own established notions of "good" versus "bad" RT and that these perceptions influenced their viewing decisions. Participants also expressed concern regarding morality in RT. They expressed a shared sentiment that RT's collective moral impact on society was negative. The college students in this study do not watch RT alone. Social affiliation appears to play a significant role in RT viewing for the participants in this study. Participants watch RT with their roommates, friends, and family members. Television is sometimes criticized for breaking down social connections where people watch television rather than spend time developing interpersonal relationships (McKenna and Bargh, 2000). Reality television, for the college students in this study, seemed to have the opposite influence. RT appeared to bring students together, not only for watching the shows, but in conversations resulting from RT viewing. In fact, participants even acknowledged watching RT shows they do not particularly enjoy because of the social affiliation of RT viewership. They do not want to be "left out" of conversations about RT.Participants discussed the realism of RT. Overall, they did not perceive RT as real. They felt that RT shows go overboard in order to maintain ratings. They were also skeptical of the editing process in RT. However, participants did seem to associate their feelings about the realism of RT to their consumption patterns.Throughout the focus groups, the third person effect was observed in participant responses. For example, in describing the effect RT may have on behaviors as well as in explaining the popularity of RT, participants commonly exemplified the "I don't watch but I know someone who does" syndrome. This provides an area of interesting future inquiry.Overall, the findings from this study indicate that RT is and will continue to be a significant part of the young adult television appetite. Although students are generally confused about what constitutes RT programming, they are absolute in their opinions and perceptions toward this growing genre of television. Due to the amount of RT consumption by these viewers, there are implications for advertising and product placement, sitcoms and traditional television programming, implications for extreme RT consumption on morals and behaviors, especially among younger viewers.Using this study as the foundation, future research on college students' and RT programming should investigate its influence on decision making, perceptions of reality, reactions toward specific programs and program content, exploration of good versus bad RT and association with viewing behaviors, exploration of the third person effect in RT viewers, and comparison of perceptions toward RT of high vs. low consumption/viewers.ReferencesAbt, V.,& Seesholtz, M. (1994, Summer). The shameless world of Phil, Sally, and Oprah: Television talk shows and the deconstructing of society. Journal of Popular Culture, 28(1), 171-191.Bagley, G. (2001, Summer/Fall). A mixed bag: Negotiating claims in MTV's the Real World. Journal of Film and Video, 53(2/3), 61-77.Berelson, B. (1949). What "missing the newspaper" means. In P. F. Lazarfeld & F. N. Stanton (Eds.), Communications Research, 1948-1949 (pp. 111-128). New York: Harper & Brothers.Carter, B. (2000, August). CBS is unexpected winner in ratings contest [electronic version]. The New York Times. Retrieved August 25, 2000 from http://nytimes.com/library/arts/082400survivor.htmlGlaser, B. & Strauss, A. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research. New York. Aldine.Hatch, A. (2002). Doing qualitative research in education settings. Albany, NY: Albany State University of New York Press.Herzog, H. (1942). Professional quiz: A gratification study. In P. F. Lazarsfeld, & F. N. Stanton (Eds.), Radio Research, 1941. New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce.Hight, C. (2001). Debating reality-TV. Continuum: Journal of Media and Cultural Studies, 15(3), p. 299-395.Hill, L., & Quin, R. (2001). Live from the ministry of truth: How real are reality soaps? Austrailian Screen Education, 30, 50-55.Joniak, L. (2001). Understanding reality television: A triangulated analysis of the development, production techniques, characteristics and ontology of reality television programming. Unpublished dissertation, University of Florida.Katz, E., Blumler, J.., & Gurevitch, M. (1974). Utilization of mass communication by the individual. In J. G. Blumler & E. Katz (Eds.), The uses of mass communications: Current perspectives on gratifications research. Beverly Hills: Sage.Kronke, D. (2004). A new batch of reality. The Gainesville Sun, 1D.Lazarsfeld, P. & Stanton, F. (Eds.) (1942). Radio research 1941. New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce.Lazarsfeld, P. & Stanton, F. (Eds.) (1944). Radio research 1942-1943. New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce.Lazarsfeld, P. & Stanton, F. (Eds.) (1949). Radio research 1947-1948. New York: Harper.Lin, C. A. (1996). Looking back: the contribution of Blumler and Katz's Uses of Mass Communication to communication research. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 574-581.McQuail, D. (1994) Mass Communication Theory: An Introduction. 3rd edition, London: Sage.Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.Morgan, D.L. (1997). Focus groups as qualitative research (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.Nabi, R.L., Biely, E.N., Morgan, S.J., & Stitt, C.R. (2003). Reality-based television programming and the psychology of its appeal. Media Psychology, 5(4), 303-330.Palmgreen, P. (1984). Uses and gratifications: A theoretical perspective. Communication Yearbook, 8, 20-55.Palmgreen, P. C., Wenner, L. A., & Rosengren, K. E. (1985). Uses and gratifications research: The past ten years. In K. E. Rosengren & L. A. Wenner & P. C. Palmgreen (Eds.), Uses and gratifications research: Current perspectives (pp. 11-37). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.P, V. P. (2002). The culture of surveillance. Qualitative Sociology, 25(3), 345-358.Rosengren, K.E. 1974. " Uses and Gratifications: A Paradigm Outlined." In J. G. Blumler, & E. Katz (Eds.), The Uses of Mass Communication: Current Perspectives of Gratifications Research. Beverly Hills, CA.: Sage. pp. 269-286.Rubin, A. M. (1986), Uses, Gratifications, and Media Effects Research. In J. Bryant and D. Zillmann (eds.), Perspectives on Media Effects, Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 281-301.Spradley, J. (1979). The ethnographic interview. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.Suchman, E. (1942). Invitation to music. In P. F. Lazarsfled & F. N. Stanton (Eds). Radio Research, New York: Duell, Sloan & Pierce, pp. 140-188.Wimmer, Roger D., and Joseph R. Dominick. (1994) Mass Media Research: An Introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company.Wolfe, M. & Fiske, K. (1949). Children talk about comics. Communication Research, 1948-1949, pp. 3-50.
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Google and DropBox have backup codes in case you can't get access to one of the devices you have registered. Does PayPal have a backup code?
Tell me more
IT Security Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for
IT security professionals. It's 100% free, no registration required.
closed as too localized by Jeff Ferland♦ Jan 11 at 2:19
This question is unlikely to help any future visitors; it is only relevant to a small geographic area, a specific moment in time, or an extraordinarily narrow situation that is not generally applicable to the worldwide audience of the internet. For help making this question more broadly applicable, see the FAQ.
Yes & No. It's not a simple backup code, it's a series of questions to confirm your identity. https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_security-key-faq#breakmyToken

subset: commoncrawl


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I have been struggling with in what direction to take my blog site. I don't seem to fit into one easy niche and so my readers are all over the place. I have even written an article on this subject but can't seem to lock in a niche for myself. http://dianeestrella.com/finding-your-blogs-niche/
Does your site have a niche? Do you think this is important to keep readers coming back?
Check and find yourself.
Follow my blog when you get the chance, and I'll follow you back! Thanks! http://drdhillon.blogspot.com/
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." http://amzn.to/dMBLWW
ProBlogger--my favorite blog for advice on blogging! Posted this"3 Reasons No One Comes Back to Your Blog and How to Fix It." Link below.
I believe niche is crucial, unless your blog is a hobby or you are a celebrity. If you review books, review one genre--your favorite! My blog has a niche, I write about marketing indie books. My readers are indie authors. Now I'm getting comments to. Every single article is written with them in mind, not just for me. On Wednesdays, I interview authors about what works for them regarding marketing. So my readers get to be featured too! http://www.jenniferlynnalvarez.com/
Thanks for the links! :O)
My blog, Guerrilla Warfare For Writers, is topic-subject-heavy, relating to writing and publishing in today's climate. I try to list and interpret just about every mistake that I have made in my past 23 years in the business. I aim to even the odds in favor of the writer, with suggestions, tips and tricks that might help wade through this difficult, often depressing vocation and craft. Although I do write about topics that are fairly familiar and bare repeating, I like to reveal some of the lesser-known obstacles and heartaches. My theme is "You'll Succeed by Knowing My Failures."
Yep! My niche is Young Adult and Middle Grade books. I occasionally dabble outside of that area because it is still my blog.
Having a niche is pretty important for gaining readers. The niche doesn't have to be very specific (I know there are many eclectic book blogs out there!). Readers just like to have a pretty good grasp about what you know and like so they can figure out if your blog is something they want to keep reading.
I dont think its a bad thing to have diversity on your blog. It appeals to a broad range of people that way. What I would recommend is having an easy way for people to navigate through to the content they are interested in.
YA Fiction
If you label and categorize your posts you can easily create a clickable list so that your readers can check out what they are specifically after.
Great site!
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The essential nutrient can kill drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis by producing oxidative radicals that damage DNA.
Covering the life sciences inside and out
The essential nutrient can kill drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis by producing oxidative radicals that damage DNA.
Viruses that attack bacteria may be an important component of our gut microbiota.
For the first time, researchers visualize zebrafish memory retrieval in real time.
Mice that explore more have higher levels of neurogenesis, suggesting a link between experience, brain plasticity, and the emergence of distinct personalities.
Artificially induced bacterial infections in mosquitoes could reduce the spread of malaria-causing parasites.
As telomeres shorten with age, genes as far as 1,000 kilobases away could be affected, including one responsible for an inherited muscle disease.
Researchers use a protein-lipid complex found in human breast milk to increase the activity of otherwise-ineffective antibiotics against drug-resistant pathogens.
Hybrid viruses derived from an H5N1 bird flu strain can infect guinea pigs through the air.
Researchers identify a herpesvirus gene persisting in the cells of calves suffering from malignant catarrhal disease.
Researchers use bacteria to deliver radiation to shrink pancreatic tumors in mice.


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Putnam County officials: We won't release gun info (updated)
CARMEL, N.Y. (AP) — Officials in Putnam County say they will reject a newspaper's request to release the names and addresses of residents with pistol permits — a move an open government advocate calls illegal.
County Clerk Dennis Sant said officials were meeting Wednesday to discuss legal options.
In December, the Journal News published online maps that allow viewers to see the names and addresses of pistol and revolver permit holders in neighboring Westchester and Rockland counties. The newspaper sought the records under the state Freedom of Information Law after the school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
Critics called the publication an invasion of privacy; some said it could endanger permit holders.
"In Putnam County, I have over 11,000 pistol permit holders, and I refuse to put their lives and their families' lives in danger," Sant told The New York Times. "When these laws were conceived, there was no social media, there was no Google maps."
State Sen. Greg Ball referred to Journal News editors as "elitist eggheads" and called the decision to publish the maps "asinine," that newspaper reported.
"I thank God that Putnam County has a clerk with the guts to stand up and draw the line here in Putnam County," said Ball, who plans to appear Thursday at a news conference with county officials.
Robert Freeman, executive director of the state's Committee on Open Government, said the county outside New York City would be violating state law if it withholds the information. "The name and address of any gun licensee are public," he said.
The newspaper stands by the project.
"We believe the law is clear that this is public information and the residents of Putnam County are entitled to see it," said Journal News President and Publisher Janet Hasson. "We're troubled that county officials have apparently switched their position since we first requested the information." Continued...
Freeman said the Journal News could appeal a denial, which would be heard within Putnam County government. If a second denial occurred, the newspaper could ask a judge to decide.
The Journal News, a Gannett Co. newspaper covering three counties in the Hudson Valley and operating the website lohud.com, ran an 1,800-word story headlined, "The gun owner next door: What you don't know about the weapons in your neighborhood."
The story included comments from both sides of the gun rights debate and presented the data as answering concerns of those who would like to know whether there are guns in their neighborhood.
See inaccurate information in a story? Other feedback and/or ideas for us to consider? Tell us here.
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The Tollywood actor Ram Charan Teja got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Upasana Kamineni at a high profile event in Hyderabad on 2011 December 1.
A private event, only selected high profile guests were sent bar coded invitation cards for the event.
For the first time ever, an engagement ceremony was telecast live in India.
The function organised by the would-be-bride's family was held at Temple Tree farmhouse in Moinabad in the outskirts of Hyderabad.


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Electronic Accessories - 10% Off on Camera, Computer & Mobile accessories
Validity | Covers | Type Accepted |
30 days from delivery | Damaged, Defective, Item not as described | Replacement |
Validity | Covers | Type Accepted |
30 days from delivery | Exchange for colors and size, Does not fit | Exchange |
Validity | Covers | Type Accepted |
10 days from delivery | Damaged, Item not as described | Replacement |
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G lens is compactly constructed with 7 elements in 6 groups. The design of the body and the weight of this Nikon lens make it highly portable and hence it is convenient for you to carry it along wherever you go. The picture angle of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR lens with 35 mm (135) format is 47° and the picture angle with Nikon DX format is 31° 30'. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G lens is well compatible with Nikon DX format digital single lens reflex cameras.The maximum focal length of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G lens is 50 mm that offers finest photographic results. The aperture is a diaphragm that allows light to pass through it and hit the camera sensor by opening and closing frequently when you click a picture. The aperture of this NIKKOR lens with maximum focal length is 1.8. The minimum f/stop (aperture) of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G lens is f/16.
When this lens is used with Nikon DX format DSLR cameras, the effective angle of view is equivalent to that of a lens with a 75 mm focal length. The dimensions of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G lens are approximately 72 mm x 52.5 mm in diameter and length. Therefore, this lens can easily fit into your camera bag making space for your other camera accessories. The Nikon lens weighs just 185 g and thus, it will not be an extra burden to carry the lens along with you.
The maximum reproduction ratio of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G lens is 0.15x. The filter attachment size of this Nikon lens is 58 mm that allows you to attach different kind of filters to your lens. For example, you can use a blue filter with this lens in the day light to correct the perceived reddish cast of incandescent flood light. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR lens is armed with two focus modes, manual (M) and autofocus with manual override (M/A). The closest focusing distance of the lens is 0.45 m so that you can neatly focus on all the little details of your subjects.The lens cap of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G lens has a Snap-on mechanism which enables easy attaching and removing of the lens cap in between your photography sessions. The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) of the lens has an extremely silent autofocusing feature. With the implementation of the 50 mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture, it is easy to capture pictures which exhibit blur characteristics with hand-held shooting, even in dim lit indoor settings. Thus, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G lens is the right choice for basic photography.
Hoya: | 58 mm Circular Polarizer, 58 mm HD Ultra Violet, 58 mm HMC (NDX4) Neutral Density, 58 mm Pro1 Digital Circular Polarizer, Digital Filter kit 58 mm, HMC 58 mm Ultra Violet |
Marumi: | 58 mm Circular Polarizer |
Kenko: | Pro ND4 (W) 58 mm, Zeta Protector (W) 58 mm, Zeta Wideband C-PL (W) 58 mm |
General Specifications | |
Brand | Nikon |
Name | Standard |
Model | AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G |
Type | Prime |
Color | Black |
Maximum Focal Length | 50 mm |
Aperture with Max Focal Length | f/1.8 |
Aperture with Min Focal Length | f/16 |
Other specifications | Aspherical Lens Element Enables Superior Rendering Performance, Extremely Quiet Autofocusing, Nikon F-Bayonet Mount Type, Distance Information, Super Integrated Coating, Autofocus, Focus Mode (Auto, Manual, Auto / Manual), G-type, Screw-on Filter Type |
Lens Construction (Elements/Groups) | 7 Elements in 6 Groups |
Picture Angle with 35mm (135) format | 47° |
Picture Angle with Nikon DX Format | 31° 30′ |
Closest focusing distance | 0.45 m |
Maximum reproduction ratio | 0.15x |
Minimum f/stop | 16 |
Filter Attachment Size | 58 mm |
Lens Cap | Snap-on |
Lens Hood | HB-47 |
Lens Case | CL-1013 |
Dimensions | 72 x 52.5 mm (Diameter x Length) |
Weight | 185 g |
Warranty | 2 Years |
In the Box | 58mm Snap-on, Front lens cap LC-58, Rear lens cap LF-4, Bayonet hood HB-47, Flexible lens pouch CL-1013 |
I own this lens which works perfectly with my D5100. Since it is FX format lens, cropping will happen while using with DX format cameras like D3000/3100/5100/D90/D7000 etc. But good thing is that, you will get sharpest image while cropping the aberrant sides and corners of the frame.
Image quality is simply awesome. 5 stars for that...!!
I tried this tiny lens on my D5100 , setting up the aperture f11 and set up soft box flashes. The result was awesome and unbelievable image quality.. i couldnt even find a noise/spot even zoomed the pic in to maximum level. I took another pic using Canon 5D Mark II with 24-105mm f 2.8 lens, keeping the aperture f11,still the Nikon image was outstanding...!!
From my personal experience, i could say this is the best , sharper, faster (thanks to SWM mechanism)Nikor lens which comes for a nominal price.
I ordered this lens on sunday night and it was delivered by flipkart self-delivery on wed.. the packaging was very good and light as well :P, total weight of the parcel was only 0.7 kgs. The lens came nicely protected.
This lens is amazing. It comes with a hood and a lens bag as well.
Its a pretty sharp lens.. much better then the kit and the F1.8 aperture allows low-light shots.
And yes, This one DOES auto-focus on cameras like D5000 and D3000 which need AF-S
The autofocus is fast.
Overall awesome product for its price..
Thanx to flipkart for a swift 2 days delivery, i got this today for my nikon D3100 dslr.
I bought this lens for its creamy out of focus blur or what professionals call bokeh.And i must say this lens does an amazing job at bokeh for my portrait and low light photography.
Razor sharp fast auto focus, bright pictures even at low light.
Anyone using their stock lens on a DSLR is missing out the amazing potential of this thing. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a budget lens with amazing portrait and low light shots.
If you are just starting out with your very first lens this you gonna love after the kit lens which you might have been using. Its sharp even at f1.8. Love this one. Excellent low light and for portraits! This is better than the 50mm f1.8D in terms of the glass since it has aspherical element. Moreover it allows you to over ride automatic focus to fine tune ie with A/M mode which is not there in the D. But if you want to control aperture during video shooting on any Nikon then D is better coz it has the aperture ring. Hopefully Nikon will allow the same as Canon to change shutter speed and aperture during video recording. If you can spend a little more f1.4 is also awesome. But best bang for buck is this one. and also to note this is a FX lens so you get 75mm on a DX body like D3100, D5100, D7000 which is actually excellent for portraits!
I got this lens in Mysore at 12.35 P.M. by Flipkart courier! In exactly 40 hours delivery was effected by Flipkart. I am impressed. Not even in the U.S. did I experience such prompt service. KUDOS!!
The lens is awesome! I tried it out and clicked some excellent pics with it including stunning portraits. Along with my 18- 55 mm and 70-300 mm zoom lenses, I am armed now to face any photographic experience!!
I recommend this lens to those waiting on the threshold to buy a similar one. Of course I recommend you to buy it from FLIPKART. In India no one gives you better attention and service. And they sell you genuine products.
I bought this lens to my Nikon D5100 couple of months ago. If you want to buy a lens but clueless about which one to buy, This...
Read MoreAwesome lens from Nikon. it has got a motor so auto focuses on all DSLR cameras. Awesome bokeh and very cheap. This lens or a 3...
Read MoreI am new to DSLR and its accessories. This is the first lens I am buying for my D5100 apart from the kit lens I have. What I ob...
Read More
Super amazing awesome pictures.
Very fast focus speed and works amazingly well under low light conditions.
Safe and Secure Shopping
All major credit and debit cards are accepted. We also accept payments by Internet Banking, Cash on Delivery and Equated Monthly Installments(EMI).


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(based on 1 review)
Ratings Distribution
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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Worth It
By Every Sunday
from Manchester NH
Comments about Yaktrax, Inc. SOFSOLE Turf Cleats:
Everything you need in a replacement cleat. These were actually better han the ones that came with my cleats. I play every Sunday in NH outdoors and he conditions this time of year are hard and slick surfaces. I noticed a big difference in my balance and mobility. Only gripe is the packaging which was broken by the time I got it delivered. All the cleats were there though. A good buy.
Comment on this review


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To install this PECL extension on OSX, do yourself a favour and install Homebrew as you'll likely need re2c and libyaml before PECL's configure step will work.
Check your configure error messages before following this advise.
This » PECL extension is not bundled with PHP.
Information for installing this PECL extension may be found in the manual chapter titled Installation of PECL extensions. Additional information such as new releases, downloads, source files, maintainer information, and a CHANGELOG, can be located here: » http://pecl.php.net/package/yaml.
A DLL for this PECL extension is currently unavailable. See also the building on Windows section.
add a note
User Contributed Notes
Installation - [1 notes]
virtual dot greg at gmail dot com ¶
11 months ago


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Sylvia Browne Tickets
Important Sylvia Browne Ticket Information
When buying your tickets to see Sylvia Browne keep in mind:
- Seats are together, side by side, unless the Sylvia Browne ticket NOTES state otherwise.
- Time permitting, ALL tickets are shipped via FedEx.
- Ticket prices are set by the sellers and may be above OR below the face value of the ticket.
Available Tickets
Seating Chart
Note: Map not drawn to scale and may not include all details. Report map errors


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Some questions have been slightly edited to be shorter and more direct. If you have a question for the next Padres Prospect Mailbag, shoot us an email: firstname.lastname@example.com
What would your Top 10 in the system look like after the draft? – Steve
Assuming all the main guys sign, and keeping in mind that I reserve the right to change this later:
1) Yasmani Grandal
2) Rymer Liriano
3) Keyvius Sampson
4) Joe Ross
5) Austin Hedges
6) Robbie Erlin
7) Max Fried
8) Casey Kelly
9) Jedd Gyorko
10) Cory Spangenberg Continue reading "Padres Prospect Mailbag: 2012 MLB Draft Edition" »


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HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Caregiver Tips
Caregiver Tip No. 3: Ask for Help
The best answer to the question, "Is there anything you need?" is "Yes."
"Yes, I need someone to stay here so I can go out." Or "Yes, I could really use a nap." Letting others help can make your caregiving easier. Know where to find help when you need it. The more support you have, the more successful you are likely to be.
When family or friends offer to lend a hand, be ready with specific ideas. Let them pick something they would like to do. For example, you could ask them to:
- Pick up a few items at the grocery store.
- Fix a meal or do some cleaning or yard work.
- Stay with the person you care for so you can go out for a while.
There are other ways to find support. For example:
- Hire a teenager or older adult to help for a few hours a day.
- Find a grocery store that delivers.
- Hire a home health aide or personal care assistant.
- Sign up for homemaker or chore services or "Meals on Wheels."
Services that may be useful to caregivers include the following:
Respite care may be the most important service for caregivers. Respite services provide someone who will stay with the person while you get out of the house for a few hours. If the person you are caring for needs routine medical care, you may be able to arrange to have the person stay in a nursing home for a few days while you get away for a break.
Adult day centers are "drop-off" sites where a person who does not need individual supervision can stay during the day. This service is usually offered during working hours and may or may not be available on weekends. Meals, personal care services, and social activities are provided.
Adult foster care or board-and-care homes are private homes where older adults receive around-the-clock personal care, supervision, and meals. Some states require board-and-care homes to be licensed.
Nursing homes generally have two levels of care. Intermediate care includes assistance with using the toilet, dressing, and personal care for people who do not have serious medical conditions. Skilled nursing care is usually for people who have just come from the hospital or for others who have medical conditions that require more intensive nursing care. Some facilities have special units for people with dementia.
Hospice programs provide social, personal, and medical services for terminally ill people who wish to spend their remaining time at home or in an environment less formal than a hospital or nursing home.
Support groups give you a chance to discuss problems or concerns about caregiving with other caregivers.
To learn whether these services are available in your community, look under "Senior Citizen Services" in the Yellow Pages.
By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 6, 2012 |
Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Shelly R. Garone, MD, FACP - Palliative Medicine |
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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DST provides sophisticated information processing, computer software services and business solutions to the financial services, communications, and healthcare industries.
DST is looking for experienced professionals to work for a technology leader. Job Openings Benefits Advancement
DST Retirement Solutions Servicing nearly 4 million participants, we deliver innovative retirement plan technology and flexible servicing solutions to help you meet your unique business needs.
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DST Brokerage Solutions Our technologies and services are tailor-made to deliver efficient connectivity between all parties throughout the lifecycle of a financial product.
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text: The Packers will have to call on their depth if they want to make it four out of five to start the 2010 season. A date with the Washington Redskins awaits the Pack Sunday at Fed Ex field and Green Bay will be without Morgan Burnett, Nick Barnett and Brandon Chillar on defense, and Mark Tauscher will be sitting this one out for an offense that is already without Ryan Grant for the year. Tauscher injured his shoulder on a PAT protection against the Lions last week and hasn't practiced all week. Number one pick Brian Bulaga will get the call. On defense, Chillar also has a shoulder injury that will force him out of a second straight game. Barnett learns today if he'll need surgery to repair his wrist injury. Desmond Bishop will open at inside linebacker. As for the secondary, Burnett was placed on injured reserve Thursday wtih linebacker Maurice Simpkins, the former Green Bay Blizzard player, brought up from the practice squad. Nick Collins has had only limited work this week with a sore knee and there's a chance, both safety spots could feature backups among Derrick Martin, Charlie Peprah or Jarrett Bush. Add all that to a formidable Redskin team under new coach Mike Shanahan and veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb and it will be a test for the Pack. The Redskins have been hot and cold in their 2-2 start, hot against Division rivals Dallas and Philadelphia, but cold in blowing a 17 point halftime lead to Houston, losing in overtime, and falling to the rebuilding Rams in St. Louis two weeks ago 30-16. Clinton Portis, their leading rusher is out with a groin injury, Ryan Torian gets the call at running back. Former Packers punter Josh Bidwell was placed on injured reserve Thursday and veteran Hunter Smith was signed. The Skins are giving up over 400 yards a game on defense, over 300 yards through the air. The offense is still a work in progress with McNabb completing less than 58 percent of his passes with Santana Moss leading receivers with 22 catches, tight end Chris Cooley with 16. The Packers are a slight favorite on the road. Here's what Mike McCarthy and some of the players have to say about the matchup and keys to the game.


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This hotel is ok but definitely not worth the price due to the rooms. Rooms are big and spacious but outdated. Carpets are worn and shoddy. Empty fridge in rooms so no mini bar. No kettle etc Hotel staff are very nice however and moved myself and baby to another room when requested due to the faulty a/c. Breakfast is... More
- Also Known As:
- President Hotel Cairo
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Central Hotel occupying the first & top 4 floors of an apartment building in residential area near embassies. ... more less
- Reservation Options:
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Spring 2013
Gilded Age
September 10, 2012
New York
Designer: Stefan Miljanic
Owned By: Private
Founded: 2005, New York
History: Montenegro-born artist-designer Miljanic logged time at Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, and Abercrombie & Fitch before combining these experiences into his meticulously rendered line, Gilded Age. Recent examples of his obsessive attention to detail include hand-knit Mongolian cashmere sweaters, hand-tooled belts hewn from vintage leather, and organic selvage denim that's been dyed 13 times with volcanic mud.
The Look: Multilayered luxury with a serious backstory
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Applications that met the deadline are assigned an application number. Applicant receives acknowledgment of application receipt. Applications are forwarded to Program staff
Panels generally meet from one to five days, depending on application load. Each panel is made up of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Each application is reviewed and rated in accordance with the published review criteria. |
The staff reconciles the panel recommendations with available funds and forwards them to the National Council on the Arts, where they are reviewed in open session.
The Council makes recommendations on which applications to fund and which applications to reject. Fast-Track grants receive an expedited review. Following panel and staff review, recommendations are forwarded to the Chairman who makes the final decision on all grant awards.
Applicants not recommended for funding are notified. Applicants recommended may be contacted first for revisions to the project. Fast-Track grant applicants will receive a preliminary letter of notification. Grantees later receive an official grant award notification with information about legal and reporting requirements.
LOCAL ARTS AGENCIESOrganizations referred to as arts councils, departments of cultural affairs, or arts commissions make up the field of local arts agencies (LAAs). LAAs can be private, nonprofit entities; others are public municipal, county, or regional agencies that operate in cooperation with mayors and city managers. In addition, the LAA field includes statewide assemblies and cultural service organizations that work specifically with local arts agencies in the coordination of cultural leadership (but only for projects that will predominantly serve LAAs). Often LAAs make grant awards directly to both artists and nonprofit organizations working in a variety of artistic disciplines. Nearly all LAAs present programming to the public, manage cultural facilities, provide services to artists and arts organizations, and facilitate community cultural planning. In accomplishing this work, LAAs collaborate with other governmental departments (economic development, parks and recreation, libraries, and local education agencies/school districts), as well as with convention and visitor bureaus.
Funding Opportunities for Local Arts AgenciesGrants for Arts Projects The National Endowment for the Arts' primary funding opportunities for organizations can be found here. An organization may submit only one application through one of the following FY 2014 Grants for Arts Projects categories (see "Application Limits" for the few exceptions to this rule). For most organizations, these categories represent the full range of funding options for the entire year. Applicants should examine the goal and purposes of their project as well as the review criteria of these categories, and apply to the one category that is most relevant. The Arts Endowment will not transfer applications between categories.
Our Town Organizations may apply for creative placemaking projects that contribute to the livability of communities and place the arts at their core. An organization may request a grant amount from $25,000 to $200,000. (Deadline: January 14, 2013) National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards Outstanding community arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America's young people may apply for these awards. (Receipt deadline:February 4, 2013)
National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency |


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Get your fix of music and baseball with the 2nd Annual Mets Summer Postgame Concert Series presented by Duane Reade! Citi Field will host four legendary musical recording artists throughout the summer. Foreigner will take the stage on June 14, followed by Nas on July 19, O.A.R. on August 2 and Third Eye Blind on August 23. Mets Postgame Concerts are included FREE with the purchase of that game's ticket*.
Foreigner will give Citi Field a taste of the '80s following the Mets-Chicago Cubs 7:10 p.m. game on Friday, June 14. The Grammy-nominated classic rock band has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and will perform some of their 14 Billboard Top 20 hits including "Feels Like the First Time," "Hot Blooded" and "I Want to Know What Love Is.". |
10-time Grammy nominated rapper Nas will come back home to Queens on Friday, July 19 to perform after the 7:10 p.m. Mets-Philadelphia Phillies game. The life-long Mets fan's homecoming will feature many legendary hip-hop songs Nas has produced. His 2012 release Life is Good received four Grammy nominations including Best Album. Nas has had five albums peak at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eight singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. |
O.A.R. will make their first appearance at Citi Field following the Mets-Kansas City Royals 7:10 p.m. game on Friday, August 2. The rock band, who has sold out Madison Square Garden multiple times, had their 2011 release King debut at No. 12 on the Billboard Top 200 and No. 2 on the Top Rock Album chart. O.A.R.'s latest album, King, features "Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes" and "Heaven". O.A.R. recently released a live CD and DVD entitled Live on Red Rocks and they are currently at work on their next studio album. |
Third Eye Blind will perform after the Mets-Detroit Tigers 7:10 p.m. game on Friday, August 23. The rock band has released two multi-platinum albums and had three singles "Semi-Charmed Life," "Jumper" and "How's It Going to Be" chart in the Billboard Top 10. |
*All acts are subject to change. In the event a scheduled concert is canceled or postponed, there will be no ticket refunds or exchanges.


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On-Base Perception
Newsday's new all-encompassing baseball blog on the Yankees, Mets, MLB and more from around the sport.
Report: Ryan Braun, Francisco Cervelli, Danny Valencia named in Biogenesis records
Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun and Baltimore Orioles third baseman Danny Valencia are the latest Major League Baseball players to be connected to a Miami-based clinic that allegedly distributed performance-enhancing drugs. A Yahoo! Sports report says the three players' names appear in records from Biogenesis, a now shuttered anti-aging clinic that has...


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460 Brant Street, Burlington, Canada (Mostrar mapa)
Lo invitamos a unirse a nosotros en una pequeño y acogedor escuela en Canadá, Burlington, que ofrece un ambiente íntimo en el que mejorar sus conocimientos de inglés. Somos una empresa dedicada a brindar los más alta calidad cursos intensivos de inglés donde el énfasis está en la comunicación. Atención personalizada es nuestra primera prioridad y en encuentros inglés nos aseguramos de que reciba la atención que necesita en un ambiente cómodo y conveniente cerca de Toronto.
"I really enjoyed studying in English Encounter ,, the teachers were really amazing and helpful for s..."
El cuestionario de evaluación se realiza a los estudiantes que han estudiado en English Encounters
Son las opiniones de los estudiantes que enviaron sus comentarios y no se expresa en ningún momento la opinión de LanguageBookings.com
De esta manera, puede tener una mejor impresión sobre la academia.
Opiniones de estudiantes sobre English Encounters
Los comentarios estan ordenados por idioma y fecha. Máximo 25 comentarios por página
I like the school so much, because I had a lot of fun while learning English! I stayed for 10 weeks and improved my English a lot!
If you are looking for a calm and comfy place to study english, English Encounters School was made for you. Excellent and skilled teachers, modern instalations, small groups, nice students... Studying in Canada is more than learn a new language, is the opportunity to be in touch with different people and culture from all over the world. I really recommend this school.
English Encounters in Burlington, Ontario is a very personal language school. Because of the small classes the contact to all the teachers is very close. The teachers are all different, so every teachers has it's own focus on special skills like grammar, vocabulary building, everyday english an so on. My accommodation was beautiful and my host mother helped me a lot. In total I recommend this school 100%. I really enjoyed my time and improved my english substantially!
At school the teachers are excellent!!! and the group is really great. Also, Burlington is a very homely place... you have to go.
I had a really good experience in English Encounters, is a perfect place to learn english, know about other cultures around the world and make friends. All the teachers in the school have their own way to develop the skills needed to improve the language.
I had a really good time in English Encounters, is a perfect place to learn english and know about other cultures around the world. The teachers are always ready to help the students with the different skills to develop in the english language.
English Encounters is a wonderful experience where you learn more than english, they make you feel just like home but living the Canadian culture. The school has a qualify teachers who teach and help the students to develop the differents skills you need in the english language.
I really enjoyed studying in English Encounter ,, the teachers were really amazing and helpful for sure , and its the best place to learn english in comfortable City and school .
EE ist genau die richtige Schule für dich, wenn: a) du keinen Bock auf dauerhaftes Großstadt-Gebrumme (Toronto) hast, dir am Wochenende aber ne schnelle Verbindung in eben diesen Trubel wünschst, b) du Bock auf einen hohen Multi-Kulti-Faktor hast, c) du nicht in der letzten Reihe eines überfüllten Klassenzimmers pennen willst, sondern dich lieber mit Wenigen (Kleingruppe) in der Englischen Sprache üben möchtest möchtest. Solltest "du" dich jetzt angesprochen fühlen ... Go for it & have fun!
I had a great time in English Encounters. Sharing information with teachers and students, visiting new places with friends, and studied well with everyone. Everyone will struggle with english to learn but i saw hope in this school to improve english skills. Wish everyone who will be in this school would improve their skills.
I really loved the familiar atmosphere at school and enjoyed to meet new friends from all over the world. Burlington is located between Toronto & Niagara Falls. Away from the big city rush you can enjoy the wonderful Waterfront Town in all seasons. You can visit Toronto by train very convenient in just 40 minutes. I had a great experience, learned a lot and had much fun.I would recommend this school to my friends.
I attended a 5-week course, with morning and private afternoon classes. It was great! Teachers give students a lot of useful and interesting study material, that I'm still using! Lessons allow studens to get to know new people from all over the World. The weekly study package is a great idea to practise more at home. Sometimes students do their homework together at school and this is another fantastic opportunity to help or be helped. My English has improved a lot. I recommend this school!
thanks for everything when I have been at course My course days were so nice and fun
I had a very good experience in a friendly enviroment with very skilled teachers. Recomend!
Studying English in English Encounters was the best experience in my life. Being in Canada, with a excelent Host Family, good teachers and with the possibility to know people from all the world make me breathless. I miss that time, my friends, my teachers... I miss Canada!
I think english encounters is a very nice school ,all the people inside the school are like a family we meet everybody and we make a lot of activities together they make you feel very confortable.I really had a nice experience, and i hope go back soon.
I think that encounter Englishencounters is the best way to improve your English and make friends in Canada. I bet... and recommend you to encounter EnglishEncounter..
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Creator of RUNspiration || fan of CrossFit & running || believer in dreams || wellness-minded marketer & writer || Inspired5K.com + rizebox.com
Followgram is the most complete web interface to enjoy your Instagram photos. This site uses the API of Instagram but is not certified by Instagram.
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Michael E. Pickens, 62, of Point Pleasant, W.Va., died on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, at his home.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2012, at the Deal Funeral Home with Rev. Leland Alman officiating. Burial will be in the Kirkland Memorial Gardens in Point Pleasant, W.Va. Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2012, at the funeral home.


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Tuscany All Suites and Casino
Some important information about your hotel.
- Resort fee: $14.00 plus tax charged daily
- Resort fee includes: 2 for 1 entree at your choice of 2 restaurants: Cantina or Marilyn's Cafe, $20 food credit with $40 purchase at Tuscany Gardens, Valet Parking, use of Fitness Center, In-room safes, Local Phone calls, In-room coffee, Internet throughout the reception building and convention public area; extra fee for internet use in suite.
- Coupons are received at time of check-in. Management reserves all rights to alter or change any amenity provided in the resort fee, at any time. No refunds will be provided for services not used or redeemed.
Rates from $29.00/night
More Information About this Hotel
Note: Unless otherwise noted, the rates shown above do not include (if applicable) Extra Person Fees (Opens in a new window), Child Fees (Opens in a new window), Additional Mandatory Hotel Charges (Opens in a new window) or optional incidentals, such as parking, room service or movies.
Need Help with Your Booking? Call Travelocity Toll-Free: 1-888-TRAVELOCITY ( 1.866.207.1488 )


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Samsung GALAXY S4 launching in select regions with Snapdragon 600 processors
It appears Samsung has done it again. They just launched the GALAXY S4, the latest in the very successful GALAXY S line of smartphones. The GALAXY S4 is packed with cool new features that promise to deliver innovative smartphone experiences to its users.
Get Firefox on your phone with Snapdragon Processors
Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors already run many high-profile mobile operating systems – including Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry. And starting later this year you will be able to find Snapdragon Processors on a new mobile ecosystem – Firefox OS.
Dell XPS 10 Tablet is Editors' Choice Winner for PCMag
PCMag.com announced their first Editors' Choice award for Windows RT tablets, and the winner is… the Dell XPS 10, featuring a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S4 Plus Processor.
Discover new music with Snapdragon and Pandora at SXSW
Do you love music? Snapdragon™ processors do too. They're designed with mobile audiophiles in mind, so your music streams ultra-efficiently and sounds great at the same time. And if you're listening to music on the go, you might as well try to find something new. That's why we teamed up with Pandora to help you discover great music at SXSW.
Get Real with League of Legends Pro-Gamers Team SoloMid Snapdragon
Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Processors teamed up with GameSpot to go behind the scenes with the former #1 eSports team, the League of Legends Team SoloMid (TSM) Snapdragon, to give you a rare look into the lives of professional gamers.
Nokia launches the Lumia 720 and Lumia 520 at Mobile World Congress
This week in Barcelona Nokia announced their latest Windows Phone 8 smartphones, the Lumia 720 and Lumia 520. Like all Windows Phones, these Lumias feature Snapdragon processors.
Snapdragon BatteryGuru and Qualcomm Quick Charge: Do More, Recharge Less
Here at Qualcomm, we often talk about all the ways Snapdragon processors can help your phone or tablet have better battery life, but there's more that we're doing to minimize the amount of time you spend charging your device.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z Boasts Quad-Core CPUs and Takes Whatever Life Throws At It
Kicking off Mobile World Congress 2013 in style, Sony officially took the wraps off of its 10-inch Xperia Tablet Z, beckoning a new era for quad-core Android tablets and living up to all the hype.
HTC One launches with benchmark-busting Snapdragon 600 Processor
Yesterday, in events in New York and London, HTC unveiled their new HTC One smartphone to the world. The HTC One has a distinct zero-gap aluminum unibody with a 4.7" Full HD (1080p) screen and features the latest Android Jelly Bean operating system
Snapdragon walks the red carpet
Well, it's February, and that means awards season. You may be familiar with the big awards for movies, TV, music – but did you know that there are also awards for mobile processors? Lately Snapdragon™ processors have been at the podium a lot.
Opinions expressed in the content posted here are the personal opinions of the original authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of Qualcomm Incorporated or its subsidiaries ("Qualcomm"). The content is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be an endorsement or representation by Qualcomm or any other party. This site may also provide links or references to non-Qualcomm sites and resources. Qualcomm makes no representations, warranties, or other commitments whatsoever about any non-Qualcomm sites or third-party resources that may be referenced, accessible from, or linked to this site.


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Despite mixed critical reactions to Versace's first H&M line, the sales numbers (and store camp outs) have spoken. Buyers are all for the collaboration. So it's unsurprising that H&M has decided to further cash in on the brand, and today pieces for the Versace for H&M Cruise collection were revealed. Check them out after the cut!
But I hope this collection didn't get American lovelies too excited, because it's going to be released solely online January 19… and the US doesn't get e-commerce with H&M until fall. This summer, Americans sold exorbitantly-priced Missoni for Target pieces to foreigners on Ebay, so I suppose it's our turn to pay up.
Check out the men's clothing from the collection at the source! [via Fashionista]
While some of these pieces are a bit "Dallas mom" for my taste (I'm looking at the white pants and strappy, gold-accented tops), I like this collection much more than the first. The butterfly detailing on the jewelry is fun, as is the retro-inspired fruit design (though I feel like it's cheating to just slap the same print on most of the items).
What do you think of the new line, Lovelies?


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Highlights: Spain (Madrid) , Madrid (Alcala de Henares)
Explore Madrid; home of the Royals, where you can visit the enormous city center public garden known as El Retiro, the Prado museum and the Plaza Major - one of the finest squares in Spain which also has many alluring qualities to attract the visitor. Enjoy a number of days in Madrid, with local English speaking Guides and exploring by yourself. Immerse yourself in the city and discover the beauty of its culture. Use a 24 hrs art pass - allowing you free admission to more than 40 museums in Madrid, visit the Royal Palace and the famous El Prado museum, and enjoy a three course Spanish dinner with Flamenco show. Then escape the city to the tranquility of the recently converted Parador de Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO site, which is housed in a magnificent seventeenth-century building, the former Santo Tomás Dominican Convent and School. Located only 26km from the city, it will give you a totally different experience of Spanish culture.
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you through the narrow and steep streets of the oldest part of Madrid, discovering the history and emblematic locations such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Sol and Plaza de la Villa. (No entrance fees included).
The five-storey hotel is located in a historic building on Plaza de la Independencia in the centre of Madrid, 200 metres from Retiro Park and 15 kilometres from the airport. Hospes Madrid's 42 modern guestrooms are decorated in warm shades, and include Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes, satellite television, wireless Internet, and pillow menus. The hotel spa offers treatments to relax and revitalize including massages and facials, and the onsite Senzone Restaurant and Terrace Bar provides a modern setting to enjoy cocktails.
Enjoy an unforgettable Shopping experience in Madrid in the company of a Personal Shopper. On this tour, you will explore the Gourmet Trades of Madrid discovering local cheeses,oils, chocolates, wines and a pleasant visit to a traditional market with culinary delicatessen and specialties. Please note that no transportation is included in this service. Please speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Advisor if you would like to have transportation pre-arranged.
Enjoy a three course typical Spanish dinner before watching a breathtaking perfomance of Flamenco. Located in the Old Quarter of Madrid, Corral de La Moreria Flamenco is an authentic tablao (place where flamenco is performed) where singers, guitarists and dancers share their talent to make you feel the art of 'Flamenco'. Enjoy a three course dinner including wine and mineral water before the performance.
Start your private half day tour with the El Prado museum. Your guide will meet you at the gallery (please see Welcome Pack for meeting point). With your private guide, visit the most important rooms of the most relevant Spanish painters, and, of course, Las Meninas by Velázquez, Las Majas by Goya and the Adoración de los Pastores by El Greco. Continue your tour by walking over to visit the Royal Palace, approx 20min on foot. (If you'd prefer to hop in a taxi and pay for this locally, please just let you guide know or alternatively we can organise a private transfer - please ask and we will re-quote you). The Royal Palace was built during the XVIIIth Century and is housed in the building of the old Alcázar of Madrid. It is one of the richest in Europe and is very well preserved. It is used by the Spanish Crown in Official Receptions, Presentation of Credentials and Official Events, such as State Meetings. Its rooms are full of artistic works belonging to the Royal Family.
Avail of a private transfer from Madrid to the Parador de Alcala de Henares.
Located a mere 35km from Madrid city, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares is housed in a magnificent seventeenth-century building, the former Santo Tomás Dominican Convent and School. It is one of the city's landmarks along with Hostería del Estudiante, in the former Minor School of San Jerónimo, founded by Cardinal Cisneros in 1510 and overlooking the beautiful Patio Trilingüe at the University of Alcalá de Henares. These monuments form a complex that was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Around the cloisters at the Santo Tomás School-Convent there are the restaurant, the bar, the breakfast room, the guests' lounge, and the night bar. A spa is currently being built on the premises. The property perfectly marries the historical features of the building with modern architecture using natural materials - especially stone and wood. The rooms are modern and airy in feel with clean lines and contasting furnishings and furniture. The hotel features modern spa facilities and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
Relax and rejuvinate poolside in the Parador, or find yourself a cosy spot to read a book and sip on a glass of sangria. if you feel like exploring the town, Alcala de Henares, a UNESCO designated area, has many interesting sites to visit including Cervantes House Museum, Outdoor Modern Sculpture Museum, Chapels of Oidor, University and S. Ildefonso, Magistral Church of Santos Justo y Pastor, and the Bernardas Monastery.
Relax as you are transfered from Alcala de Henares to the Madrid Barajas Airport. The distance is approximately 20 km.
Depart Madrid (Barajas) Airport. End of itinerary.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Spain for the most up to date visa information.
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U.S. employers added only 80,000 jobs in June, a third straight month of weak hiring. That story tops our Sunrise News Brief for Friday, July 6.
The unemployment rate held steady at 8.2 percent, which is bad news for President Obama who is trying to create jobs ahead of the November election. Economists had expected a mediocre 90,000 to 100,000 jobs. Later today, the president will sign a big transportation bill designed to create jobs after wrapping up a two-day battleground state bus tour. In Ohio, he announced his administration's getting tough with China for unfair trade, saying the U.S. will not give tax breaks to companies that are shipping jobs overseas.
After today, there are just four jobs reports before the election. the last one will be released just four days before voters go to the polls.