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TracFone phones on sale – updated
This week, starting January 26, 2015, TracFone phones on sale can be found on Amazon.com, TracFone's website, RadioShack, ShopCellDeals, Target, BestBuy, Walmart and HSN.com. Amazon.com, ShopCellDeals and BestBuy offer free shipping, TracFone offers free shipping on $19.99 purchases and over, Target offers free shipping on orders over $50, RadioShack charges it $6.99 unless otherwise indicated, Walmart offers free ship to store and HSN charges Shipping $7.95 unless indicated.
Read more
TracFone adds LG Ultimate 2 and Alcatel onetouch ICON Pop to its prepaid Android lineup
TracFone that's offering Android phones since September 2013 has added another two smartphones, slightly higher-end than those offered by now. TracFone adds LG Ultimate 2 and Alcatel onetouch ICON Pop, both compatible with Verizon network. The LG Ultimate 2 costs $129.99 while the Alcatel onetouch ICON Pop is priced at $149.99. Both smartphones are available at TracFone website. Read more
Simple Mobile wireless broadband plans now cheaper with more data
Simple Mobile that operates on T-Mobile's network has improved its wireless broadband plans. Couple of previously offered mobile broadband plans is now replaced with three more appealing options: Read more
Recent Straight Talk plan changes now officially announced
Recently, Straight Talk has improved its monthly plans and $30 All You Need plan. The changes were reflected on its website. However, the carrier has officially announced the changes only yesterday. Straight Talk high speed data allotment on its $45 and $60 monthly plans are increased from 2.5 GB to 3 GB of data per month while $30 Straight Talk plan now includes 1500 voice minutes instead of 1000 and 100 MB of data instead of previously 30MB per month. Read more
Page Plus free $12 plan for a month or discount on other plans extended through May
Kitty Wireless, Page Plus' premier online dealer, has extended last month's promotion through 6:00PM EST on May 31, 2014. Kitty Wireless is offering one month of free $12 service plan or 10 percent discount on all other Page Plus plans, for new activations only. Free month of Page Plus service or 10 percent discount on $29.95, $39.95, $55.00 or $69.95 plans will get customers who either do a new activation or port their number to a new account. Read more
Straight Talk now offers 3GB of high speed data in unlimited plans, improves $30 All You Need Plan
TracFone's subsidiary Straight Talk has increased the high speed data allotment that it offers in unlimited plans during a month. Straight Talk now offers 3GB of high speed data in $45 unlimited plan and $60 unlimited international plan instead of previously 2.5GB. The change hasn't been announced by the carrier but Prepaid Phone News has found out from its readers about it. The Straight Talk's website has been updated. Read more
Kitty Wireless offers free Page Plus service for a month or discounts for new activations
Kitty Wireless is running a promotion now that offers free Page Plus service for a month, for new activations only. Free month of service includes only $12 plan while for other Page Plus plans, $29.95, $39.95, $55.00 or $69.95, Kitty Wireless is providing a 10 percent discount. Read more
Page Plus charging taxes and fees now
Now that Verizon MVNO Page Plus Cellular is acquired by TracFone, America Movil's U.S. subsidiary, changes are inevitable. One of the first changes under the influence of TracFone is Page Plus charging taxes and fees now when customers buy airtime on their website. Up until now, Page Plus did that only to Ohio residents but that's where PagePlus is based. Customers of other TracFone subsidiaries, Straight Talk, Net10 and Simple Mobile, are also required to pay taxes and fees. Read more
Simple Mobile LTE now officially supported
T-Mobile MVNO Simple Mobile, owned by TracFone, has officially added LTE support. The change is finally reflected on the carrier's website. Customers who want fast data can go for Simple Mobile LTE plans for $50 or $60 per month. Read more
Acquired Page Plus to offer better phones, customer and dealer support to remain unchanged
Now that TracFone has acquired Page Plus Cellular, the company reassures its dealers and customers that everything will be "business as usual." According to Howard Forums user, they sent the following email to dealers explaining what they can expect in general. Read more


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found a new home!
Plenty of my friends are looking
for one too. Find a pet to adopt.
Find a pet to adopt |
My name is Theo!
Facts about Theo
- Breed: Jack Russell Terrier Mix
- Color: Brown/Chocolate - With White
- Age: Young
- Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
- Sex: Male
Theo's Info...
I am already neutered and up to date with shots.
Theo here! I just arrived at rescue when a kennel opened up. I spent some time in the slammer in Gwinnett before someone adopted me. They returned me quickly (I just wasn't the one for them, I guess), which made me "eligible" for the Put-to-Sleep list. Oh, goodie. The peoples there thought I was a friendly, little guy, though, and didn't want that to happen to me. So they called our volunteer at Georgia Jacks and, well, here I am – safe and sound with others like me!
I was listed as a JRT, but you can see I'm a little cuter than those all-white dogs. Shhh, don't tell them that. Some think Corgi, some think Basenji mix. All I know is that I'm a stocky, muscular little man with a lot of energy who loves to play ball. I am also very well-behaved, smart and very friendly. They are guessing I'm only about 2 or 3 years old. I have been vetted, but am waiting on my heartworm test/results. (You know how that can go.)
Other Pets at Georgia Jack Russell Rescue, Adoption & Sanctuary
Why Adoption is a Great Option
Theo, a Conyers Jack Russell Terrier dog was adopted! Here's how you can benefit by looking at adoption as an option to buying a Jack Russell Terrier for sale in Conyers, or seeking a Jack Russell Terrier dog from a breeder in Conyers.
- Rescues and shelter volunteers in Conyers already know the personality and tendencies of their pets. This means they can match you with the right pet. That will makes it much easier transition to owning a pet for yourself and your new pet.
- On average adoption fees are much less than you'd pay a Conyers breeder, or pet store. Plus most often rescue pets have already been to the veterinarian for a check-up, had a round of vaccinations, and are spayed or neutered. That is a lot of savings!
- You will become a hero, and give a needy dog or cat a loving home. In fact, there are even Jack Russell Terrier breeders who help with Jack Russell Terrier rescue. One puppy or kitten adopted in Conyers paves the way for another one to be saved.

subset: commoncrawl


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Recent Comments:
Cataclysm Post-Mortem: Hyjal {WoW}
Jun 3rd 2011 10:26PM Which made WPL one of my favorite zones I did as I leveled my Cata alt. (it kinda got lame towards the end though)
Cataclysm Post-Mortem: Hyjal {WoW}
Jun 3rd 2011 10:25PM Hyjal is my second favorite. TH beats it.
Then comes Uldum, Vashj'ir and Deepholm in that order.
WoW Moviewatch: relax vs. Bastion of Twilight {WoW}
Jun 2nd 2011 1:47PM That was very nice. Obviously a lot of talent there.
The Daily Grind: Does steampunk taint fantasy MMOs? {Massively}
Jun 2nd 2011 1:44PM I prefer your more basic fantasy. I'm ok with steampunk, but if I had my choice, I wouldn't add it to a game I want to play.
WoW Archivist: Indalamar the Warrior {WoW}
May 31st 2011 5:13PM Very interesting. Odd how someone becomes a legend for getting their class nerfed.
The Daily Grind: What's your favorite combat ability in any game? {Massively}
May 23rd 2011 12:52PM I've always liked the more basic abilities. WoW's Elemental Shaman can use Lava Burst which fires a big ball of lava at your opponents. Best part, if you're playing properly, is it's a guaranteed crit.
I'm really getting a kick out of Incapacitate on RIFT (Sap from WoW). Very simple, not that useful in groups compared to other options. But for questing it's just so much fun to smack a guy over the head, steal the quest node he was standing on and walk away.
Patch 4.2 PTR: New haircuts {WoW}
May 15th 2011 3:43PM Some of them are great. Some of them.... much less so.
The female ones are good, almost across the board. The male ones are pretty bad.
Hoping for some decent Human Male styles... they look terrible as it is.
Also, lol@combo breaker.
Breakfast Topic: Did the talent tree reboot work? {WoW}
May 14th 2011 1:17PM Not entirely true, but true in the majority.
Take a look at Resto Shaman specs. There are three main spec styles, (No TC, TC, and TC with Elemental Precision) and several optional talents (with the TC and no TC options... Elemental Precision is just scraping by with enough talents as I understand it) like Focused Insight, Blessing of the Eternals and Cleansing Waters. Resto Shaman have no cookie-cutter spec (except for to those who are looking for one... but that'll always exist so long as any Shaman blogger has an opinion).
I'm not saying that the majority of specs are like this, because they aren't. But to say they categorically failed is wrong.
Breakfast Topic: Did the talent tree reboot work? {WoW}
May 14th 2011 1:08PM For most classes and specs, yes.
For others, much less yes, but still yes.
There are certain specs that don't make sense until later levels (Destruction Warlocks are increasing the power of a spell they don't get until 64(?) through their early tier talents...). But most make a lot of sense, yet the choice hasn't really been diminished from the talents.
But with that said, many of those specs were even worse before. So, yeah, I think it worked.
The Daily Grind: Are you interested in mobile MMOs? {Massively}
May 14th 2011 1:05PM Yes and no. I won't play them. When I'm out and about I have no desire to be playing an MMO. Besides, that'd do murder on my battery and data usage.
But I'm still interested in how they'll develop and what it'll lead to. It's not for me, but it's a cool idea.


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#Yankees #OpeningDay lineup: Gardner CFNunez SSCano 2BYoukilis 1BWells LFFrancisco DHIchiro RFNix 3BCervelli CSabathia P
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 1, 2013
Mere hours ago I wrote that counting out the Yankees is foolish. Reckless even. They have too much talent, wizened as it might be, to be a punchline for the entire season.
But in that spirit, take a look at the Yankees Opening Day roster have a yourself a good, satsisfied moment of sheer smugness. Go ahead, the Bronx Bombers missed the playoffs once in what, twenty years? You've earned it, friends.


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My hubby travels alot and bring me home the key cards for the rooms. They are hard plastic similiar to credit cards and I have about 1000 of them. I would like to use them to make something but not sure exactly what. Any ideas? |
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by maddiemom6 (My Page) on Sun, May 22, 05 at 21:53
Got kids????.. If so... take the cards and stick white stickers on the front ( disk labels are about the right size)..then drill a hole in the top center. Then list a single chore on each card. Then hang them on the " to-do" hook.. when they do it they can move them to the "done" hook! I did this with a whole bunch of formica chip samples.. it worked great! maddiemom6 |
I seem to recall a commercial where Martha Stewart mosiaced a swimming pool with credit card pieces! |
i wonder if you could use that Krylon spray paint made for plastic furniture and paint them, (maybe all different colors?) and mosaic using that? |
Kids like to use pretend credit/debit cards. Okay, so even donating to pre-schools, that still leaves you with, like, 975 cards... Paint, if desired, then punch holes at uniform spots top, bottom and sides of the cards, then attach w/ metal rings, 5 or 10 or however many across and then 10 or so down--mod window hanging. |
Adnama, I LOVE this idea! You could use the spray paint (meant for outdoor furniture) that I mentioned, and use these as an alternative for a screen on a porch, or covered deck... thats how I see them. to keep them from moving too much, you could fasten them at the bottom as well... Gee... this could be done with other things as well... like maybe cds? |
- Posted by sistersunnie (My Page) on Fri, May 27, 05 at 9:26
I've seen this done with old slides. They fastened them top and bottom and hung row upon row of them in a window as the treatment. It reminded me of the old bead curtains we had in our doors in the 70's...... |
- Posted by wichitarick (My Page) on Sat, Jun 4, 05 at 1:18
hi. i have been saving those cards we all get in the mail for a few yrs have acan full . I want to use them for shingles for a birdhouse or like I told d.d a barbi house I have done basi mock up with tape holding them and it looks pretty cool witht he mixed color . about the time I thought of that they started switching to the kinda papery ones , darn. don,t have a use for it but the curtain thingy would be eay to make . Rick |
- Posted by socks12345 (My Page) on Mon, Jun 6, 05 at 19:23
Have the kids make flashcards using a Sharpee marker to learn their times tables. That's a gift for life! |
MAybe you could use them as garden markers. |
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Follow Us
Hiker in the forest (Picture BC photo)
For information on outdoor activity tours in this location and other nearby locations, check out the map and product listings from business or service providers below.
Local Visitor Centres may also be able to offer helpful information about outdoor activity tours available in this area.
126 Outdoor Activity Tours in British Columbia
For the Wildlife Enthusiast to the Adrenaline Junkie...
Are you looking for an outdoor experience at your pace, without the burden of large groups? Then let ACT Adventures custom design you the experience of a lifetime!
Maybe you'd like a two-day hiking/camping adventure in the mountains to see majestic lakes, glaciers & waterfalls, a day trip in the forest in search of elusive wild animals, like bears & deer, or maybe an eco-friendly camping holiday. For the adrenaline infused adventure we can include ziplining, bungee jumping, etc. We plan your adventure, your way. Includes transportation, meals, accommodations, guides & more!
More Details
Located just 20 minutes west of Mount Robson Provincial Park and 90 minutes west of Jasper National Park, we offer summer and winter adventures.
ATV rentals/tours: in summer, we offer a Scenic 2 hour ATV Tour or the Robson Valley 3.5 hour ATV Tour. This is the perfect way to learn about Valemount and the surrounding area while riding in the beautiful mountains. If you prefer to explore on your own, ATV rentals are available.
Snowmobile Rentals/Tours - in winter, we offer snowmobile rentals as well as snowmobile tours for both the beginner or advanced rider.
All tours are accompanied by a qualified guide. Details, rates and departure times can be found on our website.
In addition, our store offers clothing, accessories, parts and repairs.
Quality bicycle & inline skate rentals at Stanley Park's entrance. Rent by hour, half day, day or weeks. Major credit card imprint required as deposit. Discounted rental packages also available at Tourism Vancouver information centres. Limited free parking entrance on Alberni Street.
Take a Mountain Tour in a nostalgic Manx Style Dune Buggy. These buggies are fun to drive on the street or back-country & are well suited to access remote areas in the wilderness. The Dune Buggies are licensed & insured. Vehicles come in both 2-seat & 4-seat capacities that are rented for U-Drive or Passenger Ride Mountain Tours. Enjoy the fresh air experience in the rugged outdoors & visit some of the most scenic places in British Columbia. Select from a variety of Destination Tours listed on our website, or call us for more information.
We offer some of the best wilderness adventures in British Columbia. Hiking, canoe, river rafting, & kayaking trips for beginners & experienced adventurers. Trips range from 6 to 12 days. In business since 1988.
Hikes include the West Coast Trail, Canada's top-rated hiking trip, & the historic Chilkoot Trail where we follow in the footsteps of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rushers. Sea kayaking tours on Vancouver Island include the Orcas of Johnstone Strait, & the sea otters of Nuchatlitz. Our canoe adventure is to the world famous Bowron Lakes, Canada's quintessential lake canoe experience. Our Tatshenshini River rafting in Northern BC is rated #1 in the world by National Geographic.
Expeditions include transportation from the point of origin, major equipment, food, meal preparation, professional guides, & safety items.
Welcome to Bear Country.....
Offering both guided tours and ATV rentals, we are an ATV tour company based in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia.
The Fraser Valley is the base camp, our playground is the stunning Coastal Mountain Range, which is hailed as some of the most rugged and picturesque terrain in BC.
Right at our doorstep are countless kilometres of trails which provide access to pristine Canadian wilderness chalked with natural scenery, wildlife and adventure.
All half day and longer tours include a deluxe BBQ lunch including our infamous 'wilderness burger', prepared at a select location on the tour.
We cater to all kinds of events and can tailor your experience to suit. See you in bear country!
We provide fun, adventure and unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors. Check out our ATV, quading, canoeing, kayaking & dogsledding tours. Our area of operations is in the north Okanagan from Vernon east to Lumby to the Monashee. We are open year-round with summer & winter outdoor adventure activities.
In the summer, enjoy one of our 6 kayak / canoe trips, or our backcountry ATV adventures. In winter, cross country ski, snowshoe or hike through a mountainous, winter landscape. We have trips for every experience level with our top of the line equipment & knowledge. This is what people dream of when they envision Canada!
Bridlewood Riding Centre is part of a long-time, family-operated, cattle ranch located on scenic hills between Kelowna and Vernon in the Okanagan Valley and just 15 minutes from Kelowna International Airport.
The equestrian facility offers guided trail rides throughout their 440 hectare (1100 acre) ranch; perfect for all riding abilities and to take in spectacular scenery are wildlife. Horses are matched to our guests' requirements to assure the most enjoyable riding experience. Taken out in small groups ensures safety and rider assistance if required.
Horseback lessons & children's day camp programs are also offered, encouraging fun and positive learning experiences in horsemanship. By appointment only.
Get off the beaten path & go where no one else can. CMH Summer Adventures offers 3-6 day lodge-based guided hiking, walking & ambling adventures in the rarely-visited ranges of the Canadian Rockies of eastern British Columbia. Based from luxurious remote mountain lodges, daily helicopter flights take you to otherwise inaccessible alpine lakes, mountain ridges & ancient glaciers to explore at your own pace in the company of professional mountain guides. Come for the mountaineering, via ferrate, walking tours or zip lining while enjoying the trademark hospitality of CMH - Canada's oldest adventure tourism company.
Copper Cayuse Outfitters is one of the premiere backcountry horseback outfitters operating in Whistler, Pemberton and the surrounding area of BC's Coast Mountains. We offer all kinds of mountain horseback trail rides, from one hour rides in the Pemberton Valley, to custom pack trips. We offer 1/2 day, full day, and 3 day rides in the Birkenhead/Tenquille lake area. Sleep in a tent, on the ground, or in a bed at the Lodge; just pick the trip that suits your idea of a backcountry experience. We match your abilities to one of our well-trained mountain horses, so you don't have to be an expert rider in order to join us in some of the most beautiful terrain that BC has to offer.
Travel Deal


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Real reviews, from customers like you.
Absoultely wonderful stay in shaun lodge would definitely recommend Cartmel is lovely
Comfortable and cosy
The lodge itself was lovely, with everything you need. The actual surroundings was very open. You feel it is a fairly new holiday area. It is a project that in a few years when the trees and woodland grows and flourishes, will be outstanding. It was a lovely quiet and relaxing break.
Staff called in person on 1st night to ensure that everything was ok instead of ringing. Nice walk into the village or cartmel and located a short drive from the lakes.
Excellent location!
We loved every minute of it
Fantastic lodgement
Beautiful lodge, little out the way but overall very nice.
Absolutely loved it here
Beautiful lodge (Masham) and surroundings. Great location, a 10 minute walk into Cartmel with its great pubs and restaurants. Great hot tub, and reclining furniture! A great place to stay for our first wedding anniversary getaway!
Fantastic, so relaxing I will definatly be back
The village is about 20 min walk away and small, friendly people and lovely and peaceful!
Lodges are well spead out so no-one is overlooked. They are close to both Cartmel and Grange and both have a good range of eating place catering for all tastes. Staff came to see if we had settled in or had any problems...no problems at all. Excellent price for what we got.
Overall good although twin bedroom had a damp smell and one of ceiling downlighters was hanging loose. Would have preferred if hot tub was totally secluded with also perhaps under a pergola or canopy to enable to use regardless of weather
Lovely short break....well away from everything but only 15mins away from Windermere if that is what your after.


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Energy Resources Program
Press Releases, Technical Announcements, Publications, Field Reports, and Science Highlights.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
USGS News Release & Publications Two new USGS publications that highlight historical hydraulic fracturing trends and data from 1947 to 2010 are now available. This national analysis of data on nearly 1 million hydraulically fractured wells and 1.8 million fracturing treatment records from 1947 through 2010 is used to identify hydraulic fracturing trends in drilling methods and use of proppants (sand or similar material suspended in water or other fluid to keep fissures open), treatment fluids, additives, and water in the United States.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
USGS Publication: Open-File Report 2014-1219 Geographic information system (GIS) information may facilitate energy studies, which in turn provide input for energy policy decisions. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has compiled geographic information system (GIS) data representing the known coal mine locations and coal-mining areas of China as of 2001. These data are now available for download, and may be used in a GIS for a...
Monday, January 26, 2015
Outside Publication: Energy Procedia In 2007, the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act authorized the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a national assessment of geologic storage resources for anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) and to evaluate the national technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources resulting from CO2 injection and storage through CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR)...
Outside Publication: Energy Procedia A regional sampling of gases from thermal springs near the LaBarge Field, Wyoming, USA to determine the extent of the total carbon dioxide system (TCDS) indicates that the system may extend up to 70 km to the northwest of the field. Geochemical evidence from noble gas isotopes, stable element isotopes, and gas composition provide the foundation for these conclusions. Samples from Soda Springs to the west and Grand Teton National Park to the north do not exhibit the potentially diagnostic LaBarge...
Outside Publication: Energy Procedia The geologic carbon dioxide (CO2) storage resource size is a function of the density of CO2 in the subsurface. The pressure and temperature of the storage reservoir at depth affect the CO2 density. Therefore, knowing these subsurface conditions allows for improved resource estimates of potential geologic CO2 storage capacity. In 2012, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed an assessment of geologic CO2 storage resources for large sedimentary basins in onshore and State waters areas of the U.S...
Outside Publication: Energy Procedia In order to complete the 2013 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessment of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage resources [1], a methodology was needed to determine the CO2 storage efficiency of individual rock strata [2]. The method that was used involved a storage efficiency approximation by MacMinn et al. [3], combined with a brine viscosity model by Mao and Duan [4], and thermal and pressure data from petroleum fields across basins [5]...
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Outside Publication: Energy Procedia The viability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases depends on the ability to safely sequester large quantities of CO2 over geologic time scales. One concern with CCS is the potential for induced seismicity. We report on ongoing seismic monitoring by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at a CCS demonstration site in Decatur, IL, in an effort to understand the potential hazards posed by injection-induced seismicity associated with geologic CO2 sequestration...
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Sun, Apr 20, 14 at 2:21
Happy Easter! Hen Martha makes sure we get green eggs with yellow yokes, no artificial colors added and they taste good! |
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by anneliese_32 6 (My Page) on Sun, Apr 20, 14 at 6:15
Happy Easter everybody. Lilo, you don't even have to dye your eastereggs. Is Hen Martha an Araucana? |
- Posted by lilosophie (My Page) on Sun, Apr 20, 14 at 9:23
Yes, Anneliese, she is an Araucana, named after Martha Stewart, who claims she developed the breed. |
I'm late getting to the Party, today, but I, too, hope everyone had a Happy Easter. It has been a glorious day, perfect for almost anything. Hope the weather was nice for all of you. |
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We cannot afford to shop out anything less than the best because we guarantee 100% satisfaction. Buy Mitsubishi Fuel Injector parts from our website any time you want. Call us at (800) 240-4620 with any questions regarding Mitsubishi Fuel Injector parts. Use our maintenance club to help remind you when you need to order Mitsubishi Fuel Injector parts. Auto parts, auto parts and more auto parts is what you will find searching our site. Our great parts and customer service keeps our customer happy and loyal. Buy your maintenance Mitsubishi Fuel Injector parts from us. In addition to free UPS ground shipping, you can upgrade to blue or red and only pay the difference.
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Four New 'Watchmen' Character Featurettes Emerge
Movie News By Neil Miller on February 27, 2009 | Comments (12)Intrepid FSR reader Jeff P. sent over a few cool new featurettes for Watchmen this afternoon. And since I'm feeling generous, I thought I might throw them up on the site for all to see.
Watch This Now: Watchmen's Zack Snyder and Dave Gibbons Chatting Live
Movie News By Neil Miller on February 23, 2009 | Comments (8)A little birdy just sent over a link to this little chat going on via the Playstation 3 network and over at AICN. Currently there are 10 bloggers, fans and other miscellaneous reporters having a live chat with Watchmen director Zack Snyder and Dave Gibbons, co-writer and artist for the graphic novel.
One Gigantic Watchmen Photo Gallery to Rule Them All
First Look By Neil Miller on February 13, 2009 | Comments (6)Warner Bros. has released their final round of photos for the upcoming costumed hero flick Watchmen, and instead of just picking out the 30 or so new images from the bunch we've decided to just give you everything — all 58 officially released photos in glorious high resolution.
Gibbons Talks Watchmen at a NYC Apple Store
Movie News By Paul S. on February 11, 2009 | Be the First To CommentDave Gibbons, illustrator of Watchmen, recently stopped by an Apple Store in NYC to talk about Snyder's upcoming film, reminisce about some past attempts to get it on the big screen, and dazzle with his impromptu sketching skills.
Watchmen Update: New TV Spots, Portrait Book, Zack Snyder's Cameo
Movie News By Neil Miller on February 9, 2009 | Comments (14)It seems as if every day brings us some sort of obligatory Watchmen update. And why not, it is one of the most anticipate fanboy movies… ever. Today we bring you two new TV spots and news of a Portrait Book and a cameo by director Zack Snyder.
Companion Piece: Watchmen: The Art of the Film
Movie News By Neil Miller on February 5, 2009 | Comments (2)Before The Dark Knight came out we thought we had a lot of marketing materials. We thought the same prior to the release of Iron Man. But neither of those films seem to be holding a flame to the sheer amount of materials (mostly photos) that we've seen online for the upcoming comic adaptation Watchmen.
Second Watchmen Trailer Continues the Geek Fluid Drive
First Look By Neil Miller on November 13, 2008 | Comments (32)We knew it was coming. We've been waiting all night. And it is finally here — the second full-length Watchmen trailer.
12 Things That Made Comic-Con 2008 Worth the Trip
Comic-Con 2008 By Neil Miller on August 2, 2008 | Comments (30)These 12 things made the lines, the painful crowds and the sometimes difficult world of being press at such an event worth it. So lets have a look and see what they had to say.
Comic-Con: Zack Snyder and Dave Gibbons Talk Watchmen
Comic-Con 2008 By Scott Beggs on July 26, 2008 | Be the First To CommentThe original co-creator and the man at the helm of the film adaptation gave us a look at the philosophy that went into creating a movie that everyone said couldn't be made.
Must See: Dave Gibbons' Watchmen Video Diary
Behind the Scenes By Adam Sweeney on July 7, 2008 | Be the First To CommentDon't know if you've heard but there's a new Batman movie coming out. Hot on its tail, however, is Zack Snyder's interpretation of the greatest graphic novel of all time, Watchmen.
Watchmen Footage Revealed, Sort Of
Movie News By Paige MacGregor on June 26, 2008 | Be the First To CommentA few months ago, Zack Snyder asked fans like you to participate in making fake commercials for the upcoming Watchmen movie. We now have some of the first entries for your viewing pleasure…
The uber-geek site, Den of Geek!, has provided the world with a stellar interview with 'Watchmen' co-creator Dave Gibbons covering his iconic work, the film adaptation and what he's churning out these days.
Dave Gibbons Visits Watchmen Set
Movie News By Scott Beggs on December 18, 2007 | Be the First To CommentImagine your Michelangelo getting a chance to step into the world depicted on the Sistine Chapel. Or Dali standing next to a real-life melting clock. Now imagine you're doing this without the aid of recreational drugs.
Neil Miller
Scott Beggs
Rob Hunter
Kate Erbland
Christopher Campbell


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Electrolysis - Hair Removal
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11 Songs a Man Should Be Listening to This Week
With not one but two nods to Fleetwood Mac. (Listen to this week's playlist on Esquire Spotify and come back every Music Monday.)
By Andy Langer
Nikki & The Dove, "Somebody," Instinct
Because Little Dragon aren't the only Swedes copping the slinky, undeniably sexy spirit of Purple Rain-era Prince.


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Laundry room...just think the regular chuga chuga of the washers and dryers would be like the rumbling of a train and probably rather soothing. Better then the random ding ding of the elevator.
P.S. can I come with you? I can squish myself real small to fit in the overnite bag.


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Gifts In Kind Int', National League of Cities Partner to Help Denver Nonprofit Organizations in December
Gifts In Kind International (www.giftsinkind.org)?a leading charitable organization in the product-giving field?has partnered with the National League of Cities (NLC) to lend a hand to Denver-based nonprofits. The organizations will join forces at NLC's 2010 Congress of Cities & Exposition, November 30 ? December 4 in Denver, Colorado. Attendees of the conference will help to sort and organize products donated through Gifts In Kind from businesses and retail stores throughout the city and beyond; donations will be distributed to qualified charities in the Denver community.
"Gifts In Kind International is thrilled to partner with the National League of Cities to organize a service project that will benefit the Denver community and allow conference participants to give back," said Gifts In Kind International President and CEO Cindy Hallberlin. "Thanks to our generous corporate partners we are able to support nonprofit organizations in communities across the country. Participants will learn how they can work with us in their own communities to ensure important resources are used to benefit neighborhood nonprofits."
Gifts In Kind began collecting donations from local donors this week for the service project, which will take place on Thursday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 3. All products will be delivered to the convention center and sorted into cartons by NLC conference attendees.
The products will be disseminated to Denver-based nonprofits, including schools and homeless agencies, housing groups and nonprofits serving children. Local charities will be invited to retrieve items from a local facility following the event. Gifts In Kind and NLC will also deliver some of the products to three charities on Saturday, Dec. 4.
"NLC is honored to partner with Gifts In Kind for this great community service opportunity," said Donald J. Borut, NLC Executive Director. "We are truly excited to be giving back to the citizens of the Denver area. Is it important that, during these tough fiscal times, cities work together to help one another. This is a worthy program and we are delighted to be involved."
The significance of this partnership is tremendous, as NLC is the largest organization representing municipal governments in the United States. Those attending include city leaders and local businesses, as well as content experts, allowing Gifts In Kind and NLC to encourage and emphasize the potential impact these projects can have in cities across the nation.
NLC's Congress of Cities includes leadership seminars and workshops focusing on networking and learning about programs and new policy developments. Participants in the service project will be able to learn how they can work with Gifts In Kind in their own communities to utilize available community resources/donations to help local nonprofits achieve their missions.
For more information about how to donate products for this project, please contact Doyle Delph at firstname.lastname@example.com.
To learn how your nonprofit organization can benefit from this project, please contact Melissa Trumpower at (703) 299-7547 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
About Gifts In Kind International
Ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the nation's best-managed charities in America, Gifts In Kind International (www.giftsinkind.org) is dedicated to helping people and communities by distributing new corporate product donations?including books, toys, personal care products and clothing, building supplies, computers and other technology products, and much more?to qualified nonprofit organizations. The charitable organization works with more than half of the Fortune 100 consumer, retail and technology companies. The organization distributes products to its nonprofit network comprised of thousands of pre-vetted organizations.
About National League of Cities
The National League of Cities is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.


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Do you have an Ipod John? The podcasts are also great while traveling.
Hello all! I spent this past summer traveling the country with a drum and bugle corps. Life on the road can get stressful, and it can be tough mentally on the members of the corps. On a free day in Boston, MA, I stopped in a Border's and was looking for something to read. I was walking past the travel section and saw Disney World Trivia Vol. 2. I knew that the book was going to be quality, especially after spending time on these forums for over a year now, so I decided to pick it up. I must say that I really enjoyed reading through the book. It let my mind relax at night during our loooong bus rides and let me have some fun. I thought I knew alot about Disney World, but now I see there is so much more to learn. I am glad I decided to pick it up, and I look forward to finishing it sometime soon. I also hope to pick up Volume 1 sometime so I don't miss anymore awesome information. Thank you for writing this book, It helped me stay sane through the tough parts of the summer!
-John Walker
"You can't put a price tag on creativity." -Walt Disney
I do. Will have to look into them once I get my new computer
"You can't put a price tag on creativity." -Walt Disney


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Stand by as we prepare to reveal our first wave of brilliant bands.
The long wintery wait is almost over…
Let Green Man banish those January blues as we prepare to unveil our first wave of brilliant bands for summer 2012!
Green Man is delighted to announce that tickets for his 10th anniversary festival go on sale next Monday, January 30, at 9am.
To celebrate we will reveal the first 20 amazing artists lined-up to play Green Man's big birthday bash in Wales' breathtaking Black Mountains from August 17-19, including one of three unbelievably great headline acts!
It promises to be the most memorable Green Man Festival yet, as your old friend assembles an unmissable array of musical talent from across the globe to soundtrack the feel-good party of the summer.
All Earlybird tickets for Green Man 2012 were snapped up in record time, and the entire festival has sold out for the last three years in a row. We're expecting demand to be high once again, so don't miss out!
Tickets cost: Adult Ticket £145
Student Ticket £125
Teen Ticket £75
Child Ticket £5
Live-In Vehicle Ticket £60
Holiday Ticket £40
Car Park Ticket £5
Resident Day Ticket £50
And what about that line-up? Well, we're so excited we could run to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain and scream their names across the sweeping valleys below!
Alas, we're sworn to secrecy so you'll just have to hang on until Monday. Trust us though - you won't be disappointed. This is Green Man we're talking about, after all…


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Attend a CPD Teacher Briefing on the BUSS4 Theme | Order the BUSS4 Research Theme Toolkit | Book places on the BUSS4 Revision Workshops
Never mind the price cuts
Headlines about Tesco's latest price cuts and trading figures (down by 0.2% on like for like sales) mask some other significant actions.
read more...»Google V Audi – Differentiation for Driverless Cars
The race to produce the best driverless car is on! Most of the automotive "big boys" are working on their versions, but it's interesting to see the varied approaches taken by Google and Audi. Attached is a PowerPoint task that ask students to watch the 2 car "adverts" and analyse the risks and rewards of the different strategies.
Google are playing it safe, perhaps heeding the Harris Poll of 2,039 adults, in which 88 percent said they would be worried about riding in an autonomous, driverless car. Their car is round, cute, friendly and slow.
Audi have chosen another path… a much faster path! Their "piloted" car achieved speeds of 149mph and completed a lap of the Hockenheim F1 track a few seconds faster than the manned car.
Intriguing stuff that is certain to create great debate.
Have a fantastic Christmas!
Inside Rolls Royce – Manufacturing in the UK
A fantastic documentary for the Section A Research Theme (bullets 2, 4 & 5), that also ticks a great many boxes for the BUSS1, 2 & 3 specifications.
Channel 4's Inside Rolls Royce charts the production of the Celestial (a one-off showpiece car that has more bling than Liberace, as well as an optional £20,000 picnic hamper!). It covers many topics within Human Resources, Operations, and Marketing, but my highlights are as follows:
- The front of house manager who checks the length of the grass
- The relentless quality control that almost breaks a man
- The marketing of the new Rolls Royce Wraith in Abu Dhabi, which includes hand selected movers-and-shakers from the city getting to test drive it around the formula 1 track
The documentary is available via this link (if you don't have a C4 account, it takes only 2 minutes to register) and I've created a worksheet with 29 questions (numbers correspond to the minutes) intended to promote discussion about a brand synonymous with British excellence.
Hope it helps
New entry to the discount supermarket segment
If a business sees a market segment in which sales are predicted to double to the scale of 15% of the total market in the next five years, you would expect them to be quick to find ways to enter it. However, if you are Sainsbury's, and have a carefully nurtured image and market position to protect, you might baulk at rushing into the discount segment of the market, in case it interfered with that image or cannibalised your market.
read more...»Tesco's fall from grace
Tesco's share price slid again today, although the firm has announced that the new Finance Director Alan Stewart started work three months earlier than expected.
read more...»Every little counts against Tesco
News about Tesco's troubles comes thick and fast, today's bad news about overstating profits has wiped off 11.59% of the share price. It fell by 26 pence to £2.03.
read more...»The Perfect BUSS1 Video – Steve Jobs Billion Dollar Hippy
The story of Apple, from inception up until 2011, is told beautifully in this 50 minute BBC documentary (available on Netflix or via this link) and literally covers all 15 sections in the BUSS1 specification (and quite a few from BUSS2 too). As an added bonus, I've created this 30-question worksheet to keep students focused.
A fantastic insight into one of the biggest companies in the world, a ready-made lesson... and chance for you to put your feet up for an hour!
Hope it helps!
Strategy - Tata Group Sets out its Conglomerate Vision
The headline above from the FT really caught my eye this morning. Tata Group, perhaps best known in the UK for its ownership of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Corus, has set out ambitious plans to invest $35bn in capital spending over the next three years as part of its vision for the next 10 years.
read more...»Google Glass, Geeks and Loons – Overcoming Barriers for Product and Market Development
Two very interesting stories regarding Google's intentions of world domination (in a nice way) via innovation, product and market development.
Firstly, in an effort to "de-dorkify" the Google-Glass and appeal to a wider audience, Google have struck a deal with Luxottica (the makers of Ray-Bans and Oakley sunglasses) to design the wearable device. The deal looks promising and Luxottica's share price increased 4% after the deal. At the same time, Google founder Sergey Brin has been denigrating mobile phones saying that they are socially isolating, with "people walking around hunched up, looking down, rubbing a featureless piece of glass". This is a great example of how Google are trying to push what they hope is their next rising star by challenging accepted norms about how we currently interact.
Secondly, to "connect the two-thirds of the world's population which does not have affordable net connections", Google has launched Project Loons, which consists of floating balloons laden with 3G equipment into the skies over lesser developed countries. The driving force behind this is of course altruistic, with an ancillary benefit being that billions more people will use Google services. Moved by this act of philanthropy, Facebook intend to do the same, but using solar-powered drones instead!
Perfect stimulus for discussions for Ansoff's Matrix, Boston Matrix, Innovation, Competition, Overcoming barriers, CSR and Strategic planning.
Retrenchment and the Rope-a-dope
A topic that is yet to be examined in the BUSS4 paper and one of the sections in the fantastic BUSS4 Revision Workshops is Retrenchment.
This 9 minute clip show the highlights of Ali and Foreman's Rumble in the Jungle, and demonstrates the risks of over expansion, the necessity of retrenchment and the benefits of focus. It serves as a potential introduction to Retrenchment strategy and can be followed by research on Thomas Cook's Harriot Green or Royal Mail's Moya Green (two ladies who demonstrate Ali-esque strategic thinking). In the video, Muhammad Ali shows:
Aggressive Attack
Ali believed that he could beat the market leader with an aggressive attack in the first 2 round. He was wrong! It led only to him expending lots of energy (money) and aggrevating his more powerful opponent.
Retrenchment (the rope-a-dope)
Ali went against the rope for the subsequent 5 rounds. Whilst this was a risky strategy, it allowed him to refocus and conserve vital energy (whilst Foreman went on the attack and expended most of his energy/funds). Despite being on the defensive, Ali still used his marketing/mind games to get the crowd on side and frustrate Foreman.
Focus and Success
In the 8th round, having regained his stregth and knowing that his opponent had lost his, Ali invested in a short, focused but powerful attack that floored Foreman and allowed him to achieve his objective of Champion of the world/market leader!
China as the woman of your dreams… but is the feeling mutual?
"students never really cognitively understand something until they can create a personal metaphor or model"
To help students understand how a business can overcome the many barriers to success in China, we used the metaphor of trying to gain the affections of a beautiful, foreign (but very high-maintenance) woman… called China! The analogy worked surprisingly well and we compiled the pros and cons on the attached PowerPoint.
To summarise, everybody loves China because…
- She's beautiful
- She's popular
- She's rich (14% of global GDP in 2010)
- She has over 1 billion "things" to offer you
However, the problems are that…
- She's very picky and discerning (48% of foreign businesses have failed within 2 years - WeberShandwick)
- She likes designer goods ("will purchase 20% of world's luxury goods by 2015" - McKinsey)
- You don't speak her language or know what she wants
- There are a lot of locals who do (35% of businesses feel comp from local is the 2nd biggest threat - The Economist )
- Her parents are strict and probably won't like you (Hostile government - 32% see the Chinese government as the 3rd biggest threat)
- Her parents seem to prefer the locals (Protectionist approach – local businesses nurtured with fiscal and financial help)
So what do you do to succeed? The answer seems simple; learn why so many have failed, make sure you're better than the rest, learn the language, culture and habits, give her what she wants and keep the parents happy!
This then led to application to businesses such as JLR, LinkedIn, KFC and Starbucks and what they did to build strong long-term relationships with the beautiful China.
Can WhatsApp help Facebook get into China? No! But LinkedIn seems to have found a way.
My students were particularly interested in Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp for the ridiculously high $19billion. We used the previous blog, then delved deeper and found a few great related articles; one explaining why it was a good price ($42 dollars for each of the 450m customers) but bad strategy and the other predicting that WhatsApp will not help them succeed in China. To summarise the two:
- WhatsApp is pro-privacy and data-free
- WhatsApp CEO Jan Kuom is sticking to his "ad-ban"
- WeChat – China's domestic messenger service already has 300m customers and better functionality
- WeChat helps China's economy and is subject to Chinese law (meaning "they" can keep tabs on the content).
- Chinese government banned Facebook, linked them with an act of terrorism and state media claimed that "80 percent of China's net users felt Facebook should be punished"
- The government don't want Facebook siphoning money and talent away from China's domestic social media industry, most notably Weibo (China's Twitter), whose profits have just jumped from $2.4m to $44.5m!
Segueing seamlessly to a social networking firm that seems to have secured a way into China; LinkedIn is trialing it's Chinese language site via joint ventures with Sequoia China, China Broadband Capital and the aforementioned Weibo and WeChat!
Chief Executive Jeff Weiner said the deal has raised "difficult questions" for him, and has been forced to make various concessions in order to adhere to the Chinese Government's censorship requirements, but believes that "LinkedIn's absence in China would deny Chinese professionals a means to connect with others on our global platform,"
Overall, these combined articles give students relevant ammunition for each of the research "bullets" as it covers success, failure, methods of operation and ethical implications of entering the Chinese market.
It would appear that social network firms need to network with Chinese social network firms if they want to become social network firms that operate in China. Simple really.
Why buy a business with $20mil revenue for $19 BILLION?!
After Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp, I thought this made an interesting exam question. I've compiled a PowerPoint (Facebook_Whats_app.ppt) with graphs and hyper-links and asked students to research the facts behind the purchase. The main reasons seem to be:
- WhatsApp exponential growth was becoming a threat
- Facebook's "determination to be the 'next' Facebook"!
- WhatsApp's comparative success in Europe
- Messaging companies becoming the social networks of choice for the young
- Google tried and failed
Whilst Facebook's share price fell and then recovered after the purchase, analyst Ian Maude stated "expensively buying every competitor does not feel like a long term strategy". Are Facebook, like Apple, losing their competitive edge?
Hope it helps.
Sun Tzu's The Art of Business
Whilst quoting Sun Tzu's The Art of War is normally reserved for market traders and Gordon-Gekko-types, I've used the attached PowerPoint (Sun_Tzu_The_Art_of_Business.ppt) as a nice introduction to Strategic Planning (and, quite appropriately, expansion into China) with A2 students, and Business Planning with AS (a little tweaking may have to take place for the different year groups).
I've picked out a few choice quotes from the 2500 year old text and asked students to write down the business implications (or advice it gives) to businesses. Finally, students need to plot all of the factors a manager/general must take into account to ensure a strategy of success.
It can take as little or as long as required, but is an interesting way of getting students to understand that strategic planning is the key to success in war, competition, business and life.
Hope it helps.
Apple v Samsung Research task
Does the combination of Apple's falling sharing price and market share, their perceived lack of innovation post-Jobs and Samsung's cross-licensing deal with Google spell trouble for Apple?
Attached is a 10 slide PowerPoint (Apple_V_Samsung_Research.ppt ) with infographics, hyperlinks, videos and questions that can be used to help students research the two tech giants.
As with the "Will Google rule the world" post, the lesson covers most of the following BUSS4 topics:
- Mission statements & corporate objectives
- Globalisation and emerging markets
- Technological change
- Leadership
- Culture
Hope it helps!
OUP, Youtube, ebooks and PDFs
OUP is one of the country's major academic book publishers, and naturally enough it has commissioned and published new studies on the outbreak of the First World War. A new book 'Saving the City', by Richard Roberts, covers the financial crisis which broke out in Britain, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914.
read more...»Did she fire 6 shots or only 5?
"I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire six shots or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself..,you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk?"
A well known exchange from Dirty Harry led me to twist the title.
However, this presents an extreme by UK standards, example of niche marketing, from India, The Nirbheek revolver.
read more...»Counter Revolution or Revolution?
Retailing is a dynamic market, and firms which have been slow to adapt to changing technologies, falling real incomes, and different patterns of consumer behaviour have been losers rather than winners.
Tom White covered some of these topics in his excellent recent blog post for tutor2u on the retailers' Christmas results. Reasons for these changes are covered in this BBC news clip.
read more...»Insights into the 'Culture' of business organisations
There's just been a terrific book review in The Economist picking up on a great topic: corporate culture. The term is on everybody's lips at the moment, helped by the current Leonardo DiCaprio movie 'Wolves of Wall Street', which is said to present a damning picture of the behaviour of some US banks.
read more...»Co-Op Bank Elastic Ethics, Political Interference & Blind Regulators
The recent trouble at the Co-Op Bank Group highlight numerous weaknesses amongst the management which have damaged its ethical reputation and USP. "Friendly" banks – that is, a wide variety of types owned by members and customers rather than shareholders – are hugely popular around the world, with an estimated 20 per cent of the market for deposits and loans in Europe alone.
read more...»Is luck an essential ingredient in entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship, finance, research, corporate culture, marketing, product development, changing management structures are all part of the ingredients in this BBC entrepreneurship feature about the development of Charlie Bingham's Foods.
read more...»Innovation Innovation Innovation
Innovation turns business markets upside down, it alters the price and use of resources, it creates and destroys revenue flows and profitability as well as the way we work.
Peter Day a former BBC presenter considers a significant changes in a BBC Radio 4 series this weekend. Consider how the internet, search engines and 3D printing or additive manufacturing might alter market production processes, job opportunities marketing and economies.
There is much to discover and discuss in his superb introductory article linked above. The broadcasts are linked here.
Growth Strategy - Under Armour Targets Nike and Adidas as it Aims to Become a $10bn Business
A useful article here in BusinessWeek for business teachers and students - particularly those interested in the sports wear market. The article analyses recent comments by the CEO of Under Arnour, a fast-growing and increasingly global sports wear brand.
Under Armour is a great example of a business that has been able to sustain high levels of revenue growth using an organic growth strategy. But can it sustain this growth?
read more...»Aims and Objectives for A2 - Suggested Lessons
As the new term welcome and induction activities draw to an end this week, our focus turns to 'chalk and talk'. I've just completed my first topic of teaching A2 (on the AQA spec) and the mix of research and discussion led to a group creation of the first essay for Upper Sixth.
read more...»Earnings and Dividends
Some of you will be starting a new business course soon, and looking at the concept of a limited company.
Stated simply, a company is a type of business in which ownership is split between shareholders. The more shares you own, the larger your cut of the profits the company makes. When a company makes profits, managers have to decide: should those earnings be retained (ploughed back into the business) or paid out to the shareholders as a dividend?
read more...»Planning for the (very) long term
Hopefully as summer approaches you are looking optimistically into the future, and planning a fun (and not-so-fun) programme to help you achieve your goals. But how far ahead should you plan? Weeks? Months? Years? What about decades?
Firms face the same dilemma, and it's worth asking if the best plan is to carefully focus on the next 2-3 years - or some more distant point in the future. Should directors focus on quick results, or on making really big riches for their shareholders several years, or even decades, down the line?
read more...»Low cost airlines
Excellent BBC2 business documentary last night on the growth of low cost airlines 'Flights and Fights: Inside the Low Cost Airlines'. The programme explores how Ryanair and Easyjet have transformed the European airline industry.
The Ethics Bank
The Co-Op has keen to highlight their ethical credentials as a key part of its marketing and positioning strategies. Supporters claimed that its mutuality was a more desirable form of ownership than PLCs.
The Banking Division has run into difficulties, and there have been significant changes in personnel within the last few weeks, in part as a response to major financial problems. On Friday there were reports that it had stopped offering loans to new business customers, and today The Independent on Sunday reported that The Co-Op Group's Finance Director Steve Humes had resigned. This followed the recent resignation of Brian Tootell after Moody's downgraded the Bank's bonds.
Mr Humes The Group Finance Director for the last two years, had been involved in managing the Co-Ops food operations, and may have had insufficient experience of its banking operations. Euan Sutherland the Co-Op's new CEO who was appointed in May, could be about to make significant changes in other key management positions.
The decision to stop lending to new business customer may imply that the there may be insufficient capital to support current obligations let alone new loans. The ethical bank may be about to meet its most serious crisis.
Runner's Up League and Cup Double
How far did the management style of Roberto Mancini contribute to his removal after the FA Cup defeat?
Mancini was the most successful manager of Manchester City's 23 managers hired after the retirement of Joe Mercer in 1971. He took the club to 2 FA Cup Finals, and City thrashed Manchester United 6-1 on the way to winning the Premier League with almost the last kick of the 2011-12 season.
read more...»3 Businesses That Have Thrived during the Economic Downturn
It is now six years since the global financial crisis triggered a prolonged downturn in economic activity. The UK economy, like other developed economies, has struggled to escape from a period of stagnant economic growth.
However, despite the weak economy, many UK firms have succeeded in significantly growing their revenues and profits.
Here are three examples of such businesses. Their strategies for success are different – but there are also some similarities.
Can you compare and contrast these three – and also identify some other businesses that have enjoyed similar success despite the tough economic environment?
You might also consider:
- What factors have driven revenue growth at each of the three
- Has their growth strategy been based on organic or external
- To what extent has their growth been driven by international
- Do you think their recent success can be sustained?
- What factors might that continued success depend on?
Co Op Bank's USP vanishing trick
One of the strengths and a key component in the Co-Op Bank's USP after recent banking problems - sub-prime lending, collapse of Northern Rock and LIBOR rate fixing, was its emphasis of ethical banking.
Strategy: Organic Growth Powers Whitbread's Success
Expect lots of coverage this week about the growth strategy being pursued by Whitbread plc.
Whitbread used to have a pretty diverse product portfolio including the brewing of beer and the operation of David Lloyd health clubs. However, in recent years Whitbread had rationalised its portfolio of businesses to focus on two markets where it believes it can achieve sustainable and high sales and profit growth. And it has backed that strategic focus with heavy investment. If only other UK firms would do that!
read more...»Strategy: Ikea Diversifies into Hotels
Let's face it. Nearly all of us associate Ikea with flatpack, affordable furniture. The Ikea brand has become a global success and, as we reported on the business blog recently, the Ikea format is well-positioned to achieve further success in key emerging markets.
However, Ikea's business portfolio is not just about furniture retailing.
In March 2013, Ikea announced that it is to partner with Marriott International to open a chain of three-star hotels. The chosen brand name for this joint venture between Marriott and Ikea is Moxy Hotels.
read more...»Strategy: Ikea's Global Brand & Local Knowledge Drives Expansion into Emerging Markets
A superb article here from Reuters which examines the challenges facing Ikea as it accelerates its expansion into key emerging markets, notably China and India.
On the one hand, Ikea aims to exploit its global brand by applying the core retailing concept (epitomized by the store racetrack layout, flatpack goods etc) and core values that have enabled to it to become the world's largest furniture retailer.
However, Ikea also needs to be sensitive to the specific customer needs and wants in each national market if it is to meet customer expectations and compete effectively.
read more...»Strategy: Kazou Hirai's First Year as CEO of Sony
Kazou Hirai took over as CEO of Sony on 1 April 2012 replacing Howard Stringer. Hirai inherited a business with many problems and experiencing heavy losses. What has he done in his first year?
read more...»Culture and Strategy: A Selection of Company Vision and Values
The stated mission, vision and values of a business should (in theory) provide a key insight into the strategy and culture of a business. Of course, it's not always the case that stated vision & values are consistent with the way a company does business (think...Enron). However, for many successful businesses there is a clear and sustained link between the two.
Set out below are a selection of web links that provide insights directly from the featured businesses into their vision, values and culture.
You'll recognise many of these from our BUSS4 Section A Revision Toolkit and we've also used some of these companies in our Exam Coaching Days for BUSS4 students.
read more...»An Organic Growth Strategy Based on Innovation - Lego Powers Ahead
5 minutes of business studies gold here with an interview by Bloomberg with the CEO of global toy brand Lego. It is simply packed with core business concepts including market segmentation, innovation, competitive advantage and finance.
The growth story of Lego is an organic one. The business has never made an acquisition. It focuses on using new product development and innovation as the driver of revenues and profits - to great success. Since 2007, Lego has tripled its revenues globally and achieves an operating profit margin of almost 25%!
The strategy of Lego is summed up nicely by the quote: "We want to be the best, not the biggest".
In the video, Joergen Vig Knudstorp, chief executive officer of Lego, talks about the company's performance and the outlook for growth. Lego, Europe's biggest toymaker, boosted profit and market share in 2012 as demand for its new building block sets for girls propelled sales growth.
read more...»Analysing the present to understand the future
When firms set their strategic, long term aims, they need to have some kind of vision of what the future may hold.
read more...»Amazon - Work hard and ... er, work hard.
The FT today publishes a great report on the culture at Amazon's Rugeley distribution centre. An interesting insight into the culture of a cost focussed and highly effiecient business that is described by founder Jeff Bezos as: "Our culture is friendly and intense but if push comes to shove, we'll settle for intense."
read more...»Explaining changes in business performance with the help of Radio 1
I had been guilty of listening to radio 1 in the past on my cycle in, very useful to get starter ideas or discussion points for GCSE business-Recent changes in the radio 1 product strategy has meant I have switched back to radio 4 (I wish 5 live was on FM!) so good news for my economics class, not so good for my GCSE class! In the Daily mirror today, was a very accessible rport on audience figures- I plan to use it for GCSE to consider segmentation and product extension, for As to support marketing and A2 to support strategy -In the document which I have had put onto TES I have also included some questions on the data to give A level students (and the quicker GCSE students) a chance to number crunch.
Answer are on the final page- Please check before use!
Stakeholder conflict - the battle over rewards of work
Investors vs Managers vs Employees - a classic example of stakeholder
conflict - is to be examined in a 30-minute radio programme on Monday
evening, spotted by my colleague David Wright and of potential value to teaching Business Studies as well as Economics. Radio 4's Analysis series will be
looking at "...how the relative power of executives has grown and is now
reflected in their own
much higher financial rewards and enhanced esteem. And if both workers
and investors want to increase their influence and their share of the
rewards how might they go about it?".
The programme will also look at the power that trades unions held in the 1960's and 70's, and how that power was lost. Looks like a useful half hour: BBC Radio 4 on Monday 21st January at 8.30pm.
Revision Presentation - Risks and Rewards to Enterprise
Entrepreneurs taking calculated risks expect to enjoy suitable rewards for their endeavour. But what are these risks and rewards? And how can an entrepreneur minimise risk? This updated revision presentation provides an overview…
read more...»Turnaround in Tesco's overseas strategy
I've taken a lot of interest in Tesco's overseas strategy, which took them to the United States in 2007 with their Fresh and Easy store chain. The set-up was bold; adding lots of capacity but high fixed costs, meaning the enterprise has consistently struggled to break even. Now Tesco have just confirmed that they are launching a strategic review that may lead to the sale or closure of its US operations. Dramatic news. What's behind it?
read more...»Do big profits mean that Royal Mail will leave the public sector?
Royal Mail has reported a huge increase in half-year profits as growth in parcel deliveries made up for a continued fall in the number of letters being sent. This is something of a surprise to many as the business had looked to be in long term decline. The chief executive has summed up the way in which the firm has found success: "Royal Mail has experienced the negative impact of e-substitution, which is driving the structural decline in the traditional letters market. Conversely, we are seeing the positive impact that online retailing is having on our parcel volumes".
Now that operations are in profit, this might speed up the business' move from the public sector and into the private sector – a move referred to as privatisation. A future for the Royal Mail in the private sector was referred to in a previous blog. Here's an update, and a reminder of some of the strategic issues at stake.
read more...»It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Aldi
If you've noticed the high-profile Christmas campaign for Aldi this year (see the two example videos below) you may be interested in this article from Yahoo which gives a few pointers as to how the company have managed to turn the recession into a major profit-making opportunity.
Whilst the major TV campaign shows that Aldi are now in a position to market themselves to directly compete with Morrisons, Sainsbury's et al, the article shows how the key to their success lies in the 'Product' aspect of the marketing mix - their profits up by an incredible 200% over the last two years. By minimising the use of big-name brands and concentrating on giving value-for-money with their own home-branded products, Aldi have given cash-conscious consumers a genuine alternative to the more established supermarkets in the UK.
read more...»Cross-Curricular Project With Our On-Site Art Gallery
Here at Eltham College, we are fortunate enough to have our
own art gallery on site. Part of its purpose is to enrich learning across the
curriculum. Opened just 6 months ago, I decided that the gallery was an ideal
start-up case study for my Year 12 Business students to get their teeth into,
so I set them to work on a market research group task with each group focusing
on one of the gallery's key functions: exhibitions, art classes, and a cafe.
Deal or No Deal
As the October 10th deadline approaches, the board of BAE face significant difficulties to
complete the proposed merger with EADS.
Arguing the case for 'sustainability' in business
Sustainability is a great business topic for discussion. It's a notoriously slippery and difficult term to define, as the idea means different things to different people. It's also a concept that has been much refined since it appeared on Business Studies specifications about 10 years ago. When firms talk about environmental sustainability today, they tend to be more focused than just pursuing a vague notion of being 'environmentally friendly'. Business activity is rarely friendly to the environment. Instead, businesses now talk more about 'reducing resource use', from energy to packaging, and water to widgets.
This has really pushed the sustainability concept into the mainstream. Now being 'Green' doesn't have to be purely seen as an ethical or marketing position. Firms increasingly sell it to their shareholders as a way of cutting costs, and therefore boosting profit margins. Justin King, the boss of Sainsbury's, is determined to make the company Britain's most sustainable grocer. This could be a good start point into finding where the debate stands today.
read more...»How struggling Premier Foods is trying to manage its brand portfolio (and recovery)
Ah! If you're roughly my age you'll remember brands like Mr Kipling cakes, Bird's custard, Ambrosia creamed rice – even Smash (a bizarre powdered potato product that somehow offered futuristic promise). These products are still around, but their owner, Premier Foods, is struggling for survival and badly needs a plan to manage its portfolio of brands – and even to survive.
read more...»Up Up and Away
British Aerospace (BAE Systems) and EADS announced that they are discussing a merger.


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My Profile
Lisa Horne
Enterprise, Mississippi
Member since Nov 2007
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Reviewed Red Velvet Cake
Dec 26, 2012 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"I copied this from a previous reviewer. These measurements are correct because she came up with the same as me and our cakes turned out great. Dry and liquid measurements are different. I used about 3 Tbls of cocoa instead of 1.
5 1/2oz = 1/2C. + 3Tbl
4oz = 1/2C.
1/2oz = 1Tbl
10 1/2oz = 1C. + 1/4C...."
Reviewed Red Velvet Cake
Dec 26, 2012 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"If you use the correct measurements, this cake is absolute perfection. I have made many RV cakes over the years, looking for that perfect one and this one ended my quest. I almost didn't use it because I had to convert the measurements. There is a difference between dry and liquid measurement conversion and ounces, so that may be where some issues""


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National Service Blog
Posted on Nov 7, 2014
I have several projects in response to the President's call to service. First of all I have, for 13 years, served on Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard teams where I conduct funeral services for our heroes. I do the reading to honor the passing veterans. I have done hundreds and hundreds of funerals, if not thousands at a National Cemetery and private cemeteries in two states.
It consists of finding the appropriate words to pay tribute to someone who has offered his or her life for our great country. It is the greatest honor bestowed upon me. Perhaps there are no adequate words but I try as best as possible.
I am a disabled Vietnam veteran, a retired military veteran with 26 years active service, I am totally disabled from my employment, and I am father of an active duty Green Beret who has served multiple tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
I wanted to somehow give back and support our veterans and their families for their service within the limits of my disabilities. I am particularly burdened with the loss of about 75% of my long term memory and virtually have no short term memory that resulted from a problem during heart surgery years ago.
I understand that after military retirement I was a fairly talented computer programmer and webmaster in the civilian market before that occurrence and I have retained some minimal skills, though most have been long forgotten. I attempt to use what skills remaining to help our veterans as best as possible but I must admit it is a difficult chore.
My other work for my fellow veterans involves putting together a bi-monthly, 32 page newsletter to provide our veterans...
Posted on Jul 29, 2013
A few years ago, a young teenager named Chris was living the street life in Austin, Texas, a high school dropout dealing drugs and facing bleak prospects for the future. While spending time at a juvenile detention center, two Senior Corps volunteers offered Chris love, support, and consistent finger-wagging, encouraging him to take his life in a new direction. Today, thanks to AmeriCorps, Chris has graduated from high school, gained valuable work skills, and found his passion in life - becoming a wildland firefighter.
Posted on Jul 26, 2013
A flash flood on July 17 swept through Bannack State Park, a ghost town near Dillon, MT, unearthing many historic artifacts that were scattered throughout the flood zone. Shortly thereafter, a 14-member team from Montana State Parks AmeriCorps sprang into action to locate, tag, and recover items from the site.
Posted on Jul 26, 2013
Last week, members of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) family joined Volunteer West Virginia and the Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia as more than 40,000 volunteers descended on the Mountain State to perform 350 service projects across nine counties. By the time all was said and done, volunteers performed more than 300,000 hours of service during a five-day period.
Posted on Jul 25, 2013
In the spirit of Let's Read. Let's Move., Atlanta is tackling the challenge to keep kids' brains and bodies active through the new Mayor's Summer Reading Club, which will host a series of events across the city that cater to the community's young readers.
Posted on Jul 19, 2013
What an amazing week for national service! From the White House to West Virginia, service was in the spotlight.
Posted on Jul 16, 2013
The first immigrants to America came seeking freedom, but they survived -- and, in time, came to thrive -- because of their determination and because of each other. They valued self-reliance, but in times of strife they also knew could rely on neighbors, friends, sometimes even strangers to offer a helping hand.That neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit is woven into the DNA of the American spirit. It defines in a very real sense who we are as a people.It also unites us.
Posted on Jul 15, 2013
In his 1989 Inaugural Address, when President George H.W. Bush uttered the words "a thousand points of light" he launched a movement. By signing the first National Service Act in 1990, President Bush ushered in the modern era of national service, setting the stage for the creation of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
Posted on Jul 15, 2013
National service makes a difference for millions of Americans, but few examples demonstrate this idea better than the story of AmeriCorps member Chris Guzman. His inspirational speech during last week's National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Washington, DC, drew a standing ovation, and we believe his journey is a prime example of how Corporation for National and Community Service programs change lives.
Posted on Jul 13, 2013
The suicide of 11-year-old Ty Smalley three years ago shined a spotlight on the bullying he had endured for years at his school in a small Oklahoma town. A father's grief led Kurt Smalley to begin a personal crusade to end bullying by taking a leadership role in the Stand for the Silent initiative that sprang from his son's death.
Posted on Jul 12, 2013
Birthdays are big events for most people, but that's not a given for those who are homeless and have few, if any, resources for life's luxuries. Knowing that some kids won't be able to celebrate this special day led three friends to create Birthday Wishes to spread a little joy to young children in homeless shelters.


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On me://Shoes - Nike Sky Dunk Hi, Asos//Top - MPT//Jacket - Mirror//Skinnies - Mossimo//Watch - Casio//Necklace - local bazaar//
There are two things I love about Christmas, shallow as they may be: 1) Spending time with my family and people that I love and... 2) presents! Oh yeah, I get all giddy and giggly like a little girl whenever it's time to open up presents. While I can go on talking about how I spent Christmas from dusk till dawn, talking ang laughing with the whole family, singing karaoke and fooling around with my brothers and cousins, for this post, I'd rather show you the new badass kicks that I got from my one and only Penguin. Of course, who'd be crazy enough to buy these for me but him, the shoe addict himself! I just had to hold out my breathe for a bit when I saw them in front of me becasue I've been wanting them since they got released, and take note, they're not availalbe in Macau. I didn't expect to have the pair so soon becasue I planned to purchase only early next year after saving up for them. I guess I'm the luckiest girl (thanks so much, love!)
I'll soon show you guys the rest of the presents I got incorporated in outfit posts, including this furry jacket that I'm wearing from one of my titas. For now, I leave you with this outfit post. I hope you guys had a winderful and blessed Christmas like I did. Merry Christmas to you all once again!
-- Photos by Penguin --


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What are your music production goals, hopes and dreams for the coming New Year?
Each Tuesday we open our mic to readers and lurkers alike to come out of the woodwork and tell us your thoughts and opinion, your experiences and mistakes, what you love and what you hate. We want to hear from you, and here's your chance.
Are you making any New Years resolutions about music this year?
Do you have any goals about playing, producing or composing music? Are you planning to start a band this year, or gig more often?
Are you aiming to have more financial success with your music, or to take it to a new level?
What will it take to make 2010 a success for your music? Let us know in the comments.


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Undeniably sexy with a comfortable stretch fit, this superhot bustier lets you dance the night away worry-free. Pair with skinny jeans and platform wedges, and then rock a blazer when the temps drop.
• Stretch sateen bustier
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Orders are shipped via UPS using the following rate scale:
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Orders placed during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST) are typically processed and shipped within one business day.
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GUESS gladly accepts unworn, unwashed or defective full-priced merchandise for up to thirty days after purchase date. Original receipt, hygiene strip and tags must be attached. Unfortunately, pierced jewelry, innerwear, fragrances, lotions and items marked "final sale" are not returnable. Sale merchandise may only be returned to a store for an exchange. Shipping charges are not refundable.
For complete details, click here.
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Use our online contact form for quick, personalized assistance. Click here.
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Toll Free: 1-877-44-GUESS (48377).
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See your colors on these designs right now!
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Justin Timberlake spoofs Bon Iver on Saturday Night Live
Justin Timberlake dressed up as Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon on Saturday Night Live over the weekend, to do an impression of the double Grammy-winning US indie rocker.
In the skit – which saw host Maya Rudolph playing Beyonce and Jay Pharoah playing her husband Jay-Z – Justin Timberlake did an impression of Vernon being welcomed into the hip-hop couple's home to greet their newborn child Blue Ivy Carter.
The sketch saw Timberlake's Vernon arrive after visits from cast members playing Prince, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj, reports CNN, and then proceed to serenade the baby. Timberlake said his character was late because he had been "wandering barefoot through the woods of Wisconsin" and making a "guitar out of a canoe". He then put himself to sleep with his own performance.
After the skit, Vernon tweeted: "Holy shit, i was just watching SNL and JT did a Bon Iver hilarious thing! Also, Maya Rudolph saying "bon iver" is enough. I can die now!!!"


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Approved for VA Benefits
TESOL Spring Schedule 2015 - Registration begins December 4.
NOVA's TESOL Certificate Program prepares you to teach English as a Second Language by combining language acquisition theory with guided teaching practice from experienced instructors with advanced degrees.
NOVA's TESOL Certificate Program (120 hours) includes:
- 102 hours of in-person teacher training in language acquisition methodologies, including student teaching demonstrations and a 2-day teaching practicum
- Ongoing feedback & evaluation on student-teaching demonstrations
- 18 hours of ESL classroom observation
- Job placement assistance
Most students complete the program within one-to-two semesters.
TESOL Frequently Asked Questions
After completing this certificate, you are qualified to teach English as a Second Language to adults in an adult education setting, in a community-based program, or at a proprietary school in the U.S. or abroad. This program caters to individuals interested in a career change or seeking to refresh their skills.
Reminders: K-12 certification/licensure must be completed at a four-year institution. Higher education ESL requires a master's degree in addition to TESOL certification.
To earn NOVA's TESOL Certificate (120 hours), you must successfully complete the 10 required workshops and 6 elective workshops, plus 18 hours of documented ESL class observation.
A Certificate of Completion is offered at the end of the program.
To receive the certificate, you must attend 90% of the class hours for each workshop as well as completing all requirements set by the instructor, including teaching demonstrations. WDD's general refund policy applies to all TESOL courses. For refunds, please email email@example.com
Students can special order the textbook from any campus bookstore if they don't have it on the shelf. Please place your order in advance of the Intro to TESOL class to complete the required reading.
Required Textbook: Teaching Adult ESL, Betsy Parrish
Required Reading for TESOL Certificate Program
- High School completion
- Non-native English speakers must provide English proficiency results via one of these placement tests:
- Accuplacer Score of 300+ points and advanced writing/speaking skills
- TOEFL Score of 60+ points in the IBT
- ACLI Score at an intermediate level of written and spoken English, or equivalent.
- Prior ESL teaching experience is not required.
Register for class by clicking on a blue workshop link below.
Required Workshops: (Complete all 10):
Introduction to TESOL
ELT Methodology
Assessing English Proficiency
Lesson Planning
Teaching Speaking & Listening
Teaching Reading and Writing
Teaching Grammar
Classroom Management
TESOL Practicum (2 days)
TESOL Review
Elective Workshops: (Choose 6):
Culture as Class Content
Materials Adaptation
Teaching Content ESL
Realia as Course Content
Teaching Entry-Level Students
Using Technology in ESL
Teaching Pronunciation
Teaching Vocabulary
Tutoring Adult ESL Students
To find out more about the TESOL Certificate Program, contact the American Culture & Language Institute, Parrish Hall (MP) Room 204, 6901 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109 or via 703-257-6536 or email.
Join our Facebook group.
Directions to TESOL Workshop Sites
Manassas Innovation Park (MIP)
Signal Hill (SH)
Alexandria Campus (AL)
Annandale Campus (AN)
TESOL Student Resources
Observation Recommendations for TESOL
ACLI Class Observation Request Form
FCPS Guidelines for Student-Teacher Observers
TESOL Observation Record
TESOL Certificate Program Checklist & Graduation Application


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Tech Stocks in Motion
Updated from 12:27 p.m. EDT
Shares of PacificNet (PACT) were among technology's winners Monday, rising 14% after the company posted a big jump in first-quarter results.
The information technology services company earned $415,000, or 4 cents a share, on sales of $9.1 million. Earnings came in at the top end of the company's guidance, and sales were better than the $8.5 million to $9 million that PacificNet had forecast.
According to Thomson First Call, the one-analyst estimate called for earnings of 3 cents a share on sales of $8.5 million. A year ago, the company earned $141,000, or 2 cents a share, on sales of $3.5 million. Looking ahead, PacificNet forecast second-quarter earnings of $550,000 to $700,000, or 5 cents to 6 cents a share, on sales of $10.5 million to $12 million. That's in line with the one-analyst earnings forecast of 6 cents a share on sales of $10.5 million. Shares traded up $1.04 to $8.49.
Simclar (SIMC) fell 23.8% after the company disappointed investors with its first-quarter results. The electronics contract manufacturer posted earnings of $293,000, or 5 cents a share, on sales of $12.4 million. A year ago the company earned $481,000, or 7 cents a share, on sales of $12 million. In the most recent period, Simclar said it experienced gross margin pressures in one business sector and a loss in one of its manufacturing facilities. The company expects the facility to return to profitability during the third quarter. Inefficiencies associated with the start-up of a new facility also hurt first-quarter results. Shares traded down $1.18 to $3.77. Shares of InfoSpace (INSP) rose 3.6% after the company announced plans to repurchase up to $100 million of its stock. "Our strong cash position and profitability provide us with the flexibility to repurchase shares while continuing to invest in future growth." As of March 31, InfoSpace had cash and marketable investments of about $384 million and no debt. Shares traded up $1.04 to $30.26.Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
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